Archives of real estate blog entries for May 14, 2012

Featured blog posts


Is your contact information hidden on your website? - 05:19 AM
By some estimates there are over 350 million websites on the Internet. However, only a fraction of these are viable.
In order to be useful, a website must not only generate traffic on its own accord; it must also engage the visitor and elicit some form of response.
At the very least a web surfer should be able to enter the name and location of a business into any search engine and the entity should return on the first page with prominent contact methods displayed.
For whatever reason, MOST sites obscure contact information in a somewhat misguided attempt to make the … (47 comments)

Fresh-baked Dog Biscuits at the Greenbrier Farm Market - 04:09 PM

Last week while visiting the Greenbrier Farm Market, I found Dixie Treats, fresh-baked dog biscuits.
Dixie Treats, fresh-baked dog biscuits only have 4 ingredients... peanut butter, whole wheat flour, baking powder and skim milk.   Because they have no preservatives, the dog biscuits should be refrigerated.  They come in two sizes, one for larger dogs and one for the little guys. The biscuits smell so delicious I could eat them.
Nancy Wardwell, owner of the Greenbrier Farm Market, says her sister Linda makes the dog biscuits with tender love and care and are named after her Border Collie, Dixie.

… (35 comments)

Build, Engage and Explode Your Facebook Fan Page Results - 06:45 AM
  With over 845 million users, Facebook is now used by over 50% of the North American population and accounts for 1 out of every 5 page-views on the Internet. With statistics like that, it is easy to see why Facebook is every marketers dream.
The challenge is how to cut through the chatter and become a sought after resource to both your industry and target market. Facebook fan page success can be elusive.
So how do you grab the attention of your audience and compel them to make your page a daily destination? With the three C's - Commitment, Consistency … (63 comments)

Loans are like a box of chocolates - 09:24 PM
Loans are like a box of chocolates...
Some may look good, then you bite into them only to find out the center is not what was promised or described. Maybe you hoped for a creme filled one but got cherry. Maybe you wanted cherry but got a giant almond? Whatever it is like my friend Forrest said. "sometimes you just never know what your going to get"... BUT there are some ways to ensure a higher rate of success and satisfaction other than first appearance or promise when looking at that tasty chocolate, or loan I mean!
Now when it comes to … (16 comments)

First RealEstate.com Homepage Winner - 10:16 AM
RealEstate.com's homepage is full of beautiful real estate photos  They recently hosted a Homepage Photo Challenge where people were encouraged to submit their photos for a chance to win a spot on the homepage.  Hundreds of entries came pouring in and were narrowed down to just 10.  Facebook then hosted the voting process and your votes spawned a winner!
Ladies and Gentlemen the votes are in, they've been counted and recounted and it's our pleasure to announce the winner.....
Amy Hahn from Morehead City, NC!!

We got in touch with Amy to get a bit of the back story on … (63 comments)

Sensei/Grasshopper Isn't Going Anywhere! - 02:06 PM

The Sensei/Grasshopper Challenge officially ended last night. Over 50 members participated, and their collaborations produced some excellent results. A lot of topics were covered, critical knowledge was shared, many new friends were made, and there will surely be some significant benefits arising from better blogging.
Sensei/Grasshopper was based on one of the most important characteristics of ActiveRain - the willingness of the members to engage with each other and to provide help and assistance to others whenever called on. That is on full display in the posts to the group, and I'd urge you to take some time and … (26 comments)

The Perfect Government Catch 22 - 09:43 PM
The Perfect Government Catch 22
Did you know we have a serious dilemma. 
 
Years have passed since many of the first short sales have been consummated, many homeowners, who went through a short sale desire to get back into a home and take advantage of the great buying opportunity which exists right now.
 
Every day we receive requests from both agents and their clients to determine the eligibility to purchase again. The most often stated re-approval terms, if late mortgage payments existed at time of sale, are a 2 year wait when financing conventional with 20% down … (28 comments)

Do You Have Permission to Give Out Your Client’s Information? - 05:30 PM
 It is our fiduciary duty to protect the personal information about our clients. We protect our client’s best interests and personal information while representing them in the sale or purchase of their home. It could make the difference in hurting the transaction and your negotiating powers let alone protecting their personal interests.
How often do you read a testimonial or story on someone’s blog or website and wonder if they had written permission to do so?  Even posting pictures of your client’s without their permission is not permissible.
DO NOT GIVE OUT INFORMATION WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT!
Their personal life, their … (45 comments)

55 Plus Community...Are we doing it wrong? - 09:11 AM
55 Plus Community...Are we doing it wrong?  This is just my opinion and 2 cents, however, I welcome yours.  From my observation there are more and more people in this age group that do not want to reduce the size of their home but solely just the maintenance aspect of it. I believe this is one of the main reasons why they continue to hold onto their homes.  Take for an instance my mom, she will be 70 next year.  In excellent health, still works full time, owns her own home, and I don’t see her slowing down anytime soon. I … (66 comments)

ActiveRain Webinar - Getting the Buyer “Exclusivity” Contract. 5/16/12 - 09:38 AM

Getting the Buyer “Exclusivity” Contract signed
Wednesday May 16th 2012
11-12pm (PST) 2-3pm (EST)
 FREE
 Hosted by: Chris Alston and Bob Stewart
 
Click this link to sign up à http://bit.ly/JPSg9n
 
Have you been working with a buyer for weeks or longer, and have them end up using another agent to buy a home?  Or are you showing property to buyers that still have not decided to work with you?  Would you ever list a house without a listing contract that ties you into an actual contract?
 
This weeks ActiveRain University Webinar will talk about just that!  Ways to … (27 comments)

Are you Ready to BUY A HOME? Step 3: STARTING YOUR SEARCH - 05:38 AM
One of the most frequently asked questions is "What is the best way to go about buying a home?" Whether you are a first time buyer, moving to a bigger home or even a smaller home here in New Hampshire, these steps can help make your buying process be less stressfull. As a Leading Agent here in the Manchester NH area I strive to make the Buying process a wonderful experience for my clients by working with them through ALL steps of the buying process.
The THIRD STEP in the BUYING PROCESS is STARTING YOUR SEARCH: After you have found a … (27 comments)

Should you set an offer date for your home for sale? - 10:02 PM
Should you set an offer date for your home for sale?Who turned on the switch? Just a few months ago, we were lucky if we got an offer on our listings within the first 30-60 days. And most of us dared not set offer date because what if we gave a party and no one came?Then it seemed like someone turned on the switch, opened the spigot, and here come all the buyers! 
Not that it’s a bad thing :)Today, in areas where there is low inventory and brisk activity, it’s almost a given that we should set an offer … (31 comments)

The Great Thing About Being In Real Estate, You Are Always Learning. - 04:30 PM
I received my real estate license in January of 1982, yes I know that's a long time.  In 1981, I was going to school and working at Sears trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life.  My mom mentioned real estate and it just happened that Century 21 was going to be doing a introduction class about real estate that week.  I attended the class and thought it was interesting so I decided to sign up for the class that preps you for the state exam. A few months later I was taking the exam and passed.
Now … (31 comments)

Are FSBOs for the Dogs? - 04:48 AM
Are FSBOs for the Dogs?This has been an interesting week. We just got a new puppy, Etta. Someone found her behind a commercial building and we decided to try to help find her a new home. Personally, I hate the dog pound and shelters and would never dream of handing over this adorable dog to them. The bureaucracy and high fees, the holier than thou attitude, the policies about who should or shouldn’t have a pet, and their overall stranglehold on the pooch market I find distasteful. Boy do I have my reasons! And right now in Santa Maria, there are … (71 comments)

Where Will I Be At The End Of The Year In ActiveRain? - 10:49 PM
Where will I be at the end of the year in the ActiveRain Network? I have discovered an unbelievable source of information, community and fellowship with a Big, Big Bonus of how to be found on Google.
ActiveRain has uncovered this mystery for me and I am in the process as an old timer in the real estate business and a newbie to ActiveRain of exploring all the possibilities available to me as a Rainmaker. I am on a huge learning curve (remember I'm no spring chicken) but so excited about the challenge. So where will I be at the end … (49 comments)

NEXT! how rude do you have to be to say this? - 03:33 PM
Today I have been reading a lot of blog comments today and I am very disappointed in how many agents think that this is an acceptable way to treat the public, do you think that you work for the department of motor vehicles?
I understand that rude prospects, clients and colleagues can sometimes put us into a bad mood but to dismiss them rudely is not the answer.
Any professional should have enough sense and patience to work through a problem and work out a solution rather than rudely yelling NEXT!
When temped to yell this, ask yourself if you really … (38 comments)

Top Ways to Spot an Online Scammer - 07:51 AM

Several years ago I purchased an online company against my better judgement...you know..that gutt feeling when something feels too good to be true. It was only a few thousand dollars and $100 monthly hosting, so I gave it a shot. It was the worst experience I have ever had in business. Satisfaction was always an up-charge and tech-support call away...
  Even though I now feel scammed, it was a valuable education, and well worth the price in pride and money in the end.   These guys walk the line between legit and not so legit, so sometimes they are hard to detect. In the … (72 comments)


Blog posts


$1,600,000 Commercial 114 Units, 1.65 Acres Georgia Economy Flag Hotel - 02:19 PM
Good Income, Seller Financing with $500k down, Georgia Economy Flag Hotel … (0 comments)

First RealEstate.com Homepage Winner - 10:16 AM
RealEstate.com's homepage is full of beautiful real estate photos  They recently hosted a Homepage Photo Challenge where people were encouraged to submit their photos for a chance to win a spot on the homepage.  Hundreds of entries came pouring in and were narrowed down to just 10.  Facebook then hosted the voting process and your votes spawned a winner!
Ladies and Gentlemen the votes are in, they've been counted and recounted and it's our pleasure to announce the winner.....
Amy Hahn from Morehead City, NC!!

We got in touch with Amy to get a bit of the back story on … (63 comments)

7 year old home with 3 Bedrooms/2Baths - 10:56 AM
Great location! Easy commute to Olympia. 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 … (1 comments)

Fawn Lake Market Report Located in Mason County WA for May 2012 - 11:23 AM
Fawn Lake Market Report Located in Mason County WA for May 2012
Fawn Lake is a gated community located on the Olympia side of Shelton. The community is built around private 70 acre lake.
Homes
There are currently 10 homes for sale in Fawn lake ranging in price from $50,000 - $217,000 for a 1992 waterfront home.

In the past year, six homes have sold in the community with sale prices ranging from $39,000,000 to $221,000 for a waterfront home. This equals the number of homes sold in the prior year.
Vacant Land
Currently there are 9 lots for sale … (1 comments)

Lake Limerick Real Estate Market Report Shelton, Mason County for May 2012 - 11:39 AM
Lake Limerick Real Estate Market Report Shelton, Mason County May 2012
Residential
YTD 2012
Sales - 18
Price range - $25,00 - $330,000
Current Active Listings - 28
Price range $64,900 - $449,900
Vacant Land
Sales - 1
Price Range - $6,000
Current Active Listings - 43
Price range $5,000 - $219,950
Lake Limerick Country Club is a private community located in Shelton Washington, (Mason County) with over 1,100 homes and recreational lots. The community has many amenities: A 9-hole golf course and pro shop with a cafe is open to the public. An Inn with a members-only restaurant and bar. … (0 comments)

Nashua NH ~ Best Fitness Invites you to outdoor Zumba® Fest - 05:35 AM
Best Fitness in Nashua, New Hampshire invites YOU to
OUTDOOR ZUMBA® FEST
 
This event is open to the public and the cost is $10 ~ all proceeds will support the Gray Matter Brain Cancer Foundation. 
When:  Saturday, May 19th
Where: Best Fitness
55 Northeastern Blvd
Time:    9:00 am - 11:00 am
Cost:     $10
CHECK IN REQUIRED BEFORE PARTICIPATING
Tour Best Fitness

~ ENJOY A DAY OF FUN AND FITNESS ~
OUTDOOR DEMONSTRATIONS
THERE WILL BE GIVEAWAYS & RAFFLES AS WELL
 
EVERYONE IS WELCOME ~ HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Discover the New Hampshire Advantage 
New … (23 comments)

Taking too Long for Google to Index Landfall Real Estate blog Posts - 09:34 AM
2 weeks since the Landfall real estate blog last indexed by Google 2 months ago I started blogging about Landfall homes in Wilmington North Carolina. Intense blog posts have been written with much market data and analysis taking hours and hours. And it is beyond frustrating to have google ignore it for weeks while I stay on page 2 of the results. This is a "new" website 2 months old breaking into a new market altogether. So it's useful as a case study learn from. Right now the domain ranks #13, 14 and 15 in for "landfall homes for sale wilmington". … (1 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales for April 2012 - MODESTO - 03:00 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales for April 2012 - MODESTO
 
The sales figures for Modesto California for April 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Modesto.
 
 
Total Sales - 261   (231 sold in April 2011)
 
Bank owned Sales - 96  which was 37% of all sales.
 
Short Sales - 61 which was 23% of all sales
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 60% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in Modesto during April 2012 was $22,500.   
 
The highest price home … (1 comments)

Homes in Keller are expected to increase in value - 06:01 PM
 
While many homeowners were royally screwed by the disturbances in the housing market just a few years ago. The housing prices in Keller, Texas were extremely resilient to decreases in their value. This is a testament to just how strong the demand and real estate market is with regards to this city. Investing in a home or even any property in the growing city is clearly a good choice if you’re looking to make a return. Forgetting the business side of buying a home here, the properties are some of the nicest being offered through out the state.
Quality and … (0 comments)

Stowe Weekend of Hope - Held in Stowe, VT - 11:41 AM
Stowe Weekend of Hope - Held in Stowe, Vermont
During the first weekend of May (since May of 2000), the Stowe Weekend of Hope Planning Committee puts together a three day event in Stowe, Vermont.  The weekend is jam-packed with amazing speakers, inspirational talks and workshops and exciting entertainment. 
Also there is a Green Ribbon Campaign of local businesses which donate 10% of their sales during the weekend to the event.  Many of the hotel and inn rooms are free to the cancer survivors.  The event has grown every year.  Stowe has a large number of volunteers who put this gathering together.  … (4 comments)

Quick Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update – May 4 to 11, 2012 - 05:13 PM

Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes:
 
Active Listings: 71
* Short Sales – 5
* Bank Owned/REO – 0
 
Of the 71 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 15 had their List Price decreased, and 3 of them actually increased in list price...continue reading
… (0 comments)

Great Week to Visit Helen - 03:49 PM
This week would be a great time to visit Helen, Ga.  The rain should be gone and everything is green and pretty.  Don't forget to make plans to stop at all the shops in Nacoochee Village, including Habersham Winery!  If wine is not to your taste, just hop across the street to get coffee at Jumping Goats. Enjoy and let me know what you like best about your visit to Helen!
… (0 comments)

CALLING ALL INVESTORS! COMMERCIAL LAND FOR SALE IN MONTGOMERY NY - 07:35 AM
… (0 comments)

Another Fabulous Home SOLD by your Loudoun County Real Estate Experts! - 10:13 AM
We know - these great homes are moving FAST in Northern Virginia! But, don't worry! We have other great homes that will fit your needs and then some! Contact your Loudoun County Real Estate experts at Ask Gina & Company today and let us unlock the possibilities! 703-574-3478 Hot Potato! This Awesome Single Family for Townhouse Price Won t Last Long! … (2 comments)

3 Brokers and Public Open in Buckingham Twp PA - 09:04 AM
Tuesday 12 to 2
2344 Deer Meadow Ln Furlong PA 18925

 ( Buckingham Forest)
 MLS6048864 $649,900 Lunch; Hearthy Soup Wednesday 12 to 2 4160 Herbst Dr Doylestown PA 18902

 (Cold Spring Hunt)
MLS 6039923 $500,000 (Henri) Lunch 4223 Sir Andrew Cir Doylestown PA 18902
 (Buckingham Sqare)

 MLS 6046826 $384,900 (Jeri)
… (0 comments)

Economic Calendar for this week (5/14/2012) - 10:17 AM
ECONOMIC CALENDAR: Tuesday: Consumer Price Index, Retail Sales, Empire State Mfg. Survey, Treasury International Capital, Business Inventories, Housing Market Index
Wednesday: Housing Starts, Industrial Production, EIA Petroleum Status Report, FOMC MinutesThursday: Jobless Claims, Philadelphia Fed Survey
 
… (0 comments)

Downtown St Pete Movies in the Park - 07:47 AM
Downtown St Pete has movies in North Straub Park every Thursday in May. What a wonderful place to enjoy dinner overlooking the water while waiting for the movie to start. Music begins at 7 and the movie starts at dark. Bring your own picnic or buy food from some of the Saturday Morning Market vendors. Movies are free but donations are appreciated.
Thursday, May 19:  Some Like It Hot (1959) Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon
 
Thursday, May 28: North by Northwest (1959) Hitchcock thriller with Cary Grant.
 
May Music and Movies in the Park
 
and if you're … (0 comments)

"Can You (Realtor) Cut a Deal if I dump my Buyer Agent?" - 09:58 AM
Healthy real estate market in Northern Virginia area is facing a huge issue with low inventory. Blessed with great referrals I do have decent number of listings in the market that end up getting multiple offers.  While I am very clear with my sellers that I don't represent DUAL agency. However with increasing low inventory and desperation to buy a home with low interest rate the buyers are willing to go any route to get the home. On several of occasion I have received a call or at my open house  prospect buyers asking me "SELLER & I (Realtor ®) would … (4 comments)

Traditional Sale Town home for sale in Broadlands South/Ashburn/VA - 10:35 AM
Traditional Sale + Gorgeous Almost 3000 Sq. ft. Brick Front Town home in Loudoun County Broadloands South 21895 Schenley Ter, Ashburn, Virginia 20148 Unique Features include: Three level extension. Separate with step down living & dining room with gleaming hardwood flooring Gourmet Kitchen  with ceramic title diagonally laid down, profile appliances including gas cook top, microwave & oven combo, Corian counter top & sink, 9+ feet ceilings, ample of cabinet space along with double door pantry. Enjoy this summer on over sized no maintenance Trex deck. Master suite with vaulted ceiling, sitting room and a walk in closet. Master bath offers … (1 comments)

How Low Will Rates Go - 10:07 AM
For the second consecutive week, fixed-rate mortgages reached new all-time records lows, offering another big boost to home buyer affordability. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.83 percent for the week ending May 10, posting a new record low from last week’s 3.84 percent average. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage also posted a new record, averaging 3.05 percent this week. Network Real Estate in Wilmington NC is a full service real estate firm. Let one of thier agents help you find the home of your dreams. With low rates now is the time to make the move. Wilmington NC real estate is one … (2 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2012-05-14

 Archives:

31 May
30 May
29 May
28 May
27 May
26 May
25 May
24 May
23 May
22 May
21 May
20 May
19 May
18 May
17 May
16 May
15 May
14 May
13 May
12 May
11 May
10 May
9 May
8 May
7 May
6 May
5 May
4 May
3 May
2 May
1 May
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
February 2011
January 2011
December 2010
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006