Archives of real estate blog entries for September 13, 2012

Featured blog posts


VA Loan Questions: Appraisals Vs. Inspections - 04:29 AM
The Department of Veterans Affairs official site has a Frequently Asked Questions section on VA loans that includes the following Q & A:
“Q: What can VA not do?
A: Guarantee that a home is free of defects. VA guarantees only the loan. It is your responsibility to assure that you are satisfied with the property being purchased. The VA appraisal is not intended to be an “inspection” of the property. You should seek expert advice (a qualified residential inspection service), as necessary, BEFORE legally committing to a purchase agreement.”
VA appraisals are the step in the home loan process where … (18 comments)

Are Your Back Links Stabbing YOU in the Back? - 02:15 PM
Types of back links to avoid If you know a little bit about SEO you know that back links are one of the major components to getting your site noticed and ranked. But are there negative back links that could be harming your site rather than benefiting it?
With Google’s Penguin and Panda update this year, many of these sites with low quality back links have completely dropped off the search engine results pages and those with high quality back links, even just a few, rose to the top. So how do you know what is a high-quality on what the … (53 comments)

ON BECOMING A LOCAL EXPERT: Reveal Little Known Places in Your Area... - 07:16 PM
ON BECOMING A LOCAL EXPERT: Reveal Little Known Places in Your Area...  I wrote a  post in July of 2011 about the effects of local blogging--"Niche Marketing" was what I was focused on. I made a point of the fact that to get the attention you want on your posts you need to make a colorful impact--You need to reveal the colors of the landscape in order to make an emotional impression on the mind of your readers. The posts below cover the details of making "color" work in your local posts: WANT TO CAPTURE YOUR "NICHE" AUDIENCES ATTENTION?...Use Color In Your Local … (125 comments)

Who Is Packing Your Parachute? - 12:21 PM
 
Who Is Packing Your Parachute?

A long time ago I heard someone talk about parachutes but did not really pay too much attention to what it meant until recently. I read a true story of a soldier, a parachuter in Viet Nam, and his experiences. I thought about my own life and the different parts to it.  You know, the physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and yes business. 
Everyday someone packs your parachute for you and hopefully it is packed in a good way. The parachute is your security, and if you begin a free-fall, you need to be … (40 comments)

You've Subscribed - NOW WHAT? [updated version] - 01:52 PM
One of the early things that you recognize on this ActiveRain blogging network is that is a very good thing to SUBSCRIBE to others. Subscribing is a way of saying, "you have very interesting and valuable content and I want to make sure to see your upcoming posts too!" Members of ActiveRain can subscribe to other members. When you do that, your "Blogs" page comes alive with activity with lots of good stuff for you to read each time that you check back in. When I first joined AR, I wrote a post called "You've Subscribed - Now What?". This is … (80 comments)

Is Hiring an Agent with a Big Franchise better then a Smaller Company? - 06:09 AM
When hiring a real estate professional you have many options of who to hire.  Some agents are associated with large companies and franchises while others are associated with smaller companies which may not be a franchise.  My opinion on this subject has always been that the "Brokerage" or "Franchise" that your agent is associated with is far less important than the professionalism and service provided by the agent.
I have been associated with a large franchise brokerage and found the education and training very useful.  I also felt pressured to use specific vendors (title co, mortgage etc...) and then of course there … (94 comments)

Webinar: Six Things You Need in a Kick-Ass CRM - 04:29 PM
(Yep, I said Kick-Ass and I'll make no apologies for it, ha!)
When: Wednesday September 19th, 10:00am Pacific TimeWhere: Your couch, office, kitchen table, bed.....anywhere with an internet connection.What: Me sharing what you should have in your CRM and talking with my hands even though you can't see them. Don't worry, words will still come out of my mouth you can hearWhy: Because a great CRM can add $$$ to your bottom lineWho: Me, Bob Stewart and hopefully you, real estate agent, looking to improve your businessHow: By registering here
(are you convinced already? Then just click that little orange button)
… (39 comments)

Welcome Home! - 02:31 AM
I knew this was going to be an interesting inspection when the realtor contacted me to say it would!
She is someone who means what she says, and knowing her as I do, I believed her!
Getting to the inspection early I took a quick walk around and this is what greeted me at the front door!
I thought, "Welcome home!"
The porch top is cracked, with overgrowth through and all around.  The stoop is sagging, as is the front step. It certainly needs total replacement.
I think this door wasn't used much!
The buyer is no dummy.  She has specific … (47 comments)

How To Set Up A Successful Budget! - 02:29 PM
The word “budget” is one most consumers hate to talk about; hence they avoid this topic by any means necessary for numerous reasons.
Here are the three (3) common reasons consumers fear budgets:
1. It makes them feel nervous to venture into the unknown2. They simply don’t want to face reality 3. They think a budget requires impossible sacrifices that will affect their lifestyle
But a budget doesn’t have to be that way. Budgets can actually be fun and very rewarding.....

Here is a simple but rewarding way to set up a successful budget.1. Gather all your monthly bills (credit card … (82 comments)

Tallahassee Finds Itself At The Bottom Of The Florida Housing Market - 04:29 AM
I have been asked to speak about Florida housing at the FSU Accounting Conference next month, so I've been expanding my analysis to include all of the major market areas around the State.
Now long-time readers of the Tallahassee Real Estate Blog know that we are the premiere resource specializing in charts, graphs, and analysis of the Tallahassee real estate market, but taking-on the challenge of analyzing the Florida housing market is an altogether different challenge.
Florida Housing Data The hardest part of doing an accurate Florida housing analysis is finding good data.
In Tallahassee, I am able to cull through … (9 comments)

Are you a PEEP? Do you TWEET? I am! I do! Why I'm a Fan of TWITTER - 02:11 PM
 
Are you a PEEP? Do you TWEET? I am!   I do! Why I'm a Fan of TWITTER              Do you Tweet?  Have an account on  Twitter?        As most know, my wife Marilyn is my right arm and helps me with my marketing efforts.  But when she first brought-up the idea of me "tweeting", I thought she was nuts.        I have to admit though, she was right.  Twitter has turned-out to be good for my business.  It's taken time to establish myself and a Following, but consistent tweeting has proven valuable.      … (41 comments)

If You're A Stay At Home Mom, You're A Leech! - 06:08 PM

So you clicked on my post, huh? Just goes to show that a snappy title gets 'em every time.
But I saw some marketing in Phoenix today that I thought was really slick. Baiting people works for signage- because I flipped a u-turn to take this photograph- and it works for blog posts, because you are reading this right now. Aren't you?
This is obviously a political sign. Full disclosure: I didn't know who Kyrsten Sinema before today and I am not endorsing or condeming her. But her enemy's campaign manager is a genius.
And the sign just doesn't give … (42 comments)

Why Have an Active Rain Rainmaker Account? - 06:30 AM
Why Have an Active Rain Rainmaker Account?Recently, I have had several conversations with potential new members, and even some Active Rain Members, who already have the Free Active Rain Account, about why would anyone want to upgrade to our Rainmaker Account? Yes, I know and understand that many new members sign up for the Free Active Rain Account, simply because they are not ready to spend money on their blogging efforts to take their businesses to an all New Levels.For me, the answer to the question about upgrading to the Rainmaker Account was easy.  Would you rather reach 320,000 members in … (81 comments)

Not a Good Idea to Ignore Me Mr. Lender - 08:41 AM
 
Not a Good Idea to Ignore Me Mr. Lender
 
I’ve been working with a young couple who found me on the internet.  How cool is that!!! 
 
They have been working with a lender for a few months now trying to get pre-approved to buy a home. 
 
When I asked the couple what their shopping range was, they just weren’t sure.  Their lender gave them about a $50k range with no definitive answer. 
 
I have left messages for this lender telling him that I am working with these folks and I need to find … (31 comments)

Charlotte NC Luxury Communities | PROVIDENCE SPRINGS - 06:07 AM
More About Providence Springs Homes in Charlotte NC… Desirable South Charlotte homes for sale in Providence Springs are gorgeous semi-custom and custom-built homes on large, manicured lots just minutes from SouthPark and the Arboretum Shopping Center.
Just minutes from SouthPark, Stonecrest, Ballantyne and Matthews, commute time for Providence Springs residents is approximately 20 – 30 minutes to Uptown during rush hour.
Providence Springs is a popular Charlotte neighborhood with 127 homes.  The price ranges from $550,000-$750,000 with the square feet of most homes in the  3,500-4,500 range.
The Providence Springs homes are served by award-winning Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and include
Olde Providence … (26 comments)

I could stand photo enhancement to look better too! - 06:06 AM
 
The house is 67 years old.  It has me beat by two years, which is not all that much when you get to be that old.  The thing about houses is that they generally don’t improve with age---especially the electrical components.
Most houses from 1945 would typically have three separate wires running to the house.  An inspector---walking around the exterior of the home---would note this and expect to see either an old fused electrical service or possibly an upgraded service panel without the entire electrical service being upgraded.  Upgrading just the service panel is not typically a problem as most … (44 comments)

Double Dipping Your Posts - 11:55 AM
Double Dipping Your Posts You did the work.  Wrote a masterpiece of a post!  There's no one going to doubt that you know that neighborhood, that event, that town, that (fill in blank as appropriate).  You've thrown that bread crumb out into the vast wilderness of the Internet and hope someone finds it.  You did the SEO thing as best you know, so the odds are good, right?But you want to get a few extra digital miles out of your posts?  Reference them in your other posts where it makes sense!As an example, we knew we had a closing scheduled yesterday … (73 comments)

Using Alimony & Child Support Income In Qualifying For A Mortgage - 05:47 AM
We live in a time that single parent households are very common.  So it is very important to be well versed on the guidelines for Using Alimony & Child Support Income In Qualifying For A Mortgages, and the required documentation.
In order to be able to Use Alimony & Child Support Income In Qualifying For A Mortgage, the Borrower will need to provide the following documentation:
Final Divorce Decree, or Legal Separation Agreement, or Court Order, or Voluntary Payment Agreement.  This one is tough to use, because if it is voluntary, then it can stop at any time, unless it is … (21 comments)

All lawyers are crooks. All inspectors are evil. All stagers overcharge. - 05:37 AM
I hope that my title caught your attention. Of course it is just hyperbole and it is not true at all.
But as tired as I am of real estate agents and brokers denigrating our profession, I am even more disgusted by those in ancillary fields attacking our industry with anecdotal episodes and their enlightened opinions.
Yeah, it’s a free country and blah, blah, blah, but what does it say about you and the job that you do if you spend more time worrying about what those in other disciplines should or should not be doing.
To speak from professional experience … (74 comments)

Feeling a Need for Change...What Would You Do? - 12:21 PM
Feeling a Need for Change...What Would You Do?
 
It was a busy summer in real estate, and as fall starts to color the world here in New England, I am feeling the need for a change.
With 7.5 years in real estate under my belt, I have survived some of the most difficult years in the market.  I've had the pleasure of helping first-time buyers, investors, landlords, business owners, luxury buyers and sellers, and many other types of people in need of real estate guidance.  I've had clients from heaven and clients from hell.  I've seen the growth of technology … (29 comments)

Odd...I just went into a home under contract WITHOUT the realtor - 04:00 PM
I'm making this members only so as not to get anyone in trouble.
 
I work with many people who are moving into new homes.  Sometimes, I meet them just after they close (but before they move in); other times, I meet them before they close and it's with the real estate agent.
 
Tonight I met a nice woman moving into a new home.  I asked if she owned it or was about to close, and she said she OWNED it and closed last week.  (Background:  English is not her first language).  She told me the agent's name, and I … (50 comments)


Blog posts


31 January Hgts Waynesville, NC 28785 $449,900 Residential Rental - 07:04 PM
… (3 comments)

Liberty Lions JV Falters Against Farmers – Hangs on to Win! 9-8-12 - 12:29 PM
Liberty Lions JV Falters Against Farmers – Hangs on to Win! 9-8-12 My son had been telling me all week the team seemed down and off. Maybe it was the short school week after Labor Day – although most the kids did show up for practice on Labor Day. Not sure what the issue was.
Thursday the Freshman won 39-6.

The Liberty Lions JV 2012 took the field last Friday and promptly drove down to the Farmers 5 and fumbled the ball away. There was no score in the first quarter the boys had me worried. Then they proceeded to … (0 comments)

Trojans are Coming to Liberty (For Football) and it is a Special Game - 12:42 PM
The Trojans are Coming to Liberty (For Football) and it is a Special Game This week is Home Coming for the 2012 Liberty Lions. The Castro Valley Trojans come to Liberty High. The Liberty Lions JV game begins at 4:30 pm tomorrow Friday September 14, 2012.

While the JV is playing the parade will be wondering through downtown Brentwood. But don't let that stop you from coming to the game, because the parade winds up coming through the stadium right after the JV game and before the Varsity Game.
My son tells me there are some great surprises for Home … (2 comments)

It is no secret what a 203 K can do - 07:46 AM
The condition of many of the homes for sale today is far from the rosey picture painted by agents in their on-line comments. Often agents put up pictures of the home before the place was destroyed.  Consumers, visiting any one of the 6 million websites that feature homes for sale, are routinely misled about the actual shape of the homes they select to view.

Let's face it, this kitchen needs more than a little "TLC' !  Buyers go on their house hunting mission and soon become dismayed at the "real condition" of the homes that are listed "need a little … (2 comments)

Stanislaus County Home Sales - August 2012 -TURLOCK - - 05:37 PM
Stanislaus County Home Sales - August 2012 -TURLOCK - 
 
The sales figures for Turlock California for August 2012 are in.  The totals below are for single family homes sold in Turlock.
 
Total Sales - 70  (76 Homes sold in August 2011)
 
Bank owned Sales - 11 which was 26% of all sales.
 
Short Sales - 30 which was 43% of all sales
 
Overall, distressed sales (Bank owned and short sales) made up 59% of all sales.   In August 2011 distressed sales made up 62% of all sales.
 
The lowest price home sold in … (7 comments)

You Don't Have To Be A Member To Comment On My Blogs! - 06:49 PM
 
 
              You Don't Have To Be A Member To Comment On My Blogs When I called my seller to tell her about our first showing tomorrow on Stirrup Court,  she told me she read my blog and liked the way it was presented. Her son had called from out of town and had seen the blog and the MLS write up.                          When I mentioned that they could both comment right on my blog and join in with the discussion, she was surprised.  How do we make our sellers, buyers, friends, neighbors and the general public aware of this … (19 comments)

Esquestrain Homesites with Skykomish Riverfront - 06:13 PM
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Charlotte Real Estate Market – August 2012 Report - 12:57 PM
The Charlotte real estate market is still strong. The number of Charlotte NC homes on the market in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC/SC Metro Area was 20,808 as of 8/31/2012. The average sales price was $207,380 or 92.5% of the list price, which is $7,538 or +3.1% higher than the average sales price at the same time last year. The average number of days on the market for residential listings is 4.2 months.
Now let’s take a look at these numbers. Inventory is up slightly, bucking the positive trend of the past several months. The improvment we’ve seen so far this year … (0 comments)

Buyers and Sellers are Like Horses...They Know When You're Afraid..... - 08:46 PM
       We sometimes have "newbies" or older "bees"  that have not had much experience,  call and ask us questions about what to do or suggestions for vendors and contractors.  The stories have a sameness to them...they operate out of fear....fear of losing the buyer sooooo
  - They take the buyer to dozens and dozens of homes in  several counties instead of sitting down, doing an indepth interview and analyzing what might really fit for the buyer
- Hurry the buyer on a tour of homes without hurrying to a lender first to find that they fall in love with a … (10 comments)

Sam Miller Team Sells Another Mount Veron Ohio Brick Condo - 08:35 PM
We just SOLD anotehr Mount Vernon Ohio brick condo in August and we have a 2nd condo in the same development closing later this month.  We are experiencing a boost in real estate activity and homes sales in Knox County Ohio are on the rise.  
You can view and compare all of our available Mount Vernon Ohio homes for sale and organized in price order for quick and easy viewing.
Sam Miller Team of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 KnoxCountyOhio.com
… (1 comments)

31 Apple Valley Blvd (Off Market) - 08:44 PM
Spacious and nicely updated Apple Valley Lake ranch that is conveniently located near the front entrance and near Sutton Beach.  We have additional listing details available and an extensive virtual tour available at 31 Apple Valley Blvd at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.
You can view and compare all of our available Apple Valley Lake homes for sale.
Sam Miller of REMAX Stars Realty 740-397-7800 AppleValleyOhio.com
… (6 comments)

Ten Mistakes-Busters for Buyers - 08:11 AM
Elation, enthusiasm, and euphoria are three most expensive emotions that can cost first-time home-buyers thousands of dollars.
Make yourself an educated buyer, so you can overrule any emotional interference that comes from shopping for your first home. By keeping some tough ground rules, ten to be exact and by being practical, prudent, and prepared, shopping for a new home can be effortless and fun.
 

Plan Ahead Six months to a year is a good starting point before seriously shopping for a home. Get your financial house in order by keeping current bills up-to-date. Devise and adhere to your budget … (2 comments)

Quick Weekly Santa Monica Real Estate Market Update – August to 31 to September 7, 2012 - 03:19 AM
Santa Monica Real Estate – Single Family Homes:
Active Listings: 61* Short Sales – 1* Bank Owned/REO – 0
Of the 61 active Santa Monica homes for sale, 21 had their List Price decreased, and none of them actually increased in list price...continue reading
… (2 comments)

BARGAIN SALE !!! BUY 1 HOME & GET 4 MORE!!! - 05:49 AM
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JUST SOLD!!!! Congratulations to the New Owners! Welcome Home!!! - 10:18 AM
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Just Listed 3385 Timberlane Dr Pensacola FL 32504, short sales - 07:54 PM
   
<!-- START CLTAGS --><!-- CLTAG xstreet0=Scenic Hwy --><!-- CLTAG xstreet1=Rothchild --><!-- CLTAG city=Pensacola --><!-- CLTAG region=Fl -->Scenic Hwy at Rothchild (google map) (yahoo map) Just Listed 3385 Timberlane Dr Pensacola FL 32504, short sales Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, most Gracious and Loving God, I pray to you that you will abundantly bless my family and me. I know that you recognize, that a family is more than just a mother, father, sister, brother, husband and wife, but all who believe and trust in you. I pray now with my brothers and sisters in Christ that you will send financial … (2 comments)

Just Listed 54 Culpepper St Cantonment FL 32533, We do Short Sales - 07:59 PM
   
<!-- START CLTAGS --><!-- CLTAG xstreet0=9 Mile Rd --><!-- CLTAG xstreet1=Milestone --><!-- CLTAG city=Cantonment --><!-- CLTAG region=Fl -->9 Mile Rd (google map) (yahoo map) <!-- CLTAG GeographicArea=54 CULPEPPER ST. -->Just Listed 54 Culpepper St Cantonment FL 32533, We do Short Sales … (5 comments)

Choose your Realtor® the way you would choose a Doctor - 06:32 AM

Choose your Realtor®  the way you would choose a doctor, accountant, or other professional. Seek a friend or colleague’s recommendations, check out the local ads, and meet with several.  Whether you’re buying or selling your home, or just reviewing your options, you need the expertise of someone whose job is to study and know your local real estate market on a daily basis. That's where a Realtor® is the key to unlocking the possibilities.  
 Once you’ve found the Realtor®  you want to represent you (as either a buyer or a seller), you enter into what’s called a “brokerage relationship.” … (5 comments)

My Three 4th Quarter Touches - to Jump Start Business in 2013 - 12:45 PM
This is my Entry for the Active Rain Contest   A 4th Quarter Challenge to Make 2013 a Success  October I will be snail mailing a "state of the market" update for real estate in my area.  It will be in a flyer form with Seasonal fall photos taken of the neighborhood.  It will include statistics comparing 2012 to the same period in 2011. The flyer will also share information about average sale prices, average days on market, total number of homes sold . . and any other pertinet data.  I've done this type of flyer before, (although never done it in … (6 comments)

6123 Kendra Way Centreville VA 20121*Centre Ridge Subdivision in Fairfax Virginia - 06:36 AM
Ritu Desai & Samson Properties Presents New Featured Listing MLS# FX7925762 Address: 6123 Kendra Way Centreville VA 20121
Neighborhood/Subdivision: Asher View in Centre Ridge Land Bay Year Built: 1994 HOA: $80 per month Schools: Elementary- Centre Ridge Middle- Liberty High - Centreville
 Click here for Virtual Tour 
**This gorgeous sun filled town home has three bedrooms, two full & one half baths & 2 assigned parking with ample of visitor parking** Traditional Sale...no waiting or dealing with the banks!
**Freshly shampooed neutral carpet through out the home.
**HVAC with Central humidifier and Water Heater replaced in 2008.
**Sun filled family … (5 comments)

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