Archives of real estate blog entries for April 7, 2012

Featured blog posts


Renting a Home is Like Leasing a Car...Sounds Good at First - 08:34 AM
Renting a Home is Like Leasing a Car...Sounds Good at First
Renting a home is like leasing a car...it can sound good at first until you find out that renting, just like leasing a car, can end up being a lot more expensive then just buying one out right.  Many moons ago, when I went to buy my first car, the sales folks there convinced me that leasing a car would be the way to go.  It seemed really attractive!  The payments on a new car were low and all I had to do was bring the car back in great condition (normal … (43 comments)

Considering 5 of the Major Components of Photograph Composition. - 06:50 PM
I thought it might be useful to show an example of each of the descriptions so you can see first hand how these elements can be best utilized for an interesting photo.

Symmetry
Shots that use symmetry can be sometimes boring, but if your composition includes other elements of composition such as shadows, repetitive patterns or varying colors then they can also be more interesting. When using symmetry try to incorporate other elements to create that interest.

 
Color
Most photographs that leap out of the page usually display at least some adherence to color theory. Contrasting or complimentary … (46 comments)

If your skills are lacking......... compensate! - 07:42 PM
We observed a beautiful life skill illustrated last night at a little league game.
 
The opposing teams first baseman did not have the catching or throwing skills usually possessed by players in that position.
 
This young man was not to be slowed down by this situation.
 
After several players gained base positions due to his over throwing or failures to catch,  the  baseman changed tactics.
 
The next time he needed to get the ball from first to third base,  he utilized his running skill.  
 
It was indeed a spectacle to observe this long legged extremely … (27 comments)

Playing In Your Own Sandbox - 09:49 PM
Playing In Your Own Sandbox is Critical for Your Success as a REALTOR®
I’ll admit, I’m an internet junkie!  You meet me and you’ll know that I’m as genuine as they come but, I am incredibly competitive!  I work long hours and I employ others to do the same on my behalf, as well as my company’s behalf.  That insane competition leads me all over the internet, checking out the competition.
I pride myself on accuracy, professionalism and customer service.  I continuously notice that some of the local competition doesn't always provide accurate information to the consumer.  I read multiple articles … (49 comments)

I don't work for Active Rain but Active Rain works for me! - 04:32 AM
 I read a wonderful post from Margaret Rome as she tipped the scales over the million mark here in Active Rain: The-formula-becoming-a-millionaire-the-rome-way-
She made a statement when explaining her success that hit a chord: “I don’t work for Active Rain but Active Rain works for me!”
I started blogging the end of 2008 when my son (a Broker) and my friend and marketing rep from a tile company encouraged me to make an on-line presence. The mortgage crisis was full blown and the economy was teetering on the brink of a shutdown. I tip toed in with a few … (37 comments)

How NOT to Connect with ActiveRain Members - 10:26 AM
After 5+ years of being a member on ActiveRain Real Estate Network I’ve learned that ActiveRain is a place to mingle, connect and make friends with other Real Estate Industry Professionals.   We connect with other Real Estate Industry Professionals on a personal level by reading their posts, commenting and creating a pleasant conversation.
Why do we do we focus on connecting with other Real Estate Industry Leaders here on ActiveRain?  ActiveRain is by far the largest real estate network referral source for all of us. It has by far been one of the greatest marketing tools for our businesses and … (54 comments)

Roof, Roof! - 04:37 AM
Well, we are 3/4 of the way through getting a new roof. The old, original roof was about 20 years old and it was time. We knew it was time because we sprung a leak that showed up in the garage ceiling. Roofs are meant to last only about 20 years or so, unless you have what are called Architectural shingles. These heavier shingles can last 30 years and are more resistant to the hail storms we have in the south. This is what I am putting on my roof.
They measure how many packs of shingles you will need in … (25 comments)

Oceans Eight Condominiums. Daytona Beach Shores. Market Snapshot. April 2012 - 11:50 PM
Oceans Eight Condominiums. Daytona Beach Shores. Market Snapshot. April 2012
Oceans Eight is a 21-story building in The Oceans in Daytona Beach Shores. No 13th floor, no units on the first floor, 9 units per floor, bringing the total number of units to 168.
Part of The Oceans in Daytona Beach Shores, this condominium building was completed in 1996 making it is one of the newest oceanfront buildings in The Oceans.
Amenities include outdoor oceanfront pool and a large indoor pool, which is perfect for the winter. Not that you can't swim here in winter, vacationers do swim, but 62F -68F is too cold for locals.
… (25 comments)

Using a VA Insured Mortgage to Purchase a Home After a Short Sale - 02:52 PM
I have had a lot of people ask me about how to buy a home after a short sale using FHA financing but it’s becoming more and more common that people are considering buying a home after a short sale using financing insured by the Veteran’s Administration.  These guidelines use to be murky but the issues concerning waiting periods after a short sale and underwriting guidelines are coalescing around an interesting blend FHA guidelines and Fannie Mae guidelines. There are six unique stipulations and they are as follows:
The borrower must have made all mortgage and installment payments within the month … (11 comments)

Should you sell now or wait for your house to regain value? - 10:50 AM
Should you sell now or wait for your house to regain value?
You own a home and want to sell. But you’re wondering whether you should sell now or wait for your house to regain the value it lost during the Great Real Estate Crash of 2007.
Unless you intend to ‘cash out’ and retire to a rental for good, now is as good a time to sell as another.
On the other hand, if you plan to buy another house, you have nothing to ‘lose’.
If you sell at today’s prices, you will also buy at today’s prices.
… (55 comments)

How to Write a Rejected Offer - 02:42 PM
How to Write a Rejected Offer
If San Jose real estate agents follow the simple steps below then the offer will most certainly be rejected by the sellers.  This applies to all offers, including San Jose short sales.


How to Write a Rejected Offer:
Make a low-ball offer – the lower, the better! Fail to provide comparable sales to support the low-ball offer because you “could not find any”! Make sure the initial deposit is $zero Dollars – Sellers are always looking for buyers with zero motivation! Indicate “owner of record” for the seller’s name – all lenders … (30 comments)

Stop Poaching My Buyers - A Series on the NAR Code of Ethics (Part Eight) - 02:59 AM
In the last post we discovered it is ethically wrong to take action inconsistent with exclusive agency relationships. In Pennsylvania, to establish an exclusive agency relationship, it must be in writing.Now we are going to probe article 16 of the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics a bit more. In the second situation:Agent Jim and Agent Jane are both interviewed by Seller Sally. Seller Sally is selling her home at 123 Anywhere Street. She chooses Agent Jim to list her home. Agent Jane is frustrated she lost the listing and decides to call Seller Sally to ask her if she … (32 comments)

Why. Even. Bother? - 07:01 AM
We listed a cute little ranch last year in South West Fort Wayne.  After our initial meeting with the sellers, we knew that we needed to list it at the top of the price range for that area because of how tight they were on what they owed.  The selling price wasn't unrealistic, but we knew it could take a little while to sell.  We all agreed and then put it on the market.  
We had a fair amount of showings, but no offers.  Not a huge surprise.  Then Agent X showed it.  She told us that her buyer was … (39 comments)

How does your Ogden Utah Home Inspector find hidden moisture and plumbing leaks? - 03:39 AM
How does your Ogden Utah Home Inspector find hidden moisture and plumbing leaks?
The sad truth is that often the answer to this questions is "when stains are visually noticeable or when moisture damage is present"
Our goal at Utah Infrared Inspections is to answer this question in a much different manner. We use thermal imaging technology on every home inspection so we can catch these concerns before stains are noticed and before damage has been done. Having an Infrared Home Inspection can detect and prevent most moisture concerns in there infancy before they even become what most would consider a … (13 comments)

Low Ball is Better Than No Ball - 09:19 PM
There have been recent posts regarding low ball offers.  I feel like I should add my commentary to this discussion.  
The public doesn't often recognize what the market is doing, nor do Realtors effectively convey to their sellers where the market truly stands and fervently attempt to get the seller to price his/her home properly for sale.
When this happens and an agent is working with a savvy buyer it sets the stage for low ball offers.  Does a low ball offer always mean that the buyer is trying to get something for nothing?  Not always!
A low ball offer … (86 comments)

Handling That Low Ball Offer - 04:41 PM
It has happened to all of us.
At least once. 
But probably many.
The low ball offer.
You cringe when you view the contract and think "How is my seller going to react?" Of course you warned them when you listed their home that there are buyers out there that don't care what the comps say. There are buyers out there that want a deal on a deal. You told them to be prepared for a possible low ball offer.
I got one tonight.
I told my sellers they could do one of three things: reject, counter or accept. They considered rejecting … (35 comments)

The spineless sharks in this industry.... - 10:24 PM
Time and time again, I have dealt with agents who are smart, professional and over all great to deal with...
 
But, sometimes you bump into those agent's...that just don't really get it, and you have to wonder...how the heck do you survive in this business or stay out of jail. 
 
Here is where my story begins...
Several weeks ago, I submitted an offer for a property. It was a strong offer. I faxed the offer per instructions on the MLS, and about 2 hours later, I followed up with a call. The agent didn't answer, so I left … (98 comments)

Hurry Up And Wait....The Army And Real Estate Have Something In Common?? - 09:57 AM
“Hurry up and sell my land” is what we’ve been hearing for the past month.  Well, Mr. Seller/Builder, we now have an accepted offer on your land with no thanks to you and your game playing. 
Why would you make the buyer wait for an answer to an offer?   We warned you that the buyer could become frustrated with your game and she did threatened to stop playing.  We may be telling you in no uncertain terms what you can do with your negotiating tactics from 20 years ago, if we lose this deal!!! 
Your lot is not the … (48 comments)

Out with the Opportunist; In with the Budget Focused - 04:46 PM
Out with the Opportunist; In with the Budget Focused

My eyes were turned recently to a staff blogger’s topic on a big real estate site: “How Much House Can You Handle?...”
Some good thought, but more interesting to me was the reply comments. One reader was complaining that the mortgage loan officer had qualified her for a payment greater than she would attempt. Another reply mentioned how limiting it is to be house poor.
In an April 8, 2008 blog, I said this was coming: “It is likely that the next buyers you work with will have carefully considered what … (17 comments)


Blog posts


Comfort Inn Hotel - $3,000,000 - Commercial - 60 Units - Interior: 20,360 Sq Ft - Southwestern AL Real Estate - USA - 02:42 PM
Alabama Comfort Inn Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Announcing the Landfall homes for Sale in Wilmington NC Blog NOW! - 07:44 AM
New Landfall real estate blog in Wilmington The new website is just getting off the ground and one of its tags is going to be the Landfall Homes for sale blog. What does that mean? well it means you'll be learning backwards and forwards everything you need to know about Landfall real estate from a buyer's / buyer agent's perspective.
 
What is a Buyer Agent's Perspective on Landfall Homes
The goal of the modern date consumer advocate kingpin buyer agent is to protect buyers financially from overpaying.  Cross that mentality with technology and you have a great agent to work … (0 comments)

Austin 5th Fastest Growing MEtro Area - 11:18 AM

The Austin metro area was the 5th fastest growing metro area between 2000 and 2010.   With a population in 2010 of 1,362,416, the Austin area grew over 51% during this decade.
That, combined with one of the strongest economies in the country, is one reason our real estate market has fared so well during this recession while others faltered.
… (0 comments)

Play Ball! Part Two ! - 06:44 PM
Play Ball! Part Two !
While I do keep pretty busy Listing and selling Stanislaus County Short Sales I do need to take some time off now and then.  And this time of year I have a really good reason to take some time off.  Last night (April 6,2012) was opening day for the Oakland Athletics.  Ok, they did already play two games in Tokyo Japan, but who's counting those games?  I have been to lots and lots of Oakland A's games but this was the first time I was at an opening day game.  

Before the game started … (4 comments)

We don't always say what we think we mean. - 12:36 PM
We don't always say what we think we mean. Not too long ago I wrote this post...Translators Needed! Contest the Rome Way!  It was a fun post and lots of people played and I even sent some books out. And then Sally Hanson makes a comment  on my latest post.  "I have to laugh..."Sliders" here are little ...usually burgers though could be other small sandwich on a bun ...can see someone with teeny tiny feet walking on little cheeseburgers..."  Sally was thinking of these mini sandwiches and I was thinking of sliding glass doors also known as SGD or sliders.      … (17 comments)

Hollywood beach wine bar opening soon - 08:12 AM
Coming soon to Hollywood beach.  Located at 3650 harbor...next to Seafresh Restaurant.
… (0 comments)

The Happiest of Easters from Brookfield Wisconsin...and the "real" Sally Hanson/Hansen - 03:26 AM
   Three years ago, Easter Sunday was a little more special than usual.  Our buyers took their daughters to what would be their new home...they would choose their bedrooms....explore the neighborhood and learn that in a  couple weeks this would be their new home.  We were also the listing agents for this short sale and the wise parents did not want to tell their daughters too far in advance of the move since the approval and closing had not been decided immediately.
   The concept of a Realtor's job is difficult for a child to understand. There is a sign with … (14 comments)

HE'S NOT A CHILD'S TOY. HE'S A REAL LIVE TEN-YEAR COMMITMENT! - 05:10 AM
Is there any adults in the room? I know they look adorable, cute chicks and rabbits, little puppies too but please don't adopt, take, accept one Gods little animals unless you are trained and will accept the responsibility of their lives in your hands.
I have been against even the Fair's that give away gold fish, this is torture to the 10th degree in my book. I know it is a lot dun at first and then about three days later becomes someone else's problem and this vicious cycle continues.
I even ask people at the pet stores to the dismay … (4 comments)

Seller Home Inspections Offer Tremendous Marketing Advantages - 05:16 AM
We encourage all our sellers to offer a pre inspection of the property that can later be paid for by the buyer as a seller advocate there is not a much better tool than letting a buyer know what the inspector found and that the repairs are done and we are good to close. I do this with the Termite as well and find that if a seller really wants to sell this is when you will find out.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area … (2 comments)

Check Your House Numbers - 05:23 AM
Being a numbers kind a guy I love this post by Liz. I must admit though that I first because aware of it from the Pizza Guy, we usually have pizza about once a month (ok about once a week) anyway he told me one time if I had every considered putting numbers on my mailbox so the pizza would get here earlier. I got numbers the next days LOL.
Seriously though this is a great idea and hopefully this post will make you run out RIGHT NOW and get them.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / … (4 comments)

Manhattan New Developments Market Report: First Quarter 2012 - 11:23 AM

Manhattan New Developments
New development supply has diminished substantially, particularly at the high-end of the market, impacting sales and price statistics. While most properties that have been on the market continue to absorb steadily, newly introduced developments in prime locations are absorbed rapidly but since a number of properties haven’t begun closings, these sales are not reflected here.
Compared to a year ago, median price declined 13% to $990,000, due to a 9% decline in three-plus bedroom median price, a 30% decline in Downtown median price and increased share of one-bedroom sales both Uptown and Downtown. Average price per square … (4 comments)

Happy Easter - 08:31 AM
New England Homes
Visit the New England Homes sales center ("the Barn")
Please visit Saturday April 7, 2012 to discuss building the home of your dreams with a Real Living HER Builder Developer Services representative.  New England Homes Ohio can build from the mid $200,000's on your central Ohio lot. 
The New England Homes Sales Center is at 5191 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035.  Just north of Shanahan Rd. on Route 23 on the east side of the road. 
New England Homes will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. 
… (4 comments)

The Case For Brock Lesnar. - 07:43 PM
A co-worker of mine said the other day that he lost respect for Brock Lesnar for returning to the WWE after retiring so suddently from the UFC.
Understood.
I once had a vision for an industry that I felt so passionate about and thought didn't get enough credit.  My vision, documented in shreds of notebook paper and internal synapses is probably not going to hold up in court.  That vision was having a guy in pro-wrestling enter a legit tournament of fighting and win ... and then come back to pro-wrestling.
But Vince was right.  And has made many millions of … (0 comments)

Jamestown Townhome in Heritage Ridge Just Listed - 03:39 AM
Jamestown Townhome in Heritage Ridge Just Listed 7305 SE Concord Place in Heritage Ridge, Hobe Sound, Florida

Wonderful opportunity to move right into a furnished Jamestown at Heritage Ridge in Hobe Sound, Florida. A wonderful community that has a Fazio designed 18 hole golf course that is not mandatory to join. This spacious 2 bedroom two bathroom town home has an open kitchen with dining area and breakfast bar. Take advantage of the convenient community pool and tennis courts in this exceptionally clean and well maintained and landscaped community. Conveniently located close to the beaches as well as shopping. All … (16 comments)

Rent vs. Buy, Why??? Peek into their heart AND their credit report. - 05:26 AM
RENT vs. BUY??
It's a lot more complicated than a simple financial comparison.
Think about the RENT WHAT, WHY RENT, RENT WHERE, and so much more.
My experience is that the final costs of home ownership is little known by prospective home buyers.  They have no experience with a leaking roof, a refrigerator that suddenly isn't cold, water penetration in the basement, etc.
YET THEY BUY.  Why???
1.  The love of HOME is, IMO, the #1 motivator for first time home buyers.  Memories of the family home is a strong motivator. 
2.  Transportation alternatives.  With a very tight rental market, many … (12 comments)

Do keyword rich domain names work for Google - 04:43 PM
KEYWORD RICH DOMAIN NAMES??
HA!  Does that ring a bell????
I recall posting a similar theory when I advertised a number of KEY WORD RICH DOMAINS for sale on ActiveRain.
The post was generally and roundly pooh-poohed by a number of "SEO Experts".
Nice to see a real SEO expert who agrees with me.  If I recall, Matt Cutts did too.
 http://activerain.com/blogsview/2159246/you-re-launching-a-new-web-site-that-s-exciting-where-to-begin-seo-begins-with-a-great-domain-name-
 
 
 
 
http://activerain.com/blogsview/2246978/key-words-in-domain-name-urls-matt-cutts-explains-more-and-compared-to-what-
 
 
Lenn
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Via Joe Smith (Nebraska Networks):
Good Morning Everyone,Today's tip is going to be on keyword rich domain names.This post will be WORDY, but please read to the end, there is a … (7 comments)

Roof (Attic) Vents - Fastening/Nailing/Stapling in the Field/Flange - Proper/Improper and Ramifications - One Roof - 7 Years Old - 03:53 PM
I am regularly finding roof vents installed improperly.  In this area, I would say that at least 80-90% of them are installed improperly by nailing or stapling them in the flange/field, even though there are clearly pilot holes/key holes that are made for this and even though most of the vents clearly say not to do this right on them.  
This is how it should be properly installed: 
This is how they should not be installed: 
This is what can happen if they are not installed properly: 
This is a good example of a roof vent properly installed lasting 20 … (3 comments)

Happy Easter to my Peeps! - 06:26 PM
Happy Easter to my Peeps!
Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Easter to everyone.
It's another time of year that I actually feel grateful for the people in my life.
I've been in contact with a lot of online people this past year and I couldn't be happier for the relationships!
I hope you all have a great Easter and we'll talk again soon.
Don't eat too much awesome food!
Eric...
… (8 comments)

Pressure on mortgage rates eases - 10:06 AM
After climbing for two weeks in a row, mortgage rates reversed course this week, with rates on 30-year fixed-rate loans again below 4 percent after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke voiced worries about persistently high unemployment.
Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 3.99 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 29, down from 4.08 percent last week and 4.86 percent a year ago. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages hit an all-time low in records dating to 1971 of 3.87 percent during the first three weeks of February.
Rates on 15-year … (2 comments)

March 2012 Dublin Ranch Dublin CA Real Estate Market Report Single Family Homes For Sale Dublin Ranch Dublin CA April 6, 2012 - 09:55 AM
March 2012 Dublin Ranch Dublin CA Real Estate Market Report Single Family Homes For Sale Dublin Ranch Dublin CA April 6, 2012 Dublin Ranch real estate can be found in neighborhoods that have their own parks, but Ted Fairfield Park is a very large well equipped park in the Dublin Ranch area that includes ball fields as well as play areas. Nearby Emerald Glen Park is popular with all ages! Homes for sale in Dublin Ranch in Dublin CA include single family homes, townhomes and condos nestled in the eastern hills of the Dublin Valley. It has newer homes and new … (1 comments)

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