Archives of real estate blog entries for June 18, 2012

Featured blog posts


Wouldn't You Rather Someone Confront You Than Blog About You? - 06:21 PM
Let’s say you’re at the salon and you’ve just had a haircut.  You and the stylist discussed expectations ahead of time, however, something got lost in translation and now you're unhappy with the results.  Do you speak up and assert your displeasure?  Or, do you get upset, pay for the haircut, skip the gratuity, and never return to the salon?  Conversely, if you are the stylist, wouldn’t you want a disappointed and frustrated client to feel comfortable approaching you under these circumstances? Of course, confronting someone about a negative experience doesn't always turn out satisfactorily.  In the past, I've spoken with … (54 comments)

Do you have to love your job? - 04:41 AM
Do you love your job?
Is real estate something you have to do or something you get to do?
The answers to these questions will play an important part in determining the level of success you achieve in this business. If you love your job and see each day as an opportunity to do something you want to do, your level of success will be extremely high.
Don't like your job, guess how successful you're going to be?
Oh by the way, prospecting is part of your job as a real estate professional. You cant love real estate and … (90 comments)

Please update your MLS data - 06:59 PM
I'm working with a great couple who are having a hard time finding a house.  They spent a long time tied up in a short sale contract before they came to me.  The bank raised the price on that house to an unrealistic level, and they didn't counter. 
Winchester, VA, real estate is selling very quickly these days.  Buyers need to be ready to buy as soon as they find the right property.  A day or two delay almost always ends in frustration.  Last week, we found a house they really liked.  It was in their price range, met most of … (59 comments)

Crofton MD - Market Report for week ending 6/11/12 to 6/17/12 - 03:52 AM
The Active listings in Crofton, MD remain low at 84, as they have pretty much the entire year so far. That has to be good news for sellers, since there is pretty strong competition for well priced listings in good condition.Foreclosures are down to zero now, but short sales have crept up to 15. An unusual situation for Crofton, but reminding us that we’re not immune to outside forces even though we live in a pretty high employment area.Rentals continue on their robust march. While there were three new rentals that came on the market, 5 were rented and 7 had … (11 comments)

104 In the Shade - One way to beat the Stanislaus County Heat!! - 06:01 PM
104 In the Shade - One way to beat the Stanislaus County Heat!!
 
Stanislaus County is know for its warm (ok, HOT) summers.   While the calender says it is still spring this past weekend was definitely summer weather.   With the high temperatures in Stanislaus County passing the triple digits it was time to do something about the heat.   There are many lakes and rivers in the area where people can cool off and lots of people have a pool.   But our choice this weekend was to head west.   Directly west from Stanislaus County is the beautiful Pacific Ocean. 
 
… (23 comments)

What does your profile picture say about you? - 07:09 PM
What does your profile picture say about you?
Real estate professionals frequently comment that the real person does not look like the photographs on the business card and marketing materials.  Does your profile photograph project a current professional image?
Spring is a time of renewal and that renewal includes personal photographs that should be frequently updated.  If you are not using a professional photographer, do it yourself with a good camera and edit the photograph by using iPiccy.com or other good software.
Still not convinced?  Look in the mirror and see if a new client will recognize you from your picture … (82 comments)

Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say - 08:16 PM
Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say

I had a closing today that I can attribute directly to an ActiveRain blog post and an agent that lost focus on their purpose, but first the whole story.
I received a call from a potential client asking for a free market analysis. The caller had placed a few calls to other agents and when she explained that she was trying to sell the family home and had a buyer but needed to know the value of the home. She really needed an appraisal but was going about it the wrong … (28 comments)

Nutleyl Landlords Decide Pets or No Pets - 04:21 AM
Renting to a person or family with pets is a risk. No matter how adorable the little critters might be, the truth is, they can damage your rental homes. A local landlord can lose sleep just thinking about clawing, digging, scratching and chewing on floors, walls, fixtures…not to mention the specter of chaos in the yard. Yes; but…
 
Landlords also know that when you own one or more area rental homes, Job One is to see that it stays occupied. Not only because of the income factor, but because empty homes just seem prone to deterioration. Would it make much … (26 comments)

We Are Becoming A Free Agent Nation - 12:50 PM
It used to be if junior went to Mom and Dad as a teenager and said that they wanted to be an actor or actress they were met with the response, "I hope you like washing dishes." But in today's economy more and more
We Are Becoming A Free Agent Nation.
A nation of small businesses and entrepreneurs and the vast corporate America jobs seem to be drying up. Those in real estate embrace this but for others it is downright scary.
Health benefits you can be on your own. Income can have WAVES rather than steady biweekly paychecks. This Philadelphia … (43 comments)

PACKAGING YOUR HOME TO SELL! - 05:17 AM
PACKAGING YOUR HOME TO SELL!

When you make the decision to place your home on the market, it is time to completely change your emotions concerning the home.  What I mean by this is that you now have to look at your house as a product to sell.  When you think about the dollars and marketing strategies for products that are sold, there are millions of dollars spent on getting the product to look a certain way.
 Putting your home on the market should be evaluated, scrubbed and staged as a product to SELL!  It doesn't have to be difficult and you … (36 comments)

Realtors Dealing with Buyer's Remorse On The North Shore Of Long Island - 04:30 AM
 
Realtors Dealing with Buyer's Remorse On The North Shore Of Long Island Many Realtors have encountered buyer's remorse with clients. It usually kicks in shortly after the price has been accepted and contracts are sent out to be signed. What is Buyer's remorse?  It's the sense of regret after having made a large purchase.   In Real Estate, the Home Buyer starts questioning... Is this really a good buy?  Can we afford it? Is this the one we really want? Did I make a mistake? Will a better house become available? Larry and Sheila Realtors know that a home is the largest purchase most people will ever make … (37 comments)

Cash is QUEEN, A Realistic offer is "KING." - 12:38 PM
When a file funds the seller gets paid the same way. If a buyer is putting 20% down on a conventional loan then you can be assured he or she has better than average credit. Odds are they have their financial act together. Paying cash doesn't carry as much weight as some agents and buyers would like to think.
 
Here are the advantages of paying cash...
 
1. No lender required appraisal.
2. You can close faster.
3. There are no lender required repairs or back door inspections by a VA or FHA appraiser.
 
The benefits CAN BE worth … (41 comments)

How dare you answer your own Phone? - 06:11 AM
 Over the weekend I had an interesting conversation when an agent from a big national franchise who called and upon my answering the phone, asked me if I always answered my own phone. I said of Course. He immediately said that is what a receptionist and automated call answering machine are for, to weed out the calls and free up his time. I immediately thought to myself that is why I can never get through to you when I have a buyer for one of your listings becuase you make it near impossible to reach you with 1 call. As I though t to myself … (101 comments)

Is the 60 Second Agent the Best Agent? - 12:31 PM
Should you hire the real estate agent who returns your call in 60 seconds or less? Should you entrust the biggest financial transaction of your life to the broker who instantly emails you back “Hi, this is Bill, how can I help you?”. Is speed of response the best measure for future performance? Do real estate brokers think consumers are dumb?
No matter the business, we’re all told that today’s consumer wants an instant response. In a widely quoted Harvard Business Review article The Short Life of Online Leads the authors deplore the unresponsiveness of companies who have invested heavily to generate those very leads. The implication … (65 comments)

I'm bummed - that home went to contract and it was our favorite - 09:07 PM
    When working with potential buyers, I will spend one day "shopping" with them - viewing homes, seeing what's out there, getting a feel for their likes and wants.  But, after that, if the buyers are not pre-approved for their new home loan, then we're just burning tire rubber and wasting precious gas (particularly at almost $4.00 a gallon.) 
     I got an email tonight from some buyers I'm working with.  It started out with, "I'm bummed - that home in Tatum Ranch went to contract and it was our favorite."  This is why it's not a good idea to … (44 comments)

Somebody's Dripping On Me and I Don't Like It - 07:40 PM
I'm thinking about maybe, someday possibly buying one of those cute little Lexus CT200h.  So I did a little Google search.
Now, I can't remember giving up my email address, but all of a sudden, I started to get Lexus related emials.
One had a link that promised to tell me about price reductions now available on this model:
LEXUS CT 200H CLEARANCE EVENT     Big Blowout Deals! Limited Time Only.   
So I clicked.  And guess what.  It was bogus!  
Then, inexplicably, I began to be bombarded by emails from Lexus salesmen at dealers around the DC Metro area - and … (64 comments)

You have all the latest Tech Gizmo's...So What? - 04:35 PM
Yes, there is something to be said about having all the latest tech gizmo's out there.
For one...You are keeping a few people working, although they may be in other countries.
The issue is, does it make you a better agent?  Are you able to answer the questions from your clients or would be clients without having to look on your I-Pad?
I met today with an elderly lady that told me the Gentleman (as she put it ) had all kinds of gadgets, but knew nothing about Real Estate.
She would ask a question and he would have to … (48 comments)

Am I Old or does it matter ? - 08:23 AM
There are some things that I use when I am judging a business. I am talking about a business that I might want to do business with. You tell me am I paranoid, thinking old or on the money.
1 If the email address is either @aol.com, @gmail.com etc etc I am thinking small business. I think you should have your own domain at least.
2 If everything is being done by Skype I am thinking nice technology but small business.
3 What your company voice mail message is tells me a lot about your business.
Now I am a big … (75 comments)

Ben Kinney's IMSD: You Don't Know That You Don't Know - 11:21 AM
Ben Kinney's IMSD:  You Don't Know That You Don't Know
Several months ago, I took the IMSD course offered by Ben Kinney and I must say, for the first time EVER, the concept of social media and internet marketing all came together and really made sense to me.  I mean it really made sense.
I started using Facebook several years ago and quickly dropped it when I decided that I really didn't need to know when my friends and acquaintances were having a cup of coffee at Starbucks.  And what about Twitter?   What if I couldn't say what I wanted … (37 comments)


Blog posts


RevPar 43.48; Projected CAP - 8% PRINCIPALS ONLY PLEASE Atlanta Hotel - 07:07 PM
Franchise Hotel … (0 comments)

Do You Need a Probate Attorney? - 03:08 PM
Do You Need a Probate Attorney?
Acting as the Executor, Administrator or Trustee of an Estate or Trust can seem like a full time job, at times.  If you are reading this series of articles, then you are probably just starting to figure it out.  As I disclosed in the first article of this series, I am neither an attorney nor anyone qualified to render any sort of legal advice.  I am a REALTOR who has lost both my mother and wife, in the last 10 years and has become Certified as a Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES).  This means I … (0 comments)

A Fathers Advice to A New Homeowner - 02:47 PM
Buying Your First Home in Brentwood Ca Thinking of Buying a First Home. Not sure what to do or how to start, not sure what to look out for. Well some people would ask dad. Here is a great Father's Day Post on Buying a First Home and what advise dad might give.
For more tips on Buying Your First Home (or any home) in Brentwood or Beyond Trust Home Point Real Estate or give us a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Al and Cal Realty Group Al Mussi Carol Ann Palmieri (RE/MAX Executive Realty):
A Fathers Advice to a New Homeowner

Dad's … (0 comments)

Discovery Bay Country Club Homes - 05:02 PM
Discovery Bay Country Club Homes Country Club Homes in Discovery Bay offers everything you could want in Luxury Living.
See Discovery Bay Country Club Homes here. Discovery Bay Country Club Homes are in a gated community on the exciting Country Club Golf Course, one of Northern California Top Private Courses. As you might expect in Discovery Bay there are lots of water hazards, but a beautiful course.
Discovery Bay is one of Northern California's most exciting recreation communities offering golf, water sports and excellent homes. Explore hundreds of miles of water ways and enjoy fine dinning right on the water. … (4 comments)

104 In the Shade - One way to beat the Stanislaus County Heat!! - 06:01 PM
104 In the Shade - One way to beat the Stanislaus County Heat!!
 
Stanislaus County is know for its warm (ok, HOT) summers.   While the calender says it is still spring this past weekend was definitely summer weather.   With the high temperatures in Stanislaus County passing the triple digits it was time to do something about the heat.   There are many lakes and rivers in the area where people can cool off and lots of people have a pool.   But our choice this weekend was to head west.   Directly west from Stanislaus County is the beautiful Pacific Ocean. 
 
… (23 comments)

Another HomeRome Listing Sold and Settled in Carroll County! - 07:45 PM
 
Another HomeRome Listing Sold and Settled in Carroll County. It was a happy and smooth closing today with Sandra Serrao of Long & Foster, the lucky new family along with my special seller.                                                
A settlement could be boring for a little girl but she, along with her Winnie the Pooh, used the iPad Zoodle app  for an amazingly long time.                                     
 
  … (10 comments)

Trafalgar Condo Hollywood Beach, Spectacular Intracoastal views! - 08:05 AM
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tpG-XhXqEvo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
… (0 comments)

Now IS the time for Lake Living in Waukesha County WI ...Come on In the Buying's Fine ! - 07:40 PM
 Lake Homes in Waukesha County... Splish Splash...if you have waited to buy the house you have dreamed of on the water ....or with lake access..NOW IS THE TIME !  Prices are great, interest rates are wonderful and if you hurry....you can find just the one that fulfills that dream of a lake home...we have them on different lakes..and in different price ranges...here they are....Call the Hansons and we'll give you a tour...spend the summer on a pontoon....or jump on a jet ski.....
feel the sand between your toes and the lake breeze during sunsets rivaling any post card view. Enjoy !
… (4 comments)

The Process of Making an Offer on a Home - 12:49 PM
Once you’ve found the home you think you want to buy there are many options as to how you let the seller know that you’re interested in their home. In some states, especially on the east coast, it is not uncommon to write something called An Intent To Purchase. Other states have standard contracts that then contain the ability to cancel the contact if certain provisions are met.
While there are even other areas that have standardized contracts with contingencies that even allow the buyer to cancel the contract and still get back 100% of their earnest money deposit. Needless to … (0 comments)

Open House Tips for Home Sellers - 12:56 PM
Spring and summer are the biggest times of the year for holding open houses, basically due to the nicer weather and people wanting to get out and about.
While your real estate agent should help you prepare for the open house by giving you suggestions and helpful information, you can always use a few extra tips and tricks to make your house stand out among the many others that are being held that day.
                                              
By making sure your home stands out you are sure to attract a better selection of potential buyers:
Remove at least one large piece of … (1 comments)

Quick Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update June 8 to 15, 2012 - 09:06 PM
Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes:
Active Listings: 79* Short Sales – 4* Bank Owned/REO – 1
Of the 79 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 18 had their List Price decreased, and 2 of them actually increased in list price...continue reading
… (0 comments)

2459 Johannesberg Road -- $274,900 - 07:26 PM
… (1 comments)

What is Happening in Buckingham Square, Buckingham PA. Bucks County - 11:17 AM
 
JUNE 2012 Newsletter           Here’sWhat’s Happening in Buckingham Square
 
ACTIVE:
4223 Sir Andrew Way– A GUTNER TEAM LISTING: Just listed: A loaded Devonshire with: New Double Hung Windows; New Walk-out basement door; New Garage Doors; New Bosch Range w/microwave; New Pella front door; New Box Window w/lighting in family room; New Timber Tech Deck; Hunter Douglas blinds thru-out; New Kraftmaid Vanities and More!!  See it at www.gutner.com.  $384,900. 
PENDING:
4191 Milords Ln— A GUTNER TEAM BUYER!!  A Devonshire, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck, finished basement.  Was $409,900, Now $365,000, … (0 comments)

Awesome Maricopa Home For Sale in Rancho El Dorado - 10:45 PM
View Larger Map … (0 comments)

In Real Estate: Knock and the door will be opened for you - 07:36 AM
Hello & Good Morning starting off the 3rd week of June, 2012  - I want to start the day off and share with you something I say to myself every morning as I head into the office:
 
“Askand it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you.” - Luke 11:9
 
·         Do you Advertise / Market / Network your brand & or your business?
·         Do you Golf? …well, you don’t need to actually…
 
I guess what I’m getting at here is there is … (0 comments)

Realtors Golfing is Always a Good Decision - 09:19 AM
Here are some great Golf Outings in the Metro Detroit area for Realtors, Mortgage Professionals, and those affiliates looking to network...
 
 
 
NOCBOR – North Oakland County Board of Realtors – August 9th at Fountains in Clarkston
http://www.NOCBOR.com
 
·         $75 per golfer
·         Additional $25 for ‘Super Tickets’ – On Course Contests
 
$75 per golfer includes:
 
·         18 holes & cart
·         Continental Breakfast / coffee / juice
·         Lunch on the turn – Choice of hot dog / burger, chips & pop
·         Dinner – 3 Entrée Buffet
·         Desert – Sponsored … (0 comments)

Central Ohio BIA Parade of Homes 2012 - The App - 02:57 PM
Central Ohio BIA Parade of Homes 2012 - There's an app for that! 
That's the app on my phone.
 
I put the BIA Parade of Homes app on my phone on Friday.
On the BIA website a link to info on the app:    2012 BIA Parade of Homes Mobile App  
You go to your app store to download it to your phone.  There is an iPhone app and an Android app.
The Homes tab is pretty neat.  Lots of details, photos, the ability to contact the builder via email or phone.  A map that is their office (the addresses … (0 comments)

BIA Parade of Homes Awards: 2012 - 03:31 PM
2012 BIA Parade of Homes Awards
There was a Gold, a Silver and a Bronze award given in each category. 
 
 
Best Special Feature
Gold  - 3 Pillar HomesSilver - Miller TroyerBronze -
Dining Room
Gold SilverBronze
Exterior ArchitectureGold SilverBronze
First Interior Impression
Gold SilverBronzeFloor Plan Design
Gold SilverBronzeGreat Room / Family Room
Gold SilverBronze
Interior Design & Decor
Gold SilverBronze
Kitchen
Gold SilverBronze
Landscape Front Entry Garden
Gold SilverBronze

Landscaping Rear Garden
Gold SilverBronze

Library Study
Gold SilverBronze

Lower Level
Gold SilverBronze
Outdoor Living Area
Gold SilverBronze

Owners Suite
Gold SilverBronze
 
… (0 comments)

Kitchens: BIA Parade of Homes 2012 - 06:02 PM
The kitchen above is the kitchen in the Miller - Troyer Custom Homes 2012 BIA Parade of Homes entry. 
The house that won the Gold Award at the Parade of Homes was the Weaver Custom Homes entry:
The Silvestri Custom Homes Inc. kitchen won the Silver Award.  
 
 
… (0 comments)

I've seen worse, but not many. - 03:36 AM
Sometimes, you see that ‘great, once in a lifetime deal’ that comes up in the MLS.  But, it’s almost always an illusion, when you go and see the home.  Do you really think that people will list a property at far below the real value!  ( Banks not included! )

Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):
Every once in awhile I need to be reminded just how glamorous showing houses can be. Yesterday I got a call to show a listing off of my IDX, to a potential new client. Looking … (0 comments)

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