Archives of real estate blog entries for August 4, 2012

Featured blog posts


We often forget: Sellers can ask for any price they want! - 04:35 AM
One of the most interesting concepts about real estate is that EVERY parcel is unique. No two pieces of real property are exactly alike.
So when we attempt to evaluate price, we can only offer our best guess based on comparable property statistics and our own sales experience.
But we often forget that sellers may ask for any price they choose. There are no laws, or rules, or restrictions that prohibit sellers from overpricing their property.
And we must not assume that every seller MUST sell. There are those that WILL sell, if the price is right but they are perfectly … (53 comments)

So The Sellers Are Home While Touring A House - 01:49 PM
So The Sellers Are Home While Touring A HouseWhile managing a Real Estate office in another state, I led Sales Meetings every Tuesday morning at 9am sharp! We (50+ Agents) enjoyed breakfast together, chatted a while and then talked about the nuts and bolts of Real Estate and working successfully with our clients. One subject often surfaced as being a bit more popular than others. The topic: “I have buyers, we are touring homes but often the sellers are present and they simply get in the way.” The question was simple: How do we as agents deal with pesky sellers while … (54 comments)

LOCAL "PROXIMITY ASSETS" DRIVE AN INCREASE IN SALES... - 03:31 PM
LOCAL "PROXIMITY ASSETS" DRIVE AN INCREASE IN SALES....A Look At The Facts About The NEED For Proximity in today's real estate market...
A few months back the Wall Street Journal ran an article about the latest real estate trend for purchases of homes within walking distance to shops, groceries, drugstores and other places: Wall Street Journal Article: Home Buyers Look For Homes Within Walking Distance To Everything!
In that article it was noted that the most promising areas for a housing recovery are those areas within close proximity to the needs of the homeowner. It states the following: "A walkable neighborhood doesn't necessarily have to … (41 comments)

When is Decorating Dated? - 12:44 PM
 When is Decorating Dated? Who decides what is in style? 
And how to make money when everyone has done it? Everyone decorated in Avocado..lets change it to Lime Green..now lets change it to Aqua Green. Who decides when a color is right or wrong?
There is no rule book when it comes to decorating. But if there were, the rules are meant to be broken.
I recently read an article about a decorator’s idea of dated decorating.Obviously it is a decorator trying to drum up some business.   Not to say there isn’t some truth…just that dated doesn’t mean poor quality … (38 comments)

Like Oil and Vinegar-Inmates and Nike Missles In Lorton VA - 07:01 PM
My friends accuse me of making some of these little facts about Northern Virginia up.  Nope the stories are all real....well okay the one about the Bunny Man Bridge in Clifton...not so much.
However the story of the DC Reformatory located in Lorton VA being the site of the Army's premier showcase for the nationwide Nike program unveiled in 1954 is true.  One of the big issues that the government faced when it was trying to build defenses against the threat of a nuclear attack from the USSR was acquiring the land necessary to develop missile defense sites. 
Since the Army … (40 comments)

Pasadena CA - South Orange Grove Condo and Townhome Market Update - 10:14 AM
Pasadena CA - South Orange Grove Condo and Townhome Market Update


 
This market update is for the South Orange Grove Boulevard corridor condominium and townhome in Pasadena for the month and year-to-date period ending July 31, 2012.   This update covers the area that is also known as Millionaires Row for Orange Grove and the adjacent streets.  Known as the premier location for upscale condos and townhomes in Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, residents enjoy easy access to multiple freeways as well as a multitude of shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural venues.   Additionally, South Orange Grove Boulevard is … (16 comments)

Mason Ohio 45040 Single Family Home Residential Market Report July 2012 - 06:09 AM
Mason Ohio 45040 Single Family Home Residential Market Report July 2012 Mason continues to be the most in demand living in Warren County. There's a cachet with saying you live in Mason that isn't present elsewhere in the county.  Mason is home to many professionals and upper management and as such is more resistant to market changes than other market segments, and also the first to recover.  Stay with us for the full details.  We've covered Mason condos in our Mason Ohio 45040 Condo Market Report July 2012. 
All data is derived from the Cincinnati MLS system and involves only … (20 comments)

10 Common Sense Real Estate Rules for Buying a Home - 09:55 AM
The below rules for buying a home is not an all-inclusive list of things to know when buying or selling a home.  Your real estate agent has the complete list - call him or her!
10.  The better the view, the higher the price.  It does not matter what the view consists of specifically (water, preservation area, ocean, pond, etc.).   When it comes to condos add this as well "The higher the floor, the higher the price. "
9.    "As is" does not always mean "as is."   Sellers will sometimes negotiate off a price, make some repairs, or give a … (107 comments)

All That Glitters Will One Day be Tarnished - 05:16 AM
Nothing lasts forever. New things however look like they will stand up to time. In our minds we know this is not true, yet suspending reality for a moment to admire newness, to relish in the glitter, can not be avoided. It's just too much fun.
Another belief with something new is that it is well made and will function as expected. Experience has taught that is not in all instances necessarily true. Caveat emptor, is a phrase that has been around for millennia with good reason.
A home buyer employing a home inspector is participating in an age old practice … (38 comments)

Clarskburg Village . . .Perfectville? - 05:27 AM
Announcing our latest site about a wonderful community located  in Clarksburg Village Maryland 20871                                 Clarksburg's Ultimate Urban Community                        While the rest of Montgomery County Maryland was quietly rising among the ashes of the housing crisis a few years ago, Clarksburg was silently building "Perfectville" in the midst of the rolling hills of Clarksburg Maryland.Clarksburg Village is the ultimate urban community that will boast a custom clubhouse, pool, parks and over 140 acres of "manicured-grassy" open space for all its residents to enjoy. Nearby you have the … (15 comments)

Sorry Buyer, The Attic Is Not Part Of Our Home Tour - 05:44 PM

 The buyer was a little miffed. After going over the interior with a Sherlock Holme's detective kit, Mr. buyer prospect was itching to tour the attic. "Hey Doug, may I borrow your flashlight, that attic is going to be dark". Maybe we should save that part of the home inspector I replied, in a cheerful tone of course. You would have thought I had farted at his wedding. Let's examine why this seasoned Alexandria real estate agent does not like his clients climbing in the attic...
1) It's hot as heck up there--During our tour the heat index was 105 … (49 comments)

Can a kitchen get any smaller than this? - Photo - 12:26 AM
 
Can a kitchen get any smaller than this?
 

I was asked to look at an older building in the Vallejo, CA to give an estimate for some repairs in a large apartment community. The apartment community is undergoing a major renovation with another contractor, but I was asked to help with another section of the property that had some water related damages.
While walking through the vacant building which was built in the early 1900’s I was noticing the unique building practices and styles of that time. Every room, hallway, stair rail, and light fixture was a trip … (90 comments)

Civil War Re-enactment in Delray Beach! A Little History..A Lot of Fun - 03:51 AM
Civil War Re-enactment in Delray Beach! A Little History..A Lot of Fun!It’s not often that we get to “see” history, but you’ll have that chance when American Legion Post 65 sponsors a free Civil War Re-Enactment on August 11ht  and 12th.  If you’re a history buff , want to learn more about the Civil War or want to attend a fun and educational event for your family, you won't want to miss this.Civil War Re-encators do not take their roles lightly striving to replicate the Civil War soldier from what they ate, how they spoke and what they wore.  American Legion … (39 comments)

Can we get top dollar? Is your home used up or kept up? - 10:12 AM
Every home seller wants us to get Top Dollar for their home. We understand.
I was showing homes in the $400-$500k range yesterday, and two of the homes back-to-back made the point exactly. Both were 12-years old.
The first was clearly "used up." It appeared that the owner bought it new, lived in it for 12-years without so much as a minor touch-up along the way. They put it on the market with crayon marks and deep scratches on the walls, carpet needing stretching, and paint faded and discolored. 
The second was clearly "kept up." This awesome property was immaculate, and … (31 comments)

Fieldstone Farms Home Sales July 2012 - 07:34 AM
Fieldstone Farms Homes Market Report July 2012 - with 16 closings in the month, Fieldstone Farms now has a 2 month absorption rate. Expect multiple bids on the better homes when they are listed, and with 54 days being the median days on market, you won't have a lot of time to make a decision. The average price of Fieldstone Farms homes sold was 297,720, up only 2 % over last years $291,478, so prices haven't spiked yet.
16 Fieldstone Farms homes sold in the month of July the average price of homes sold was $297,720 days on market is down … (6 comments)

Rancho Santa Fe Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market in July 2012? - 07:23 AM
Rancho Santa Fe Homes for Sale - What Happened in the Rancho Santa Fe Real Estate Market in July 2012? As a buyer or seller in the Rancho Santa Fe real estate market, having information about the current market conditions will enable you to make an informed decision regarding what to do with regard to Rancho Santa Fe homes for sale. 
The Rancho Santa Fe real estate market is very localized, and the most expensive community, on average, in San Diego County. Knowing what is going on in the market with regard to inventory and sales is important for making a … (11 comments)

IT IS BEST TO GET BACK ON THE BIKE IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO HIGHER PLACES IN LIFE - 10:52 AM
IT IS BEST TO GET BACK ON THE BIKE IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO HIGHER PLACES IN LIFE
There are times in life when things come right at a person and a decision must be made at that point in time. Well, this day came to my on May 29, 2012 when my prior real estate company was shut down. The details on how that happened are not very important at this time. However, it has taught me that everyone of us needs the following when practicing real estate:
PLAN A-switch to another real estate company PLAN B-start my own real … (58 comments)

Lower My Commission? I Don't Think So Charlie. - 07:31 AM
Lower My Commission?  I Don't Think So Charlie.
 
I don't know about you, but I work hard for what I earn.  Yesterday I talked with a referral divorce client.  I haven't met her yet, that happens today.
After talking with her I received an email from her.  Here is part of it:  "
 As per our most recent phone conversation today, brokerage commission% is open for negotiation. I am expecting you to offer me a good discount on the same.As discussed, we will talk about commission as well as the netsheet in detail when we meet tomorrow before finalizing on anything further. I … (52 comments)

It's a strange business that we are in, sharing clients... Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents - 03:12 PM
It's a strange business that we are in, sharing clients...  Loan Officers and Real Estate Agents
 
It's a strange business that we are in.  It seems that we are responsible for every part of everything sometimes and other times we don't dare even be present when things are happening for fear of it being taken as an attempt to influence. 
Usually my clients want me to review their settlement statements before they sign them.   I need a signed copy of all settlement statements in my files.  I was taught early on, in my real estate career, that it's ultimately … (37 comments)

Condos for Sale in The Vineyards Golf Community Naples Florida - 10:28 AM




Condos for sale in The Vineyards golf community Naples, Florida is a very interesting subject, considering the size of the entire development.  With nearly 1,400 acres including two championship quality golf courses, there is going to be a lot of choices for home ownership beyond single family homes and detached villas.  There are roughly 40 different communities in The Vineyards, a couple of which consist of mid-rise condos with great views and large lanais.  The units in these buildings can be as small as just under 1,300 square feet of living area and go to nearly 2,500 … (15 comments)

Who would like this lead? - 03:29 PM
Who would like this lead?

Well here we go another round of cash multi-million dollar buyers from out of the country.  I used to get this more regularily but it's been at least a year.  You suppose I've lost my million dollar touch?  I might have to refer this one out cause we're all sold out of million dollar homes in Phoenix.  Just kidding!
 


Can you please provide data on this home property taxes and other hidden taxes What are the closing costs in Phoenix What are the surrounding home values this seems to be the best … (64 comments)

Don’t Be Cheap. Don’t Be Lazy. - 09:52 PM
But more importantly, don’t be unethical. Will this be controversial?  I imagine so.  There is a silver lining in what I’m about to write, but it doesn’t mean that the practice that it has created it is one I approve of.  For those agents who engage in it, this isn’t personal.  Maybe there is something I’m overlooking, and if so, please educate me.
If you take a listing that is out of your normal area, please list it on the MLS associated with the properties physical address!
There are several reasons why I think agents are doing this:
The agent doesn’t want the expense of … (34 comments)


Blog posts


Private Resort Overlooking Lake Junaluska and Distant Mountain Vistas - 06:43 PM
From $1,500,000 to $699,000 - Private Home or Retreat - Lake Views & Mountain Vistas … (0 comments)

How to Get Your Photo on Google's Search Results! - 06:58 PM
 
You’ve probably noticed that some of the search results you see on Google’s search result pages have a photo of some type included in the entry.  You can set up pages that you write to encourage Google to show your profile photo in the results, too!
Google calls the type of listings in the search results “rich snippets”.  Google uses rich snippets for several content types:  Reviews, People, Products, Businesses and Organizations, Recipes, Events and Music and Videos.  You can get more information on how to set those categories up  on the Google webmaster tools page about Rich Snippets.
For … (3 comments)

July 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats - 02:28 PM
July 2012 Stanislaus County Home Sales Stats
The sales numbers are in for Stanislaus County Home Sales for the month of July 2012.  Distressed properties (Bank owned and Short Sales) are still dominating the market.
Here are the July 2011 and July 2012 Sales Stats for single family homes:
Total Sales July 2012: 517  sold   * 27% (141) Bank Owned   * 30% (157) Short Sales   57% of sales were distressed properties
Total Sales July 2011: 568 sold   * 42% (241) Bank Owned   * 26% (149) Short Sales    68% of sales were distressed properties
 
The lowest price home … (2 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales - July 2012 - MODESTO - 02:51 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales - July 2012 - MODESTO
 
The sales figures for Modesto California for July 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Modesto.
 
 
Total Sales - 223   (226 sold in July 2011)
 
Bank owned Sales - 60  which was 27% of all sales.
 
Short Sales - 72 which was 32% of all sales 
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 58% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in Modesto duringJuly 2012 was $45,100.   
 
The highest price home sold in … (2 comments)

100% Financing on These Homes in Charlton MA For Under $300K! - 07:13 AM
Tons of homes for sale with 100% financing options in Charlton for under $300K!  Call Kathleen Cooper at 508-444-2673 or click the search below to view these homes now!
http://www.CentralMAListings.com
 
 
 

 
 
Charlton New Listings (4) Charlton Single Family Homes for Sale (78) Charlton Condos & Townhomes for Sale (2)  
… (0 comments)

THINKING ABOUT DOING A SHORT SALE ON YOUR HOME-DON'T BE STRESSED OUT! - 07:19 AM
Know your short sale options!  Call Kathleen Cooper at 508-444-2673 - YOUR Short Sale Expert in Massachusetts.  Call NOW to find out if you qualify for money back on your short sale! 
http://www.CentralMAListings.com


  … (2 comments)

Another Too Late HomeRome Condo Strathmore Towers - 07:42 PM
 
 
                               Another Too Late HomeRome Condo                                    Strathmore Towers Unit #602  
                            
 
                                                     
Strathmore Towers has an art filled lobby with doorman, valet garage parking, 24 hour receptionist. Forget the Snow...Live in a Condo! This luxury condo is located in Upper Park Heights..in the eruv! Check out this double door entry into a spacious luxury sixth floor condominium. Enjoy … (15 comments)

Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:02 PM
Pensacola Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012  brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pensacola, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 . In my opinion the Pensacola Market will see a leveling off period beginning January 2012, depending on how the foreclosures are released into the market instead of 10 to 13% decreases … (0 comments)

Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:06 PM
Pace Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pace, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details.  What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 19 
In my opinion the Pace Market with the growth spurt of the last two years has helped Pace to overcome some of the downturn that had a negative effect on the surrounding cities, but … (1 comments)

Gulf Breeze Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:09 PM
Gulf Breeze Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 brought to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Gulf Breeze, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 11 
 
A Snapshot of the GulfBreeze, Florida Housing Market  
Available Homes                         = 251
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        = 38
Current Homes Under Contract      = 88
Homes Sold In Last 30 Days       = 50
Average Days … (0 comments)

Navarre Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:58 PM
Navarre Florida Homes for sale and Market Report for July 2012 brought to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Navarre Beach, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
A Snapshot of the Navarre Beach, Florida Housing Market  
Available Homes                        = 168
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        =21
Current Homes Under Contract    = 28
Homes Sold In Last 30 Days       = 4
Average Days On The … (0 comments)

Pensacola Beach Condos for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:59 PM
Pensacola Beach Condos for sale and Market Report for July 2012 brought to by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Pensacola Beach, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 2 
A Snapshot of the Pensacola Beach, Florida Housing Market  
Available CONDOS                       = 126
FORECLOSURES/ Short Sales        =13
Current Condos Under Contract    = 36
Condos Sold In Last 30 Days       = 18
Average Days On The Market      =293
Average Sales … (0 comments)

Perdido Key Florida Condos for sale and Market Report for July 2012 - 07:59 PM
Perdido Key Florida Condos for sale and Market Report for July 2012 is brought to you by Charles Stallions Real Estate Services, we continuously monitor local real estate statistics to keep our clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below you will find Perdido Key, Florida real estate statistic. For last months stats scroll down, call me or e-mail for even more details. What can I do to sell my home for more money? SELLERS TIP # 29 
In my opinion the market in Perdido Key Florida Condos is taking off once again although we are not completely out of the downturn that came in … (1 comments)

Back to School 2012 - Westerville Schools - 01:26 PM
The Westerville school district’s first day of school for the 2012 - 2013 school year is August 15, 2012. 
 
 In 2011 Westerville schools moved their first day back to school up about a week. The reason for the shift had to do with timing of the first semester and tests.  Students n the Westerville City School District went back to school early in 2011, and their last day of school was May 24,  2012. 
Westerville City School District
Back to School - Westerville Schools
Win Win - Central Ohio Schools
… (0 comments)

Delaware County, Ohio: Back to School 2012 - 08:59 PM
 Delaware County, Ohio Back to School
It seems like the school year just ended Delaware County, Ohio Schools Out  -  2012 but it is almost back to school time for school districts in central Ohio including those in Delaware County.
Delaware County, Ohio Back to School - 2012Big Walnut Local School District - August 22, 2012Buckeye Valley Local School District - August, 23, 2012Delaware City School District - August 20, 2012Olentangy Local School District - August 22, 2012Back to School - 2012 Dublin City School District - August 27, 2012Westerville City School Distict - August 15, 2012 
While the Dublin and … (1 comments)

When is Decorating Dated? - 12:44 PM
 When is Decorating Dated? Who decides what is in style? 
And how to make money when everyone has done it? Everyone decorated in Avocado..lets change it to Lime Green..now lets change it to Aqua Green. Who decides when a color is right or wrong?
There is no rule book when it comes to decorating. But if there were, the rules are meant to be broken.
I recently read an article about a decorator’s idea of dated decorating.Obviously it is a decorator trying to drum up some business.   Not to say there isn’t some truth…just that dated doesn’t mean poor quality … (38 comments)

Westwood Country Estates in Palm City Florida - 05:08 AM
Westwood Country Estates in Palm City Florida
Westwood Country Estates is a wide open, gorgeous community that features statuesque homes that are beautifully placed on over sized lots of 1/2 acre or more, that will give you and your family plenty of room to grow!  Wonderfully landscaped throughout, Westwood Country Estates will make you feel proud to come home to.  Every home is unique and there is sure to be one you will fall in love with!
There are only 77 homes in Westwood Country Estates in Palm City Florida.  Home owner association fees are a very reasonable $250 per … (7 comments)

Homes for sale Arlington County VA, July 2011-2012 - A Market Report - 05:15 AM
Homes for sale Arlington County VA, July 2011-2012  
The real estate market in Arlington County Virginia showed little change in July 2012 compared to 2011.   
Arlington County Market Report July 2012
 
Homes SOLD in Arlington County in July 2012 - 253 Average price homes SOLD - $583,796 Average days on the market - 47
 
Arlington County Market Report July 2011
 
Homes SOLD in Arlington County in July 2011 - 253 Average price homes SOLD - $574,648 Average days on the market - 54
Examples of homes for sale in Arlington County for July 2012.
$979,000 2807 … (0 comments)

Alexandria, Old Town, VA Real Estat Market Report, July 2011-2012 - 06:05 AM
Homes for sale Alexandria, Old Town, in Northern VA, July 2011-2012  
The real estate market in Alexandria Virginia declined slightly in sold price in July 2012 compared to 2011.  However, the number of closed sales increased slightly and the days on the market decreased. The message is, if you see what you like, go for it or it will soon be sold.   
Alexandria Market Report July 2012
 
Homes SOLD in Alexandria in 2012 - 207 Average price homes SOLD - $521,931 Average days on the market - 51
 
Alexandria Market Report July 2011
 
Homes SOLD in … (5 comments)

Homes for Sale in Montgomery County, MD - A Market Report July 2011-2012. - 07:21 AM
Montgomery County Maryland market report for July 2011 and 2012.
 
The real estate market in Montgomery County Maryland improved in 2012 compared to activity in 2011.    
Montgomery County, MD Market Report July 2012  
 
 
Homes SOLD in Montgomery County in July 2012 - 978 Average price homes SOLD - $512,269 Average days on the market - 57
 
 
 
Alexandria Market Report July 2011
 
 
 
Homes SOLD in Montgomery County in 2011 - 943 Average price homes SOLD - $506,339 Average days on the market - 73

 
Homes for sale in … (0 comments)

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