Archives of real estate blog entries for July 10, 2012

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Whether Or Not We Have Multiple Offers Is None Of Your Business - 04:46 AM

Hi folks. I’ve read a couple of posts recently that have left me scratching my head. Both were about listing agents and their “unethical” practice of not handling multiple offers according to the Buyer agent’s expectations.In the comments on these posts the listing agents were called lazy, unethical, unprofessional, bad, rude, unfair and greedy. The consensus was that “The listing agent was not looking out for the Seller‘s best interest.”Well my question is: “How do you know what’s in my Seller’s best interest”. The answer of course is “you don’t“. You have no clue what my Seller and I have … (187 comments)

So You Think Active Rain Is Broken..... - 10:32 AM
So You Think Active Rain Is Broken..... Aaaaack!  I got up this morning and suddenly Active Rain didn't behave the way I thought it should!!  What do I do??? Well it's both complicated and simple at the same time.  Maybe it's you and maybe it's the Rain.  It's not like Active Rain never has performance issues, although personally our experience has been almost uninterrupted over the last months.  The Ruby Rails transformation and other behind the curtain tech magic seems to be doing the trick, BUT there is still the occasional glitch. So back to what can you do (assuming the … (106 comments)

Realtors® Alphabet Soup - 06:17 AM
Realtors® Alphabet SoupWe as REALTORS® walk in some interesting shoes, wear many hats and fill many roles in our ongoing efforts at conducting day to day business.  We continually guide our clients and work to be the glue of an often difficult puzzle (a prior post).  I have determined that throughout my real estate career I have likely filled the entire bowl of Realtors® Alphabet Soup duties, responsibilities and unique roles to keep the Alphabet Soup hot and the clients cool.  Here are some of my entries into the Realtors® Alphabet Soup.   Common share some of yours!


A.  Adviser, … (88 comments)

Is it ok if I make a copy of the key? NO it is not ok... - 05:13 PM
Is it ok if I make a copy of the key? NO it is not ok..

This past weekend a buyer for one of our short sale properties wanted to view the home since it had months and months since she's seen it.  The sellers had moved out of state the previous week and the home is empty.  We now take off the lockbox immediately if a home is pending if the seller doesn't live there anymore.  Why? Because there have been numerous break-ins around the city, including one of our listings. The thieves cut the lockbox off and stole the appliances. … (45 comments)

Reinforcing Your Value to Your Clients: A Special Webinar - 12:42 PM
We have some amazing innovators and entrepreneurs in the real estate industry. I had the good fortune to work with one at our real estate company and while starting ActiveRain. It's easy to spot these guys (or gals). They have a passion for the industry which is contagious, are looking to solve a problem and will not let anything get in their way. They have a way of bringing out passion in those around them (that's the contagious part, right?).
I've been getting to know one of these people. I'd like to introduce you to him. His name is Joel Beasley … (50 comments)

Top 10 Tips to Getting An Accepted Offer in A Hot Market - 03:37 AM
Top 10 Tips to Getting An Accepted Offer in A Hot Market
Is your market a little overheated due to low inventory?  Bidding wars, grumpy agents, and frenzied activity got you down?  Here are my top 10 tips to getting an accepted offer in a hot market:1. Be flexible, remember a 2 bedroom house is just a 4 bedroom house without the 2 extra bedrooms that you need....2. Left over 4th of July fireworks?  Give your offer presentation a little zing. 3. For your verification of funds, stack twenties on the listing agent’s desk.4. Instead of a pest clearance, settle for ant stakes.5. Initial deposit: … (71 comments)

Please Don’t Let People In Without An Appointment - 08:08 AM
 
Please Don’t Let People In Without An Appointment
 
 
I have a seller who is a single lady and lives by herself.  On many occasions, she has let folks in to see her house without an appointment. 
 
This past weekend, she let a man in who was driving around with another man.  She thought the second man was his Realtor, but he was not.  They came to her house and asked if they could take a look.  She asked the man for a card and he said he would give it to her AFTER the showing.  Turns … (45 comments)

To Basic Lockbox or REALTOR Lockbox that is the question? - 07:54 PM
So often I pull up showing instructions and see the following: 
the code is R A D (initials of the listing company), my assumption is so that it is easy for their agents to remember 1 2 3 4 (uh yes this is a well used one) 2 4 6 8  (same as above, unbelievable? ) the house number (gee how long will it take me to try 1234, 4321, 2468, 8642 and then the house number?) four corners of the lock box clockwise, yes or sometimes counterclockwise too If you were a seller and actually knew that any of these … (23 comments)

Mimosa's Anyone... - 12:51 PM
Back again with another Open House.   This time serving Mimosa’s and offering a drawing for a bottle of Schramsberg (an excellent choice designed to entice Realtors to flock over).  The question is  “Whatever happened to the days when a Realtor could put up an Open House sign and be visited by numerous Realtors just because they wanted to see a new listing and become more knowledgeable about the current market?”
I was looking through the Realtor Tour list today, trying to figure out what “angle” had not been covered.  If a Realtor coordinated the visits just right,he/she could end the day … (26 comments)

My home is Listed - Yeah! - Multiple Bids- I can Hardly wait.. - 06:39 AM
I think that most sellers dream of a multiple bidding situation as it just confirms their personal belief that their home is perfect, and should warrant the attention of so many buyers vying to buy it... However, when should we have multiple bids?  Should bidding in certain situations be handled on a bid by bid situation..?
In Westchester,  we can usually bring up the subject of multiple bids when there are 3 bids (in writing) on the table. Some agents jump the gun, and when they are informed by agents that bids will be forthcoming- and then they do not materialize.. then those agents are left … (38 comments)

Be honest with your listings. - 02:03 PM
I work primarily with Sellers, so I don't get the frustrations of a Buyer's Agent too often, but my Agents sure do, and I get so frustrated for them and disappointed in other Listing Agents. Anyone who follows my blog knows that we take the best, and most current, pictures of our properties to post on the MLS. We sre also the first to let Agents calling on our properties know about any possible issues that have been disclosed through the Seller's Real Property Disclosure Statement (which is attached on all my listings) and somewhere in the remarks if it's something … (37 comments)

I Am Not Your Landscaper - 04:47 PM
Something happened last month that I would have taken for a fluke, except that the scenario just repeated itself this past weekend. Here goes.
An out of town seller called me, furious, because when he came home his lawn was overgrown. He had moved away and the house was for sale. We got it under contract, but then it fell thru (buyer's remorse). He came in to see what needed to be done, and called me spitting nails.
"You didn't cut the grass! It looks terrible!" Well we did have a lot of rain last month, I replied. And I didn't … (48 comments)

Interesting dilemma - not sure how to handle...my blog is being found! - 05:25 AM
We have gotten EXTREMELY busy, which is good.  Our phone is ringing a LOT...in fact, maybe too much.
 
We are currently in the process of hiring some more staff and we've been talking about ways to streamline some of our processes and shift work around.
 
But, here's our current issue...the phone is ringing so much that people can't always get through and/or can't leave a message (the mail box fills up) and/or we don't always have time to call them back.  I guess this is better than the opposite situation, but it's still an issue as some customers get … (75 comments)

COURT CASE: You`re an idiot, YOU WIN! - 09:51 AM
I`m a Realtor who uses all the correct forms and procedures.  My reputation is based on this. 
I provide each of my Buyers and my Sellers with all the required Agreements including a Buyer`s Representation Agreement which clearly states:
how long we`re in contract what type of property the Buyers want (residential, triplex, etc) the one address if it is just for one specific home they`re looking at or a broad geographical area if we will be looking at many homes (the Greater Kingston area) I clearly point out that with regard to commission, it is usually the Seller`s responsibility but … (117 comments)

Am I Crazy To Choose This Career? - 10:30 AM
Who the heck would get in the real estate business now? This is what many people said to me when I told them I got my real estate license...
When I see people running away from the business like they're running out of a burning building, I see an opportunity to put the fire out, analyze why it was on fire in the first place, and prevent it from happening again.
I guess what I mean to say is; I understand the concern people have of me starting my new career. From the end of 2006 up until recently, we have … (50 comments)


Blog posts


Lodging/Dining/Conference, 48 acres of Quiet & Green, Special Purpose - 12:46 PM
Rehab/Health, School, Spiritual, 60,000+/- s/f Lodging/Dining/Conference - 48 acres of Quiet and Green, Special Purpose Use - Retreat … (2 comments)

Coastal Paradise :: Custom Website Template - 12:56 PM
New coastal living design.  We have two versions one light and clean, the other one with fun stuff in the sand.
Custom Website Template
Kind regards,
Cherie YoungOnline Marketing Strategieswww.CherieYoung.comwww.BeautifulCustomMaps.com760.994.0813

 

… (0 comments)

Getting new blog posts on Wilmington NC real estate indexed - 06:02 AM
 
New Round of Wilmington NC Real Estate Posts to index Seems like it takes too long--sometimes 2 weeks--to get my blog posts indexed by the big G. so here goes with a succinct list of pages I want indexed asap:
Don't Rent a Landfall Home--Why not? Boom! The Wilmington NC Real Estate Market Bumps Up  
Most Expensive and Least Expensive Wrightsville Beach real estate  
Ultimate Map of Wrigthsville Beach condos Picking a Landfall Homes Realtor

… (0 comments)

The Difference Between “Judicial” and Nonjudicial” Foreclosure - 09:29 AM
This is a great post explaining the difference between Judicial and non-Judicial Foreclosure.  Very good post with a detailed explanation.
The only thing I would add is if in California the borrower goes with a Judicial Foreclosure then the loan becomes a recourse loan.  If you want to know what that is give me a call at 925-260-4321.
Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate):
Saturday evening while meandering about town and completing errands, my car radio was tuned to Sacramento local station, KFBK, and “The United Law Center’s Ask Steve For Free” show.
 
I often listen to attorneys, Steve … (4 comments)

MLS-Contract for Commission between Brokers, Right? Ombudsman Process - 05:47 PM
Does everyone have an Ombudsman process through their state or local realtor association?  Austin is the only board in the entire state of Texas that keeps most of their stuff separate from the Texas Association of Realtors.  However, they just allowed the "free" Arbitration process be taken over by the Texas Association.  TAR charges $300 for a commission dispute between brokers.
I decided to go through the Ombudsman process yesterday. Even though TAR has the process, I had to go through the Austin board because that's their own process.  It's free. I wrote up my little story and sent it off. … (7 comments)

JUST SOLD - 19.16 Acre Parcel of Land in Sturbridge - 01518 - 01:40 PM
JUST SOLD by Best Option Real Esate with RE/MAX Professional Associates!  This lovely 19.16 acre parcel of land located at 126 Clarke Road in Sturbridge Massachusetts SOLD on July 6th, 2012 for $28,000!  Congratulations to our sellers!
Sale Price:  $28,000Acres:  19.16
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 Sturbridge, click the link to get started or give us a call.  We are happy to help.
This was … (3 comments)

He Did More Than Honk the Horn! - 07:40 PM
He Did More Than Honk the Horn! This was on FaceBook this morning. Maybe you have seen it  but thought is was worth sharing. We never know what just doing what we do can make such a difference. Can you read this without feeling good? A sweet lesson on patience. A NYC Taxi driver wrote: I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes I honked again.                                                                                  
Since this was going to be my last ride of my shift I thought about just driving away, but instead I put the car in park and … (20 comments)

Whether Or Not We Have Multiple Offers Is None Of Your Business - 04:46 AM

Hi folks. I’ve read a couple of posts recently that have left me scratching my head. Both were about listing agents and their “unethical” practice of not handling multiple offers according to the Buyer agent’s expectations.In the comments on these posts the listing agents were called lazy, unethical, unprofessional, bad, rude, unfair and greedy. The consensus was that “The listing agent was not looking out for the Seller‘s best interest.”Well my question is: “How do you know what’s in my Seller’s best interest”. The answer of course is “you don’t“. You have no clue what my Seller and I have … (187 comments)

Apple Valley Lake View Home on Apple Valley Drive - 09:08 AM
1064 Apple Valley Drive at the Apple Valley Lake
Apple Valley Lake real estate and homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

Taking a Positive Step Toward Re-Establishing Your Credit Score - 02:35 PM
We all know that a good credit score is a necessity to buy a home, especially with today’s lenders and their strict conditions to qualify for a mortgage.
Perhaps you previously owned a home and faced foreclosure or short sale and are now hoping to own a home once again. It’s not an impossible dream.
Perhaps you’re simply getting ready to buy a home, either for the first time or to upgrade/downsize a home you own.
If you have any questions about your credit score and qualifying you’ll want to make sure of a few things as you repair or establish … (3 comments)

Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update June 29 to July 6, 2012 - 01:34 AM
Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes:
Active Listings: 68* Short Sales – 2* Bank Owned/REO – 1
Of the 68 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 22 had their List Price decreased, and none of them actually increased in list price...continue reading
… (0 comments)

Priced Well & Recently Updated. SHORT SALE Home in Mountainville NY - 07:59 AM
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The Obamacare Tax Scare on Real Estate Sales-- - 06:32 PM
Here is a breakdown of the Obama Tax Scare when it come to Health Care written in 2011 and even then Cece called it a tax but Obama called it a penalty. Now tell me again what has he said or done to jump start Real Estate.
4 years of blaming Bush, 2 1/2 years on healthcare and 1 1/2 years on telling us how bad Mitt Romney is what will he do if I give him 4 more.
Via Cece Blase (Paragon Real Estate Group):
The Obamacare Tax Scare on Real Estate Sales--
A few weeks ago, I met with … (0 comments)

President Obama vetoes the real estate recovery - 06:49 PM
Mr. President it is not as simple as BLACK and WHITE, blaming President Bush is 4 years too much, Blaming the Congress you have only had for less than 2 years when you had your own puppets for 2 full years and blaming the guy your running against for what could be is getting OLD, TIRING and makes you look PETTY.
What have you done for 4 years better yet as a Realtor what have you done for Real Estate. Foreclosures will be here for at least 6 years because of HARP and your Moratoriums not to mention your Buddy's ROBO … (0 comments)

Obama: The real change! - 07:05 PM
I am reminded of the song that a little change will do you good. WOW did we get it. Can't you feel it Mr, Mathews, are you getting that tingling feeling running down your leg. How about ole Ed Shultz, are all Republicans little Bi..tches now. Admit it now.

Via Tim Moncrief "Northwest Austin" (Bartlett Real Estate Group of Keller Williams ):
Is Obama right for real change or is it McCain?
We can only tell from past performance and hope that future performance will not be altered by the power of being in Washington.  The bottom line is that our government … (13 comments)

Renovating On A Budget: Update The Bathroom In Your Montgomery AL Home - 09:43 AM
If you’re thinking of selling your house in the near future, you need to know that updated bathrooms are one feature greatly desired—or sometimes demanded--by potential buyers.  Renovated bathrooms are extremely popular in today’s market, but they can also become an expensive undertaking.  However, depending on your willingness to take an active role in the updating process, you can make the bathroom a major plus when selling your Montgomery AL home--without breaking the bank.  Take advantage of free or inexpensive classes or seminars given by home improvement stores—far-reaching in topics and easy to follow in technique—or search the web for instructional … (3 comments)

Bullhead City AZ Investment Real Estate - 1963 El Monte - 01:02 PM
Bullhead City AZ Investment Real Estate - 1963 El Monte, Bullhead City AZ 86442 - Near-New Home Near River 75,900!
Bullhead City AZ Investment Real Estate can be challenging for investors wanting SFRs for rentals.
Our REO-driven market means many Bullhead City homes are subject to occupancy restrictions for bidding.
Much of the time, investors must wait for a 'First Look' or 'Exclusive' (you've all seen those terms relating to Fannie/Freddie/HUD homes--that's where only owner-occupant primary residence buyers are allowed to bid) period to expire, only to find that the property is sold.
I've written articles about how unfair I think … (0 comments)

Worthington Hills 2012 - 01:01 PM
Worthington Hills 2012
Worthington Hills Sales History! 
… (0 comments)

New Orleans, Odds and Ends ,June 2012..Always something for the Camera - 08:31 PM
New Orleans, Odds And Ends Around Town…..Always Something to See

Wonderful Artwork by Brandon K. Jenkins in Jackson Square. You can always find a lot of cool artwork around the square. This one of the best. Maybe you should get one for your home or office. The more I look it the more I think about going bck and purchasing one.

… (3 comments)

Northern Illinois Buyers Agents - A Better Choice When Buying a Home - 11:34 AM
Everyone has passions. Some are work related, others are not. As life passes us by they change.
One of my early passions was swimming. I learned to swim very young, one of the benefits of living in Singapore on the Air Force base was every Sunday at The Changi Club with big swimming pools. I remember more about swimming than anything else about Singapore, except maybe the monsoon rains!
When we returned to the UK I joined the school swim team. The only reason you would ever get me to travel by bus, was to a swim competition. I had travel … (0 comments)

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