Archives of real estate blog entries for June 29, 2012

Featured blog posts


Don't you want somebody to LIKE? - 07:14 AM
 
 
 
 
 
                            Don't you want somebody to LIKE?  
 

 
Can you imagine if we had SOCIAL MEDIA like Facebook or Twitter in the late 60's and early 70's? Texting, Tweeting, and FB updates might have: - caused the WOODSTOCK crowd to swell back to New York City and up to Canada.  - helped an isolated Army unit in Vietnam without radio by tweeting for help. - changed history as G. Gordon Liddy could have texted the burglar team at the Watergate to high tail it out of the DNC Headquarters as the security guard was approaching.  
 
I … (100 comments)

"You will be my . . . for life!" - 04:55 PM
I love those few simple words, "You will be my . . . . for life!"  In my case, that could be Realtor or contractor.  Yesterday, it was contractor.  A very distressed client called with an electrical need.  He is an out of the area homeowner, and his tenant had no electricity on 50% of their second floor.
He had called another contractor first (from the Yellow Pages), and the estimate the guy gave him was stunning.  To look at the problem and assess it was $75 to show up and $500 to assess it.  When the client called and explained … (35 comments)

Fair Housing Act Violations and Other Potentially Offensive Terms - 01:29 AM
This past week, I listed a nice property situated on a peaceful rural 5 acre parcel down in Port Orchard.
You can see a virtual slide show of the property 14098 Glenwood Road SW Port Orchard WA
Just a few minutes after the listing was published and went live, I received an email from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, kindly notifying me that I had commited a listing violation.
More specifically, I had used descriptive language in my listing remarks section that violated the Fair Housing Act - a term/word that was discriminatory and potentially offensive.
And just what was this … (53 comments)

Tippie Toes - 03:46 AM
DECK STAIRS SHOULD BE SOLID AND NOT RESTING ON THEIR TIPPIE TOES!
Go up a stair case.  Do you feel more or less comfortable going up while on your whole foot or tip toes?Go down a stair case.  Do you feel more or less comfortable going down while on your whole foot or heel?
Suspiciously, this deck installer thinks these deck stairs look and feel more comfortable on their TIPPIE TOES!
This reduces the structural integrity of these stair stringers DRAMATICALLY.  
Look carefully at the photo to the left.  That upper stringer is cracking. 
And peek at how well the lower … (68 comments)

This is what it's all about! Helping Clients.... - 06:31 PM

 
A recent thank you card from a short sale Seller client made me reflect a little bit on the last 5 or so years of helping folks short sale their properties. We just closed this clients short sale. In the same week I was giving keys to a new home to some past short sale Seller clients who I helped sell their house as a short sale a little over 2 years earlier. It is always rewarding to receive thank you notes – it is even more rewarding to see the process come full circle to see past short … (17 comments)

Say good-bye to the HUD-1 Settlement Statement - 08:01 AM
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), by mandate under Dodd-Frank, will soon change our world once again. 
Just barely two years since the title and mortgage industry was turned upside-down with regulatory changes to the Truth-in-Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedure Act (RESPA), the CFPB will be releasing its proposed forms and regulations next month to replace the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, Good Faith Estimate, and Truth-in-Lending Disclosure. 
These new forms will be known as the Loan Estimate and Settlement Disclosure Form.
On its snazzy website, CFPB states that the current 3-page HUD-1 settlement statement is replete with "... Technical and legal jargon ... that may … (107 comments)

The Ten Commandments of Home Lending in 2012 - 04:14 PM
 
… (74 comments)

I'm Not Moving! - 03:29 AM
With all the angst associated with buying a home...the financing, the details, the planning...one of the challenges not always on the front burner is the children.  I've been working with a family on and off for a number of years as they waited for their perfect house to show up.  Last week a listing came on the market. We were the first people in the door. And it was "the one".  We went back to the office and wrote up a full price offer.  Granted it was close to 8 pm and the kids were hungry and tired-but one of the girls began … (30 comments)

If I worked like they work, I wouldn't blog either. - 05:45 AM
 
Much can be said about the benefits of blogging, many of us have enjoyed the increases in Google ranking, calls, and sales. Blogging itself can take a lot of time and effort if we are to remain dedicated to this form of marketing. Being in an environment such as ActiveRain, we can experience the wisdom of so many people from diverse backgrounds.
Blogging can be fun. We can choose our own style, topics, challenges and degree of efforts. While we have this freedom, we all have our professional interests as the primary goal. We put our names and businesses out … (63 comments)

Easy Way to Increase Your Business...Follow a System...Any System! - 10:11 AM
Here is the big question for all new agents...and many seasoned agents who seemed to have lost their way in the past couple of years. First a couple of things:
Part 1. Although business in most areas is not as good as it was a few years ago...you must recognize that if you are doing the same things as you did in the past (or if you are new you follow what others in your office are doing) you will likely remain on a downward trend.
Part 2. The system you choose is less important then the fact that most agents do not … (54 comments)


Blog posts


Hot Springs Special Purpose Retreat - Resort - Health Care - Mexico - 06:03 PM
Hot Springs Special Purpose Retreat - Resort - Health Care - Mexico Spa Haven - 24 acres safely in the Primavera Forest … (0 comments)

4361 Scandia Way, Glassell Park - 04:33 PM
… (0 comments)

How to get your Cash Offer Rejected on an Oakley Home - 10:33 AM
How to get your Cash Offer Rejected on an Oakley Home
Dear client,
I have still not heard back from the Listing Agent in regard to your full price cash offer with a 10 day close.
Although in most markets your offer would have been considered solid, it is not in this current market. I want to offer you some suggestions on how to get an offer accepted in this market:
All you funds need to be verifiable. No one wants to deal with you bringing them cash. It creates more problems, especially when you can get it all from another … (1 comments)

Why Having a Smart Phone is so Smart! - 11:44 AM
Why Having a Smart Phone is so Smart!
The other day my 9 year old son was nosing around my office and found a small device inside a small cloth bag and asked me what is was. Well I explained to him I used to have a PDA (of course I had to explain what a PDA is) and that if I put this on the front of the PDA I could take pictures with it.
Of course my son thought it was funny that I could not do this on my phone. I remember when I bought my PDA (For … (9 comments)

Brentwood Corn Fest 2012 - 12:58 PM
Brentwood Corn Fest 2012 I have written before about the great agricultural heritage we have here in Brentwood Ca and how our Corn is World Famous. Well now the time for the big event is coming Fast – The Brentwood Corn Fest 2012.
The people of Brentwood want you to know how great our Corn is and what a great place Brentwood is so on July 13 to 15th you can come to Brentwood and enjoy our corn and some great fun.
There will be live music, jumpy houses, corn eating contest; and this year an attempt to set the world … (5 comments)

Real Estate Tip of the Day – June 29, 2012 - 08:33 PM
Real Estate Tip of the Day – June 29, 2012 I see many Real Estate Investing Courses being sold to potential Real Estate Investors. Now I have not seen all of them and I am sure there is a good one out there, but I have not seen that one. This is not to say all advise in them is bad or wrong; however, it is information you can get for free from a qualified REALTOR that works with Real Estate Investors.
See Single Family Homes!
See Apartments for Sale!
The other problems I see with many of these courses is … (1 comments)

SweetWater Glen -Austin TX Home for Sale- 78748 under $200k Built 2009 - 07:44 AM
Did you know you could buy a house in South Austin for under $200k that's barely 3 years old? This brand new listing fits the bill!  Come on out to SweetWater Glen, just south of Slaughter off Manchaca Rd. This neighborhood is great!
10509 Maydelle Dr - Austin TX - 78748

This house is in great condition, like new. It's a very open floorplan with lots of Natural Light shining in through the abundance of windows.


The Kitchen boasts Granite Counters, Cherry Cabinets, Black Appliances, Gas Stove, Stainless Steel sink, and Tile Floors. This is where the party … (1 comments)

Hill Country Galleria -Bee Cave Austin TX- 4th of July Celebration - 09:26 AM
The Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave TX is holding its 4th of July celebrations this Saturday, June 30th from 11am-9pm.
Come on out and celebrate the Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival 2012!

This is a FREE celebration with local artists, live entertainment, and even with the drought, it will be ending with a Fireworks show!!
The Hill Country Galleria is an outdoor mall with over 1.3 million sqft of space. It's center is an amphlithearer where live music is help throughout the year. And the newest, biggest attraction? The brand new Whole Foods that just opened a couple … (5 comments)

JUST SOLD - 2 Bedroom Ranch in Holland MA - 01521 - 05:47 PM
JUST SOLD by Best Option Real Estate with RE/MAX Professional Associates!  This lovely 2 bedroom ranch home located at 374 Mashapaug Road in Holland Massachusetts SOLD on June 29th, 2012 for $166,000!  Congratulations to our buyers Brian & Melanie!
Sale Price:  $166,000Bedrooms:  2Bathrooms:  1Living Area:  1188 SQFT
If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate, we'd love to work with you!  Let Best Option Real Estate show you what we do to get homes sold fast and to negotiate the best price on your next home purchase.
If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Holland, click the link to get started or give us a call.  We are happy to … (2 comments)

Your Vote Can Help a Small Business. I Voted, Will You? - 03:26 AM
Your Vote Can Help a Small Business. I voted, Will You? By getting 250 Facebook votes, Dana and Jimy have a chance for a grant.  An email from a dear friend and client is requesting my help. I admire and encourage young entrepreneurs and would love to see Dana and Jimy win this grant for their business. Please take a moment and vote for these energetic deserving kids. This is the email from my friend Leni:     I want to ask if you would do me a favor. Dana & Jimy (my daughter and son-in-law) have put in an application … (17 comments)

Expecting Life To Treat You Faiirly... - 03:14 PM
Expecting life to treat you fair because you are honest..iris like expecting the bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian

Expecting life to treat you fairly because you’re a good person is like expecting a bull not to charge because you’re a vegetarian.
… (0 comments)

It's Hot in Baltimore...100 Degrees! - 05:23 PM
                                    It's Hot in Baltimore...100 Degrees! Almost eight o'clock on Friday evening and the temperature in Baltimore is one hundred degrees. Thank goodness for central air conditioning.  
                       
                     
                                    It Is Hot In Baltimore...100 Degrees!  
Almost eight o'clock on Friday evening and the … (8 comments)

Florida Short Sale Closing Procedures - 04:31 AM

Hi folks. Your Orlando Florida Short Sale has been approved and we are ready to head towards closing. The Title Company has your info and will connect with you for anything they may need from you.
It should be straight forward from this point. About 3-4 days from closing I will send the final closing statement (HUD1) to the lender(s) for final review and approval. If the numbers match the approval we received the lender will send me written Clear To Close (CTC) with any additional documents that need signing at closing. Once CTC is received closing documents will … (6 comments)

New Berlin WI A- Frame..Quiet Culdesac...Short Sale Priced to Sell ! - 03:25 AM
… (2 comments)

July 4th Celebration in New Berlin WI ...BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY ! - 05:00 AM
  Fourth of July celebrations in New Berlin WI are HUGE....the people who generously volunteer their time all year arranging all the events and entertainment bring 3 days of FUN to the residents of New Berlin and everyone from everywhere is invited to join in on all the festivities !
   Whatever you enjoy...you are likely to find it in the schedule of events that has been planned for this year.
  Festivities Begin Monday, July 2nd at Malone Park
    Enjoy the rides at the carnival or the variety of music found throughout the grounds from 5-11 pm.
 Tuesday, July … (4 comments)

6 Marian Circle – Chalfont, PA – Stunning 4-Bedroom Home Close to North Branch Park - 07:07 PM

6 Marian Circle, Chalfont, PA
SEE THE VIDEO ON MY BLOG-->>
This is a must-see 4 bedroom home in Chalfont.  Situated on a spectacular, professionally landscaped 1/2 acre lot, it features a 2 story entry foyer,  beautiful hardwoods and a gourmet kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances & a 5 burner gas stove.
Enjoy the open floor plan with a fireplace in the family room that overlooks a backyard with a Koi Pond, fountain and fenced yard. Huge 1st floor, study/den bonus room.
The 4 bedrooms upstairs include a huge master suite with sitting area, large walk in closet and … (0 comments)

It’s true: More on our minds these days, how about you? - 08:19 PM
It’s true: More on our minds these days, how about you?
 
Scientific study offers proof people have more stress now than 25 years ago. Women's stress up 18%, men's stress up 24%. Read more.
You may have felt it, but now a scientific analysis of stress over time offers some proof that there’s more stress in people’s lives today than 25 years ago.Stress increased 18% for women and 24% for men from 1983 to 2009, according to researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, who analyzed data from more than 6,300 people. It’s considered the first-ever historical comparison of stress … (4 comments)

Will home prices rise next year in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze? - 08:25 PM
Will home prices rise next year in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze?
 
More Americans think so, by at least 1.4% in the next year, says a Fannie Mae study; plus mortgage rates will rise. Read more.
Fannie Mae data for May shows that more Americans expect home prices to climb in the next year by at least 1.4 percent – the highest amount ever for the monthly study. More than a third of the 1,000 participants predict prices to inch up in that period, while 41 percent believe mortgage rates also will rise.
Today's Prayer God, Your Word tells us … (0 comments)

Homes no longer yours for a steal in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze? - 08:31 PM
Homes no longer yours for a steal in Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze?
 
Lowball offers went the way of the dinosaur. Sellers reject them fast when inventory tightens and multiple bids roll in. Read more.
A year ago, according to researchers at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one out of 10 members surveyed in a monthly poll complained about lowball offers on houses listed for sale. In the latest survey – conducted during March among a sample of 4,500 agents and brokers across the country and not yet released – there were hardly any. Instead, the focus of volunteered … (2 comments)

2012-2013-What are Real Estate Property Tax Rate in Northern Virginia - 05:21 AM
While purchasing a property there are so many thing that we may have control over like the price of the home, interest rate you negotiate with the lender for the period of loan and so on. However Northern Virginia residential real estate tax rate has been on the roller coa
ster ride.  Here are the Tax Rate in the Northern Virginia for the 2012-2013   Northern Virginia Real Estate Tax Rates : Real Estate Tax Rates  as of 2012-2013:    City Of Alexandria $0.998 per $100 of assessed value    Arlington County $0.971 per $100 of assessed value  Town of Clifton $1.08 per … (4 comments)

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