Archives of real estate blog entries for May 6, 2012

Featured blog posts


Should I Get A Sitter? Yes. Yes Please. - 04:45 AM

 
I'll never forget the day I met Jack and Jill and their two young hellions...  I mean kids.  The son was six, the daughter was four.  They were both out of control.  
It was cute at first.  Then as the son knocked the vase off of the coffee table in the living room because he was practicing wind sprints, and then the daughter decided to stand on my feet, grab my pockets, and look up at me and scream bloody hell...  
The cuteness quickly wore off.  :)  
This time around I was only showing them one … (78 comments)

Davidsonville MD Real Estate - Homes for Sale in Harbor Hills Sub-division, May 6, 2012 - 01:52 AM
One of the Premiere communities in all of Anne Arundel County, Harbor Hills in Davidsonville has everything a new homeowner needs. Prices in the upscale Harbor Hills community currently begin at $700,000.Outdoor pool, community center, tennis courts and a community marina are available to all Harbor Hills residents.If you’re looking for a home in Harbor Hills, or any of the surrounding areas, I can help. Call Rich at 443-995-9595.
Showing properties 1 - 4 of 4. See more Davidsonville - Harbor Hills. (all data current as of 5/6/2012)
$1,195,000 : 3451 Merrimac Rd, Davidsonville 4 beds, 2 full, 3 part baths Lot size: 2.48 … (9 comments)

Speechless Sunday: Real Colonial House - 08:05 PM

This is an adorable little cottage in the historic section of Wiliamsburg, Virginia.  It probably dates back to the early 1700's.    And I'm guessing that it started off as the kitchen to the really big house next door.
 
If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help!  I am licensed in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.  You may call, email or text me at: 
Housepat@mac.com, 202-549-5167
SEARCH ALL LISTINGS IN THE DC METRO AREA
CHECK OUT MY LATEST BLOG IN THE WASHINGTON POST!
… (36 comments)

I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day And It's Time I Showed You! April 29- May 5, 2012 - 04:22 AM
I've Always Said I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  April 29-- May 5, 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.  It could be something techie, about Real Estate, about a place or person!April  29: Mike Cooper-  Is Another Wave of REO’s Coming? MaybeI keep hearing about more foreclosures coming and I also hear of how things are picking up.  Read what Mike has to say.April  30: Richard Weisser- Before You Go On That Listing Presentation … (36 comments)

Are You Sure You Want to Sell Your Home? Because It Doesn't Seem Like It.... - 01:21 PM
After a weekend of showing my out of town buyers multiple homes, it seems like there are several sellers out there who may not actually want to sell their homes...
They've done all the "right" things initially.  There are great descriptions in the MLS, accompanied by multiple professional-looking photos.  There are great bragging points in the descriptions - "New Roof!" "Slab Granite!" and "Pottery-Barn Perfect!"  The prices seem fairly reasonable.
So, my buyers called me and gave me their list of must-see homes.  And several of them were still available, so I started to call the showing service....
This is where … (61 comments)

IS THE MARKET GOING UP OR IS THE MARKET GOING DOWN? - 06:34 PM
 
IS THE MARKET GOING UP OR IS THE MARKET GOING DOWN? It depends. It depends on what market statistics you are looking at whether the title can read Market Recovery or Market Decline. Is there a real estate recovery or is this just a blip in the radar of a longer cycle that we are still on the downside of? For the 7th month, home prices of nondistressed properties have declined, according to Inman News. On the other hand, Pending Sales are up in March, an indicator of a real estate recovery, according to the National Associaiton of Realtors. The … (31 comments)

Blog Up People: Consumers are Relying on Us to be the Authority - 11:53 AM
Blog Up People:  Consumers are Relying  on Us to be the Authority
And frankly I don't want to let them down.   We all know how national data can skew the picture of our respective markets.  Consumers are relying on us to be the authority so let's be that and blog about how the national statistics relate to our markets.  Give the people the information that they need in order to make wise decisions.
How about the seller that insist on grossly overpricing their homes.  Take the bait and take the listing or lose a listing now in order to take … (31 comments)

Nashville, What A Great City To Visit - 04:51 AM
Nashville, What A Great City To Visit My husband and I love to travel and visit different areas. But like everyone else, our schedules are hectic. So when my husband had the opportunity to attend a conference in Nashville, we jumped at the chance to go. Nashville, what a great city to visit.
We stayed at the Renaissance Marriott located walking distance from Nashville's The District. The Marriott offered excellent service and the food in the restaurants was tops. I usually shy away from hotel food, but their food was quiet good and reasonably priced.
As we walked down Broadway, the energy was … (18 comments)

Over Easy In Scottsdale - Mc Dowell Mountain Ranch - 02:48 AM
Looking for a great breakfast /brunch in North Scottsdale. Check out Over Easy /Scottsdale, created by Chef Aaron May a member of the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame. 
Over Easy/Scottsdale is conveniently located next door to the Ice Den and has quickly become my favorite Scottsdale eatery. Why has it become my favorite? I love breakfast! It's my favorite meal and I could eat breakfast at any hour of the day or all day long at Over Easy/Scottsdale, really, just seat me in a booth where I can recline and rest from time to time and I'll start on the … (15 comments)

Open House you want me to do your job? - 04:23 AM
A  month ago, I had a couple visit my open house. I did the usual introductions, asked for identification, and provided the disclosure.  As they were signing the disclosure, they told me they were working with another agent who also had their home listed, and she had suggested that they view my property.  I said "fine, no problem, I'll be glad to show you the home." After all, that is in my clients best interest.  A month goes by, no call from the agent, and after a price reduction, I am doing another open house on the same property.  Of course, … (72 comments)

(not so) Speechless Sundae ~ 5.6.12... - 02:15 AM
(not so) Speechless Sundae...      In our respective businesses, the vehicles we drive are a necessity, and they make a statement. They reflect our personalities, our status as well as fit into our sense of practicality - i.e. how useful are they to our industry?     I, for one, have always been about style, practicality and economy. I was the first person to purchase a Prius in Williamson County TN back in 2005. Well, some 157,000 miles later and having driven the wheels off the vehicle, I have made an upgrade.       Last week, I traded the old beater off and got … (57 comments)

Warminster township Bucks county Market report April 2012 - 03:58 AM
Warminster    township, Bucks County, Real estate market report, April 2012
I looked up the mls for real estate activity in Warminster township in April 2012.
I looked for residential listings sold in April . This does not include homes not listed, commercial and multi units . It is deemed to be correct but subject to errors and omissions.
There were 22 homes that settled in April 2012.
The average original list price was $ 235654.
The average last list price was $223,738
The average sale price was $ 215,309
Highest sale price was $305,000
The lowest sale price was $74,000
The average … (14 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: April 29th - May 6th - 09:45 AM
It was a fun week on Active Rain, and I've assembled a list that will instruct us, make us think, and perhaps even make us laugh a bit.  So here goes.
1.  Gary Woltal: A Surefire Screening Technique To Spot Ideal Clients  Why work with awful people when there are great ones out there!
2.  Richie Alan Naggar:  DOG KISSES WOMAN ON ACTIVERAIN COMMENTER REFUSES TO VISIT HER BLOG  Let's move on with a laugh.
3.  Brenda Spillman:  Every Once in a While, We get to Work With Great People  It's nice to read about Realtors doing it right.
4.  Chris … (21 comments)

Failure to Pay Commission Splits at Closing is a Great Way to Irritate Other Agents - 11:57 PM
 
Failure to Pay Commission Splits at Closing is a Great Way to Irritate Other Agents
 
A certain Minneapolis - Saint Paul "big box" real estate company is making agents with other firms increasingly irritated.
I'm not naming names, but this isn't the first time I've encountered this kind of nonsense with this company.  In order to have even a prayer of getting paid at closing, you have to begin notifying them weeks prior to closing that you will expect a check at the time the transaction is settled.  And I'm not the only agent or broker in the Twin Cities to … (89 comments)

What Do You Consider A REALTOR Day Off? - 07:39 PM
There is no such thing as a day off in this business. If you respond to a text, email or phone call then you've just worked. A day off to me means you've completely disconnected from your place of employment. You've severed ties for the day. Like a lot of  you, I'm the sole provider for my household. I am the big Enchilada as Jared Christiansen would say. In order for me to "keep things going" I have to take advantage of all opportunities, all the time. Those of you who don't have to pay for all the bills probably won't … (55 comments)

Who Pee'd In Your Cheerios? - 05:55 AM

Have you ever called on a listing and the agent (on the rare occasion they answer) acts as if you interrupted their dinner or called in the middle of the night and woke them?
How about the no calls or e-mails just “text only” agent? When did we decide to stop speaking to each other? Or is it that you can't take calls while working the drive through window at In & Out Burger- part-time agent syndrome?
They are gruff and seem to hate answering your questions. They make remarks like: “The MLS is up to date, if we had … (50 comments)

Sell Me Your House, and Leave Me Your Hidden Treasures! - 02:41 PM
Picture this: You buy a house, and begin to remodel it, and what do you find in the attic or under the floorboards? A lot of money! Some ornate jewels! A silk wedding dress!
This scenario is often not discussed or admitted to, but it does happen!
People love to hide their treasures. Husbands and/or wives may have a hidden stash. Young kids and teens may hide what valuables they have from siblings. Old people save for a rainy day, and too often die leaving hidden money in their estate. Many times things stay hidden for so long people forget about them. … (68 comments)

Sometimes It Just Doesn't Make Sense - 04:11 AM
You run into things in this business that leave you saying "Sometimes It Just Doesn't Make Sense."  I had one of those situations this week.
I was doing a Cash-Out Refinance on a couple, and was going to save them over $250 per month.  Everything about this refinance was what you want to see.  The Loan-To-Value (LTV) was below 60%, and the Debt-To-Income Ratio's were super low.  Everything was perfect except one thing, the middle credit score of one of the Borrowers was 680.  If you are familiar with Fannie Mae (Conventional) Loans, then you know that Fannie Mae has an … (38 comments)


Blog posts


I Am Tired of Shrines! - Lord Give them Common Sense! - 09:45 AM
I Am Tired of Shrines! - Lord Give them Common Sense!
Well it happened again – About a half mile from my house flowers, crosses, pictures and little notes are springing up at an impromptu shrine near the death of a young girl. However, this post is not about one girl, one boy, one person, or one child.

We have all seen these little shrines or memorials along the highways, city streets, schools, and other places. I don't think people did this when I was younger.
I ache for the parents and family of this girl. I try to … (3 comments)

It has been a wild weekend – Money – Baseball - & Beer - 10:08 AM
It has been a wild weekend – Money – Baseball - & Beer
My son has a travel ball tournament this weekend. My weekend looked free and I made that rare decision to go with him the entire weekend and stay in a motel – hang out with the team.
Then the client calls – I want to see homes Saturday. I am thinking his games starts at 1:20 and so we have to leave by 11. I talk the client in to meeting me at 8:30 am.
I don't get free until 11:30ish and leave house just before noon. … (1 comments)

Even Beautifully-Decorated Homes can Benefit from Staging - 10:25 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
Even Beautifully-Decorated Homes can Benefit from Staging
As professional home stagers, we often explain that the difference between decorating and staging is that decorating is done for the homeowner's taste and style, and staging is done to attract … (1 comments)

Home Staging Tip ~ So there's No Complaint About the Paint, Please Use Restraint - 10:27 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
Home Staging Tip ~ So there's No Complaint About the Paint, Please Use Restraint

As professional home stagers, we've heard for years that when you're selling your home, your wall colors should be current colors, and preferably neutral ones.  Nothing says "dated" … (1 comments)

Does Home Staging Work? The Sunday Oregonian newspaper says it does ... - 10:29 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
Does Home Staging Work? The Sunday Oregonian newspaper says it does
The real estate "season" is in full swing in Portland, Oregon and other markets across the country.  Many areas are seeing increased activity and less inventory, a welcome change from the … (0 comments)

Portland Oregon Home Stager Featured on HGTV's "My First Place" Thurs 4/26/12 - 10:32 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
Portland OR Home Stager Featured on HGTV's "My First Place" Thurs 4/26/12 (10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern)

On Thursday April 26 (10:30am Pacific/1:30pm Eastern) another episode featuring our home decorating and design work will air on HGTV.  This particular episode, one of five that … (0 comments)

Staged on Thursday ~ listed Friday ~ Under Contract Sunday! Home Staging in Portland OR - 10:34 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Maureen Bray ~ Home Stager Portland OR ~ Home Staging Portland Oregon (Room Solutions Home Staging Portland OR):
Staged on Thursday ~ listed Friday ~ Under Contract Sunday!  Home Staging in Portland OR
As professional home stagers in Portland OR, we love helping our clients reach their goals of a quick home sale so that they can move on to … (0 comments)

Connecticut Home Staging: Listed on the 30th, Full Price Offer by the 5th! - 10:35 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Julia Maher, Connecticut Home Stager Staging Fairfield & New Haven Counties (Nestings: Connecticut Home Staging and Model Homes):
Connecticut Home Staging:  Listed on the 30th, Full Price Offer by the 5th!
Imagine my surprise and delight when I got this email from an Agent I recently started working with:
"ON DEPOSIT FULL PRICE OFFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
How did it sell so quickly?  The three … (0 comments)

Your strong sense of style may be hurting your sale. - 10:36 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
 
You may have a great sense of style that gets compliments from friends.
Maybe your home was professionally decorated.
You may like everything country and your home reflects that.
When you decide to sell your home, you are sure that it is ready for the market. You know … (0 comments)

Can the buyers see themselves in your home? - 10:37 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Janice Ankrett Burlington Ontario Accredited Staging Professional (Janice Ankrett Home Staging):
One of the great things about being a Burlington Stager is that I get to meet so many different people. I've met clients with so many different styles and cultural backgrounds and learned from them all.
While I am in their home, it is my job to look for things … (0 comments)

Home Staging and Emotional Connections: Before/After Photos - 10:39 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Kristine Ginsberg Morris County, NJ Stager (Morris County, NJ: Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC):
  Home Staging and Emotional Connections: Before/After Photos
Studies have shown that most buyers tend to purchase homes based on emotions more than any other financial investment. Why? Because a home is several things: where you live and raise your family, a representation of who you are … (1 comments)

A Dated Front Door Is Like Gray Hair On Your House - Color It! - 10:40 AM
Selling a Home in Brentwood Ca
When Selling a Home never underestimate the value of Home Staging.  Here is a great post on getting the home ready to sell.
For more information on Selling a Home in Brentwood or Beyond give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Sharon Tara New Hampshire Home Stager (Sharon Tara Transformations):
As a New Hampshire Home Stager I've seen many prematurely gray homes....older than their years.
Is your front door showing it's age?  It's time for a color!  
I'm here to tell you that you shouldn't be afraid to paint wood.   For many people painting over wood is considered blasphemy, but … (5 comments)

Sick Poetry Sundays - 5-6-12 - 08:46 PM
There was a man named Gene
Who had Plenty of Buyers
He Liked to do things Clean
Oh what Liars some Buyers
 
Seems no Escrows are to be Seen
Of False Promises he Tires
He Might earn more Selling Beans
But will he get out of the mire?
 
Even when the times are very Lean
Gene will not climb out of the mire
Because good times can be seen
Just keep a hold of the wire!
 
Bad Poetry but great customer service from Home Point Real Estate.
… (3 comments)

This Week's To Do List...Baltimore Humane Society - 09:33 AM
 
 
This Week's To Do List... Baltimore Humane Society
… (5 comments)

Baltimore Big Truck Day...Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 07:25 PM
… (4 comments)

Bank of America Giveth And Bank Of American Taketh - 04:33 AM
 
DiscussionsRepliesLatest Activity
… (3 comments)

The Lender Don't Give Squat About The Deficiency Language In Your Purchase Contract - 08:00 AM
Hi Bryant,
 
I am looking for techniques for obtaining Waivers of Deficiencies.  I noticed that you have commented on this issue in the CDPE forums.
 
I recently listened to an interview and from what I can recall, the silver bullet was to put a rider on the purchase and sale contract which allows the seller the option to cancel the contract in the event that a Waiver of Deficiency can not be obtained.
 
 
My first thought was this was pointless, as the seller's lender is not a party to the sales contract.  He went on to explain, … (11 comments)

King Beach at the Apple Valley Lake - 01:17 PM
Phasellus elementum. Proin lacinia sem vel lacus. Nulla facilisi. Phasellus auctor lacus non dolor. In enim. Proin turpis. Nulla varius vulputate augue. Cras aliquam, sem eget tincidunt pellentesque, elit dolor tempus turpis, a lobortis urna est eget diam. Nulla mattis libero a elit. Nunc non nisi. Proin feugiat lorem quis erat. Nulla arcu. In placerat, massa eu vestibulum ullamcorper, neque dui gravida magna, in dapibus magna mauris in metus. Morbi eu odio id diam semper porttitor. Suspendisse et velit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis et tellus.

Aenean risus est, mollis et, venenatis non, dapibus non, urna. Maecenas diam neque, interdum sit amet, … (0 comments)

Davis Beach at the Apple Valley Lake - 01:41 PM
Phasellus elementum. Proin lacinia sem vel lacus. Nulla facilisi. Phasellus auctor lacus non dolor. In enim. Proin turpis. Nulla varius vulputate augue. Cras aliquam, sem eget tincidunt pellentesque, elit dolor tempus turpis, a lobortis urna est eget diam. Nulla mattis libero a elit. Nunc non nisi. Proin feugiat lorem quis erat. Nulla arcu. In placerat, massa eu vestibulum ullamcorper, neque dui gravida magna, in dapibus magna mauris in metus. Morbi eu odio id diam semper porttitor. Suspendisse et velit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis et tellus.

Aenean risus est, mollis et, venenatis non, dapibus non, urna. Maecenas diam neque, interdum sit amet, … (0 comments)

Sutton Beach at the Apple Valley Lake - 01:44 PM
Phasellus elementum. Proin lacinia sem vel lacus. Nulla facilisi. Phasellus auctor lacus non dolor. In enim. Proin turpis. Nulla varius vulputate augue. Cras aliquam, sem eget tincidunt pellentesque, elit dolor tempus turpis, a lobortis urna est eget diam. Nulla mattis libero a elit. Nunc non nisi. Proin feugiat lorem quis erat. Nulla arcu. In placerat, massa eu vestibulum ullamcorper, neque dui gravida magna, in dapibus magna mauris in metus. Morbi eu odio id diam semper porttitor. Suspendisse et velit. Vestibulum eleifend turpis et tellus.

Aenean risus est, mollis et, venenatis non, dapibus non, urna. Maecenas diam neque, interdum sit amet, … (0 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2012-05-06

 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