Archives of real estate blog entries for July 8, 2012

Featured blog posts


How Many of You Do Your Listing Presentation on iPad? Raise your hand! - 06:29 AM
How many of you do your listing presentation on a iPad? Raise your hand!I thought everyone knew about this but I am finding that more and more do not know about it....I have got a lot of shock and awe out of this and want to share with you!I do my listing presentations on my iPad using Keynote, that would be the equal to the windows version of powerpoint.  If you also have a iPhone or an iPod touch you can download a app called Keynote Remote.... I hand the iPad to my clients or sit it on the table in … (80 comments)

I'm Not just Being Mean....Really! - 12:10 PM
If there is one true statement that can be made about the Real Estate Market, it never stays the same. For the past five years we have been in a buyers market but many buyers couldn't buy for any number of reasons. Today there are more buyers in the market place but the market has shifted again. Where we have had too much inventory to sell, much of it Bank Owned or Short Sale properties, today we are leaning back toward a seller's market. That means that there is less inventory and prices are beginning to stabilize and in some cases … (27 comments)

Rinconada Hills, Los Gatos Homes for Sale - The Definitive Source - 11:25 AM
Rinconada Hills in Los Gatos is a unique neighborhood in the Silicon Valley area and without equal anywhere in the Bay Area. There are a few communities that offer similar characteristics but none is quite the same.  That means demand for the townhouses in Rinconada Hills is high and most units sell quickly.  See the link below for current Rinconada Hills homes for sale.
Quick Facts About Rinconada Hills
Built on 107 acres from 1968 to 1981 in five stages by Brown & Kauffmann 394 townhouses and 40 single-family homes Recently remodeled club house 1 lake at the center of the … (16 comments)

Last Week's Favorites: July 1st - 8th - 03:37 AM
 It's Sunday morning and time for another collection of my favorite reads from last week.  So here goes:
Richard Weisser:  Mayberry is more than a fictional place. It is a way of life.  If Mayberry didn't really exist, it should have.
Janis Borgueta:  Just My Photos ~ Farms in the Hudson Valley  This photo of my favorite blooms just struck me.
Roy Kelley:  Historic John Poole House, Poolesville, Maryland  Wow!  Never knew there really was a Mr. Poole!
Jeff Dowler:  When You Snooze, You Lose! And Even if You Don’t Snooze, You May Still Lose!  Ah, so true!
Carla Muss-Jacobs:  Nothing … (26 comments)

I Learn Something New Every Day At Active Rain-July 1-July 7, 2012 - 03:39 AM
I Learn Something New at ActiveRain Every Day and It's Time I Showed You.  July 1st-July 7th, 2012.I 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!July 1: Craig Rutman  How Many Legos Would It take to build your Raleigh/Cary/Apex area home?Craig has been busy these last few months so our exposure experience with his posts have been less than before.  If you want some fun today or any day for that matter, … (44 comments)

Unattended kids will be given an Espresso ... - 06:56 PM
Unattended kids will be given an Espresso and a free puppy!
When working with families with young children, a little understanding, emergency preparedness and humor can go a long way!
Whether or not kids should be taken along on home tours is always a hot topic. I happen to not only not mind but to welcome them. I love working with families. Perhaps it's because I've been very fortunate with most of my clients and have no horror stories to tell about kids jumping on beds, breaking a mirror, climbing on the roof, tasting the cat's food ... *quick, knock … (32 comments)

Don't Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out! - 07:48 AM
 
On the heels of yesterday's post, NAR Data Indicates Realtors Are Vanishing, one long-time agent I was speaking with said, "They can't leave fast enough to make me happy." The 'they' she was referring to were other individuals who held the designation of Realtor but were not committed.
Kim summarized her thoughts politely as though speaking to those 400,000 Realtors who have left the industry in recent years by saying, "Don't let door hit you on the way out".  She went on to say, "I hope more leave the industry because they are not my competition, they are just … (44 comments)

Bring Your Chainsaw, Mask, and Flashlight to Show My Listing! - 12:07 PM
Show Instructions: "Vacant- Show Anytime". " Short Sale Apporved" Email lister for combo.
Well, good thing the short sale is apporved, because I have a per apporved buyer.
I assumed the listing agent also expected me to carry the trash cans back to the house and put them away after I parked in the street to cut up the limbs that were blocking the driveway? Apparently, he never visits his listings. I wonder if he knows that the owner  moved out 3+ weeks ago? I doubt it.
Oh, and don't worry about emailing or texting that combo, the front door wasn't … (25 comments)

The Difference Between “Judicial” and Nonjudicial” Foreclosure - 08:26 AM
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 Foondos and John Sargetis, who host the show, because they are a legal resource for homeowners in trouble with their mortgages here in Sacramento.  Steve and John offer insights into the murky world of loan modifications, deeds-in-lieu, short-sales and foreclosures.With news breaking at the beginning of this month that California had passed legislation to quell double tracking by banks, I was especially interested in what … (59 comments)

Our Longest Mile... - 12:18 PM
We took the listing for this Short Sale October 22, 2009. We closed July 6, 2012. It was a non-stop fight for 2 years, 8 months and 15 days. So, as of July 6, 2012 this 2 bedroom/2 baths condo unit in MG on the Halifax (former Marina Grande on the Halifax) is sold to the investor. Our previous record was a gorgeous 3 bdr/3 baths condo in Cinnamon Beach, Palm Coast. (see The War & Peace of Short Sale and Terri, I Miss You, Too). I do not want any more records. What started as a simple short sale with … (48 comments)

WHEW! I survived a 104 degree day and "perhaps" sold a home yesterday!! - 04:43 AM
NO!   It was NOT just another Saturday.  The temperature in Woodbridge in Prince William County yesterday registered 104 degrees, according to the outside termperature guage in my 4Runner. 
THAT'S HOT!!!
However, there was a home to show and the possibility that a new home in inventory would not wait for cooler weather. Just remember to "WALK SLOWLY and DRINK A LOT OF WATER".
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS HAVE A LOT TO LEARN.  I love working with them.  I've been working with a lovely young lady, first time home buyer, looking to move from the apartment to her first home.  We toured … (43 comments)

Who Uses Your Bird Bath? How About A Great White Heron? - 12:21 PM
So who uses your bird bath? Well, we are on the Gulf Coast of Florida, so how about a Great White Heron?

This is just one of the things I love about living here in Crystal Beach Florida, you never know what type of tropical creature you are going to see while out for an early morning walk through town.
I spotted this Great White Heron and he poised while I whipped out my iPhone and took his photo!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!
… (27 comments)

Eleven Things I Never Said To My Clients - 02:33 AM

Yesterday, for a bit of fun, I wrote about eleven things I hoped my broker would never hear about me from clients.  Fair is fair.   Now I have eleven things I hoped my clients would never read from my mind.  I may have been tempted to say or have thought these things but age, good taste and a need to earn a living held me back.    
1.      If I throw a stick, will you leave my car?
2.      I’d love to help you but it is wine o’clock somewhere in the British Empire.
3.      Any connection between your … (64 comments)

Are You Making the Most of Your AR Relationships? - 09:15 PM
Are You Making the Most of Your AR Relationships?

Active Rain is a special place for so MANY reasons. It gives Real Estate professionals an Internet based platform to share their knowledge and experience with consumers and other professionals. Through sharing information we learn from each other and we teach each other. We can easily find colleagues for referral business in other areas of the country and Canada. All of these things are possible because of the relationships that we form in the Rain.  Are you making the most of YOUR Active Rain relationships?

What is YOUR Active Rain … (53 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Questionnaire - 05:58 PM

First Time Home Buyer Questionnaire
Name: _________________________________________________Current Address:__________________________________________ __________________________________________Email: _______________________________                     Cell phone:___________________________
So that we may better serve you, please take a few minutes to answer the following questions.
Section I: Mortgage FinanceHave you been prequalified by a lender?  Yes__    No__If “yes,” Is the lender someone you found on the Internet? Yes__ No__Would you be willing to speak to one of our trusted mortgage sources? Yes__ No__Section II: Attorney SelectionHave you chosen an attorney? Yes__ No__Would you be willing to speak to one of our trusted attorney sources? Yes__ No__If you have chosen an attorney, Please answer the following:Is real … (118 comments)

Fishhawk Lake-Summer has Kicked In - 01:15 PM
Summer has officially been launched at Fishhawk Lake! Our weather usually “kicks in” right after July 4th. And this year, it came ON July 4th.
 
 

 
 
 
Everyone of all ages has taken advantage of it and with the warm weather…all are taking to the water.
 
It’s all about Fun at Fishhawk Lake. Wanna join us?  Gotta buy property here, then.
 
And I know JUST THE REALTOR WHO CAN HELP YOU.
 
Call me or stop by.
 
… (22 comments)

A Lockbox On The Door Doesn't Always Mean Come In - 04:58 PM
Lockboxes in our industry have a fairly specific purpose.  When a home is for sale a lockbox is a chance for buyer agents to haveaccess to a listing under the guidelines of the instructions in the MLS.When a property goes under contract the lockbox is to allow access for the buyer's home inspector, appraiser and at least in Virginia the pest control company to do the Wood Destroying Inspection inspection.What the lockbox is not for, after a home is under contract, is for any agent who just happens to be curious about the property to let themselves in.  Yesterday I got … (210 comments)

"I have no credit history, can you help me find a rental home?" - 12:39 PM
Hmmmm this is the question of the day. Rewind 24 hours when I get a call from a fellow agent from another town. " I have a rental referral for you. His name is Sam and he's looking for a rental. Here's his number." I say thank you and follow -up with the prospect. We have a good conversation, I understand what he is looking for and make an appointment. (yes, I know one of my pre-qual questions should have been, "and how's your credit?" but I did not ask.) So we set the appointment and I send him properties to … (40 comments)

Are You That Guy? - 11:43 PM
Are You That Guy?


Today, at my open house as I was introducing myself to a group, handing them the brochure, the floor plan and giving my short spiel about the property --- I stepped back and observed the man in the group as we was studying the brochure and then talking to his wife ---  It looks like you might have a question....I say  Well, did you write an article about Sutton House?Why yes I did(an ActiveRain post from earlier this month).Ahh, I thought you looked familiar.Looked familiar?Why yes, after I read that article about Sutton House, I … (39 comments)

Playing to Win Vs Trying Not to Lose - 07:00 PM
Playing to Win Vs Trying Not to Lose  

In sports, as a team or individual recognizes the opposition is applying pressure and closing the gap, strategy changes and often that can be a negative.
At the US Open in golf, recently, while the leaders were playing so as to not commit an error that could cost them a stroke, from 3 strokes back, a challenger was playing to win, and succeeded.
In football, teams will go into specialized prevent defenses designed to not allow the opposition to make big plays. Often this will back fire, as the team … (25 comments)

I want to show your listings, but you have to give me a little leeway! - 10:26 AM
 
I want to show your listings, but you have to give me a little leeway!  In the busy, busy showing times, let’s help each other out by making our properties as accessible as possible.
 
1.       Lockboxes!  If I had time to stop at every office for a key that should be somewhere secured at a residence, I’d never actually have time to show property.  Please take the time to install a lockbox.

2.     Blinds/Curtains.  Beware of the dark!  If you know I am showing the property, please have the courtesy due to your client to have it properly … (23 comments)

Firing a bad client - 02:04 PM
Firing a bad client can be a difficult skill to learn, and hopefully you'll not need the skill often.  Of course, we all hope that we are better judges of character at the onset to realize when someone is a bad client and not worth the energy or time they will consume.  Yet, eventaully if you are in the business of real estate for any length of time, you'll have a situation where you took on a client (possibly even against a gut feeling that something was not right here) but for whatever reason, they become too difficult for you to … (145 comments)


Blog posts


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What the DECK? Active Rain MUST Know ! - 03:31 AM
 
   Today we are beginning to search for new deck material.  We have a deck that extends across the first floor of our home. In our  exposed ranch, from the back, being built into a hill...it would appear that the first floor is the second floor. When we built the house...we used treated lumber....and knew that someday it would be on the list of things that needed replacing.  So here we are...at "someday."  The supporting posts will be covered with columns giving it a "White House" appearance from the back.  The floor, rail and spindles of a synthetic product...therein lies … (10 comments)

Rainy Days and Sundays Get You Down? Come See This Property and Smile! - 09:44 AM
There is  a real interesting open house that's taking place at 6944 Harrier Drive Colorado Springs, 80922.
 
If you want something fun to do on Sunday between 10:00AM and 5:00PM, then maybe you'll want to take a minute to tour this place.
 
It's got new 2-tone paint throughout, all new carpet, hardwood Floors on main level & master bedroom.
 
Even if you're not in the market to buy, a little house tour is always a fun thing to do on a lazy summer afternoon!
 
Enjoy!
- Juanita Simkins
 
P.S. -- You can see more pictures of … (1 comments)

Sell My Home Now with a Pensacola Auction.. Sell Now Sell Fast - 05:16 AM
Sell My Home Now with a Pensacola Auction.. Sell Now Sell Fast
 
Ready for a quick sell!! Try an auction. Yes you can do it with proper marketing and hard work and here's how. With the buyers starting to come out again we held our first Auction in 3 years with 14 people attending and at 3 buyers ready and willing. Although I consider this style auction to be no more than a glorified open house (it is not an absolute) it does bring folks out. We have registration forms where folks can register to win a prize, usually a lunch … (0 comments)

Are banks 'hoarding foreclosures'? in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze - 05:39 AM
Are banks 'hoarding foreclosures'? Probably, but they are losing money at record amounts here in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze.
 
We have 4 brokers here that handle 73% of all foreclosures and while they put them in the MLS most if not all have been sold already to there investors. While agents complain banks, the government and the tax pay loses big time. I made offers on behalf of 4 different buyers on 19 different properties since January at higher prices than the recorded sale. How does this happen?
 
Some agents think homes sit empty as banks wait for selling prices … (1 comments)

Obama HARP Refi Plan - Politics or real help? - 06:33 AM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (1 comments)

Where OH where did you GO? Alexander Harb - 08:01 AM
 
Where OH where did you GO? Alexander Harb
 
Has anyone LIKE ME wondered what ever happened to ole friends we have made here in the rain? I have gone back in my data base as well as my thoughts and looked some of the folks that used to be here and I no longer see. I wondered,
 
Did the burst with the boom? Did they like me at one time just think it was for naught and take a Hiatus? Boy was I dumb for that move. Did someone Like …. Say the wrong words for the … (3 comments)

Underwater on Your Mortgage? Our NEW program can help! - 01:10 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

HARP Refinance - The first few months - 01:11 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

HARP II (HOME AFFORDABLE REFINANCE) CHANGES - 03:22 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

What is a HARP Loan? - 03:23 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

HARP 2.0 Jacksonville, FL Should Help Millions Refinance Their Mortgage - 07:34 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (1 comments)

What the heck does it take to.... HARP? - 07:34 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (1 comments)

The HARP Deal 2.0 - What If I Rent It Out Now? - 08:56 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

HARP 2.0 Program- Refinance Low Rates Opportunity - 08:57 PM
IS the Obama administration just WACKO or is it this obvious how much he is against HOUSING. When is the last time he has even brought up housing and what he will do to fix it. President Fiddler has played the HARP not once but twice and people are worse off then ever.
Call it what you will but if the most powerful person in the world cannot fix something as simple as housing then how stupid was I to think he could fix HEALTH CARE.
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or … (0 comments)

How to work with a housing counselor to save you home in Pace or Gulf Breeze? - 10:23 PM
How to work with a housing counselor to save you home in Pace or Gulf Breeze?
 
At Charles Stallions Real Estate we not only lead in short sales, foreclosure sales and home sales we lead in helping folks that are thinking they lost their home, about to lose their home or wishing they’d lose their home.
 
If you are someone you know has a real estate need or question of any kind give us a call, the advice is FREE but the results are PRICELESS. We are believers in BAD things sometime happen to GOOD folks and … (2 comments)

New WiFi standard to speed up streaming in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze. - 10:24 PM
New WiFi standard to speed up streaming in Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze.
 
Although for years Charles Stallions Real Estate has been using video, you tube and virtual tours for selling homes now help to speed the streaming is on the way.
 
Upgrade brings faster download if using WiFi; as tech speeds increase, consumers could demand more listing videos. Read more.
A new Wi-Fi protocol – dubbed 802.11ac – will increase data speeds by as much as three times over the most recent standard to 1.3 gigabytes per second. It is also six times more power-efficient and will … (1 comments)

Traffic Stop (Humor) - 05:25 AM
Traffic Stop
A mature (over 60) lady gets pulled over for speeding....Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer?Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding. Can I see your license and registration please?Older Woman: I'd give them to you but I don't have either.Officer: Don't have them?Older Woman: Lost my license 4 years ago for drunk driving. And I don't have a registration because I stole this car.Officer: Stole it?Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner.Officer: You what?Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in the trunk if you want to seeThe Officer looks at the woman and … (16 comments)

Max Headroom Or Minimum Headroom - Which Would YOU Want? - 02:58 AM
This amazes me but it's not the first time I've seen it. 
This is a failure of all in the chain of construction from the original plans to the final approval. 
Surely some savvy person, a carpenter, a supervisor, a builder, etc. would have noticed this basic design flaw. 
Did they all agree to just keep quiet???
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Jay Markanich - Northern VA Home Inspector (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
So, take your pick, Max Headroom or minimum headroom - which would YOU want?
This is a flip.  A previous, small house was razed in favor of a large, expensive house.
… (4 comments)

McKay's Mill Franklin TN | Franklin TN Homes for Sale in McKay's Mill - 03:01 AM
AN A PHOTO OF A REPRESENTATIVE HOME!!!
I love market reports.  Many think they are just for SEO.  HA!
Some of us actually read them to learn about communities in other states/counties, etc.
The one thing that is so often missing in market reports is a representative photo of an area home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Via Tammie White Realtor® Franklin TN Homes For Sale (Benchmark Realty, LLC (615) 495-0752 or www.TammieWhite.com):
McKay's Mill Franklin TN | Franklin TN Homes for Sale in McKay's Mill  
 McKay's Mill Franklin TN is a 540-acre master-planned community defined by miles of walking trails, parks and acres of open … (3 comments)

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