Archives of real estate blog entries for August 7, 2012

Featured blog posts


Who Took The Pictures For This Listing? - 11:05 AM
 
Who Took The Pictures For This Listing?
 
I ran a very well attended open house on Sunday for one of my listings at 15 Roaring Brook Lane in Shelton CT.  Three of the visitors remarked on how the house was presented on the internet.   I was asked,  “Who took the pictures for this listing?” 

All three times, the visitors remarked that the house pictures were excellent … they were clear, not dark, and they showed features of the home rather than just ‘things’ in the home. 

One of them also remarked that I did not … (83 comments)

Sometimes the Best SEO is "No SEO": 6 Tips You Can Use Right Now - 03:09 PM

I've written before about the importance of Google+ and tying your Google profile with ActiveRain, your own website, and really-- anywhere that you blog.
I recently realized something about optimizing websites for Google and the affects were so amazing, that I hesistate to even share... But I will.
It turns out, I'm not as good with SEO as I thought.
Oh don't get me wrong- I'm good. :-)
But a lot of what I've done has to do with the way I've built trust with Google over time.
If you Hire an SEO person, Make Sure He or She has … (40 comments)

Clothes dryers, lint, and fires - 03:13 AM
According to Underwriters Laboratories, clothes dryers are responsible for approximately 15,000 home fires each year.    It's not hard to believe.  Improperly installed and improperly maintained clothes dryer ducts are one of the most common issues that home inspectors find, but it's not that difficult to keep your clothes dryer safe.  Today I'll discuss dryer duct installations and maintenance.
Installation In Minnesota, the installation requirements for clothes dryer ducts can be found in Section 504 of the Minnesota Mechanical Code.   I won't go over all of the requirements, but I will mention a few of the items that most people have questions … (44 comments)

Jay's Tuesday Free Enterprise Quote - 7 August 2012 - 03:19 AM
"If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in five years there'd be a shortage of sand."
Milton Friedman (1912 - 2006)
In honor of "Uncle Miltie's" 100th birthday, we salute him by using one of his most sarcastic quotes!
But, what do YOU think?  Is it true?
Is there much "taken over" by the bureaucrats that is not later unrecognizable?
Would not the Sahara Desert "taken over" by the bureaucrats not later be unrecognizable?
What causes shortages?  It is simple supply and demand.
When demand exceeds supply there are shortages.  Certainly.  So how do we get … (58 comments)

Being Pre-Qualified for your Mortgage Financing doesn't have to be Scarey. Eliminate the Fear Factor. - 04:25 PM
 
 
Being Pre-Qualified for your Mortgage Financing doesn't have to be Scarey.  Eliminate the Fear Factor                    Even after reading only a few of my mortgage posts, you'll probably pick-up on this  recurring theme  ... the importance of being prepared for your mortgage processing.        I feel strongly that whether you're in the infant stage of your pursuit, further along and actively seeking a property and financing for that home, or heading to the Closing itself, your success is dependent to an unbelievably large degree on how well prepared you are.      … (12 comments)

Basic Black Dress for the Ladies, Gray or Navy Suit for the Gentlemen - 02:20 PM
Ladies, the beauty about the basic black dress is that you can create many dramatic looks with it.  You can dress it from office by day to party at night with the right accessories.   A different necklace, brooch, earrings, scarf or shoes will change the entire mood and look of the dress.  Gentlemen, same goes for the basic gray or navy suit, change it up with different shirts, ties and shoes. 
Well the same holds true when you are decorating your home.
The perfect accessories can complete the look of a room and make it truly your own. Basic furnishings can be … (69 comments)

Note-Craigslist Policy Gives Them Exclusive Rights to Your CL Listings - 12:53 PM
The disclosure below recently appeared on Craigslists web site. Google / research the current lawsuit Craigslist has decided to file against padmapper.com. I'm not an attorney, but I think this new policy of craigslist should be reviewed by agents placing ads on cl.
 
*"If you’re going to list an item on Craigslist, you better not advertise it anywhere else. In an effort to suffocate competing sites, the online classifieds website says your listings are now exclusive to Craigslist, barred from re-posting.Clicking ‘continue’ confirms that Craigslist is the exclusive licensee of this content, with the exclusive right to enforce copyrights against … (57 comments)

Boca Raton Home Staging Myths-No We Do Not Arrive with a Large Crew! - 03:35 AM
Boca Raton Home Staging Myths-No We Do Not Arrive with a Large Crew.

Often when a seller in Boca Raton calls for information on Home Staging, they ask me if I’m coming out with a large crew.  Pardon me?  
Let me guess... you’ve watched the staging shows on cable TV, am I right?  

I love the Home Staging shows on cable television but like many “reality”  shows on the telly today, what you see is not always what you get. Myth: Stagers are going to come in with a crew and start ripping, removing and painting … (45 comments)

I love Scanner Pro For My iPhone - 08:03 PM
I Love Scanner Pro For My iPhone!
 

I love Scanner Pro! Here’s a few reasons why...

 
During a listing appointment a seller gave me a copy of their last quarterly septic inspection. He told me that I could take it to the office to copy it and he would get the original back later. No worries..... I have Scanner Pro!!

 
I whipped out my iPhone and did the following steps:

 
1.Tap on Scanner Pro
2.Tap on the camera icon & shoot a photo of the document.
3.Tap on select all
4.Tap … (41 comments)

Don't Believe What They Say.....That Is If You Want To Succeed - 09:44 AM
Don't Believe What They Say.....That Is If You Want To Succeed

 
"We aren't ready to move""I'm just looking""I'm not ready to really see any homes yet"
These are just a few of the comments I heard from some recent buyers.....before we closed. That's right, they didn't want to see homes, they were completely comfortable "just looking" on the Internet. I guess they thought that the right house would just jump out at them through the computer screen and then they could buy it...rather like an Amazon for houses?
It doesn't work like that.
So, the question is how did … (64 comments)

Neener Neener! - 02:41 PM

In a marketing blunder of epic proportions, the nice folks at Sill-Terhar Motors invited Mary & me to test drive a couple of "exotic" cars this morning. On tap was a Maserati QuattroPorte and....wait for it.... a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder!



Exactly why Sill-Terhar thought we might be good prospects for such an event is buried in a different, long gone and sadly departed real estate market. No matter, we're just extremely thankful they haven't been paying attention.

We showed up at the Embassy Suites in Loveland at 9 AM this morning to be greeted by … (60 comments)

I can name that tune in three notes! Telephone sales pitches. - 05:19 AM
Fans of the old television show “Name That Tune” may recall that there was a segment in which contestants bid on the number of notes that it would take to name a familiar melody.
I often think about that when I get a telephone call from an out of state area code that starts out something like:
Hi Richard, I found you on the Internet and… I can usually “name that tune” in the next sentence. Is it a buyer, a seller, or a sales pitch? The mind begins to race ahead and it is game on!
Strategy is the key. … (73 comments)

2 Listings & 3 Sales from Standing in line at Home Depot! - 05:50 AM
I was in line at a Home Depot Store with another realtor from my office.  We saw a young couple in line buying a FSBO sign.  We dared each other to approach them and talk to them.  I dare you to go up and talk to them.  The other realtor said, "not me, I couldn't just walk up and start talking to someone I don't know, I would be too embarrased, besides, don't you know that FSBOS don't like real estate agents?"  So, I took the dare.  Not knowing what I was going to say, I nervously approached, and said, "where … (65 comments)

Lights. Camera. Action!! - 03:04 PM
Finding my professional groove has always been easy for me. As an Alpha Girl, I walked right onto any stage and stole the show. That confidence allowed me to be serious about my profession of choice on my own terms. And just about the time I’d become typecast, I’d leave the show for my next debut.
In lighter times, I was truly a Dilettante Cover Girl. To get my name in lights, I was fortunate to have the financial springboard necessary to audition for the great professional roles, and to weather the in-betweeness of those parts I didn’t want.
Until lately.
(32 comments)

There are angels out there! - 11:28 PM
The other evening while struggling in despair to understand how active rain works I managed to write my first blog.  Indeed, blog may not be the right word. It was more of a cry for help.  I was at the point where the futility of my ignorance when it comes to these sites really hit home.  I wasn't even sure that my blog went through.  But yay and behold, the next morning when I logged in and fumbled around I noticed that somehow, somewhere, someone had read my blog and responded.  Not only did she respond but she also took the … (55 comments)

Tell the Truth.....It's Not that Hard - 01:05 PM
Tell the truth, it's not that hard. Can you imagine that....? I can. "Sorry Sheila, my husband and I decided to stop wasting your time looking at homes because we really aren't motivated enough to buy now. Sure interest rates are at their lowest, but Fred lost his job last week and we are not going anywhere." Or how about, "we can't decide on a home, we have only seen 30 and that second one we liked is gone now."
I told a buyer I closed yesterday to man up a few weeks ago because he had things to take care of … (47 comments)


Blog posts


Beautiful Smoky Mountains - 470 ft riverside turnkey lodging property - 11:40 AM
Enjoy life while earning money - All year or Seasonally - North Carolina Riverfront Lodging for Sale for $695,000 … (2 comments)

They cannot say “Yes” if you do not ask! - 11:43 AM
They cannot say “Yes” if you do not ask!
I get lots of people calling me by mistake. Many people call me based on one of my local blogs. I talk with them a bit and point them in the right direction.
One person even called me while I was out trying to get a hold of security of one of our 55+ communities as her mother was having problems. I drove over to the security gate with her on the phone so she could get the right person fast.
I have had the same 800 number for close to 20 … (17 comments)

Where are my Links – and I am not talking Hot Dogs! - 12:01 PM
Where are my Links – and I am not talking Hot Dogs!
I down loaded some tools to check my Google Page Rank and Back Links.
I link from almost every post and in my signature to my Web Site. I am also starting to build back links from other sites.
However, my Google Tools tell me they are not picking up my back links!
Any thoughts on why they are not being picked up by Google?
ActiveRain does not blog Back Links does it?
Any other hints or tips on back linking?  
(5 comments)

JP Morgan Chase - Priority Partner - Short Sales in Austin TX - 06:21 PM
I have become a Priority Partner with Chase. What does this mean? This means that if you're a home owner in a distressed situation and need a way out, like a short sale, I have the direct means of communication with the "powers that be" to help facilitate the process and your situation faster than other agents not part of their partnering system.

How does this benefit you, the home owner?  It means you would be working with an agent who knows what paperwork is needed and when. It means you would be working with an agent who has taken … (3 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales - July 2012 -TURLOCK - - 11:03 AM
Stanislaus County Home Sales - July 2012 -TURLOCK - 

The sales figures for Turlock California for July 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Turlock.
 
Total Sales - 58  (70 Homes sold in July 2011)
 
Bank owned Sales - 13 which was 22% of all sales.
 
Short Sales - 21 which was 36% of all sales
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 58% of all sales.   In July 2011 distressed sales made up 68% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in … (4 comments)

Upside Down on Your House But NEED to Sell? We Can Help You Short Sale - 09:18 AM
Upside down on your house but NEED to sell?  Call Kathleen Cooper for your options.  Find out if you qualify for $3000 back NOW.  508-444-2673  Kathleen is YOUR short sale expert here to help. 
http://www.CentralMAListings.com



 
(2 comments)

Mount Vernon Ohio Affordable Brick Ranch at 305 Marita Drive - 07:06 PM
Impressive brick ranch that has been nicely updated and we priced this home for a quick and smooth sale.  If you like the photos of this home be sure to check out our listing details and an extensive virtual at 305 Marita Drive in Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
You can view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale by visiting this link.  
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
(1 comments)

Extra Spacious Apple Valley Lake Home at 548 Crestmonte Drive - 07:23 PM
Additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour available at 548 Crestmonte Drive at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
(1 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Ranch Home For Sale At 230 Woodlawn Circle - 07:27 PM
Additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour available by visiting 230 Woodlawn Circle at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
(1 comments)

Spectacular Apple Valley Lake Home For Sale at 73 North Highland Court - 07:31 PM
One of the most amazing homes at the Apple Valley Lake and you will be seriously impressed with the level of upgardes and bonus features this home offers.  
You can view additional listing details and an extensive virtual tour by visiting 73 North Highland Court at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
(1 comments)

Apple Valley Lake Waterfront Home at 2863 Apple Valley Drive - 07:36 PM
Impressive Apple Valley Lake Waterfront Home and the price is right at just $325,000.
You can view additional listing details and experience an extensive virtual tour photo slideshow at 2863 Apple Valley Drive at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
(1 comments)

Schlabach Ranch located at the Apple Valley Lake - 07:40 PM
4046 Apple Valley Drive at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
(2 comments)

42 North Highland Court at the Apple Valley Lake - 07:47 PM
42 North Highland Court at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake Homes For Sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 Apple Valley Ohio Real Estate
(2 comments)

Affordable Home at 506 East Ohio Avenue in Mount Vernon Ohio - 07:53 PM
This is one of the more affordable homes and an excellent value especailly for such a low price of only $59,000.
You can view additional listing details by visiting 506 East Ohio Avenue in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
View and compare all of our available and affordable Knox County Ohio homes for sale that are priced at $100,000 and below.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars REalty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
(3 comments)

Knox County Ohio Country Home with Acreage on 18583 Love Road - 08:01 PM
Desirable county setting with acreagea and a very nice wooded area that is perfect for hunting, tree houses and outdoor fun.  
You can view additional listing details and an extenswive virtual tour by visiting 18583 Love Road at Fredericktown Ohio 43019
View and compare all of our Fredericktown Ohio homes for sale.  You can also view our available Knox County Ohio homes with acreage and larger lots.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars REalty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
(4 comments)

3801 Apple Valley Drive SOLD in July by Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars - 08:11 PM
Home sales at the Apple Valley Lake are on the rise and we are pleased that we helped buyer purchase this home and we also helped the seller sell this property.  
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale by visiting this link.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars REalty 740-397-7800 Knox County Ohio Real Estate
(2 comments)

Buyers Tips to Viewing Homes - Yardley, Newtown, Bucks County, PA - 06:17 PM
The summer of 2012 has brought out more buyers in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County than we have seen in the last few years. This wonderful occurrence has me thinking back to a video that I created a few years ago that focuses on some great tips for buyers when looking at potential homes to purchase.
View the video on my blog-->>
 
I give my ideas about what to focus on when viewing a house for the first time, and what items you don’t really need to obsess about. I discuss the benefits of the home inspection and … (0 comments)

The 5 W's of Investing in Real Estate... - 08:57 PM
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 why REAL ESTATE AGENTS would rather sell our homes than anyone else’s. The Real Estate Agent gets paid more and the seller saves over 63% on average.
Property Management for … (1 comments)

The Eviction Process... 7 Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes - 08:59 PM
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 why REAL ESTATE AGENTS would rather sell our homes than anyone else’s. The Real Estate Agent gets paid more and the seller saves over 63% on average.
Property Management for … (2 comments)

The Pro’s of Renting to Section 8 Voucher Tenants - 09:00 PM
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 why REAL ESTATE AGENTS would rather sell our homes than anyone else’s. The Real Estate Agent gets paid more and the seller saves over 63% on average.
Property Management for … (2 comments)

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