Archives of real estate blog entries for July 5, 2012

Featured blog posts


Communication between Landlord & Tenant SHOULD not be DIFFICULT * Tenants need to..... - 01:32 PM
...commumnicate with their landlord so that there are no surprises that need to be addressed AFTER the fact.
...Getting married.  Individual tenants can certainly fall in love and have a boy/girl friend or a new spouse; however, ADVISING the landlord that this is happening and ASKING if anything needs to be done is BETTER than sending a wedding invitation.  The new spouse may need to complete application paperwork and be added to the lease OR there may need to be an entirely NEW process started to qualify the new spouse/significant other....ASK FIRST!
...Obtaining custody of a minor child.  Sometimes a part-time … (21 comments)

Vittoria Gated Community Homes For Sale Albuquerque - 02:22 AM
Vittoria gated community homes for sale Albuquerque.The Vittoria gated community and homes for sale in Albuquerque is part of the much larger Ventana Ranch Master Planned Community however is not located within the typical boundaries of Ventana.  The entrance into the Vittoria gated community Homes For Sale Albuquerque is just off of Paradise Blvd and just East of Universe.  The location is ideal with easy access to Unser, Paseo del Norte and of course Paradise Blvd. See Vitoria gated community Albuquerque MapShopping and modern conveniences are easily accessible with several restaurants, gas station, convienece store, bank and more are within walking … (34 comments)

The Orange Badge - 11:08 AM

Currently, ActiveRain is blessed with 129 Ambassadors.  So what does it all mean?   
ActiveRain has always been a place to help real estate related professionals connect and grow their business through learning, educating and sharing.  Newer members of AR look for guidance as they begin their journey on AR which can be quite frightful for some.  An Ambassador of ActiveRain possesses something special.  Everyday I scream "Hallelujah" for the Ambassadors which we are so lucky to have.  They help out by trying their very best to emulate exactly what AR is all about. 
There is no automatic Ambassadorship awarded … (122 comments)

YOU DID WHAT? - 05:12 PM
One of first things I do when I list or sell a rural property is look for a plat.  A plat can prevent a multitude of lawsuits, and it can help a buyer decide if he really wants a property.  I do find that many agents in my area never concern themselves with securing a plat for their buyers.  So, if the buyers don't have the insight to request one, they buy a property not knowing where the property lines are.
Today, I learned the value of giving buyers a plat when they are buying a property.  Winchester, VA, is still … (70 comments)

A Thank you from a Newbie on ActiveRain - 12:07 PM
I have been encouraging, (prodding), reminding,( poking),  asking (needling) several newbies from our office to get going with blogging.  They have been taking baby steps at getting their blogs set up and writing their first post.  Sometimes you need someone to keep you accountable-- or to kick your butt! I have spent time with each of them... and have invited others to join in and accept "free" help on getting started blogging. 
Last week my friend Maria Bradfield wrote her first post and I asked you to go welcome her.  Thank you to all of you who stopped by Maria's blog … (29 comments)

Live Work Lofts In Silver Lake - 11:07 AM
There are several condominium complexes in the area but only a couple of live work lofts in Silver Lake.  If you are truly looking to run a business out of your home, check out one of these two complexes.
Sunset Silver Lake Lofts The Sunset Silver Lake Lofts complex at 4111 Sunset Blvd. was built in 2007 and sits right in Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction with it’s coffee houses, boutique shops and restaurants. How nice to be able to cross the street for a cup of coffee at Inteligencia or to grab some wine and cheese at The Cheese Store of Silver Lake.  The complex was developed … (15 comments)

Pretend You Are Selling Your Home! - 04:41 AM
I think it would be a good idea to pretend you’re putting your home on the market in the next two weeks.  This will be a big undertaking. Just ask any seller who has properly staged their house for resale.  Here are some suggestions:
  
1. Empty clutter from each room and consider removing some furniture to open up the space. The idea is to make it look and feel large and spacious.
2. Consider the wall hangings – do you need all of them? Is it time for a change?
3. Touch up painted services – repair and repaint. This … (47 comments)

Oh, those Post-Closing Blues! - 04:54 AM

You know the phone call I mean. A few days after the closing.  Your buyers were estactic with the house.  The price was fabulous.  The inspection issues were resolved to everyone's satisfaction. You did a great job.
But your buyers want you to continue to work for them.  They cannot get through to the private trash company and their moving boxes are blowing away in the street.  Or they just realized that the bookcase they wanted is not a good match for their other furniture and they want the sellers to take it away. Or the dishwasher seems to be … (124 comments)

Your Home Was Not Feedback Worthy - 09:02 AM

Seriously, your agent is calling for feedback? You had three full days notice of our showing and that was the best you could muster? Well, here's the feedback from our showing. Hope you learn something from it...
1) I love Victoria Secret's underwear-- But they belong on humans, preferably on someone you are in a long term committed relationship with. But that thong in the hallway sends the wrong signal...
2) Stop feeding your dog so much corn-- No creature should have that many kernels in their stool. How do I know this? Because there were turds everywhere! On the … (34 comments)

Cocktail parties and real estate - 06:37 AM

 
Picture yourself at a cocktail party. Perhaps you're wearing your favorite cocktail dress and amazing heels or a perfectly fitted tuxedo. There's the soft hum of conversation, the twinkle of laughter, perhaps some piano music or a string band. Servers pass finger food and drinks and you're enjoying yourself immensely.
Now, compare that to the way you approach social networking. Do you present yourself in the best light, avoiding negative behaviors and negative talk? Do you politely engage in small talk, or instead hand each person your business card and move on? Do you listen as others speak, or … (27 comments)

The Timing Couldn't be Better for the $500 Marketing Challenge - 10:50 PM
The timing couldn't be better for the $500 marketing challenge. I am currently in the process of developing a new Wordpress site and this challenge forced me to investigate the technology I would like to incorporate over the next year. I didn't include the cost of the WP Theme and Framework ($99.95).      IDX Broker - ($39.99) Indexable IDX    searches for new WP site.      BlueHost - ($4.95) Website hosting.      DocuSign - ($14.99) Electronic signatures.      Constant Contact - ($15) CRM tool.      Happy Grasshopper - ($19) CRM tool.      ActiveRain - ($28) Outside blog and Rainmaker account.      Direct … (33 comments)

Keep The Negotiating Going...No Stalling....Give Me A Number!!! - 01:07 PM
“I want to sleep on it.”  Are the parties who are negotiating not aware of the fact that the longer a transaction takes to reach a meeting point, the less likely it is to reach that point?  We continually tell our clients this proven fact.
So why do buyers and sellers continue to use that statement?  Nothing good ever comes of waiting and allowing time to pass.  The parties involved get irritated and eventually angry.  Attitudes change overnight as the other party is “sleeping on it.”  Eventually offers are withdrawn; numbers come off the table or are reduced; and the potential … (69 comments)

How Long Will You Be Your Clients Realtor? - 05:26 AM
How Long Will You Be Your Clients Realtor?

Some of you may be scratching your heads right now thinking, "what in the world does she mean?" What I am asking is, how long will you be there for your client once the transaction is over? In my business as a Richmond real estate agent, I made the decision to be there for my clients not only from contract to close, but for whenever they need me.
Recently I have had to go above and beyond to help some past clients resolve some issues that appeared after closing. A few of these problems … (23 comments)

I Spy With My Little Eye - The FBI, G Men and 4,000 Happy Invitees - 04:42 AM

While the temperature was in the high 90s yesterday, 4,000 people still managed to arrive at the American Ambassador's Residence to help celebrate the 4th of July.  See the residence in the background? See the four guys with cameras on the Widow's Walk?  See one of four drinks tent?  These tents were positioned around the grounds along with a Sweets Tent, two Meat Tents and Two Seafood/Vegetarian tents.  
It was a great party and I was so lucky to be invited.  We found a table under the huge central tent and never let our table be abandoned.  As you … (43 comments)

It's A Sellers Market - SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR HOME YOURSELF? - 11:04 AM
It's A Sellers Market - SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR HOME YOURSELF?
By: Brad Rachielles.
It's no secret. The market has changes. It's a SELLER'S MARKET!
Certainly, some are thinking that they can save the commission by doing it themselves. After all, there are many stories about getting multiple offers, going under contract in just days and full priced closings. How hard can it be?
Actually, now may be a very bad time not to be represented in a transaction. Consider....
A huge source of buyers are INVESTORS. They know the market well, are tough negotiators, often are represented by a Realtor, … (25 comments)

Choosing the right type of shower walls in Sacramento - 12:11 AM
 
Choosing the right type of shower walls in Sacramento
 
You know that feeling; you are starting to get embarrassed about letting your Sacramento guests see your bathroom shower walls. Perhaps you have already decided to get new shower walls in your Sacramento home, but just can’t decide which type of shower walls to install. Here are some considerations in making that final decision. Price, style, installation time, and added value are all considerations that need to be looked at before getting started.
Let’s look at a few of the different types of shower wall choices to get a better … (26 comments)

Winds of Change are Blowing Again Regarding Mortgage Insurance - 12:05 PM
 
 
Winds of Change are Blowing Again Regarding Mortgage Insurance                               Winds of change are constantly blowing through the Real Estate Financing business ...               At least the latest, and new notice regarding the costs of mortgage insurance  is "at our backs" instead of a head-wind.         We all know that  FHA  has been forced to bump-up the cost of mortgage insurance recently.  As a result, we've seen a surge of 95%  Loan-to-Value  (5% Down Payment)  Conventional Financing  deals come our way.         Now we are hearing that … (18 comments)

Thanks so much for considering me as your List Agent, but... - 06:08 AM
Got a call yesterday.
"We're interested in listing our home at Beautiful World CC because we just don't have time to come down from Canada much any more."
I thank them, find out they found me online, are not with a Realtor at the moment, and have a few questions???
1.  How much is your fee to sell it for us? 
2.  How long before you can have it sold?
3.  Why would we use you over the other 2 Agents we're interviewing?
After getting the address, doing my research and because I know the development very well, I have my … (28 comments)

How BIG Are Your Problems? - 04:44 AM
Problem Solving Strategies
In our business, we have a lot of problems because of the nature of the real estate business, especially more so with today’s market.  Almost every type of escrow or every type of transaction has a problem that needs to be solved.  There’s problem dealing with agents.  There’s problem dealing with buyers, sellers and the banks. 
But before you get discouraged, just remember the saying... "You get paid by the size of the problems you solve!"
When you're having a difficult challenge or an issue with one of your escrows, keep in mind that the bigger the problem … (41 comments)

Boca Raton Interior Redesign FAQ's-Got the Picture! - 04:20 AM
Boca Raton Interior Redesign  FAQ’s-Got the Picture!Whether you’re selling your home in Boca Raton or are planning a DIY home project, these Boca Raton Home Interior Redesign FAQ tips can help you bring order to your pictures.    Often I see clients take great pains in maintaining their home and making sure things are just so but when they decide to hang their treasures it’s as if they see a blank space, grab their hammer and nails and as long as it’s straight and doesn’t fall down consider it done.

Put the hammer down!  
Hanging pictures is not a … (34 comments)

Recycling Electronics and Resources for Doing That - 04:26 AM
Last night I watched a television program on garbage.
 
How exciting, right?  Well, actually, it was very depressing. 
 
Discussions about what we are doing to our oceans was the most disheartening.  There are actually five “dumps” in the oceans, three in the Pacific and two in the Atlantic.  These aren’t man-made dumps in the sense that you might think.  They are actually places that the ocean created with all the garbage that we throw away and that ends up in the rivers and on the coasts that leeches into the sea. 
 
Plastic won’t degrade for nearly … (31 comments)

Don't hate me because I can do SO much with $500. - 02:08 PM
4 years ago I was paying for placement on Google searches.  I was paying $400. month.  That would have made it uber hard to do much with $500.  But I got smarter and now $500. does way more for me than that $400 I used to spend on just pay per clicks.
Website hosting& domain....... $50.00 IDX.....................................$15.00 CRM....................................$10.00 Outside Blog.........................$19.00 Local magazine.....................$133.00 Zillow.................................$136.00 PPC...................................$137.00 So the data that you are getting from the ActiveRain survey on how to spend your money.   You can bet that I believe it's good data.  I've taken the money I used to spend on on-line marketing … (26 comments)

PEOPLE! Please Stop Posting Irrelevant Comments! - 04:48 PM
OK, maybe I'm just in a bad mood but this has been bugging me for as long as I've been blogging on Active Rain. 
Please don't leave a comment if you haven't bothered to read the post. There, I said it!  Seriously - I get congratulated on listings when the post isnt' even about a listing or it's about multiple listings where I state in the post who the listings belong to.
If you leave comments that have nothing to do with the post, you are making it obvious that you are not here for the interaction, networking or anything other … (44 comments)


Blog posts


Maggie Valley, NC Golf Course Home, Tremendous Views, Gated, Private - 05:37 AM
  Maggie Valley, NC Golf Course Home, Tremendous Views   Home Photos Local Schools      
Courtesy:
David Wynn
WynnDcorp Realty International

wynndcorp@live.com
Licensed In:
NC
    #38 Campbell Mountain Estates
Waynesville, NC 28785
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms : 3 (3 full)
List Price: $449,500
Living Area Approx : 2470 heated
    Gated Home, Private Ridge Top Setting, Tremendous 300' Views, Paved Access, ride your cart to the Maggie Valley Golf Course Resort. Unique Style, Spacious Rooms, See Through Rock Fireplace with Gas Logs. 425 s/f unheated Sun Room. 2.5 Car Garage. Professionally Landscaped. Wonderful Property … (2 comments)

New Hampshire Real Estate - Are we on the Road to Recovery? - 07:21 PM
 
   The New Hampshire Real Estate Market continues to show positive signs.  While it is too early to say we are on the road to recovery, each month takes New Hampshire a step closer.
   Home sales continued to post strong year-over-year gains in May, though median price continues to lag behind 2011 figures,
    The New Hampshire Association of Realtors® recently reported that there is good news for the housing market in New Hampshire.  Home sales continued to post strong year-over-year gains in May, although median prices to lagged behind 2011 figures.
   The NHAR reported that there were … (23 comments)

June 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats - 12:42 PM
June 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats
The sales numbers are in for Stanislaus County Home Sales for the month of June 2012.  Distressed properties (Bank owned and Short Sales) are still dominating the market.
Here are the June 2011 and June 2012 Sales Stats for single family homes:
Total Sales June 2012: 592  sold   * 29% (173) Bank Owned   * 31% (184) Short Sales   60% of sales were distressed properties
Total Sales June 2011: 658 sold   * 49% (325) Bank Owned   * 21% (141) Short Sales    70% of sales were distressed properties
 
The lowest price home … (0 comments)

Stanislaus County Short Sales Numbers set to Explode! - 03:02 PM
Stanislaus County Short Sales Numbers set to Explode!
I was pretty sure that eventually this would happen.   I was pretty sure it would be soon.  Now it has.   The number of homes sold in June of 2012 in a Stanislaus County Short Sale surpassed the number of bank owned homes sold.  You can see the numbers for yourself in my post June 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats. Stanislaus County Short Sales have been closing the gap on the number of Bank Owned Homes (REO) for the last several months. 
Bank owned sales have dominated the market here for … (1 comments)

If only they could talk! - 09:33 PM
If Only They Could Talk!   What are some of your favorite collections? People collect many things and for many different reasons. I have seen collections of Frogs, owls, miniature chairs, turtles, hippos, giraffes, Pigs with a sense of humor, owls, butterflies, baskets, heart shaped items, and antique baby furniture. There are  many reasons for these collections...some collect for pleasure, some collect for investment, some collect to recall history, some collect because it  brings a lot of pleasure and a sense of order. This week I found a very special collector of Rag Dolls and I was able to get a few photos. There must have been … (9 comments)

Almost Missed This Contest..$500 Marketing Budget! - 10:58 PM
  Almost Missed This Contest...$500 Marketing Budget!   If I had a budget of $500 for the next month, here's my plan. I would extend an invitation to at least 20 people during this time...that would only be 5 people a week. It could be for any kind of get together..a lunch at a favorite restaurant, join me for a workout at the gym, meet me for coffee, stop at the museum, a visit to someone at home or in the hospital etc. You get the idea. That would get me face to face with 20 people and I am sure … (6 comments)

We Thought You Only Handled Short Sales! - 05:43 AM
I had one of my past customers tell me that last week after they had listed with another Broker. And I can't blame them for thinking that. As I look through my online marketing it's all geared towards Short Sales.
 
Hmmm.....I wonder if I am heading towards another brief period of failure when the market shifts again?
 
I truly feel Short Sales will be prevalent in my area for several more years but I am already starting to see more and more equity Sellers.

Shouldn't I start to get in front of them now? My guess is … (43 comments)

700 Club Drive in Mount Vernon Ohio - 04:01 AM
Clean, nice and neat ranch home that has been nicely updated with a great new features.  If you like what you see be sure to check out our additional listing information and view an extensive virtual tour by clicking 700 Club Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
You can also view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

1096 Beech Street in Mount Vernon Ohio - 04:11 AM
Roy Schlabach quality home and ideally located within a block or two of restaurants and shopping.  Additional listing details and an extensive virutal tour are available at 1096 Beech Street in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
You can also view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (0 comments)

12540 Vincent Road in Mount Vernon Ohio (Off Market) - 04:25 AM
Stylish Mount Vernon Ohio country home with acreage and an amazing country view.  Additional listing details can be viewed at 12540 Vincent Road in Mount Vernon Ohio.
You can view and compare all of our available Knox County Ohio homes with acreage and larger lots by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

Waterfront Home at the Apple Valley Lake - 04:33 AM
You can also view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
… (0 comments)

SOLD by Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty in June - 04:41 AM
Mount Vernon Ohio affordable homes are in demand and these homes are selling at a rapid pace.
You can also view and compare all of our available Knox County Ohio affordable homes for sale.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (1 comments)

Impressive Country Home with 20 Acres and Only 40 minutes of Columbus - 04:57 AM
Gorgeous hillside setting with an amazing panoramic country views of woods and a wonderful 20 acre setting. Additional listing information and an extensive virtual tour available at 9823 Pleasant Valley Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
You can also view all of our available Knox County Ohio country homes with acreage and larger lots.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (3 comments)

19 North Chestnut Street in Fredericktown Ohio - 05:06 AM
This is one of the best Fredericktown Ohio real estate values I have seen in years.  You can view additional listing details by clicking on 19 North Chestnut Street in Fredericktown, Ohio.
View and compare all of our available Fredericktown Ohio homes for sale and organized in price order from highest to lowest.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

Summer Lane - New Price and Now Only $400,000 - SOLD - 05:15 AM
Luxury home in Mount Vernon Ohio on Summer Lane near Kenyon College.
You can view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale and organized in price order.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
… (2 comments)

324 North Street in Utica Ohio for $80,000 - 05:21 AM
Additional listing details at 324 North Street in Utica, Ohio.
You can view all of our available and affordable homes for sale by visiting this link.  
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 SamMiller.com
… (3 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Apartment Building with Commercial Storefront - 05:30 AM
Large Mount Vernon Ohio Apartment Building that features a commercial storefront and also a commercially zoned garage. This is a very desirbale location for those looking for a cash flow investment type property.  Here is a link that features additional listing details 207 East Gambier Street in Mount Vernon Ohio.  
You can also view and compare all of our Knox County Ohio Multi Family Homes and for those wanting to see our Knox County Ohio commercial properties.    
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (2 comments)

Buyer Negotiating Strategies - 07:13 AM
Buying a new home in today’s real estate market would seem to be as easy as see, sign, and occupy. You are looking to buy the home of your dreams and the seller wants to sell their property quickly and seamlessly.
From their standpoint, the time, money and effort they invest to market their home will bring a positive gain in the end. From your viewpoint, the carefully considered decision to purchase a specific home will benefit you personally and financially.
With this in mind, an informed buyer needs to have negotiating strategies. Just as much as a seller needs to … (1 comments)

Welcome home to the lovely Brambleton Community in Ashburn, Virginia! - 08:40 AM
Welcome home to Brambleton in Ashburn, Virginia!   Brambleton, located in beautiful Loudoun County, Virginia, is a master planned community situated on over 2,000 acres of land and boasts some of the top rated home builders in Northern Virginia including: Van Metre Homes, Winchester Homes, Pulte Homes, Camberley Homes, Beazer Homes, and Miller & Smith, just to name just a few.             Residents enjoy town center living at its best with shops and restaurants including Regal Fox Cinemas, Blue Ridge Grill, Sport and Health,Harris Teeter, and so much more! In addition, amenities seem endless with home owners taking advantage of several special events throughout the year including the famous Casino night, a … (2 comments)

Uniontown, Green and Hartville Ohio Homes for Sale - 11:29 AM
  Uniontown, Green and Hartville Ohio Homes for Sale     My primary areas are the cities of Uniontown, Green and Hartville Homes for  Sale. These  cities stretched from Summit County Ohio into Stark County Ohio.   Here you can also search Uniontown Homes For Sale that is part of Green Ohio and Green Local School District. Uniontown also reaches into Stark County to the east and Lake Local School District. Here you can also find homes for sale at Hartville Homes For Sale if you are looking to live in Lake Schools.   These are two very nice places to live with … (0 comments)

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