Archives of real estate blog entries for April 8, 2012

Featured blog posts


How to proactively seek referrals in your sphere - 06:16 AM
Even "Type A" personalities have a hard time with asking for referrals.  It seems a bit like begging, unless you do it right.  I've been using a couple of techniques which fit my personality - proactive and passive.  I don't like the "in your face" approach to asking.  However, I do like to be "top of mind" with my past clients and other agents.  I use three methods of contact to network and get referrals.
Handwritten notes
I actually picked this habit up from a Brian Buffini class.  Among the many other things he teaches that frequent personal notes (along with … (76 comments)

New Homes Listed From $ 200,000 in Tooele County UT - 05:34 AM
  Last week there were 7 New Homes Listed From $ 200,000 in Tooele County UT. They were located all over the county, but as usual mostly centered in Tooele City, Stansbury Park & Grantsville Utah. Two of the new construction houses were in Loma Vista, and one each in Benson Mill, South Willow, Stansbury Place, & Blake Mountain. All of these are unique Tooele neighborhoods.
It's important you contact your agent before you visit any of these homes. When buying a new house or condo you may need help determining value, selecting upgrades and evaluating financing packages. The agent working … (11 comments)

I've Always Said I Learn Something New at Active Rain and It's Time I Showed You. April 1-April 7, 2012 - 03:47 AM
I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  April 1 - April 7, 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.  April 1 - Chris Hooks- At the Fruit Stand in New York City. What the heck is this?. I had never heard of this fruit but it looked like a lychee nut on growth hormones.  Take a look at it.
April 2  -Richard Iarossi  - I Dodged a Copyright BulletRichard was Featured on this one … (42 comments)

The Tucson Taco Festival Saturday, April 28th, Tucson, AZ at Rillito Downs - 08:12 AM
The Tucson Taco Festival Saturday, April 28th, Tucson, AZ at Rillito Downs
Mark your calendars!  The Tucson Taco Festival is coming on Saturday, April 28th!
Where:  Rillito Downs (River Road and 1st Avenue)
When:  11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How much:  $10 adults, Kids under 12 - free
Tickets:  www.TucsonTacoFestival.com

Yum!  I am excited.  

Now this is more than just eating tacos!  Bring the whole family for a day of entertainment.  Besides tacos for $2.00, there will be cooking demos, cooking contests, live music, a Kid Zone, Luche Libre wrestling and... A Grand Champion Taco Contest with a … (20 comments)

Why Is The Owner Selling?? Because They Want To!! - 02:47 PM
WHY IS THE OWNER SELLING??   BECAUSE THEY WANT TO.
Inspired by Scott Godzyk's post about buyers making low ball offers and the information buyers seek.
 
5. If it is Owner Occupied, why is the seller selling?
 
I always found this question amusing and always wondered what the prospective buyer or buyer's agent really expects to hear. 
One never knows and below are some of the experiences I've had over the years
 
1.  Listing Agent:  "The husband's employer has relocated them to the other side of the country and they're desperate to sell.  The wife has already relocated."  (House … (59 comments)

Do You Record Your Own Voice Mail Messages? - 08:28 AM
Do You Record Your Own Voice Mail Messages?  
I’ve often wondered why some people don’t record their own voice mail messages, especially in our business. It just strikes me as odd. But maybe that’s just me.
 
I’ve called 2 agents in the last day for appointments and it was clear it was not them in the recording, not just from the voice (a female voice for a make agent in one case) but also the message itself – “so and so is not available but if you will leave her a message…”
 
Is it laziness?
 
Is it … (72 comments)

Good Eats in Sugar Land, TX 77479 - 03:03 PM
Good Eats in Sugar Land, TX 
Good Eats in Sugar Land, Tx are plentiful. One of my family's favorites is Skeeters Mesquite Grill at 16535 Lexington, across from First Colony Mall. My family has been enjoying their mesquite grilled burgers, Sunday breakfast buffet and $3 margaritas for a number of years. The writing on the wall of the establishment says it all. "Skeeter's .....It's a Neighborhood Thang". It's the truth.
 
Whenever you visit Skeeter's be prepared to run into either a neighbor, classmate, friend or past client. After your first visit, I guarantee that you will return over and over … (31 comments)

Let me tell you what I love about ActiveRain - 09:22 AM
Let me tell you what I love about ActiveRain! 

Most of you know I'm sponsoring the  Contest - Be The "Star" of Your Own Movie!  
One week in, and we already have 25 entries.  But that's not what I'm talking about.  What I'm talking about is a sense of community, a family, bringing people together.
I read every entry as it is posted and leave a comment on the post so you know I've seen it.  This morning I went back and looked at every one of the entries again and was so pleased to see how many other members are … (66 comments)

Anthem Homes for Sale - Henderson Nevada 89044 and 89052 - April 8, 2012 - 12:43 AM
Anthem Homes for Sale - Henderson Nevada 89044 and 89052 - April 8, 2012
Anthem offers a great selection of homes in one of Henderson Nevada's most desirable master planned communities. The development has regular, gated, guard-gated and active adult neighborhoods, plus some fantastic golf courses and Henderson city parks.
Here's a quick look at single-family homes for sale in Anthem as of April 8. To see current listings of Anthem homes, click any of the neighborhood links.
 

 
 

 
Henderson Nevada is the perfect location for your permanent residence or a 2nd or vacation home. To … (5 comments)

Woo Hoo! #1 - Organic Search For Fluff My House! Home Staging in Edmonton! - 12:26 AM
Woo Hoo! #1 - Organic Search For Fluff My House! Home Staging in Edmonton!I know that Active Rain helps with SEO. I've seen it before. I've been on the first page of Google at the bottom of the page. I'm okay with that, it's still page one.But today when I searched for Home Staging in Edmonton, I was not only on page one but was the first  organic search that turned up, and the sixth as well! 2 spots on page one! Woo Hoo! I might have to go back and check out page 2... :D
… (48 comments)

Going Around the Seller's Agent Won't Get You Far - 04:42 PM
Dear Mr Buyer:
Thank you for your offer on our home. The offer is appreciated, but rejected. There is no counteroffer.
Your offer is much too low. An offer 30% lower than asking price, with 6% seller assist, every inspection in the book, and a closing date 90 days out does not entice us to negotiate from this starting point.
Please do submit another offer if you want the property.
Writing a letter to us directly after our last rejection was nice, but did not help the fact that the offer is significantly lower than market conditions indicate. We have done … (155 comments)


Blog posts


He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! - 09:01 AM
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
This was the Traditional Easter Greeting and Response in the Church I grew up in. I just want to say:
He is Risen!
Everyone knows John 3:16 but John 3:17 is also a great Vs:
“For God sent the Son into the World, not to condemn the World, but that the World might be Saved through Him.”
Our God has Risen From the grave. He has conquered Sin and Death. He has saved me from my sins!
On this great Easter morning I just wanted to share the joy of his Resurrection with my … (12 comments)

Peep History just in time for Easter - 09:02 AM
My kids are busy eating them and I bet yours are too.  I find this little post on the history of Peeps some what interesting on this wonderful Easter Sunday.
Happy Easter.
Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten - Phoenix Short Sale Broker,CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe):
Peep History just in time for Easter!

Today is the day for last minute Easter Basker shopping!  I've got seveal baskets to fill yet and I'm actually looking forward to finding some fun and interesting items for my favorite peeps. I do include some candy but I try to match their personalities and things they like to … (1 comments)

The Cross - Groom Texas - 09:08 AM
I have never heard of this.  But it sounds very interesting.  If I was in that area I know I would go see it.  What a great way to celebrate Easter.  
The way he took the picture against the Setting (or is it rising) Sun it is very stunning.
Via John McCormack- AlbuquerqueHomes.com (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
The Cross - Groom Texas
This 19-story The Cross located next to Interstate 40 at Groom Texas. This 190 foot tall free-standing cross can be seen from twenty miles away. Surrounding the base of the The Cross are life-sized statues of the Stations of … (1 comments)

How to Write a Rejected Offer - 09:10 AM
Buying a Home in Brentwood
Here is a little tongue in cheek post on how to get your offer rejected.  Sadly I see too many people do these kinds of things and they wonder why they cannot get a home.
For more tips on Buying a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Kathleen Daniels, Broker-Owner San Jose Real Estate 1-800-972-1822 (San Jose Homes & San Jose Short Sales):
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 … (2 comments)

Happy Easter! - 09:22 AM
I did not know about this movie, but if an old Film Click Featuring Fred Astair will pick you up on Easter here it is.  I don't think any one does dance like this any more.
Have a Blessed Easter.
Via Mitchell Hall NYC Real Estate Broker (The Corcoran Group):
 
From "Easter Parade" 1948 Finale
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire
MGM StudiosLyrics: by Irving BerlinIn your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,You'll be the grandest lady fellow in the Easter parade.I'll be all in clover and when they look you over,I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade.
… (0 comments)

Spring Allergies coming on strong earlier? Take a tip from this Wisconsin Bee Keeper. - 09:25 AM
Here is some great advise on Fighting Allergies.  I have heard this before but what a great reminder.  
I need to get out and get some local honey now.  
Via Tom Braatz,Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent,Waukesha Cty WI Real Estate (Re/Max Realty Center 262-377-1459):
Spring allergies are on their way and they are on their way earlier to boot because of all the early warm weather. Plants are blooming, flowers and grass are growing fast and we are well ahead of schedule as compared to last year with this early spring weather. But did you know there is an all-natural remedy that can … (2 comments)

Happy Easter to All of You - 09:31 AM
I put out an Easter Post but I think Tim here also sums things up very nicely.
Happy and Blessed Easter as we celebrate his Resurrection!
Via Tim Lorenz (TIM LORENZ of Keller Williams Realty):
Happy Easter to All of You
Easter is a great day for all of us to remember.  It is the day the Jesus who had died on a cross rose from the dead.  He over came death.  No other religious leader can make that claim. 
He died in place to the sacrificial lamb for the sins of all.  That he died that we might live.  He took on … (5 comments)

Speechless Sunday- A Little Dirt Never Hurt Anyone - 06:27 PM
Yes, eating dirt while sucking on bubbles is an everyday occurrence in our household!


**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 … (11 comments)

Tulips Tulips Everywhere... Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore..Sometimes The Best Things in Life Are Free! - 01:32 PM
Tulips Tulips Everywhere... Sherwood Gardens in Baltimore.  Sometimes the best things in life are free! It would not be Spring in Baltimore without a visit to Sherwood Gardens.  No standing in line, no reservations and no admission fee! Sometimes the best things in life are free! That is the case with the magnificent Sherwood Gardens right here in Baltimore. Read more of the history... Sherwood Gardens                                                       
 
                                                   
 
                                                    … (13 comments)

If You Could Ask Bank of America One Question, What Would It Be? - 04:28 AM
 
This Week's Superstar Dsicussions
… (3 comments)

Did Your Short Sale Instructor Teach You this Stuff? - 05:40 AM


Hi guys, We just added a bunch of articles to the Advanced Short Sale Training Group to help you in your business. Be sure to pop over and check them out.
Negotiating Home Equity Lines During a Short Sale. Mortgage Insurance and Short Sales. Is It Cheaper to Foreclose? When The Short Sale Involves A Foreign Seller...... How To Keep The Buyer On Board During The Short Sale Process. Is Your Short Sale Lender Delegated? Submitting A Short Sale Package That Will Get Noticed. What Do You Do When The Short Sale Lender Says "It can't be on the … (6 comments)

Stowe Vermont - Home Sales Report: 1st Quarter 2012 compared to 1st Quarter 2011 - 07:23 AM
Stowe Vermont - Home Sales Report: 1st Quarter 2012 - Sales UP and Inventory DOWN
It's a quiet Easter Sunday and it's actually snowing out.  Just a light flurry.  It's quiet so I decided to finish up my market reports.  My older son, Andrew, is now a paramedic in New Hampshire.  My younger son, Sam, is a student at Palm Beach State College in Florida.  No more Easter egg hunts....sigh.
Real estate seems to be more active recently.  And the numbers in Stowe, VT seem to mirror the activity.
Here's my chart comparing the number of sales, median & average sale prices, … (0 comments)

Happiest of Holidays... - 02:55 AM

 
 
 
 
            May the Chocolate today that crosses your lips....
 
                       Not Find its way to a spot on your hips...
 
 
                                     May you take the time to enjoy each Bloom....
 
                           And laughter and love fill each and every room....
 
 
 
                                       We wish you prosperity and the very best of health...
 
                                 Enjoying your life and building your wealth.
 
            Wealth is where you find it ...in friends and in the life you live,
        Take time to appreciate....and remember to give.....
 
                                    Success is not … (11 comments)

Foreclosures in Pensacola, Pace or Guf Breeze, 10180 CANDLESTICK LN 32514 - 07:34 PM
Foreclosures in Pensacola, Pace or Guf Breeze, 10180 CANDLESTICK LN 32514
… (0 comments)

Foreclosures in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, 1194 WOODLAKE DR 32514 - 07:37 PM
Foreclosures in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, 1194 WOODLAKE DR 32514
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 is available for all Real Estate Agents to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When you understand how agents work you will clearly see why we sell … (0 comments)

Forelosures in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida,11530 THOUSAND OAKS DR 32514 - 08:16 PM
Forelosures in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida,11530 THOUSAND OAKS DR 32514
Foreclosures in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze Florida,11530 THOUSAND OAKS DR 32514
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 is available for all Real Estate Agents to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When … (0 comments)

ONE Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest - 09:29 PM
ONE Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest, Just stay in this business long enough and it will happen to you.
This movie reminds me of one of the first deals I did on my own after going full time in the business. The movie starred Jack Nicholson and Michael Barrymen about McMurphy, a guy that the more he tries something the worse it seem to get.
At 11 pm Monday night I get a call from a lady who is screaming in the phone saying, you sold me a home built on top of a grave yard. At first I thought it was a … (8 comments)

Happy Easter! - 09:09 AM

 
From "Easter Parade" 1948 Finale
Judy Garland and Fred Astaire
MGM StudiosLyrics: by Irving BerlinIn your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it,You'll be the grandest lady fellow in the Easter parade.I'll be all in clover and when they look you over,I'll be the proudest fellow in the Easter parade.
On the avenue, fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,And you'll find that you're in the rotogravure.
Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,And of the girl guy I'm taking to the Easter parade.
 
Happy Easter!
 
… (8 comments)

Fifth Avenue Manhattan | Speechless Easter Sunday 2012 - 03:52 PM
On the avenue, Fifth avenue, the photographers will snap us,

And you'll find that you're in the rotogravure. 

Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet,

You'll be the grandest fellow in the Easter parade.

You'll be the grandest dogin the Easter parade.
 

You'll be the grandest couple in the Easter parade.

Oh, I could write about your Easter bonnet,

Saint Patricks Cathedral

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful Easter Sunday

Home Sweet Home!
… (7 comments)

Schaumburg IL Prairie Arts Festival - May 26 & 27th 2012 - 08:16 AM
Talented artists from around the country, live entertainers, and food vendors will participate in the 25th annual silver anniversary of the Prairie Arts Festival. The popular festival will be held May 26 and 27 on the grounds of the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center from 10am to 5pm each day. Drawing, fiber arts, glass, graphics, jewelry, mixed media, paintings, photography, pottery, and sculpture are featured at this juried exhibition and sale that includes approximately 150 artists from throughout the U.S. and will also offer children's art activities. Scan this QR code with your smart phone to connect with the Prairie Arts … (3 comments)

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