Archives of real estate blog entries for May 25, 2012

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Disagree with Zestimate using Zillow Comment Feature - 12:17 PM
Disagree with Zestimate using Zillow Comment Feature
Disagree with Zestimate using Comment Feature
Zillow posted a new instructional video so one may Disagree with Zestimate using Comment Feature. Often real estate professionals disagree with the amounts in a Zestimate. Often homeowners disagree as well. Zillow itself states that there is a margin of error when they are pricing homes or condos. Nonetheless, the Zestimate is there for all to see and have whatever effect it has. Now individuals may comment and add details that were missing in the Zestimate text. Add a new Kitchen? Fully finished basement? New Roof? Comment on … (39 comments)

Communication - The #1 requirement to be successful in real estate - 10:00 AM
Communication - The  #1 requirement to be successful in real estate- I meet with a lot of new agents and many of them ask what the top skill to be successful is in real estate? Many of them tell me they are personable or good with people or they have been told that they would make a great real estate agent by a friend or acquaintance that is already in real estate.
 One of the most common comments I have heard people say over the years is "I have been told I have the gift of gab and that I would … (25 comments)

Condo Associations are Like Condoms - 11:37 AM

Condos & The Ultimate Protection Plan. One of my agents shared a funny story with me this evening. She has a buyer who is very interested in writing an offer on a condo. However, the complex is not fully occupied and the Condo Association is not yet in place.
My agent contacted the bank who funded the development and voiced her concern regarding who would be responsible for the exterior maintenance of the complex. The Banker responded that each condo owner would be responsible. My agent asked what type of protection her buyer would have in the unfortunate event of a … (40 comments)

Homebuying FAQs: Why Do I Need an Inspection? - 02:42 PM
By now, you have found the home you wish to buy, and it is under contract.  Congratulations!  You are on your way to owning that great home, after some due diligence....
One of the first steps to take - after calling your lender and making sure loan process is under way - is to hire a Home Inspector.  Realtors and Home Inspectors work hand in hand during this part of the process, and your REALTOR may know several good, trustworthy inspectors.  Do your own research as well: you will want to be sure that the inspector is bonded and insured, and is … (11 comments)

Purchasing Waterfront Property In Palm Harbor Florida - Tips & Advice - 03:15 PM
Purchasing Waterfront Property In Palm Harbor Florida - Tips & Advice
What are some of the things you need to know about purchasing waterfront property here in the Palm Harbor Florida area:
Type of Waterfront: The term 'waterfront' can mean anything here from direct ocean access and view to being on a salt water canal with direct ocean access, salt water canal with fixed bridges, canals with no ocean access, fresh water canals and lakes, ponds and even retention ponds. ALL of these are 'waterfront' classifications!
Sea Walls: If you are purchasing waterfront property and there is a seawall, you need … (23 comments)

FAQ: Florida Real Estate Taxes - 04:09 AM
FAQ: Florida Real Estate Taxes
I am constantly asked, “How much are the real estate taxes on this home?”  Now, like some, I can just go ahead and answer this question, but by doing so, I am not giving the questioner a fair answer, unless they really are only interested in what the current owners real estate taxes are.If the questioner really means, “How much will my real estate taxes be if I purchase this property?”, the answer is a bit more involved.In Florida, real estate taxes are based on the current market value of the home minus a certain … (26 comments)

Happy Memorial Day from ActiveRain! - 01:05 PM
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!
Never Forget


Never forget the tens of thousands who spilled their blood so me, mine, you, and yours don’t have to. Thank you to those of you who serve, or those of you who have loved ones who serve. Words cannot describe my thankfulness for their sacrifice ♥
We over here in South Lake Union will be out of the office Monday, May 28th as we observe Memorial Day with our loved ones. Don’t panic! We’ll be back Tuesday, May 29th to handle all the emails and love notes our dear members have sent us over … (26 comments)

Sure Come On In... An Impromptu Showing - 05:36 PM
Sure Come On In...An Impromptu Showing  
Today I was at my fabulous log cabin listing at 202 Pinewood Dr. meeting with the Sellers. It was update time of what the market is doing and what is planned for marketing. After our meeting we took a break on the front porch when a car drove up and stopped. You could tell they were looking intently at the home so I waved and motioned them in. My sellers asked if I knew them and I said no but I am about to.   After showing the buyers this beautiful home and getting their information we … (25 comments)

June 2, 2012 Night Hike - Things to do in Marana - 02:43 PM
June 2, 2012 Night Hike - Things to do in Marana
National Trails Day is fast approaching!

June 2nd, the American Hiking Society purposes to inspire folks to discover, enjoy, and learn about the wonderful opportunities we have to celebrate our outdoors.  National Trails Day seeks to celebrate with trail dedications, work projects and educational opportunities held each year.

If you're looking for things to do in Marana, residents and visitors to Oro Valley, Marana, and Tucson should meet on the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton at 6:45 p.m. at the Wild Burrow Trailhead, 15000 North Secret Springs Drive, Marana. … (14 comments)

FAQ #10 ........ Are There Any No Money Down Programs Available For Me - 02:04 PM
My Final Frequently Asked Questions blog inAnna 'Banana' Kruchten  ActiveRain contest in which we are to respond to the 10 most frequently asked questions that we are asked most often, is a question that I am asked frequently by both First Time Buyers and Existing Homeowners. 
"FAQ #10 ......... Are There Any No Money Down Programs Available For Me?"
 This is a question that I expect to get from First Time Homebuyers, but was a little surprised at first when I started to be asked this from Existing Homeowner.  But I should not have been surprised that Existing Homeowner were asking this question … (12 comments)

No, They Are Not You… - 11:27 PM
My clients bought a condo unit in Bella Vista in Daytona Beach Shores for a very good price. They still have money and are thinking of investing, but are very particular about the buildings. It has to be a nice one, and nice one by their standards. When in 2 months the listing agent called me about the short sale he had there and said that the bank agreed to a very significantly reduced priced (by $100K), I sent my clients an e-mail suggesting that they buy this unit, and then resell for a nice profit. They ask questions. They need … (49 comments)

DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HOME SELLER IS GOING AFTER YOU SELL THEIR HOME? - 07:32 AM
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR HOME SELLER IS  GOING AFTER YOU SELL THEIR HOME?I was surprised recently to find out that only 10% of the Realtors in my Office know what their clients(Home Sellers) are doing or where they would like to live after they Sell their home.In a recent meeting with my Manager ...he said “Many of the Realtors do not know what their clients are doing after the Sell their home”...
In a discussion today with Tammy Emineth a SEO Copywriter on Active Rain, she agreed that seems to be Normal..Realtors are you asking where your clients are going … (69 comments)

Supreme Court Says Discount Points Don't Equal Lower Rate - 03:20 PM
Supreme Court Says Discount Points Don't Equal Lower Rate
Wow, I don't want to get all giddy here, but this looks like some common sense! According to an article written by Brian Collins in National Mortgage News, the supreme court ruled in favor of Quicken loans regarding a suit where the borrowers say there was a RESPA violation.
The borrowers felt if they paid a discount point they should have received a lower rate for it. The lender says they did; they say they did not.
Who Cares? What I care about is by ruling in favor of the lender the Supreme … (13 comments)

I May Not be The Listing Agent But I Can Certainly Help You - 10:36 AM
I receive calls all the time from people searching Los Angeles homes for sale on my site asking if I am the listing agent on a particular property.  I wish all the properties found online were my listings…..
When I say I am not, sometimes people will say thank you, and try and find the listing agent thinking they are going to get a deal.  It’s not that I blame them.  Logically you would think that would be the case:  the seller is paying commission for both sides of the deal, 50% to the listing agent, and 50% to the buyer’s agent.  So, if the listing agent represents the buyer (dual … (50 comments)

Ormond By the Sea Florida Consumer FAQ Post #4 - 03:03 AM
Ormond By the Sea Florida Consumer FAQ Post #4How much will my taxes be on this property?
This question is best answered by the Volusia County  Property appraiser’s office. contact them directly at (386) 254-4601.
Generally the county property appraiser sets the property values and the county and other taxing authorities determine the rates. Other factors enter the picture as well, such as a homestead and other exemptions. Taxable values are established once a year and are a year behind. For example, the taxable values for 2013 taxes will generally be based on eligible sales in 2012.Ocean View Realty Group can … (12 comments)

Got Cash? Many Charlotte Home Buyers DO and They're Competing with YOU! - 08:22 PM
How are you planning to purchase Charlotte NC real estate? Cash Buyers have been dominating the Charlotte NC real estate market for the past two years.  Wise investors (just as Warren Buffett advised doing) have been increasing their inventory by leaps and bounds and smart individual home buyers are doing the same.  Not just with cash but, with the use of conventional, FHA, VA loans and 203K loans.   During the past 90 days, cash buyers accounted for 32% of the home buyers in Charlotte NC.  Of the 5,506 cash buyers over the past 90 days, 76 of them have purchased properties over $1,000,000.  … (23 comments)

Preparing a Home to Sell - 03:45 PM
There’s just no getting around it: if you want top dollar for your house you’ll have to do some work. Just as you’d wash or detail your car before putting it on the market - and maybe glue down something that’s come loose - so goes your house.If you think back to when you were house hunting, you can most likely vividly recall the messy, dirty houses. The ones that made you hesitant to touch anything. The ones you wouldn’t consider buying because they were such a mess. Are you getting the picture?Moving is hard work. The last thing a potential … (15 comments)

10,000 Baby Boomers Turning 65 Every Day For The Next 20 Years - 01:47 PM
10,000 Baby Boomers Turning 65 Every Day For The Next 20 Years
To The Tune of 77,000,000.
The trend in our market shows that Baby Boomers will be downsizing to smaller homes, condos, retirement communities, manufactured home communitites and even un assisted or assisted retirement homes.  This transelates to more affordable housing requirements for the most part.
Mc Mansions, will be in less demand albeit there is a viable and ripe demographic for upscale retirement communities with all the bells and whistles i.e. golf courses, bocce ball courts, health spas, nicely appointed dining facilities and even entertainemt venues for plays, concerts and … (33 comments)

Yard Sale Saves Family's Home in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho - 11:04 PM
Janna Rankin Scharf, PMN, SFR, GRI, CLHMS - Coeur d'Alene, Idaho homes for sale
There was a heart warming story in the local news this week.  Seems a family of 8 was facing foreclosure of their home if they didn't come up with $1005.  Having been unemployed until recently, the newly employed dad wouldn't have received pay enough in time.
This family of 8 lives in a double wide mobile home on five rural acres.  They came up with a plan.  They announced a yard sale to save their home.  They would have a yard sale, and sell everything they own, anything they had … (18 comments)

Is it better to have the seller pay closing costs? - 11:20 AM
"I want the seller to pay the closing costs, don't I?"  That is a question I get from both first time and experienced buyers.  And my advise to them may not be the same as other agents, but after you read what my advise is and the WHY behind it, perhaps you will change your mind about it too. 
With it being the rare exception buyers and lenders are the only ones who come to the closing table with money.  In my 20 years in this business I can count the time seller brought funds to the table on one hand.  … (47 comments)


Blog posts


$3,250,000 Commercial, 57 Bedrooms 24 Acres Guadalajara Mexico Spa - 12:58 PM
Hot Springs Special Purpose Retreat - Resort - Health Care - Mexico Spa Haven - 24 acres safely in the Primavera Forest … (0 comments)

Hood Canal Beach House - 04:04 PM
Hood Canal Waterfront Home
Hood Canal Waterfront home on nearly 4 acres with tideland rights. Envision the good times you'll have in this perfectly crafted home set on your own private beach and all that Hood Canal has to offer. Accurately described as "Top of the Line", this home features a gourmet kitchen with island, quartz counters, custom cabinets, hardwoods, floor to ceiling windows, main floor master complete with it's own 5 piece bath and heated floors. You've worked hard to earn it, now it's time to enjoy!
http://www.brettsellshouses.com/listing/361131-244-franks-lane-quilcene-wa-98376/


 
Brett Tousley is the managing broker and owner of … (0 comments)

Better Than New Fawn Lake Home - 11:36 AM
Better-than-new home Better-than-new home w/central air, vaulted ceilings, skylights, lake&mountain views from a private deck and gardens. Split floor plan, new carpeting, 5-pc MBath, gas fireplace, spacious kitchen w/pantry, wet bar, super insulation: R33 flr, R38 ceiling, R21 walls; 14x33 & 10x12 outbuildings, potting shed, ample parking, and single carport!

… (0 comments)

New Hampshire Celebrates Memorial Day - 08:31 AM
    New Hampshire Memorial Day Observances
Freedom is not Free
  We honor our military men and women and their families who pay a heavy price to help keep America safe and to insure our freedoms.  We thank them and we remember and honor those who have have made the the ultimate sacrifice.
  
     "Their wounds are both physical and emotional.  Many have significant medical challenges while others are homeless.  Families are strained trying to cared for loved ones who have come back with injuries. So, on Memorial Day we not only remember those who have given their lives … (9 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #1 Closing Date - 10:02 AM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #1 - Closing Date
I help people make lots of offers when they are Buying a Home. Often times when people find the home they want they just look at me and tell me to make an offer at a certain price. But there is so much more that goes into making an offer.
In this series of post I am going to cover 10 Things You Need to Consider when Making an Offer on a Home: Number 1 – Closing Date.
When Preparing an Offer on a … (3 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #2– Deposit - 11:02 AM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #2– Deposit
This is the 2nd in a series on what goes into Making an Offer on a Home other than price. Many Home Buyers do not understand how complex the offer process is. This is to answer those questions.
Number 2 – The Deposit.
I think the first thing most people want to know about the deposit is – Will I get it back if we do not buy the house? Or – Does this count towards the purchase price?
The deposit does count towards the purchase price … (5 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #3 – Down Payment - 11:26 AM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #3 – Down Payment
This is our 3rd installment on other than price what do you need to know when Making an Offer on a Home. Home Buying is complex and there are many considerations.
Number 3 – The Down Payment.
For most Home Buyers the amount of down payment will be dictated by the loan and how much down payment is required. However, there can be an advantage to a larger down payment.
A Large Down Payment tells the Seller you are serious and have the funds to … (1 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #4 – Loan Type - 11:53 AM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #4 – Loan Type
The Type of Loan you have is very important when Making an Offer on a Home. This is our 4th post and will cover Loan Type.
Number 4 – The Loan Type.
For a Home Buyer the Type of Loan you are getting is very important for a number of reasons and will be disclosed on the offer form. Certain types of loans are easier to close on than others. Certain types of loans take longer to close. Some loans (like FHA) have stricter requirements … (1 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #5 – Credits - 12:46 PM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #5 – Credits
Credits are a very important consideration when Making an Offer on a Home. In our 5th post I will explain Credits to you.
Number 5 – Credits.
Many Home Buyers do not know what Credits are or how they are used. When Buying a Home there are different expenses both on the purchase and on the loan. A buyer can request a credit, generally a %, but sometimes a flat dollar amount on the offer. This money can be used to pay those expenses.
The nice … (0 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #6 – Contingencies - 01:17 PM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #6 – Contingencies
When Making an Offer on a Home the Contingencies define obligations under the contract and time frames that the escrow should move forward. In our 6th post I will cover Contingencies.
Number 6 – Contingencies.
When Buying a Home you will define in Preparing Your Home Purchase offer that time frame for Loan Approval, Inspections, Appraisals, and the Seller Delivery of Documentation.
These time frames are called Contingencies. Most contracts have default Contingencies in the contract, but can be altered. An example is a contract … (3 comments)

Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #7 – Expenses - 02:10 PM
Buying a Home – 10 Things to Know when Make an Offer #7 – Expenses
When Making an Offer on a Home there will be a division of expenses between the Home Buyer and Home Seller. In the 7th post we will cover Expenses.
Number 7 – Expenses.
When Buying a Home there are Expenses that need to be attributed to one party or the other in the contract. These can be Title & Escrow Cost, Transfer Taxes, Home Warranties, and even different inspections; although in this market generally speaking buyers pay for the inspections.
An Expense is different from the … (0 comments)

Farmers Markets and Fruit Stands in Stanislaus County - Part 2 - 11:07 AM
Farmers Markets and Fruit Stands in Stanislaus County - Part 2
Today I was able to visit another one of the many farmers markets in Stanislaus County.  This one was the Friday morning Turlock Farmers Market.  The Turlock Farmers Market is held downtown on Broadway at Main St.  In addition to the delicious looking produce available there were spices, humus, jams and jellies, baked goods and some delicious English Toffee.   How do I know it was delicious?  Let's just say a bag of that toffee somehow ended up in my office.
The Turlock Farmers Market is held every Friday from May … (3 comments)

The Fear Of The Short Sale - 05:20 AM
As you may know, I list and sell a fair amount of Short Sales in Florida. One of the many issues I face is Sellers who are all gung ho about doing a Short Sale and then they disappear. At any given time I could have a dozen listing packages out there that I am waiting on to be completed and returned. The Sellers and I have spent time on the phone discussing their situation and the way forward. All that’s left is for them to complete the paperwork and get it back to me.
Then...nothing. Nada. Zilch. No response and … (9 comments)

Check Out All The Events Planned On The Outer Banks In June - 05:18 AM
… (1 comments)

4102 BREAKVIEW DR # 10203 Orlando FL 32819 ISLES AT CAY COMMONS - 08:37 AM
4102 BREAKVIEW DR # 10203 Orlando FL 32819                                                                   $$$ 149,900 $$$
Don't miss this amazing 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with handicap accessible features!  From your foyer to your spacious great room, imagine your personal touches adorning the walls.  You'll love the kitchen pass-through, allowing you to keep an eye on the action when grabbing a quick snack, or preparing a feast.  Step onto your covered patio to enjoy your favorite beverage and a good book, or head off for a walk around the lake.  Meet your neighbors at your community clubhouse and pool, or on the putting green.  You're minutes from … (0 comments)

Who is Ernest and Why Should I give him Money to Buy a House ? - 03:52 AM
    We take soooo much for granted....the terms we use every day....this "question" contest....thank you Banana Lady...made us search our memory for this question....when we were Newbies and had no outline of the steps that are required in the purchase of a house.
     Ernest is not really the character pictured at the left...he is not really a character at all...Ernest is Earnest.....Investopedia defines Earnest  Money as: A deposit made to a seller showing the buyer's good faith in a transaction. You as a buyer, are showing the Sellers YOUR character...what you are willing to financially show them to secure an … (7 comments)

BRAND NEW HOUSE! COMPLETE & READY FOR OCCUPANCY!!! - 08:26 AM
… (2 comments)

Memorial Day Happenings in Bucks County, Yardley, Newtown - 11:12 AM

 
It may be a bit cloudy for our long Memorial Day weekend, but visitors and residents of Yardley, Newton and all of Bucks County can still relax with family and friends, and enjoy some special holiday activities and celebrations. Below are a few. Enjoy your weekend!
 
 
 
Memorial Day Celebrations and Parades
 
Yardley – Makefield Township
 
7:00am - 21-gun salutes at Slate Hill, Saint Andrews and Saint Ignatius cemeteries.
 
9:00am – Ceremony at Yardley Veterans Monument
 
11:00am - Yardley-Makefield Memorial Day Parade starting on North Main Street
 
 
 
Washington Crossing
… (0 comments)

FHA may ease rules for mortgages on condos and the possible effects on Pensacola Real Estate - 06:44 PM
FHA may ease rules for mortgages on condos and the possible effects on Pensacola Real Estate
 
It could change some condo rules that currently disqualify up to 75% of units for FHA's low-down payment mortgages. Read more.
The revisions could strip away some of the barriers that have deterred condos’ homeowner association boards from seeking FHA approvals or recertifications of their buildings for FHA loans over the last year and a half.Units in a building currently cannot be sold to buyers with FHA mortgages unless the entire property has been approved for financing.
Would you like information on buying or … (0 comments)

Citizens closes $750M 'historic' bond deal and it's effect on Pensacola. - 06:45 PM
Citizens closes $750M 'historic' bond deal and it's effect on Pensacola.
 
State-owned insurer says it reduces the chance it will have to assess all Fla. policyholders following a major storm. Read more.
Citizens Chairman Carlos Lacasa said the sale – nearly three times larger than originally planned – is said to be the largest of its kind, and a significant development in how the state chooses to protect itself from damages that exceed its ability to pay.“(This is) a historic day for the state of Florida in reducing the potential for assessments on all Florida policyholders after a catastrophic event,” … (0 comments)

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