Archives of real estate blog entries for May 11, 2012

Featured blog posts


Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last? - 08:39 AM
Once upon a time, I was a newly licensed Salesperson embarking upon one of my first listing appointments.  Filled with hope and adrenalin, I proceeded in earnest to deliver a comprehensive and well-organized listing presentation.  Well, I didn't get the listing, and through the grapevine learned that the seller thought I was “too nice.”  Apparently, he lacked confidence that I could possibly be an effective negotiator in a lucrative real estate transaction.  Naturally, I was disappointed. Recently, I’ve read a few blogs about the developing mistreatment of real estate agents.  The real estate business has gone through many changes since my … (133 comments)

Structuring Videos on YouTube For SEO - 05:20 AM
As we are well aware by now, YouTube is the world's second largest search engine with over 4 billion videos now watched each day.  This means that it is an awesome way to gain exposure for your business online. 
However, what most do not realize is that there are some basic principles to creating your videos that if followed will make them more popular to the search engines and increase your overall views exponentially.
At first I thought this was a theory until I recently did a video of my daughter and a new toy that she received for Christmas called … (41 comments)

Today is Military Spouse Appreciation Day-A Heartfelt Thank You - 07:19 AM
Military Spouse Appreciation Day was first celebrated in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the observence.  Since then every year the Friday before Mother's Day is set aside to thank those who stand beside our troops during both peace and conflict. 
 If you know a military spouse who is holding down the fort while their loved one is away today would be a great day to treat them to a special lunch, dinner or even offer to watch the kids so they can have some quiet time.
Thank you to all the military spouses around the world for your support of … (38 comments)

ActiveRain Spotlighted in California Association of REALTORS® Magazine - 06:30 PM
One of the wonderful pleasures of ActiveRain is that one never knows when we might be called upon to share our enthusiasm for this amazing network of outstanding professionals that I feel so personally privaledged to be a part of.
I had the good fortune of being called by a writer for the California Real Estate Magazine for an interview about ActiveRain. The writer mentioned that she was writing an article about the specific sites that REALTORS® use for tools to build their on-line business. When I received my magazine yesterday, I was delighted to see the article below about … (60 comments)

Did you tell the truth on your mortgage application? - 12:35 PM
Did you tell the truth?  Did you think you might "out smart" your loan officer? 
Well you might not be as smart as you think!  As part of the closing process, your mortgage application, supporting documentation, perhaps another review of your credit report, and tax returns will be reviewed by the post closing/compliance department.
If the information receieved prior to closing does not match the information received after closing you just might find yourself in the middle of a nightmare.
Here are some of the consequences:
*    Loan could be called due immediately in which case, it would have to paid … (43 comments)

Winnetka & the North Shore Ranked as Most FASHIONABLE - 08:53 AM
Winnetka and the North Shore Ranked as Most "FASHIONABLE" You knew it all along, didn't you?  You didn't need a data collection agency called Bundle, to tell you that.  After all, you have the credit card receipts to prove it.  I know I do. So Winnetka and several other villages in the North Shore are ranked right up there with shopping meccas like Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, Greenwich (Conn), La Jolla, Malibu and Palm Beach, Florida.  Based on households that had at least four transactions at top-end designer stores in the past 30 months - they selected the top 50 communities. … (14 comments)

Buying a House After a Bankruptcy - 07:23 AM
Can someone get a mortgage after a bankruptcy? Yes they can! And they only have to wait 2 years from the date that the bankruptcy was discharged. The most important thing is that they "re-establish credit" after the bankruptcy. That means no late payments of any kind (including collection accounts) for the 12 months preceding the loan application date. What are the down payment requirements for people with bankruptcies? They are that same as they are for anyone else: just 3.5% of the purchase price for FHA loans. What are the interest rates for people with bankruptcies? They are the same … (14 comments)

Single Story Homes for Sale in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Single Story Homes for Sale - 07:32 AM
Single Story Homes for Sale in Carlsbad – Carlsbad Single Story Homes for Sale  
A good number of buyers in the Carlsbad real estate market are seeking single story detached homes for sale.
 
The reasons vary:
 
Health Age Physical issues Preferred lifestyle Living area configuration  
Regardless of the reasons, Carlsbad home buyers have some options when looking for single story detached homes for sale in Carlsbad’s 4-zip code areas, whether near the beach or further inland.
 

 
The majority of the single story homes for sale in Carlsbad are resales, as many of the builders … (10 comments)

Summer Fun Contest – Chilling & Grilling! - 05:05 PM
Summer Fun Contest – Chilling & Grilling!
 
 This is an entry for the Positive Attitude for the Weary Soul Group Contest! | Fun in the Sun While the Business Still Runs!Join in on the Challenge!
 
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Wheeeeee, we’re plowing through spring and rocketing towards summer – and most definitely looking forward to taking a break. Here are the plans we have for “FUN IN THE SUN While the Business Still Runs!”
 
Although we love traveling, summertime in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia is just too beautiful to leave. Every August we book off two weeks to have … (30 comments)

12 THRIFTY THINGS TO DO ON A TIGHT BUDGET IN ST.CLOUD FLORIDA - 07:44 AM
12 Thrifty Things to do on a tight budget in St. Cloud Florida.  The drag on the economy has certainly put a pinch on most people. But in St. Cloud Florida there are plenty of thrift ways to have fun for free.
1) Enjoy a stroll along beautiful Lake Shore Drive abutting Lake Toho.  The magnificent tree lined streets, and  meandering pathways are the perfect place to relax, and rejuvenate the soul. While soaking up the beautiful view Lake Toho is famous for.
2) A Day at the Beach- St. Cloud Florida has its own beach on the southern shore of … (19 comments)

Seattle Tacoma Short Sale Scams - Watch OUT! - 02:47 PM
Seattle Tacoma Short Sale Scams - Watch OUT!
 
My Short Sale attorneys, MBS-Law, just warned me of this short sale scam about a real estate professional who was all excited as he had lined up a short sale buyer on a short sale residential property in the Seattle Tacoma, WA. The short sale buyer was paying all cash, and it was going to be a quick close.  This short sale buyer wanted to have an attorney represent him in his purchase, as he was from outside the Seattle Tacoma WA area, in fact the short sale buyer was from Canada. … (39 comments)

Some Virginia Homebuyer Assistance Programs Being Eliminated - 04:41 AM
As you probably know, many counties and cities offer a variety of programs to help people buy homes. Some are lotteries ( MIPAP), some have waiting lists, some require buyer to work in the county and some don't, credit score min of 620, homeowner education course required by some, some only for 1rst time homebuyers, some for any homebuyer, some counties offer $25,000.00 if you're a county employee and buy a foreclosure, " Live Near Your Work" program in Arlington VA, DC offers $5000.00 tax credit, Shared Equity Loans ($70,000.00 with a 2% down payment),etc, etc. Even some churches offer housing … (7 comments)

National Train Day Celebration in Cary, North Carolina - May 12, 2012 - 05:15 AM
Come join the fun this Saturday as the Town of Cary, North Carolina in conjunction with the Heart of Cary Association and Amtrak play host to Downtown Cary's first ever National Train Day Event!


NATIONAL TRAIN DAY ROLLS INTO DOWNTOWN CARY


Come join the fun this Saturday and celebrate Downtown Cary’s first ever National Train Day event.
The Heart of Cary Association in partnership with Amtrak and the Town of Cary will host National Train Day at the Downtown Railroad Station. This is the first year National Train Day has ever been held in Cary, and this … (27 comments)

The First Rule to Talking on Your Cell Phone About Business - 06:59 AM
I do what I can to stop phone calls from coming to my phone. It's not that I don't want to talk to people, it's that I prefer to reserve time for phone conversations with people who are part of my business plan. This imaginary business plan that I don't really have. The one that says I should talk to people who will produce income for my business. This plan that is in my head. If you're not part of that plan, then do not call me, or at least don't call me during the week and during business hours.
Somebody … (61 comments)

Selling Your North Shore Of Long Island Home ~ Don't Forget The Backyard - 04:12 AM
Selling Your North Shore Of Long Island Home ~ Don't Forget The Backyard
When buyers are looking at your house, you get that one chance to make a first impression and buyers usually know almost instantly whether they like it or not. Make sure that by the time they get to looking at the backyard, you keep that great first impression going, especially during summer months here on The North Shore Of Long Island.  
Selling Your North Shore Of Long Island Home ~ Don't Forget The Backyard because potential buyers will be thinking about barbeques, outdoor fun and entertaining opportunities in their backyard.  If you … (22 comments)

Reflections on the last 48 hours ~Diabetes? - 08:19 PM
Reflections on the last 48 hours ~ Diabetes?ActiveRain is family to me. I’ve met some truly amazing people, shared business and personal stories.  If I had been a member in 2004 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I’m sure this would have been one of my first stops, sharing with you. This time is no different, only it’s not about me (hence the members only). Chris, my husband, was diagnosed with diabetes on Wednesday.
I suspected something was going on. He had lost weight over the last 18 months, 30 lbs. or so, without regular exercise, I just questioned it. … (23 comments)

If You'd Like to Come Back and Take a Look..... - 08:37 AM
If You'd Like to Come Back and Take A Look......
If you're from my area, you know that most showings in Canton are accompanied.  Occasionally I'm lucky enough to get a lock box but more often than not, it involves scheduling a showing with the listing agent.  It's what many Sellers in the area expect.  I am used to it.
Most listing agents do a decent job of pointing out the features & then getting out of the way so my buyers and I can take a look on our own.  

But the other day I was showing a … (33 comments)


Blog posts


3000 acres Oceanfront Land Isla Puná Ecuador Real Estate - 12:36 PM
JOINT VENTURE POSSIBLE - Development, Seafood Farming, Industrial, Pacific Island Community Possibilities - Oceanfront and Timber … (0 comments)

Easy Olympia Commute - 01:31 PM
Great location! Well kept 7 year old home with 3 Bedrooms/2Baths in one of the best communities in the area. Close to 101 for easy commuting to Olympia. This well maintained home is nicely landscaped with a workshop, large patio and RV parking. Enjoy the spacious yard bordered by a green belt for quiet privacy. This home has a two year old high efficiency heat pump and nearly new carpeting. Master bedroom has private bath and walk in closet.
Easy Olympia Commute … (0 comments)

Antioch Ranch Style Home - For Living or for Renting! - 11:22 AM
Ready to Rent! … (1 comments)

What to look for when Buying a Two Story Home in Brentwood - 04:04 PM
What to look for when Buying a Two Story Home in Brentwood Right of the Bat I am going to say that Two Story Homes tend to be cheaper per SF. That is why there are so many of them compared to single story homes. Especially in newer or larger construction. Now I have found people that prefer two story homes over a single story, but most do not. A lot don't care
What Should I look for in a Two Story Home? Things that will help you avoid using the stairs. What are those things, Downstairs Master Suites, or a … (0 comments)

April 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats - 02:52 PM
April 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats
The sales numbers are in for Stanislaus County Home Sales for the month of April 2012. Sales of single family homes are down slightly this year and Distressed properties (Bank owned and Short Sales) are still dominating the market. The amount of homes for sale has also gone done.
Here are the April 2011 and April 2012 Sales Stats for single family homes:
Total Sales April 2012: 583  sold   * 35% (206) Bank Owned   * 25% (150) Short Sales   60% of sales were distressed properties
Total Sales April 2011: 602  sold   … (5 comments)

The Jacksonville Real Estate Market Looking Better - May Market Report - 09:38 AM
List Prices and Inventory for Homes in Jacksonville Florida As of May 07 2012 the Jacksonville real estate market had about 11,214 single family and condo homes listed for sale. The median listing price of these homes was approximately $179,990. "Median" means that about half of the homes were higher and half were lower. Since this time last year, our inventory of homes for sale has decreased by 23.6% and the median price has increased by 1.4%. Both are very good indicators that the Jacksonville real estate market is moving in the right direction.
READ MORE AND VIEW SAMPLE LISTING DATA … (2 comments)

Thank You Notes Are Not Just For Clients! - 08:55 PM
 
Thank You Notes Are Not Just For Clients! What a nice day! In the mail...the real mail...like in the box outside the house..with a stamp on the envelop... I received this lovely thank you note from Yvonne Schnee, a new ActiveRain member. It all started with A Million to One.....    
 
                                               
 
                                                  … (17 comments)

May, 2012, Wichita, KSreal estate sales update. - 12:35 PM
May, 2012, Real Estate sales update.
Data from Wichita, MLS Real Estate Sales have increased every month in 2012 and are higher than the same period for 2011. Existing home sales increased 0.8% between March and April and are basically flat for the same one month period in 2011. Good News: The median sales price of existing homes sold in April increased 8.5% compared to March and increased 5.8% on a year over year basis. Existing home inventory increased each month in 2012 to 3,803 units. That number is still 7.4% lower than a year ago. New home sales in April … (0 comments)

Stowe High School, Vermont - Ranked #1 High School in Vermont! - 07:06 AM
Stowe High School Ranked #1 Public High School in Vermont!
U.S. News rated Stowe High School as the best public school in Vermont.  As a resident and parent of two boys that graduated from Stowe High School, I am very pleased and proud of our school system.  Not only is Stowe a great town to raise kids, it's a beautiful, four season resort. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stowe High School Overview
     
 
                    Overview Student Body Test Scores Academic Indicators National Rank#285 College Readiness Index54.0Math … (2 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Home For Sale for $100,000 - 02:40 PM
You won't find a nicer or cleaner home at the Apple Valley Lake for $100,000!  This super attractive ranch home features some stylish updates and it is located on one of the nicest lots and yards in all of Apple Valley.  64 McIntosh Court at the Apple Valley Lake in Howard, Ohio 43028.
If you like the looks of this home and would like to review additional listing details and view our extensive virtual tour be sure to visit 64 McIntosh Court at the Apple Valley Lake in Howard, Ohio 43028.  You can also view and compare all of our available Apple Valley … (0 comments)

233 Adamson Street in Mount Vernon Ohio - 03:01 PM
Mount Vernon Ohio low maintenance 3 bedroom ranch home that is located in the south end near the Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the schools.  The lot is super level and easy to care for and this property is so conveniently located.  233 Adamson Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
If you like the looks of this property be sure to check out our additional listing info and virtual tour at 233 Adamson Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.  You can also view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 … (1 comments)

Foreclosure at 2 Chester Street in Mount Vernon Ohio - Sale Pending - 03:09 PM
SALE PENDING!  Knox County Ohio Bank owned homes and foreclosure listings are selling quickly this year!   2 Chester Street in Mount Vernon Ohio.  If you are in the market for a foreclosure or bank owned home be sure to visit our Knox County Ohio bank owned homes for sale.  
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
 
… (2 comments)

Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind When Selling a Property - 12:57 PM
Selling real estate is a multi-layered process with a number of factors affecting the amount you will get for the property. Here are some real estate selling tips to help you make a better sale.
 
Make detailed cost/profit calculations before selling the house. You should create what is known as a “Seller’s Net Sheet.”
 
A lot of people don’t do this important calculation; they just calculate the amount of money they owe and the amount of money they want and then subtract the former from the latter.
 
This is not the best way to go about things, as … (1 comments)

6474 Malaluka Road -- $49,900 - 02:51 PM
… (0 comments)

Bucks County Happenings: Special Mother’s Day Events - 01:51 PM

 
Are you looking for a way to honor a special mother this weekend? Three Bucks County wineries are offering events where you can wine, dine and pamper your favorite mom for Mother’s Day:
 
Wine Tasting for Moms – Crossing Vineyards in Upper Makefield Township
 
Sat, May 12, 12:00pm – 1:30pm
 
Treat your favorite Mom to a delicious afternoon of food, wine and fun. Includes a five-course gourmet food & wine pairing. Cost: $55 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservation necessary. Call 215-493-6500, ext. 19 or buy on-line at http://www.crossingvineyards.com
 
 
 
Real Diamond Mother’s … (0 comments)

Entertainers Palace Awaits... Includes Gazebo! 15587 Brown Deer Ct - 08:50 AM
… (3 comments)

NEW Lowes Island Homes - Want in? VIP's have 1st peak & YOU can too! - 11:34 AM
 
 
Stanley Martin Homes are building NEW homes in the desirable Cascades neighborhood of Lowes Island! 


 

Only a few select VIP’s will be able to get in the door before the public.  Make sure you're the first to take advantage of
grand opening pricing and incentives!!
 
Homes will start in the mid $400’s featuring two stunning floor plans.

Give Ask Gina & Company with Keller Williams, Ashburn a call at
(703) 574-3478 if you’d like to unlock the possibilities with Stanley Martin Homes!  Appointments are first come, first serve to VIP's and available during the week of May … (3 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale:1909 Graham Street Montgomery, Al 36106 - 03:31 AM
… (3 comments)

Two Day Continuing Ed class on Negotiation well worth it! - 07:27 AM
Henri Gutner Receives New
“Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)” Designation
Professional negotiation skills are a must for all real estate agents              helping home buyers and sellers, especially in the current market
 
Henri Gutner has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert(CNE®)designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI).  The CNE® is earned by real estate professionals after successfully completing formal negotiation training from the Real Estate Negotiation Institute.  Agents who receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.
With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of … (0 comments)

Downtown Silver Spring Alley Flower and Garden Show - 10:56 AM
This alley in Downtown Silver Spring never fails to disappoint in any season, but spring is probably the most beautiful.  Just love it when the neighbors care just as much about their back alley as they do about their front yards.                             

… (3 comments)

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