april ferrao: What finding the right home is all about - 05/08/08 08:02 AM
I've been thinking about this all night and I guess it has woken me up and I can't sleep. Tommorrow morning I close on a deal to help a man restart his life.
A couple of months ago I was contacted by this man who told me he had $20,000 and wanted … (6 comments)
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april ferrao: A Happy end to a rough week - 05/02/08 09:59 PM
I started the week writing an offer on a home that my buyers have been eyeing for months. It's been on the market for A YEAR! Who knew apparently several other people have been eyeing it as well and lo and behold another offer came in 'slightly' cleaner than ours. No … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Immaculate 3 bed 2 bath home in Vanderveen Columbia, MO - 04/02/08 11:14 PM
Beautiful home located on corner lot with side entry garage. Yard is fully sodded and completely equipped with in-ground sprinkler system. Interior features over 1600+ finished sq feet, 3 bed, 2 bath, gas fireplace in living room, utility room, pull down storage in garage. The eat-in kitchen features an abundance of … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Property Tax Increase propsal in Columbia MO - 03/24/08 09:18 PM
I, like everyone this year, am closely watching my budget, both professionally and personally. There are many items on our ballot up for Election by the public on the April 8th ballot, among those are school board members and various wards will be electing many new city council members. However, the … (1 comments)
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april ferrao: 2008 off to a great start - 01/10/08 11:23 PM
If the activity I've seen in the first 10 days of 2008 is any indication I think we are off to a strong year. I've had multiple showings on listing that I have, I've gotten several internet leads -- One on New Years Day! I've got several clients tooling around my … (3 comments)
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april ferrao: Marketing it Right - 01/10/08 12:25 AM
Here is a story about marketing. I've had a listing for about 11 weeks. In our market, as many of yours showing most likely slow down between Thanksgiving and New Years. So for about 1/2 the listing time right? This home was on the market before. During the "HEIGHT" of the … (4 comments)
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april ferrao: CC City Broiler - THE PLACE TO EAT - 01/09/08 11:50 PM
I know most that read this won't care too much about Columbia, MO, however, I just had the BEST meal of my life. I lived in the Chicago area for many year as a newlywed. My husband and I sampled various places and I must say this is BEST MEAL I HAVE … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: 134,900 in SW 3 bed, 2.5 baths - 01/06/08 07:19 PM
Remodeled within last 2 years this walk-out ranch is magnificent! Incredible Kitchen -- custom wood cabinets, tile counters, and tile backsplash. All appliances, washer/dryer convey, Large master suite features walk-in closets plus master bath with stand alone shower, jetted tub and partially tiled walls. Completely fenced backyard, tiered planting garden and … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Columbia Market Report - 12/15/07 10:31 AM
Last week I attended our Board of Realtors Installation and Awards Ceremony. At this ceremony I also learned from our CEO that Residental homes sales for the Columbia, MO market is only down 150 units as of Dec 7th. When you think about hard hit they say the market is I … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Video Listings - 12/06/07 04:30 PM
I have an amazing home co-listed with my business partner. She does such a great job with public speaking that we thought it would be a great idea to do a video tour of one of our listings. A few weeks ago I blogged about decorating this particular home. We purchased some … (2 comments)
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april ferrao: Video Listings - 12/06/07 04:29 PM
I have an amazing home co-listed with my business partner. She does such a great job with public speaking that we thought it would be a great idea to do a video tour of one of our listings. A few weeks ago I blogged about decorating this particular home. We purchased some … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Video Listings - 12/06/07 04:29 PM
I have an amazing home co-listed with my business partner. She does such a great job with public speaking that we thought it would be a great idea to do a video tour of one of our listings. A few weeks ago I blogged about decorating this particular home. We purchased some … (1 comments)
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april ferrao: Re/Max on History Channel - 12/02/07 12:39 AM
For those interested at 7:00 AM Central time Sunday Dec 2 there will be a 1/2 program with an interview with Dave Liniger about the start up of Re/Max. The program will air on the History Channel on the program entitled History's Business. If you can't catch it then or tape … (4 comments)
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april ferrao: E-Neighborhoods Experience - 12/02/07 12:35 AM
Is anyone using E-Neighborhoods. I recently signed up for a trial and tried to start using it. When I tried to do the MLS connect it tried to connect to the MLS system we stopped using last fall. I'm thinking that's a bad sign that this is a program that doesn't … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: mortgage Rates - 11/20/07 01:33 AM
What are people hearing about mortage rate? Here is what I heard:
Right now, we are seeing 30 year mortgage rates at 6.25% and a 15 year rates at 5.875%. Be watching out going forward though, Fannie Mae is implementing price adjustments for lower credit scores. Those will be going into effect … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Update from NAR - Thursday -- Hispanic Markets - 11/15/07 11:19 PM
Today's favorite speaker was Brenda who spoke about the Hispanic Market. Do you know that 40% of baby boomers are in the Hispanic Segment. That is HUGE!
Do you need to speak Spanish or be of Hispanic origin to target this segment? NO! provide them with what they want and need and … (2 comments)
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april ferrao: Update from NAR - 11/15/07 03:16 AM
NAR is Great. Went to the Expo opening last night. Too little time, too much to see and do. I've been 2 more times and still haven't seen everything I want to get to. My only complaint is that the expo is only open during the same times as the classes … (4 comments)
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april ferrao: NAR Update - 11/14/07 01:33 AM
This is Great!
Everyone should come. There are some sessions that I have been to that seem like a repeat. However, th others more than make up for it, plus the Expo is great!
I've learned about streamlining my advertising to those who actually want to recieve my adverstiing. This is great, … (4 comments)
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april ferrao: New Columbia Mo High School - 11/14/07 01:22 AM
Just announced today.... The new high school for Columbia, MO will be located on St. Charles Road. This is north of I-70 and East of 63. No one can know at this point what subdivisions will be includeded but to give you a perspective of what is near by: Lake of … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: NAR - 11/08/07 01:33 AM
Off to National Association of Realtors convention next week in Sin City (Las Vegas). Not only is the location great, but the learning opportunities will be phenominal. I think this is a very important event that anyone who is serious about this chosen profession should attend. I've worked in various aspects … (2 comments)
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april ferrao: Break down of market conditions - 11/08/07 01:26 AM
As mentioned in a previous blog I thought I would break down a few numbers. So here you go:
IN the 350-400,000 price range
Sales are down 22.4% (BAD)
New listings are also down 30% (good less competition coming on the market)
Days on the Market down 40% (good what is there is staying on the market … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Columbia MO Property Tax Increase? - 11/04/07 11:26 PM
Election Day Nov. 6th.
The only item on our ballot is to approve a 1/2% sale tax increase. I received the "sample ballot" which spoke aobut the 1/2% sales tax increase. At first I thought, another tax increase, gee I can't handle more. However, after learning more about it, I found … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Market Conditions Columbia MO - 11/04/07 11:16 PM
Thought I would share some market research with you.
In the Columbia MLS which includes towns such as Ashland, Fulton, Harrisburg, etc the number of months of inventory we have for residental property currently stands at: 9.53 months of inventory. A balanced market is 6 months
In the Columbia School District (Columbia is … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Great Client Experience - 11/04/07 10:53 PM
I just have to write about this amazing experience. I obtained my license in late 2005 in April 2006 I met some clients from Alaska who wanted to relocate. They found a home, closed and decided not to relocate. They decided to rent the home out, which I took care of … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Holidays are coming - 10/31/07 12:28 AM
What a great time to sell a home. Get in before the holidays, perhaps get a great tax break on costs, etc. But for us agents, you should eveluate paying $500.00 to decorate a house and get a 10,000 commission. I've been staging a home this evening and expect it to pay … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Hype verses localism - 10/24/07 11:45 PM
As we all know, real estate is local. I know the Columbia, MO market. It is not nearly as desperate at the "national media" would make it to be or as desperate as the "Califorinia or Arizona" market appears to us to be.
What has been your experience? Last year our … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Just don't get it - 10/24/07 10:53 PM
I just don't get it. We have more than 600 + realtors in town. I know many of you have thousands of more, but in a town when three or four years ago we only had 300 + that is amazing. I can't tell you the number of people who have … (9 comments)
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april ferrao: What to look for in a Realtor? - 10/24/07 10:28 PM
Do you realize you have a choice?
You may think the first person you talk to you are obligated to but not so. Especially in this market. If you are a buyer, find a realtor who is going to look after your best interests. One who is willing to input the time. … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Tons of Space Not Tons of Money - 10/23/07 12:15 AM
Only 199,900
Looking for a great value on a 3 car garage with 4 bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, and walk-in closets? Then come see 5109 Melissa. This full two story home on a walk-out basement is only 2 years old and is sure to please. In addition to the tons of space, … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Illegal Immigrant Home Loans - 10/17/07 11:42 PM
I just read the following article in the REALTOR magazine online article "Mortgages for Illegal Immigrants Grow in Popularity" http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2007100903?OpenDocument. I don't know this sort of shocked me a bit. Lenders evaluate these types of borrowers differently than the "traditional borrower".
So people come to this country illegally, get jobs illegally, and … (4 comments)
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april ferrao: Elementary School in Columbia - 10/16/07 01:17 AM
The new elementary school at Waco Road is planned to be opened for Fall 2009 school session. They currently plan to house 525 students. Of course, this means school boundaries will need to be redrawn again.
This happened five years ago with the opening of Paxton Keeley. Sometimes the redistricting doesn't make … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Affordable Luxury close to MU - 09/30/07 02:07 AM
When you build a Riley home you know that it is quality through and throuh. This is quality new construction complete with hand scraped wood-plank cherry floors, tile, gigantic gourmet kitchen with Bosch gas range, over-sized refrigerator, stone fireplace in living room to ceiling, large master suite with separate zen pebble … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Waterfront Propety in Columbia, MO - 09/30/07 01:34 AM
Have it ALL! Located in Thornbrook this home features lake access complete with single garage door for quick boat storage in back. 5 bed, 4 1/2 bath, main floor master, office, formal dining, great room with wet bar, stone gas/wood burning fireplace. Plus nearly 1000 sq ft unfinished storage! An easy … (0 comments)
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april ferrao: Correction - 09/30/07 01:25 AM
So I guess I will finally cave and say that the market it correcting itself. Here in Columbia, MO we have been pretty isolated from that fact since really real estate is loca. Lately we have seen a down turn in the 300-400 range of sales. Which is fine except there … (0 comments)
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