Archives of real estate blog entries for July 9, 2012

Featured blog posts


Looking To Cure Someone Of Chronic Tardiness? Try Leaving! - 07:24 PM
Admit it.  You know you’ve been tempted to leave before.  There you are – once again waiting on your habitually late friend for the umpteenth time.  Trust me, I know how you feel.  Many years ago, I used to be that friend.  And, no matter how hard I tried – I just couldn't kick the habit of consistently running late.  My family hated it.  My friends hated it.  I hated it.  And, from what I understand, every chronically punctual person hates it.  Perpetual lateness seems to be a ubiquitous problem creating conflict and resentment all over the planet.  Luckily, I've already … (55 comments)

Are YOU a Part of the Entitlement Generation? - 06:21 PM
Are YOU a Part of the Entitlement Generation?
Quick rant here, people.
I've been hearing for the last few years about the "entitlement generation." In fact, I totally agree with it. (call me, I'll tell you my personal situation about it)
I understand when a homeowner has a situation where they can't pay their mortgage anymore. Hospital bills, loss of job, etc. play a part in that.
What I'm talking about here is the people who happen to Owe more than their house (or condo) is worth, and has decided that they just won't pay for it anymore.
Where, in the … (86 comments)

Disturbing Real Estate Agent Trends - Part Timing Not Disclosed - 09:53 AM
Disturbing Real Estate Agent Trends - Part Timing Not Disclosed Times in real estate are still changing in real estate and many of the trends that are occurring to the real estate profession are not good!  No matter what anyone is saying in real estate... good times are not as plentiful as they were in real estate even before the boom!  Times are still tough, and no one is denying that.  Yes sales may be up, but they are up from the bottom,  so lets replace hype with some of the realities that many agents are now facing in the aftermath … (77 comments)

A Brookeville, MD home for under 500K? - 04:19 PM
Are there homes to be had in Brookeville, MD for under 500K? It's slim pickings but yes. Those, however, may come without an A/C. I showed 2 homes in the area last weekend that did not have any air conditioning nor (enough) ceiling fans - showing them on the last day of a record-breaking heat wave did nothing but make painfully aware the obvious.  However, with a list price in the mid-to-low 400s respectively and fantastic locations in the heart of the historic districts, these homes will sell, eventually. It will take vision, some milder temps and a pot of gold. … (15 comments)

How "Artsy" Should Your MLS Pictures Be? - 11:08 AM
We recently had a brand new agent join our team.  In Mark's previous life he was a professional photographer.  Part of the deal of him joining the team was that he would take all the pictures of our listings.  He has a much better camera than we have, and (as I quickly learned) a much better eye for pictures and details.  
Last week Mark and I were looking through the new listings on the Fort Wayne MLS.  There was one listing that really caught my eye because of the stunning pictures.  The listing had most of the normal pictures, like … (96 comments)

Napa Valley legend Robert Mondavi and my ponderings on nearly 40 years being here - 07:56 AM
Napa Valley and Robert Mondavi, one and the same breath
      Yesterday in the Napa Register, the local newspaper, was a great article by L. Pierce Carson about Margrit Mondavi, A biographical ‘Sketchbook’, which set me thinking of my past encounters with her legendary husband, Robert Mondavi, and my nearly 40 years being here in the Napa Valley. Here are a few excerpts from his article:           Robert Mondavi was the love of her life, Margrit, who is approaching her 87th birthday, ... “Bob and I fell in love — we were attracted to one another,” Margrit says. … (21 comments)

Margate's Code Red passes test - 04:29 PM
It works. The City of Margate tested its Code Red emergency notification system at 11 a.m. Monday.Code Red is an automated system that calls residents on the phone and delivers recorded messages warning them of urgent situations in their area.
The system made more than 27,000 auto-dialed phone calls within 30 minutes and 14,500 calls were answered, according to Fire Rescue Division Chief Dan Booker.
"The phone call said, 'This is only a test of the Code Red system,'" Booker said. "We're encouraging residents to sign up for the new features that include text messaging and e-mail service."About 450 people signed … (13 comments)

ActiveRain and Homefinder.com Agent Makeover Challenge - 08:18 AM

Active Rain Agent Makeover Contest I would be willing to bet there are parts of your business that run like a well-oiled machine! Maybe your people skills are so stellar that you’ve found the way to make each of your buyers feel like they are your number one client. I'd also be willing to bet there are areas that could use improvement; perhaps you're horrible with paperwork and by the time the contract comes together, you feel like all you do for the next week is sort, file, scan.Self-reflection is never easy, but we have teamed up with HomeFinder.com to … (168 comments)

Just because the spoken word sounds right… - 04:02 PM
 ... doesn't mean the written word will carry the same meaning.
The wrong word used in a written sentence can throw the whole message off track. The reader stops, reads it again, and determines what was meant by what was written. By then, the "flow" is gone.
And while some readers will be forgiving, others will dismiss the writer as someone who isn't very intelligent or who doesn't pay attention to details. As a professional, you don't want anyone to have either impression of you.
Following below are some misused words that I've come across in blog posts … (54 comments)

Want To Buy A House In Today's Market? Be Ready to JUMP - 07:51 PM
The Tucson real estate market doesn't just have a great pulse...it's on a serious caffinated rush! Buyers know that now is the time to get off the fence and buy. Sellers are starting to understand when we say "We need inventory!!!"
Case in point: a week or so ago, I received a referral for a wonderful couple buying their first home. I went through the regular protocals - calling and chatting with him, setting up an MLS portal and then reviewing his favorites. I was a little nervous at first - he was looking in that all too hot price point: … (16 comments)

New Hampshire Home Stager's #1 Rule For Decorating Your Home - 03:18 AM
New Hampshire Home Stager's #1 Rule For Decorating Your Home

I'll start by saying although Home Staging is considered decorating by many;
I do not claim to be, nor have I been trained to be, a decorator.
 
As a New Hampshire Home Stager, I help sellers make their homes more appealing to buyers. My client's taste and personal style are not my concern.  Home Staging is not about the homeowner's convenience or comfort...it's about creating space and flow and highlighting positive features.    It's not decorating, it's marketing. 
As a New Hampshire Home Stager, I also help homeowners, who are not selling, give … (35 comments)

The Good, The Bad And The Smokey - 03:44 AM
How often do we home inspectors see something that is correct and incorrect at the same time? 
In this case, it was the good, the bad and the smokey.
Every gas appliance should have access to its shut-off valve within 4' of the unit and on the same level.
Oftentimes I see this kind of installation on a flip and the valve is in the basement ceiling just below.
The valve cannot be on a different level of the house.
In this case Flipper, not his real name, put the valve behind the range, and inside the island into which the … (61 comments)

Your Real Estate Agent! You Get What You Pay For....Or NOT? - 03:08 PM
I'm trying to live up to the writing method, that real live real estate experiences probably make the BEST blog topics. And I'm sure they do....So, here we go.
(Oh yeah, if anyone reading this works for one of these "limted service" companies, I apologize in advance, or...maybe NOT?)
Last week, Monday to be exact, I closed on a home where I represented the Buyers. The Seller needed to cut corners I guess, so they elected to list their home with a limited service brokerage. What is limited service? It could probably be defined any number of ways, but for this … (25 comments)

Boca Raton Interior Redesign FAQ's-Get the Hang of It! - 03:59 AM
Boca Raton Interior Redesign FAQ’s- Get the Hang of It!Hanging pictures in your home isn’t rocket science... just follow of these easy guidelines and you’ll “Get the Hang of It” for your Boca Raton Interior Redesign. In a previous post on Boca Raton Interior Redesign FAQ’s  I shared 5 Easy Tips for hanging your pictures.   Here are a few more picture hanging tips. Come Prepared- Any project you undertake is easier when you have the right  equipment and materials at hand.   Again, it’s not rocket science, but have a hammer and tape measure, paper and pencil and a variety of hanging accessories.  Some … (32 comments)

My first five years as an ActiveRain member. - 04:23 AM
It’s hard to believe that I signed up to become an ActiveRain member five years ago. An awful lot has changed since then, both in the real state profession and also in ActiveRain itself.
In the same time period, the company that I work for has been sold … TWICE! Many of the people that I worked with five years ago are no longer in the business.
In addition, the real estate business itself has changed over the last five years. Real estate brokerage today bears very little resemblance to the same job in July 2007.  It seems that everything changes … (82 comments)

Condo Rental Conundrum - 05:40 PM
 
   
I recently visited with a perspective client who wanted to rent their condominium.  They had purchased it several years ago during the housing bubble and owed more than it was worth.  Life circumstances compelled them to relocate and hence they opted to rent their condo out rather than damage their credit in a short sale or by strategically defaulting. At the end of our interview we determined that the owner would net about $60 less than their mortgage payment.  They were fine with that.  However, as we were concluding an interesting question came up: Would the HOA permit … (11 comments)

The Low Hanging Fruits Are Not Real Estate Deals Anymore - 01:29 PM
Last Friday afternoon an investor client of mine called me very excitedly – “ Madeleine, there's a unit at the Mirador that got listed at $120,000! It's a one bedroom, immediately prepare an offer for $130,000!”
 
I groaned as I knew the property was totally underpriced and this would be a disappointment for my client. I researched the property and looked at the comps, which were in the range of $165,000 to $200,000.  Needless to say, this property was a short sale and priced 40% under market value in order to get multiple offers and drive the price up. I called the … (26 comments)

Gone Are the Days! - 07:19 AM
Gone are the days when people bought real estate as a long-term investment. Now it seems many people move every few years and still expect that they are going to make a profit on their houses.
 
The last few years in real estate have been challenging and many sellers are disappointed that they won't make as much money, if any, when they sell. 
 
It used to be that people stayed in their houses longer and were able to weather the ups and downs of real estate. Now we want instant gratification. As long as real estate remains a long-term … (58 comments)

Staging an Overpriced Home is a Waste of Money - 07:45 AM
Staging an Overpriced Home is a Waste of Money
A year ago I was hired to stage a very charming, beautiful older home that had been renovated, and had excellent curb appeal. The entire home only took a few hours to stage because it was already in great shape. 
My enthusiasm turned to disbelief when the owner told me they were asking $869,000! Because I’m always on MLS, know somewhat about the market and have staged many homes with Realtors in this particular neighborhood, I knew the house was listed by at least 100,000 over fair market value.
The seller … (85 comments)


Blog posts


Commercial, 81 Units, Interior: 62,000 sq ft, Lot: 1.78 acres, Hotel - 06:59 PM
Franchise Hotel … (0 comments)

ActiveRain and Homefinder.com Agent Makeover Challenge - 08:18 AM

Active Rain Agent Makeover Contest I would be willing to bet there are parts of your business that run like a well-oiled machine! Maybe your people skills are so stellar that you’ve found the way to make each of your buyers feel like they are your number one client. I'd also be willing to bet there are areas that could use improvement; perhaps you're horrible with paperwork and by the time the contract comes together, you feel like all you do for the next week is sort, file, scan.Self-reflection is never easy, but we have teamed up with HomeFinder.com to … (168 comments)

FREE Slurpees on Me - Wednesday July 11 - 11:29 AM
Everyone needs to come on out and celebrate my Birthday with me this Wednesday, 7-11... Free Slurpees on me again this year!! I'm getting more and more generous each year. You just walk in and tell them to bill me!  This year, you can even go to a Cinemark and get a free slurpee.  So totally cool! 

**Are You Packed Yet?**

Donna Harris, REALTOR®RE/MAX Austin Skylinewww.DonnaHomes.comDonna@DonnaHomes.comaustin-texas-homes-for-sale.com
Austin TX Real Estate and the surrounding areas of Lakeway, Bee Cave, West Lake Hills, CedarPark, Round Rock, Spicewood, Circle-C, Steiner Ranch, and everywhere in between... Hill Country Austin TX Real Estate and … (8 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales - June 2012 -CERES Ca - - 02:19 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales - June 2012 -CERES Ca - 
 
The sales figures for Ceres Ca for June 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Ceres.
 
Total Sales - 47  (57 Homes sold in June 2011)
Bank owned Sales - 14  which was 30% of all sales.
Short Sales - 22 which was 47% of all sales 
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 77% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in Ceres during June 2012 was $55,000.   
The highest price home sold in Ceres … (0 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales - June 2012 -Patterson Ca - - 02:39 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales - June 2012 -Patterson Ca - 
 
The sales figures for Patterson Ca for June 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Patterson.
 
Total Sales - 50  (41 Homes sold in June 2011)
Bank owned Sales - 12  which was 24% of all sales.
Short Sales - 13 which was 26% of all sales 
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 50% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in Patterson during June 2012 was $82,000.   
The highest price home sold in Patterson … (4 comments)

Kath's Happy Monday Report - Video Blog - 01:22 PM
Happy Monday Friends!! Check out this week's Kath's Happy Monday Report & have a GREAT week! I appreciate your referrals!
508-444-2673

… (2 comments)

Referral for RENTAL in 90067, 90212 or 90028 - 11:10 AM
I am looking for someone to help my client find a place to live. They are looking in the 90067, 90212 and 90028 zip codes and are looking to move in fast. This is for a rental only at this time... Any takers? or can you recommend someone that can help my help them?****************************************************************************************************
Whether you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of great online resources:http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/. And for all of your Pearland, TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston … (0 comments)

Kick Ass Shoes - 11:42 AM
                              Kick Ass Shoes Whenever speaking to a group or giving a presentation, I always wore kick ass shoes. Each outfit had a special pair. They were high heels and they made me feel good, powerful, in charge and confident.                          But when I shredded the tendon in my ankle (I ran a race that should have been walked)the  reconstructive surgery put a halt to those shoes.  Did that mean no more speaking? Did that mean … (36 comments)

Sunset, Fireworks and Lightning - 12:37 PM
               Sunset, Fireworks and Lightning We were fortunate to be with friends for their annual Fourth of July Party celebration which always ends with fireworks. The weather was threatening. The sky was grey and there was lightening. Usually we wait for dark to begin the display. But not last night. The fireworks started as the sun was setting in a beautiful orange sky with a bit of rain and some lightening.                                                
 
Beauty and a wonderful way to end a delightful 4th of … (24 comments)

Ice Cream Social in Highlands Ranch for fire victims - 02:52 PM
ICE CREAM! Come cool down at the 15th annual Ice Cream Social Wednesday, July 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Civic Green Park in Highlands Ranch. Purchase a wrist band for $2 and get all-you-can-eat ice cream donated by Safeway and snow cones. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross to help Colorado wildfire victims.

More at http://www.denverpropertylines.com/ice-cream-social-wednesday-for-wildfire-victims/
… (0 comments)

7255 HIAWASSEE OAK DR, ORLANDO FL 32818 Hiawassee Oaks - 09:58 AM
7255 HIAWASSEE OAK DR, ORLANDO FL 32818                                                                  $$$ 120,000 $$$
Short Sale. Spacious 4BR on cul-de-sac of tree-lined street . Split plan. Property features formal LR and DR, large family room with wood-burning fireplace and vaulted ceilings,kitchen with breakfast nook overlooking screened in porch leading to raised deck. Deck has complete privacyprivacy due to woods behind back yard fence. Large master bedroom features his&hers walk-in closets. Master bath features garden tub, oversized stall shower and double sinks. Both baths accessible from screened in porch. Large guest bath includes double sinks. Large tree shades front of house. Long double-wide driveway to 2 … (0 comments)

6976 HYLAND OAKS DR, ORLANDO FL 32818 Graceland - 10:02 AM
6976 HYLAND OAKS DR, ORLANDO FL 32818                                                                         $$$ 170,000 $$$
Short Sale: Stop Looking! You are Home! Step into this Beautiful 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Home with many up-grades, New Kitchen, New flooring, and New Roof. Fireplace in Family Room, Split Floor Plan, Master Bath Room Offers Garden Tub and Double Sinks. 3 Car Side Entry Garage. French Doors that leads to a  Large Florida Room overlooking a huge back yard with a Fishpond, Mature Oaks and Fruit Trees, just perfect for entertaining guests, family or large groups. Home is situated on a large almost one acre lot.  Don't Miss This, … (0 comments)

2557 CLARINET DR, ORLANDO FL 32837 Hunters Creek - 10:06 AM
2557 CLARINET DR, ORLANDO FL 32837                                                                 $$$ 180,000 $$$
Nice private gated community.  Read note on bedroom options. Spacious rooms, jacuzzi tub in master bedroom, flexible layout, either 2 master suites, huge rooms or 2nd oversized bedroom could be easily modified to either a den/office or a possible 3rd bedroom, almost 1800 living area.  Fireplace fenced yard,  NEWER ROOF, Community pool, tennis courts, Association maintains your front lawn,provides sprinkler water for front yard, guarded gate, community pool, private tennis courts and more!  Also includes newer carpet, new plumbing in 2008, and new roof in 2005. Tremendous value!
For the latest status … (1 comments)

2507 CATALINA DR, ORLANDO FL 32805 Isle of Catalina - 10:09 AM
2507 CATALINA DR, ORLANDO FL 32805                                                                        $$$ 229,900 $$$
Short sale.Enjoy living lakefront front over looking downtown Orlando with the comforts of your screened in saltwater swimming pool.  This home has an open floor plan that allows you to enjoy the lake view while in most rooms of the home.One of the best wakeboarding, boating lakes in Orlando. Conveniently located to I-4, downtown, airport, and the mall.
For the latest status on this property and many more in the Orlando Area, contact Steve Glose with Keller Williams Realty direct at 407-616-7286 or visit www.thefloridalivingteam.com. For a faster reply you can also email me at … (1 comments)

11102 BRIDGE HOUSE RD, WINDERMERE FL 34786 RESERVE @ LAKE BUTLER SOUND - 10:13 AM
11102 BRIDGE HOUSE RD, WINDERMERE FL 34786                                                        $$$ 3,490,000 $$$
A Estate like none other!  From the moment you step into this impressive and elegant custom home you will feel as if you have arrived in another world. Magnificent custom doors and elegant fountains welcome you as you arrive. Once inside you may choose to slip away to the large master retreat where you can relax in the massage tub, steam spa or the  release your daily stresses with a workout in the spacious gym or simply curl up with a book in the sitting room. When work calls you, slip … (3 comments)

Casa Di Giorgio Mmmmmagnifico Menu ....Franklin Wi - 07:51 PM
 
   Casa Di Georgio....For a taste of Italy....a little American....fine dining at a reasonable price.....you will be doing your taste buds a huge favor with a visit to this Franklin Wisconsin favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is "casually sophisticated"....ambiance that compliments the flavorful menu....with a wealth of choices to satisfy your palate including pasta and pizza but of course....and unique signature veal and pork, chicken favorites....parmesan and picatta..and seafood as well. No restaurant in the greater Milwaukee area would survive without a fish fry and this is no exception with a variety of fish...haddock and perch served baked and breaded....mmmm. Pictured … (7 comments)

INVESTORS HAVEN! BUY A HOME & OWN 4 MORE!!! - 09:07 AM
… (0 comments)

The 30-second no-fail listing presentation - 07:25 PM
Would you like information on buying or selling Foreclosures / Short sales CLICK HERE or Search All Pensacola, Pace and Gulf Breeze Area MLS Listings CLICK HERE for Rentals and Homes For Sale.
Sellers Flat Fee of $2995 when one of our agents sells your home or if you want MLS (where you home is available for all Real Estate Agents to sell) then the best program TODAY is $1495 to us +3 % offered to Buyers Agent for bringing the buyer.  When you understand how agents work you will clearly see why we sell 94% of our homes at or above asking price and … (1 comments)

Nice Century Home For Sale - 08:02 AM
            Sorry, Sold!!!!!
However, if you are looking for other Century Homes for Sale in Summit County, Click Here!
Stark County, Click Here!
Portage County, Click Here!
 
Large Home with 30x 60 Pole Barn
… (0 comments)

Akron Ohio Homes For Sale - 09:21 AM
 
Akron Ohio Homes For Sale
Akron Ohio Homes For Sale has many areas surrounding it that sometimes are called Akron Ohio.
Fairlawn Ohio Homes for Sale is one of those cities located in the north western part of the Akron Ohio Homes For Sale area.
Fairlawn Ohio was founded as a hamlet in 1891 when the Northern Ohio Railroad was built. As of 1908 it had a mill, general store, a blacksmith, and other businesses. It was incorporated as Fairlawn Village in 1958. It became a city when its population reached 6,200 in the 1970 census. 
Fairlawn and Akron Ohio Homes For Sale are served by … (0 comments)

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