Archives of real estate blog entries for August 20, 2012

Featured blog posts


Internet buyer leads? I learned 2 serious lessons with my team. - 12:17 PM
Internet leads can be hazardous to your health.
Between January and May 2012 I accumulated 685 internet leads from a push ad campaign targeting buyers from cities around the country that LOVE Lee County, Florida homes.  That was the easy part.  Now the fun part.

I assigned these leads to a group of ten agents with high hopes that we would close 1 out of 10 leads and whoopee, the money flows in.  The leads cost me roughly $14,000 in ad expenses and so my journey to recoup the initial investment began.  Or so I thought.  Most of my agents … (149 comments)

So Far! So Good....No Calls from Former Residents About their Deposits - 06:51 AM
I've only got about 5 remaining security deposits to account for during my current round of move-outs and move-ins.  
So far, only 3 residents are getting NONE of their security deposit back * 1) as their pro-rated June rent check was returned NSF and my fees and court filing for a warrant in debt ate their deposit; 2) tenants spot painted walls with the WRONG paint sheen so I am having the walls they "damaged" repainted and their deposit will cover this cost; and 3) tenant moved to Florida and depended on "others" to do final cleaning which was not … (39 comments)

“Well is there someone else in your office that can show us this home?” “No probably not”. - 01:34 PM
 “Well is there someone else in your office that can show us this home?” “No probably not”
The above question came from a lady who called me today and my response is shown right after her query. Let me discuss how this all came down. I might sound like am ranting in this blog. Just ignore the rant portion when it shows up.
 
My cell rings this morning and of course I see a number I do not recognize. I answer and a lady is speaking very quickly about wanting/needing to view a home. The call sounds like she … (47 comments)

WEBINAR - ActiveRain University - FARMING (Wed 8/22/12 11-12pm PST) - 10:50 PM
FARMING - Ways to start and ideas to do it better!   Wednesday August 22nd 2012 11-12pm (PST) 2-3pm (EST)
 FREE
 Hosted by: Chris Alston and Bob Stewart
Click this link to sign up àhttp://bit.ly/MuWd5L
Farming...  Seems to be what we all do at least once in our real estate career, then give up with what we think is a lack of success.
Does it really work, can it create income to reinvest in my business?  
This one hour webinar with ActiveRain University will help us understand Geographic, Demographic and Phsychographic farming.  From the basics to really learning how to dominate a farm. … (17 comments)

She's a nice lady, but I take no prisoners. Look out Andrea Swiedler! - 04:29 AM
She's a nice lady, but I take no prisoners!  
Look out Andrea Swiedler, I'm coming after you!
Last time I checked the Leaderboard in All States, I had moved up to #109. Who is right ahead of me?  
Well my oh my, it's that nice lady from Milford, CT...........Andrea Swiedler.
Well she's ahead of me right now, by 4,600 points and some change, but I'm moving in on her fast.  If she doesn't want to be left in the dust, she better get those fingers flying on that keyboard and bang out some pretty hefty posts to keep her … (84 comments)

The True Value of REALTOR® Associations - 09:25 AM
I’ve read a number of blogs this week bashing the National Association of REATORS® (NAR) along with the state and local counterparts. Many of the comments on these blogs show that REALTORS® to not understand the value of the associations and what they do to protect the industry and the general public.
Full disclosure, I serve on the Board of Directors of our local association and I’m a Sterling R PAC Major Donor.
Most importantly, NAR gives us a single voice with almost a million members behind it. Elected officials take note and do listen to our million-person voice.
While I … (20 comments)

Should tenant pay rent when Landlord is not making the house payment? - 01:02 PM
Should Tenant pay rent when Landlord is not making the house payment?
According to the Texas Attorney Hotline, the answer is yes. They are under a lease agreement and should continue to pay the rent. They are obligated by the lease agreement. However, with that said ,they should also file notice and move out before the home forecloses.
Unfortunately, This has happened recently to two of our tenants. They started receiving notices that the home was going into foreclosure. The sellers were not honest with us about their situation and we sent the rent to them every month as we … (36 comments)

This is The 21st Century and I Cannot Believe We Have To Have This Talk - 07:47 PM
This is The 21st Century and I Cannot Believe We Have To Have This TalkToday I informed someone that lives near one of my listings that we have a buyer. She wanted me to let her know so I did. I was met with a question I cannot answer by law and morally I wouldn't answer anyway.I was asked if the buyer was of a certain ethnic group. Told the person that I cannot answer that question because the law prohibits me from doing so. Besides, is it really that important? Why should it be? What is the difference? Boggles my … (80 comments)

Can I Buy A Home If I'm Unemployed & Selling Cotton Candy On The Side? - 01:08 PM
Buying a home is not like buying a used Chevy Nova off that lot. It's much different. Way different.
Any "side business" must be able to prove its income. Bank statements, proof of everything. Lets say you made $64,000 "on the side" selling toasters & cutting boards from your van last year. Lets further assume you wrote off EVERYTHING, including your hair cuts, bar tabs and sneakers. If your adjusted gross income is too low then you'll probably not qualify to buy a home, or even one of those prepaid cell phones.
If you are self-employed you need to make sure you have bottom line cash … (32 comments)

KEEP DETAILED NOTES FOR EVERY TRANSACTION.. IT COULD SAVE YOU! - 10:24 AM
A few years ago I was contacted by a buyer from out of town looking to purchase something in a very specific area of town. I met with her and she provided me with her specific needs in terms of area and the type of home she was looking to buy. I set her up on an auto email system with the criteria she gave me and the emails started appearing.  After receiving  numerous listsings on auto emails, none of which apparentlhy suited her, she contacted me to show her a property that was completely out of the area she specified (all buyers … (74 comments)

10 Tips for a Pain-Free Move - 12:06 PM

Two of our team members were recently faced with sneaking in a move between work, two book deadlines, end of summer vacations, camp, school and the day-to-day happenings of what we call life. So to help ourselves and you, we conducted an impromptu social media survey of our virtual network, asking: What are your best tips for making the experience as pain free as possible?
A day later, we had more than 75 tips from real estate agents and their nomadic clients, proving people want to know—and share in—the joys of moving. Thanks to everyone who participated, and now, we’ll … (21 comments)

NAR Bashing vs Ad Bashing - 11:06 AM
Has there been "NAR bashing" over the past week or so? My good friend Tom Branch just published a post on the True Value of Realtor® Associations. Having been a participant in many of the debates about the "Realtor® Brand" ad that provoked Tom's post I can say that while there has been "ad bashing" it hasn't necessarily been "NAR bashing". 
The flurry started with Marc Davison's insightful post on 1000Watt Consulting. Here's the ad he's talking about.
Many of the comments on this post and in many FB threads have been about how disassociated from reality the NAR Communications Committee seems to be. I don't recall … (39 comments)

Lebanon Hosts 30th Annual Country Applefest September 29 2012! - 06:53 AM
Lebanon Hosts 30th Annual Country Applefest September 29 2012! Mark your calendars and reserve Saturday September 29th for the 30th edition of Country Applefest!  Held in historic downtown Lebanon from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., rain or shine!  Thirty years of Country Applefest affirms they're doing something right! And admission is FREE!
Country Applefest will feature apples in plenty of forms!  Apple pies, apple fritters, apple cider, caramel covered apples and more! 
You'll have vendors, but they are limited to arts, crafts and food!  No politics.....no soliciting, just have fun!  And another UNIQUE requirement for that arts & crafts … (23 comments)

Must be Living Right! Back on Market and Back off Market in 48 hours! - 06:32 PM
I tell you what ...I must be living right.   I recently posted (on Saturday night) that I had a buyer have to back out of a contract on one of my listings for health reasons (just before the option expired).  They had to back out due to an emergency health situation so needless to say the sellers were bummed since they had a contingent offer on another house waiting on their house to close.  I didn't panic however.  I told them not to worry and we would jump start the listing again (BOM) asap and I sent an email out to … (23 comments)

Is It Common for Sellers to Want to Verbally Negotiate Your Offer? - 03:04 PM
Buyers, picture this.
We've been out looking at houses and/or condos. After some deliberation, we decide that we want to put an offer in on one.
We go back to my office, I write up the purchase agreement, get all the other forms prepared, and you sign everything. (don't forget the EMD!)
I've already called the listing agent and he's been waiting for my email, which is the entire offer.
He reads it over, calls the seller and explains the details of the offer.
They decide to counter the price, amount of time for our private inspection, their occupancy and the … (44 comments)

Go For the Gold - ActiveRain Olympic Contest - Medal Winners! - 02:14 PM
Go For the Gold - ActiveRain Olympic Contest - Medal Winners!
 
We had an awesome turnout for the Active Rain Olympic Contest with over 60 entries.  It's clear there are a lot of enthusiastic and excited members of ActiveRain that are gearing up for a smashing finish to 2012. The judges had a challenging time judging as there were so many excellent posts. If you're in need of some great ideas to boost your business read all the posts at Go for the Gold - Active Rain Olympic Contest.
 
A huge thank you goes out to our esteemed judges: Kathy … (44 comments)

Gone, But Forever Remembered On A Highway Marker - 02:55 PM

No, the Mobil1 Lube Express is still there - I am talking about what it replaced . We have been using this oil change facility for "eons" even though there is a modern Jiffy Lube just a few blocks away.Last week, Arthur stopped in to have the oil changed in my car and had his ever present camera in hand. When the manager commented that he always sees him with a camera Arthur mentioned that we blog about real estate and local history. The manager pointed to a tree and highway marker at the side of the lot and said, … (56 comments)

Re-Inventing.... - 03:46 PM
After 58 combined years in the Real Estate business we have experienced many successful techniques and learned a lot of skills.
 
In the present market environment with a stark lack of qualified buyers we are faced with daunting challenges.
 
The traditional methods of achieving sales and listings are not working as they have in the past.
 
For us with both of us full time Brokers,  there is not an alternative source of income.  Our daily time and efforts are all we have.
 
After months of slim pickings it has become obvious that it is time to reassess … (42 comments)

Know Your WHERE - An Introspective Viewpoint of a Target Market - 06:03 AM
Leads come and leads go, but the ones that matter the most are those that align with my target market. My coach has encouraged me to consider focusing on luxury homes in our upper range, $1M to $5.7M (our most expensive home on the market is $5.7M).  Something didn't sit right with me about that but I couldn't put my finger on it. A few weeks have passed and I woke up this morning realizing the issue.
Would I like to earn a $60,000 to $171,000 commission? Yes
Am I capable, skillful, and professional enough? Yes - In fact, I met … (18 comments)

It's Not Haunted! - 02:38 PM
It's NOT Haunted!  Like many of you I am friends with other real estate agents on Facebook.  I recently saw this picture posted on Facebook and had to laugh!  I have never seen a home listed with this "sign rider" before and wondered if any of you had seen anything like it.   Besides being an attention getter do you think something this "out of the box" signage is a good way to attract attention to your listing?   
What are some other "crazy" sign riders that you have seen or have used that seem to help get a home noticed and sold?   … (42 comments)

Timing is Everything. The WHEN and HOW of Asking About Pre-Qualification - 09:41 AM
 
 
Timing is Everything. The WHEN and HOW of Asking About Pre-Qualification                  They say imitation is the highest compliment you can receive ... but I think when you're a blogger, the highest compliment must surely be measured in the number of posts or comments your blog gives birth to.            If that's indeed true, Real Estate/Buyer's Agent, Scott Godzyk, Manchester, NH)  must be feeling darn good these days.  His recent post,  "Stop Scaring Away the Buyers!",  was not only re-blogged and commented upon in large numbers, but also gave birth to many responding … (32 comments)

Just Another CE Course.... - 03:52 PM


I have been assisting Homeowners in Central Pennsylvania for a few years. Last week I decided to take what I do to the next level and obtain my Certified Distressed Property Expert designation course.  When dealing with Short Sales a designation is not needed. I’ve closed many Short Sale transactions this year without having it. Other agents in my office look for me for advice when it comes to short sales and for some of these agents rather turn the sale over to my team.
Alas, I decided that I might as well get a designation for something that … (26 comments)

I Wrote on a Property with another Agent-Can you answer a Question? - 03:34 PM
Today I got a call from a current client that was over at a friend’s house and they were talking real estate.     This friend put an offer in on a home that is a short sale and two months later, there are still questions popping up.
They wanted to put me on the hot seat, not knowing the full situation, but had to tell my client - your friend has their agent and I cannot get in the middle of anything!       If they have questions about the transaction, timing, pricing, etc. those questions need to be directed to her Agent.
The … (78 comments)


Blog posts


Mountain Lake Retreat or Luxury Residence: poised in the Sierra Madres - 04:50 PM
Historic Area, Mexico Mountain Lake Luxury Home, Retreat or Resort for Sale … (0 comments)

Nashua, New Hampshire Goes Back To School - Free School Supplies - 05:59 AM

The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce  and the City of Nashua are hosting  the 9th  Back to School celebration!
WHEN:  Thursday, August 23rd
TIME:     5:00 to 6:30 P.M.
WHERE: Nashua Public Library Library and Plaza  - 2 Court Street, Nashua, NH
Kids and their parents are encouraged to attend the Nashua Back to School Celebration.  In addition to free school supplies.
Since its inception, back to school celebration has aided more than 15,000 children and raised more than $80,000.   The number of students who receive supplies each year has grown in the past few years. Last year, about 2,000 … (6 comments)

Enough with the pretty little blonde white girl ads - 12:47 PM
I am not crazy. I am not delusional. I have seen subtle nuances and I have seen images that strike me upside my head. I imagine the line from an old country song truly describes me.
"And them that don't know him won't like him and them that do sometimes won't know how to take him. He ain't wrong, he's just different but his pride won't let him do things to make you think he's right"
There is a mild uproar occurring within the real estate community. The National Association of Realtors has produced yet another commercial extolling the value of … (1 comments)

Austin Business Journal - 10 Wealthiest Zip Codes in Austin TX - 04:07 PM
The Austin Business Journal came up with a ranking for the 10 Wealthiest Zip Codes in Austin. They state in their write-up that they are using "average household income" for the basis of their rankings. However, I would like to stop them there as "Household Income" does not equate to "Wealth".
Household Income is the money brought in by the workers in the house, obviously. This does not account for debts those households have. Do they make the "median household income of more than $90,807" but have expenses out the ying yang? As we know, the American people like to overspend. … (5 comments)

One way to beat the heat of summer in Stanislaus County - 11:33 AM
One way to beat the heat of summer in Stanislaus County
The month of August has been a hot one here in Stanislaus County.  So what is a Stanislaus County Short Sale agent to do when he wants to cool off?  A lot of people here in the valley will turn to their back yard pool to cool off.  Unfortunately I don't have a pool in my back yard and frankly I don't think I want one, but that is for another post.
One of the great things about living here in Stanislaus County is the proximity to some of … (4 comments)

JUST LISTED - 3 Bedroom Raised Ranch For Sale in Dudley MA - 10:13 AM
JUST LISTED by Best Option Real Esate with RE/MAX Professional Associates!  This 3 Bedroom short sale home  located at 17 Cardinal Drive in Dudley Massachusetts was just listed for $179,900!  
List Price:  $179,900
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1.5
Living Area: 1193

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 Dudley, click the link to get started or give us a call.  We are happy to help.
This is one of many listed with YOUR Best … (1 comments)

2509 MUSSELWHITE AVE, ORLANDO FL 32804 Hillcrest Heights - 06:26 AM
2509 MUSSELWHITE AVE, ORLANDO FL 32804                                                                      $$$ 125,000 $$$
Short Sale. Cute and cozy bungalow in the heart of College Park; large fenced rear yard with patio and decking; eat-in kitchen; classic terra cotta tile in kitchen and dining room; vintage flooring!  Great central location and close to major roadways and downtown! Hurry - this one will not last!
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 steve@thefloridalivingteam.com. Prospective U.K. Buyers please call: 020-3239-7286. All … (0 comments)

7419 FORDHAM CT, ORLANDO FL 32807 Belmont Estates - 06:40 AM
7419 FORDHAM CT, ORLANDO FL 32807                                                                              $$$ 125,000 $$$
Great opportunity to own a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home on a quiet cul-du-sac in the classic Orlando neighborhood of Belmont Estates.  This home has so much family fun space including a spacious kitchen with separate breakfast nook, a large family room and a wonderful formal dining room.  The bedrooms are laid out in a split plan for privacy.  The master bedroom is very roomy with bright windows and custom plantation shutters.  The second bedroom is set up with a built in desk, this room could be used as a bedroom, office … (0 comments)

1342 PRIORY CIR, WINTER GARDEN fL 34787 Stoneybrook West - 07:12 AM
                                                                                               
1342 PRIORY CIR, WINTER GARDEN FL 34787                                           $$$ 185,000 $$$
LOCATION! LOCATION! FULLY UPGRADED HOME WITH CLEAN STEEL APPLIANCES. GRANITE COUNTERS IN KITCHEN WITH OPEN CONCEPT. THIS HOME WAS TAKEN CARE OF WITH PRIDE & JOY. DONT MISS THIS FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY. LARGEST MODEL/FLOOR PLAN IN THIS SUBDIVISION. LOCATED CLOSE TO GREAT SCHOOLS,RESTAURANTS,SHOPS, WORSHIP AND ENTERTAINING.CLOSE TO ALL MAJOR ROADWAYS. COMMUTTERS DELIGHT. 15 MINS FROM DISNEY,SEAWORLD/AQUATICA AND UNIVERSAL. CDD FEE IS INCLUDED WITH THE PROPERTY TAXES.
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 … (1 comments)

703 Crestrose Circle at the Apple Valley Lake - 07:54 PM
Wonderful wooded Apple Valley setting and this home features impressive upgrades and enhancements.  
You can view additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour by visiting 703 Crestrose Circle at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
View and compare all of our Apple Valley Lake homes for sale and they are organized in price order for quick and easy viewing.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Apple Valley Ohio
… (1 comments)

12349 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon Ohio 43050 - 07:58 PM
One of the most affordable country homes near Mount Vernon, Ohio and the inside is super cute with nice upgrades and attractive style enhancements.  
Be sure to view the addtional listing details and an extensive cirtual tour by clicking on 12349 Upper Gilchrist Road in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
You can view and compare all of our Knox County Ohio homes with acreage and larger lots by clicking this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (0 comments)

Country Home at 18256 Utica Road on the edge of Utica Ohio - 08:07 PM
Gorgeous treed country setting with 5 acres or and features an impressive pole barn garage workshop combination.  
Additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour photo slideshow available at 18256 Utica Road in Utica, Ohio.
You can view all of our available Central Ohio homes with acreage and larger lots by clicking this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 SamMiller.com
… (1 comments)

Montgomery Real Estate For Sale: 369 Winthrop Court, Montgomery AL - 08:46 PM
… (0 comments)

Pelican Bay and Bay Colony Homebuyers Eye 1% Mortgage Mirage - 06:29 AM
 
Even though most of my home buyers pay cash...they don't have to with this Great News!
As we’ve been pleased to point out before, Naples mortgage interest rates are not just ‘low’ – that would be like saying Michael Phelps is a ‘good’ swimmer. When you borrow at a rate below the inflation rate, you essentially borrow for free. Using someone else’s money to do a job for you is one of the less well-hidden secrets of successful people – so it should come as no surprise that some of today’s most prominent business names are right in there with … (0 comments)

Great 4 Unit Commercial Building near Light Rail in Tempe - 11:15 PM
View Larger Map … (0 comments)

Your Prelim HUD is Ready - 07:38 AM
Hello & Welcome to Another Great week in August 2012 from your partners here at Franklin Title Agency,
 
 
Simply dropping by checking in to see if there is anything we can do for you today or this week here at Franklin like:
 
·         Ordering Title & returning it to you the same or next day?
·         Scheduling a Closing Literally Anywhere-Anytime in Michigan per your clients schedule & location?
·         Ordering a Prelim HUD & getting it back right away so you can move forward with your file towards closing?
·         Setting up a 5 year follow … (0 comments)

Lake Yonah, Between Georgia & South Carolina - 02:18 PM
Lake Yonah is a Georgia Power Lake that is one of the boarders between Georgia & South Carolina.  The lake is about 350 acres with 8 miles of shoreline and is on average about 42 feet deep.  This is one of Georgia Power's hydro lakes and makes electricity, which is cheap in our area.
There are 85 lots on the lake. Leased lots. 15 years leases, no fee simple ownership 82 lots have homes on them Many of the lots & homes are accessed by water, no roads go to the lots Power and phone come under the lake to the … (7 comments)

Price Reduced on Gorgeous Kent Home! - 06:46 AM
SOLD!!! Charming Home in Kent, Ohio … (1 comments)

How to Motivate On-the-Fence Sellers, by Corcoran Coaching - 10:58 AM
If you’ve been selling real estate for any length of time, you’ve run across that sleepy owner who drags his feet about deciding whether or not to put his house on the market.
So what do you do to wake this potential seller up? Put smelling salts under his nose? Call him names?
Nope, you make yourself an alarm clock – and here’s how:
Understand that each seller has a different timeline.  I like to categorize each seller into A, B and C slots. An “A” seller is looking to sell immediately—definitely within 30 days. “B” sellers will typically be ready … (0 comments)

How to Interview and Recruit Serious Talent, Corcoran Coaching - 11:03 AM
The Olympics are winding down, and our athletes did us proud once again. Plenty of medals—many of them with that golden shimmer.
I start this article with the games because I’d like you to consider the process behind them for a minute. Specifically, the process of getting the right athletes in place to represent the U.S.A. The most important thing Olympic leaders do is find and train the best people. They spend years and years doing that. Searching, selecting, training, honing skills and preparing them to perform at the highest possible levels.
In the world of real estate, clearly one of … (0 comments)

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