Bradbury Team's Blog

SHOCK! Lenders make more money on foreclosures than short sales!?

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:28:19 -0600

Via Pacita Dimacali - e-PRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA East Bay, North CA real estate (Gallagher & Lindsey):

Lenders make more money on foreclosures than from short sales or loan modifications. That's what Steve Harney converyd in a seminar. He caused an earthquake in San Francisco

We kinow that lenders turn over the short sale accounts to loan servicing companies who make our lives hell getting short sales approved. As such, we should know that these loan servicing companies make MORE money by letting the properties foreclose than to approve the short sales OR the loan modification.

RUMBLE...GRUMBLE...CRIES OF DISMAY!

Did he just confirm what we were afraid of?

So I researched this topic and found a few articles worth reviewing. How did I miss these? Was I under a rock in a desert?

CONSUMERLAW.ORG REPORt ON "Why Servicers Foreclose when They Should Modify And Other Puzzles of Servicer Behavior"

DAILY PRESS headline. Oct, 30 2009. Do Mortgage Lenders Make More Money when a Loan Goes iInto Foreclosure?

HUFFINGTON POST. Oct. 21, 2009, Foreclosures Are More Profitable Than Loan Modifications, According To New Report

Washington Post. July 28, 2009. Foreclosures Are Often In Lenders' Best Interest. Numbers Work Against Government Efforts to Help Homeowners.

ThinkGlink. October 21, 2009. Loan Modification Help: Why Lenders Are Slow To Provide Loan Modifications

Dayton Daily News. Oct. 17, 2009. Drop in foreclosures called "very scary". Lender's actions show they think properties are not worth pursuing.

Mortgage101.com. October 23, 2009. Mortgage Companies Make More on Foreclosures Than They Do Modifying Existing Loans. (This blog refers to the news article on Huffington Post)

KNOCKING OURSELVES OUT TRYING TO HELP

So are we engaging in self-flagellation helping our distressed clients with their short sales and loan modification?

Are lenders really more likely to foreclose?

Are the short sale servicing companies really trying to help?

Or are they stalling and withholding their help because they know their leaders would rather have the property burn into foreclosure?

Is there no resolution in signt?

There oughta be a law!

The New and Improved Home Buyer Tax Credit

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:50:27 -0600

Via Claudette Millette - Metrowest Mass Exclusive Buyer Broker (The Buyers' Counsel):

The much-anticipated extension to the home buyer tax credit has finally been approved. The Senate's vote yesterday resulted in a 98-0 win and today it was passed in the house. The bill now moves to the President's desk for a final signature.

First-time home buyers have been eligible for tax credits of up to $8,000 since last January as part of this year's economic stimulus package. The newly backed program will expand the credit to include existing home owners.

Under the revised program, those who have owned a home for at least five years will be able to apply for tax credits of up to $6,500 when they purchase their next home.  To qualify, buyers will have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 and close by June 30.

The maximum purchase price on a home will be $800,000 with vacation homes not eligible. Income limitations are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for joint filers.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have been lobbying hard for the extension and expansion of the tax credit. NAR claims that so far, about 1.4 million first-time homebuyers have qualified for the program and they estimated that 350,000 of these buyers would not have otherwise purchased.

The tax credit is also set to be extended for another year for military personnel serving outside of the United States until June 30, 2011.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who heavily pushed for the extension, along with his own version that would have increased the credit to $15,000 stated, "This is probably the last extension."

But, is this really true? When April 2011 comes around and the housing market is still not in full recovery mode, will the politicians be able to let this go and actually come to an end, or could it possibly become a more permanent subsidy?

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Copyright 2009 - Claudette Millette, Broker, Owner, TheBuyersCounsel - 800-392-1446  - E-mail

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WARNING do not read : 911 realtor ask REO MANAGERS TO PUT THE BONG DOWN

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:49:53 -0600

Via robert highsmith (west usa realty ):

I am sorry to bring this to your attention but if we can get the REO assett managers to turn off there CHEECH AND CHONG RERUNS for awhile, we might get more reposessions , bank owned , foreclosed ,and walkaway homes sold.HOW ,do you ask ?, for example here in phoenix, arizona i got another bank owned REO from an assett mananger this week and low and behold , same nonsense . They asked to list it for only $57,500 on a nice 3bed 2 bath ,with a pool repo home . SO let the bidding begin and really screw with all the good realtors with normal clients who need a affordable home.To START WITH I WILL GET MAYBE 20- 30 offers and have all 20 -30 realtors asking the same questions , where are we in price , are we highest , did they accept my low ball bottom feeder bid, whats your highest and best offer so far ?,so we, reo listing real estate agents are bombarded with calls daily , when all the assett managers need to do is list it a a fair market value , eliminating the bidding frenzy. Have you submitted a bid on behalf of your client , only to be held captive by another realtor who will not dilvudge where your bid is at, or they have not selected a bid yet , timewise it can take you 2-3 weeks to find out your $65,000 bid was trumped by a highest and best offer of say $85,000 a fair market value . SO FOR YOU AGENTS WORKING BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS IN THE REO arena , good luck on a back to normal transaction. Phoenix, scottsdale , glendale , and mesa arizona are all going thru the bong from hell syndrome

Strategic Planning + Hard Work = Property IN CONTRACT

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:43:19 -0600

Via Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman HAWAII Relocations & Real Estate (Century 21 Liberty Homes):

We all talk about how we go above and beyond the call of duty in our businesses and there are many different opinions of exactly what that means. In a market that has been undoubtedly slow we have to be unique in our approach in doing the best we can for a Hawaii Home Seller and GETTING THE PROPERTY SOLD!

After viewing a property the Saturday before  it was obvious there would be MUCH to do as the property was a rental for MANY years. The listing was signed with the contingency that it would not be shown until all repairs and cleaning were complete.

I started brainstorming and came up with a few ideas I thought would work to get it on the market and hold an Open House the next Sunday:

By the next morning- Sunday- the painter started on not only painting but spraying new ceiling throughout the downstairs. (don't ask me how it got so many dings and scrapes...they may have been walking the ceilings?)

The painter finished up putting back the ceiling fans etc by Monday. The handyman started to do a few odds and ends and installed the new range hood.

On Tuesday we went in to do some cleaning to put a ‘woman's touch' on everything. Argh....that took 2.5 days and it was more than what I first thought. Also, the flooring guys came in to change the tile in both bathrooms and put new baseboards and the handyman came back to finish up some final work.

On Wednesday the new dishwasher was delivered, I put up the listing on the MLS with specific instructions that the first showing was at the first Open House on Sunday. Added just a bit of staging (plants, rugs, table etc.) so the floor plan was evident.

Thursday and Friday screens were cleaned, additional caulking and open lanai painted (it had splotches of three different colors) and I added the listing to MULTIPLE sites and the final touch up cleaning through Saturday.

From Wednesday to Saturday many calls came in to view the property before Open House day but they were politely declined due to ‘work being done' and told to please attend the First Open House/Showing on Sunday.

Sunday's Open House proved fruitful and it turned out to be a great strategy for a highly desirable complex........21 groups of people (about 50+ individuals) came through and only 1 person signed in the guest book that DID NOT HAVE AN AGENT.  By Monday morning (yesterday) we had an offer in hand. By the afternoon we had other calls from agents saying their clients came to Open House and considering putting in an offer.

The property is now in contract and in escrow.

Moral?   Even though a lot of work in a short period of time (and at minimal price) went into getting the property ready.... it was well worth it to get the property sold!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs, she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Supporting Hawaii Local Businesses!

WOW! What a home in Bucks County PA!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:25:58 -0600

Charlie Kline | Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951 | 215-536-6777

683 Rich Hill Road, Quakertown, PA

WOW! Luxury Bucks County Home for Sale!

6BR/5.5BA Single Family House

offered at $675,000

Year Built	2002
Sq Footage	6,000
Bedrooms	6
Bathrooms	5 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	4+ Car garage
Lot Size	2.20 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

WOW! Need SPACE for a large family or entertaining? Check out this stunning 6 BR, 5 1/2 BA home set back on a 2 acre wooded lot. Built by a builder for himself - you'll be impressed by the superior craftmanship throughout. There's approx 6,000 SF of living space including the multi-area finished lower level. The 1st fl Master BR shares a one-of-a-kind bath with multi-head shower and a radiant heated floor. The glass-walled great room invites the outdoors inside. In the winter, snuggle up by the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. Dual access stairs lead to a bridge connecting a princess suite to 3 additional BR's and a full bath. The top-of-the-line kitchen with quartz counters opens to a radiant heated Florida Room. There are laundries on the main and upper levels. Even a holiday window package. And this is just the beginning. As a bonus there's a 30x60 pole building with a shop and lots of additional room for your grown-up toys. It's a special house for a special family. Agent: Proof of ability to purchase (BFI & mortgage preapproval) must be submitted before showing, fax to 215-536-7170. Owner related to listing agent.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Family room	- Living room
- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den	- Dining room
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Attic	- Basement
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Laundry area - garage	- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Utilities: HtPump-EBkUp, PropaneHeat, HotAirHeat, RadiantHeat, PropaneHtWtr, CentralAir

- OnSitWell/Sp, OnSiteSeptic, 200-300AmpEl

- Parking: 4+CarGarage, Att/BuiltInG, GarDoorOpner, 3+CarParking

- : UndrgrndElec, Stcco/SimExt, StoneExt, Block/BrickF, WoodedLot, ShingleRoof, Barn/FarmBld, Patio,

- Bsmt: FullBasement, FinishedBsmt

- Interior: OneFirePl, StoneFirePl, FinishedWood, W/WCarpeting, TileFl, Skylight(s),

- Cathedral/Va, 9Ft+Ceiling, CeilngFan(s), ExposedBeams, WhirlpoolMnB, FulBathMnBed, WalkInClstMB, Foy

- Sun/FlaRoom, Great/GathRm, Util/MudRoom, Workshop, NoModifs/Unk, MainFlrLndry, UpprFlrLndry

- Kit: KitW/NookBar, ElecCooking, KitIsland, KitPantry, KitDoubleSin, KitCookTop, DoubleOven, SelfClnO

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Exterior Front	Entry Foyer
Great Room

Contact info:

Charlie Kline

Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951

215-536-6777

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 4, 2009, 6:11pm PST

Bucks County Garages for Rent

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:14:14 -0600

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz | Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951 | bradburyteam@bradburyteam.com | 215-536-6777 x 329

Springfield Township, Quakertown, PA

Two Garages for Rent in a Residential Neighborhood

Retail/Commercial

$200/month

Sq Footage

672

DESCRIPTION

These are two Garages, for Rent in Springfield Township, Bucks County PA. This is a two car garage with dimensions of 24 x 28; 2 overhead doors, 1 man door, cement floor. No utilities, storage only. Country Location. $200 a month with a one year lease. Security, reverences required. Please call Paul for additional information. 610-346-9504

see additional photos below

RENTAL FEATURES

- One Year Lease Available

- A two Car Garage

- Ample Storage Space

- Includes Cement Floor, and a Man Door

- Includes Two Overhead Doors

LOCATION FEATURES

- Country Setting

- Safe and Secure Neighborhood

- Surrounded by Woods

LEASE TERMS

12 month lease. 1 month security deposit. References required. No Mechanics.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Photo 2

Contact info:

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz

Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951

bradburyteam@bradburyteam.com

215-536-6777 x 329

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Nov 1, 2009, 5:39am PST

Pricing Historic Homes in Urban Market - Step Two - Preview, Preview, Preview!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:11:44 -0600

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):

Just another installment in the series: Pricing Historic Homes in Urban Markets...

Introduction
Step One

In the last installment, I recommended that you always, always, always drive by your subject property before doing anything else. If you can get inside, so much the better...

So after you have a good visual of your subject property, it's time to go check out the competition - otherwise known as "previewing." (If your market frowns on previewing, and many do, please share with the audience how on earth you properly price homes!).

When I interview to list a property, I often find myself bonding with the home, to the point where it's almost as hard for me to be objective about it as it is for the sellers. I really have to fight the temptation to be overly critical of "my" listing's competition, while excusing "my" listing's challenges and flaws. Sometimes I'll take another agent with me on my previewing tour to help keep me objective.

SELECTING THE HOMES TO PREVIEW
Which homes should you preview? In a word (okay, a phrase) - as many as you can. Even if they aren't exactly comparable. With every house you tour, you gain a little better grasp on the up-to-the-minute marketplace, which makes it much easier to pinpoint the proper price range to recommend. It just happens naturally. As you look at the competition, you'll start to get a feeling for where your listing falls in the scheme of things, and the more you look at, the more confident you'll be in that feeling.

I try to preview at least 10 houses when I'm pricing a home. Sometimes I'll get lazy and only hit five - and I always regret it. It seems that it's right around the sixth or seventh house that I start to trust my gut about pricing. And that gut feeling is further confirmed on the eighth, ninth and tenth.

Depending on my price range, I'll preview all comparable houses within $50,000 (on each side) of where I think my listing will fall. By "comparable," I mean homes that offer similar square footage for the money. I probably won't preview a 1,000 sqft Bungalow if I'm listing a 2,000 sqft Victorian; they just won't attract the same buyer, even though they may very well be priced similarly. I always preview any homes within one block of my seller's property, even if they aren't comparable at all. It's just good practice in case the seller asks you about it.

Always preview the low outliers. A "low outlier" is a house that looks good on paper, but seems to be a screaming deal. You need to know why it's priced so well... but hasn't sold. There probably is a good reason. If there isn't, then this is the listing to beat. But we'll talk about that later.

How about the high outliers? The houses that are priced way above the rest, which are probably getting your seller all excited? Look at those, too. Chances are that they're just grossly overpriced (and the more houses you look at, the more sure you'll be of this). If they aren't overpriced, there's something really fabulous about them, and you need to know what it is.

As you're setting your previews, note if any homes are difficult to show. That will definitely affect market value. And frankly, if they are, I'll skip them. Lazy? Maybe, but on the other hand, a difficult-to-show home is not going to be comparable to MY listing because I don't take difficult-to-show listings!

Effective previewing in an urban market entails a lot more than just looking at a bunch of homes. Sure, that's what you're going to do (look at a bunch of homes), but in order to really evaluate the information you're gathering, you need to go in with the heart & mind of a detective.

We'll talk about that next time.

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1503 Concord Court Quakertown - Just Listed at a great price!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:10:21 -0600

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz | Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951 | 215-536-6777 x 329

1503 Concord Court, Quakertown, PA

Quakertown First Floor Condo ~ Great Location!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1995
Sq Footage	1,226
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$145 per month

DESCRIPTION

Most desireable first floor unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with fireplace and den. Seller has put in a new upgraded a/c unit for high efficiency. This unit has a open floor plan. This unit will not last.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 309 To West Trumbauersville to Right on Willow Stream, Left , Concord.

- ElectricHeat, HotAirHeat, ElectricHtWt, CentralAir, PublicWater, PublicSewer, 100-150AmpEl

- Parking: NoGarage, 2-CarParking

- Sidewalks, StreetLights, VinylExt, BltOnSlabFou, LevelLot, PitchedRoof, Patio, NoPool Bsmt: NoBase

- CableTVWired, FulBathMnBed, LR/GREntr, Den/Study/Li, Util/MudRoom, NoModifs/Unk, MainFlrLndry

- FullKit-NoEI, ElecCooking, KitDoubleSin, KitBuiltInRa, SelfClnOven, BuiltInDishW, Disposal

- Assn Inc: ComAreaMaint, ExtBldgMaint, LawnMaint, SnowRemoval, TrashRemoval

- Finance: ConventnalFi, FHA, VA

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz

Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951

215-536-6777 x 329

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 21, 2009, 3:39pm PDT

Williams Hardware in Morehead City, North Carolina

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:20 -0600

Via Amy Hahn, Crystal Coast REALTOR (Pine Knoll Shores Realty):

Williams Hardware in Morehead City, North Carolina opened their doors more than 30 years ago. They have an excellent reputation throughout the community and offer expert advise to help you with any project you may be trying your hand at. They carry just about anything you could ever need from a hardware store and then some. If they don't have it, they can get it or tell you where to find it.

From Boating gear to landscaping & gardening supplies, they've got it. If you need to build a fence, they've got what you need. They will even give you instruction if needed. Williams Hardware may be the only place in Morehead City, where you can buy "one" nail. Why would they make you buy a whole box if you only need just one!? If you need to have a key made...no problem. I had a key made at a "Big Chain" store one day because it was convenient and later when I tried the key...it wouldn't work. Instead of driving across town to get it fixed, I stopped by Williams to have another made. He took the key that the "Big Chain" store had cut and buffed it down for me. When I tried to pay him, he said, "No charge today, just remember to come here first next time"! I have never had a key made anywhere else since (and as a REALTOR®, I need a lot of keys).

If you are planning that perfect camping trip with the family...stop by Williams Hardware, where you'll find everything you need. Getting ready to host a neighborhood Bar-B-Q? You will find the best grills and accessories available at Williams (you'll have to go next door to the grocery store to get the steaks tho'). If you need a picnic table or the perfect front porch swing you will find that at Williams Hardware too.

I was at Williams Hardware just this morning, and before I could even get out of my car, I was greeted with a friendly, "Good Morning" from W.R. Beasley of Williams Hardware. He then welcomed me into the store (before operating hours, I might add) and asked what I needed help with. That's good ol' customer service if you ask me! If you need a hardware store in the Morehead City area in North Carolina, Stop by and see W.R. Beasley and the rest of the "family" at Williams Hardware. You can find them there 7 days a week, year round and they always friendly and willing to help you with all of your hardware needs.

Williams Hardware

3011 Bridges Street, Morehead Plaza Morehead City, NC 28557

(252) 726-7158

Amy M. Hahn

Pine Knoll Shores Realty

Serving All of the Crystal Coast
Mobile: 252-723-7972
Office: 252-727-5000
Toll Free: 800-605-8598
Email: info@pineknollshoresrealty.com
Website: www.pineknollshoresrealty.com

Know Your Forms - New RESPA Closing Documents On The Way!!!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:13:04 -0600

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

Come January 1st, 2010, as a REALTOR or a consumer at the closing table things are about to change as far as the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Settlement Statement (HUD-1). Links below will allow you to print these out to familiarize yourself with them. Both now are three pages in length. The highlights:

Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

GFE tolerances on settlement costs (1/8 point allowed to be in error)

Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1)

Revised definitions for application, Good Faith Estimate, and Mortgage Broker

Additional definitions for changed circumstances, origination services, loan originator, prepayment penalty, third party, title service and tolerance

Elimination of 1% origination fee cap on FHA loans

RESPA (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act) forms apply to federally insured or backed loans such as FHA/VA/Conventional and NOT cash deals. There is also a 30 day cure period to give lenders after closing the ability to meet the tolerance. The closing script is eliminated as it is contained in the revised HUD-1. Average charges can be used by service providers and is not limited to loan originators.

Bottom line is it looks like the new GFE and HUD-1 want the borrower to be as crystal clear on everything related to the loan. It looks like the fastest you could go from app to close is about three weeks. On page three of the new HUD-1 boxes compare GFE and HUD-1 costs. On page 3 of the GFE they clearly in the instructions state what charges CANNOT increase past the GFE, can increase up to 10%, and what charges can change. It is VERY clear. The only thing weird I saw on both the new HUD-1 and GFE is it never clearly says the PITI monthly payment but just principal, interest, and mortgage insurance in the loan terms.

It looks a lot different for most of us, but print yourself out a copy and take a look. January is NOT that far off.

Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE)

Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1)

With closings averaging 130 pieces of paperwork both the REALTOR and the consumer need to know about these documents ahead of time. One last tip for both groups in this area, be sure to show up at the table with a U.S. government issued ID with a picture and your signature. This is mandatory for identification purposes. Good luck and happy closings!!!

1038 Montgomery Road Pennsburg PA Just Listed!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:05:43 -0600

Upper Perk Schools - 2 Story Colonial

1038 Montgomery Avenue, Pennsburg, PA 18073 View Map

THIS HOME IS IN THE 5-K PROMOTION. Call FOR DETAILS ON AWARDS FOR BUYERS AND AGENTS! This two story colonial in the Pennsburg Boro of Montgomery County PA, is conveniently located across the street from the Upper Perkiomen High School and has easy access to local shopping, businesses and major transportation routes including the PA Turnpike. The roof is only 5 years old and has 30 year sculptured shingles; Heating is oil with hot air delivery. Home is featuring three bedrooms, 1 ½ baths, attached one car garage, a full basement, and a nice private back yard. This seller is very motivated and needs to move out of state to be with family, and will be happy to review all offers for a quick sale. Please call for a showing appointment today!

Details

Asking Price:

$199,900

MLS:

5613644

Sq. Feet:

1622

Lot Size:

.24 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1 1/2

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Pennsburg Boro

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Donald Bradbury, Realtor
The Bradbury Team www.bradburyteam.com

Main fax: 215-536-7170
Cell 610/952-3578
Dir 215/536-6777x329
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

194 E Dark Hollow Road Pipersville PA - Furnished Farmhouse Now for Rent!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:44:00 -0600

Furnished Bucks County Farmhouse For Rent

194 E Dark Hollow Road, Pipersville, PA 18947 View Map

This Furnished Antique frame farmhouse w/1970's addition is the home of a local renowned Artist, who got his inspiration from the wonderful location of this country setting. This home has gone through a total makeover in 2009 w/Brand New Granite Kitchen! This home is for rent & includes a new Refrigerator & energy efficient washer & dryer in the BSMT. The home also includes Hardwood flrs, natural trim, newer carpeting. Family rm features attractive natural wood columns separating the kitchen, the wood stove is offset by windows accenting each side; Living rm has newer Berber carpeting & built in bookcase, a picture window overlooks the beautiful backyard dotted in mature Peach, Pear & Apple trees & old chicken house. Three bedrooms & full bath on 2nd flr, windows in the main BR provide abundant natural light, 2nd & 3rd bedrooms have wood floors, hall bath. Exterior stone patio in side yard between house & garage; This home is minutes from the local Van Sant Airport, the Frenchtown NJ bridge & is 15 min from Doylestown.

Details

Asking Price:

$2,200 / Month

Sq. Feet:

1808

Lot Size:

1.5 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

2 car

Subdivision:

Pipersville, Bucks County PA

Year Built:

1900

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Donald Bradbury, Realtor
The Bradbury Team www.bradburyteam.com

Main fax: 215-536-7170
Cell 610/952-3578
Dir 215/536-6777x329
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

You Changed Your Clock - Is It Time to Change Your Life?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:41:27 -0600

Via Kate Wheeler CCIM Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale (Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor ):

November is here and traditionally it's the time to begin preparing for the holidays. For most of us, it's like taking on an additional part time job - shopping cooking decorating wrapping gifts, entertaining.

Since joining Activerain, I've already taken on a second full time job... writing market reports and hyperlocal posrs, revamping my website and attending online courses in Internet marketing and tedchnology, otherwise known as reading blogs. The homework level is crippling.

As I sat down at the computer this morning, I found a note to myself scribbled on a scrap of paper:

"Edit your life as though you're a writer or a filmmaker. Cut out the chaos and the clutter. Keep only the very best."

So with this extra hour on the first day of November, I'm taking stock of how I want to spend the other 24 hours today and every other day. This isn't going to be a blog about cleaning out your closets. It's about getting back to the basics. Which of your daily activities brings you joy or enriches your life and the lives of those around you?

Starting the morning by sharing a cup of cowboy coffee with my husband as we sit on the deck and greet the sunrise is one activity I'll never give up. I'd much rather miss an extra hour of sleep and have that special time together to start my day.

Baking an apple pie is an acivity that takes a great deal of time. But for me it's a way of bonding with my daughter. The time we spend talking and laughing together is priceless. So I'll be keeping that chore. I'd rather have those memories years from now than to recall dashing to the store for a frozen dessert because I spent that extra hour on the Internet.

But I've made the decision to delete negative people from my life. That's one of the toughest things to do, especially if it's someone who has been in your life for a long time but it can have the biggest payoff. Listening to complaints, backbiting and gossip every tine you take a coffee break at the office or run into your neighbor at the store drains the soul.

Another group I'm getting rid of are the drama queens. And I'm not just taking about women here. Sorry, guys, but some of you are the biggest drama queens around. I don't care how big your deal is - real estate is not a life or death matter. And I don't need to spend MY time listening to your endless tales of triumph and tribulation.

So as dawn breaks over the mountains in Murphy, I've decided that today, I'm going to look at eveything I do with two questions in mind -

Does this bring me joy?

Does it enrich my life or the lives of those around me?

Looking for your dream getaway in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina? Visit the country homes and land website to see all the latest listings.

Enjoy a preview of our scenic mountains in the YouTube video Murphy Mountain Nights

You Changed Your Clock - Is It Time to Change Your Life?

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:41:27 -0600

Via Kate Wheeler CCIM Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale (Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor ):

November is here and traditionally it's the time to begin preparing for the holidays. For most of us, it's like taking on an additional part time job - shopping cooking decorating wrapping gifts, entertaining.

Since joining Activerain, I've already taken on a second full time job... writing market reports and hyperlocal posrs, revamping my website and attending online courses in Internet marketing and tedchnology, otherwise known as reading blogs. The homework level is crippling.

As I sat down at the computer this morning, I found a note to myself scribbled on a scrap of paper:

"Edit your life as though you're a writer or a filmmaker. Cut out the chaos and the clutter. Keep only the very best."

So with this extra hour on the first day of November, I'm taking stock of how I want to spend the other 24 hours today and every other day. This isn't going to be a blog about cleaning out your closets. It's about getting back to the basics. Which of your daily activities brings you joy or enriches your life and the lives of those around you?

Starting the morning by sharing a cup of cowboy coffee with my husband as we sit on the deck and greet the sunrise is one activity I'll never give up. I'd much rather miss an extra hour of sleep and have that special time together to start my day.

Baking an apple pie is an acivity that takes a great deal of time. But for me it's a way of bonding with my daughter. The time we spend talking and laughing together is priceless. So I'll be keeping that chore. I'd rather have those memories years from now than to recall dashing to the store for a frozen dessert because I spent that extra hour on the Internet.

But I've made the decision to delete negative people from my life. That's one of the toughest things to do, especially if it's someone who has been in your life for a long time but it can have the biggest payoff. Listening to complaints, backbiting and gossip every tine you take a coffee break at the office or run into your neighbor at the store drains the soul.

Another group I'm getting rid of are the drama queens. And I'm not just taking about women here. Sorry, guys, but some of you are the biggest drama queens around. I don't care how big your deal is - real estate is not a life or death matter. And I don't need to spend MY time listening to your endless tales of triumph and tribulation.

So as dawn breaks over the mountains in Murphy, I've decided that today, I'm going to look at eveything I do with two questions in mind -

Does this bring me joy?

Does it enrich my life or the lives of those around me?

Looking for your dream getaway in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina? Visit the country homes and land website to see all the latest listings.

Enjoy a preview of our scenic mountains in the YouTube video Murphy Mountain Nights

5 Tips on Choosing The Right Days to Market Your Real Estate Services Online

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:40:16 -0600

Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):

How to Choose the Right Days to Market your Real Estate Services Online

Effective real estate marketing online has a lot to do with timing. There has been a lot of research conducted, mainly for industries outside of real estate (i.e.retail, hospitality, automotive) on the best days and times to market services and products online. Implementing the right timing to deploy marketing campaigns into your online marketing strategy is an effective way to ramp up your results.

Here are 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online

1. Tweet Midweek-

State-of-the-Twittersphere -

2. Publish Your Most Important Blog Posts Midweek

Frequency of great original content is still important in building your readership and traffic to your blog. I recommend to my clients that they blog a minimum of 3-5 times per week to be considered as a true content provider in the eyes of their readers.

That being said when is the best time for a blogger to publish their meatiest, most important blog posts? Darren Rowse of Problogger addresses the timing factor in When to Publish Blog Posts-Timing Considerations,

"If I have a very important post that I want to get as much attention as possible I generally will publish it on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (my time)."

Rowse's post also gives some advice as to publishing posts on weekends and holidays that is worth the read as well as the comments on the post (82 so far).

Roger Parker of blogforprofit.com recommends that if you were to only blog twice per week to publish those blog posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Clearly publishing your most important blog posts midweek is a winning strategy.

3. The Weakest Link for Email Marketing is Saturday

You may have several email campaigns in your real estate marketing campaign: email flyers, email follow-up, email newsletters. Email marketing is a heavy hitter for real estate professionals but when is the most effective time for you to deliver your messages to your prospects and customers?

According to EMarketer.com the best days of the week to send email marketing are Mondays and Tuesdays and the least effective time by nearly 50% is Saturdays.

The best advice I found and agree with is to survey your email subscribers and ask them when they would like to receive emails from you.

We are approaching the holiday season so it is important to consider the times that people are online and actively shopping. Study these deployment times statistics provided on the emailstatcenter.com website before launching any niche holiday real estate marketing campaigns.

4. Engage your Fans on Facebook on Tuesdays

In findings from Virtue SRM (Social Relationship Manager) the best days to post on your Facebook Business Page is Tuesdays, followed closely Wednesdays with Mondays coming in #3.

**Allow me one deviation~ What I find more or equally fascinating is the 6.49% CLR (Click Thru Rate) of marketing campaigns such as polls and incentives that are run on Facebook business pages. Fans are clearly interacting with their friends on Facebook in a big way and their interactions are also being seen by their friends.**

5. LinkedIn Users Are Active In the Morning

According to a small study by SenderOK Statistics report which was based on a sample of 440 anonymous users the most activity on LinkedIn occurs in the morning.

"LinkedIn use is predominantly an 8AM-Noon activity with very, very little activity in the evening. Of particular interest is that LinkedIn users tend to arrive at work earlier than Facebook users do....Those serious early morning LinkedIn users will spend an average of 29 minutes reading real Email before they get around to checking your connection request which they could have read first if they wanted to."

While this is a small sampling of members on LinkedIn and their behavior I can attest that this mimics my LinkedIn use. The first online activity I do in the morning is to check my email(which of course includes my blog activity) and the first social network site I check is LinkedIn and this occurs normally between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Take into consideration the times and days that people are online and engaging in these online activities when you create and implement your online real estate marketing strategy.

Once you taken action use an analytics tool to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. Tweak the times you deliver your marketing messages based on your analytics and direct feedback from your recipients.

Get your game on and use the 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online.

Subscribe to Blogging In the Rain, A Real Estate Marketing Blog

Join Me on Facebook. Tuesday I'll be posting a discussion about marketing to women.

***************************************************

Rebecca D. Levinson is a real estate marketing consultant with 17 years of experience serving real estate industry professionals.

If you need assistance with online marketing, offline marketing, social networking, or blogging contact Rebecca D. Levinson at #262-203-5231 or email rebecca@bloggingintherain.com.

1038 Montgomery Ave Pennsburg Just Listed!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:18:06 -0500

Upper Perk Schools - 2 Story Colonial

1038 Montgomery Avenue, Pennsburg, PA 18073 View Map

Details

Asking Price:

$199,900

MLS:

5613644

Sq. Feet:

1622

Lot Size:

.24 acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1 1/2

# of Floors:

Subdivision:

Pennsburg Boro

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Donald Bradbury, Realtor
The Bradbury Team www.bradburyteam.com

Main fax: 215-536-7170
Cell 610/952-3578
Dir 215/536-6777x329
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

LOOKING AT REAL ESTATE TEAMS AND TEAM SPECIALISTS.

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:08:05 -0500

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:

LOOKING AT REAL ESTATE TEAMS AND TEAM SPECIALISTS.

DO REAL ESTATE "TEAMS" EXHIBIT EXPERTISE. The concept of "teams" in real estate practices is popular and often compared to medical "groups". I see little to no resemblance and, in fact, assigning a title of specialty such as "Buyers Agent" to a member of a team is often misleading to the consumer.

Inspired by Miriam Bernstein writing about real estate teams and the NYTimes article on the same subject.

Has that "Buyers Agent" received any advanced training to represent home buyers?

Has that "Buyers Agent" managed a significant number of contracts representing buyers to have any claim to experience?

Not that it isn't possible. It is, but rarely do the team members meet the test of expertise and experience found with medical specialties. Most "teams" I've seen are groups of licensees who work closely with other members of the team and spread the advertising and marketing costs and work load. Some teams may have members who specialize in listing or selling. So, they have a team title. However, do they have any expertise beyond the basic training for licensing?

REAL ESTATE TEAMS are often a small group within a brokerage or real estate company. In some cases new members will be "mentored" by a more experienced team member for a percentage of their fee for any business they bring to the team/brokerage. Fact is, we are all individually licensed and usually expected to develop buyer or seller business either for our own account or for "the team".

From the MD Real Estate Commission: "There is no provision in Maryland real estate licensing law for teams or groups operating within a brokerage. The only license categories are broker, associate broker, and salesperson. The only recognized entity is a brokerage. Those licensees who choose to operate within a team or group must follow all applicable licensing provision."

THE MATTER OF FEE SPLITS FOR TEAMS will be different from team to team and broker to broker.

THE OPPORTUNISTIC TEAM SPECIALTY. Unlike medical group specialties whereby the physician has committed an additional year or two to training, study and clinical practice to achieve a specialty designation or title, real estate licensees often advertise themselves as "experts" in topical areas such as "short sale experts" or "Buyer's Broker". That short sale "expert" may have completed one transaction representing a buyer or seller, OR NONE. There are courses offered for short sale training but no special license and the claim can be made with or without any actual experience or training.

Buyer Agency Specialist

Short Sale Specialist

Foreclosure Specialist

Luxury Home Specialist

Waterfront Home Specialist

Investment Real Estate Buyer Specialist

Rehabilitation Real Estate Specialist

New Home Specialist

EXPERT BY DESIGNATION OR EXPERIENCE. Many of us, myself included, have advertised some of these "specialties". NAR designations are evidence of training in a specialty and many require certain experience in that specialty. However, there is no special or advanced licensing required or available.

I work with an informal "network" of experienced brokers and agents, but it's largely geographically based. Each broker in my network is licensed but all have the same license and no further training is required for real estate brokers other than the general broker license.  I market our services and connect home buyers to brokers and agents serving buyers in a particular geographical area. All of the brokers and agents in my network haveexperience representing home buyers. Many had their license with my company for year and received training to represent home buyers on an ongoing basis in group meetings and individual consultation. Focusing on home buyer needs is a specialty. The real estate industry is about 95% focused on the listing side of real estate brokerage.

EXAMPLE:  I recently attended a 3 hour CE class offering training in property valuation. NOT.

The class was 98% "how to get the listing" and about 2% property valuation. Why?? Because the focus of most real estate training is listing oriented. The assumption is that training for property valuation is for listing agents for CMSs and not for buyers agents. IMO, one of the most valuable skills any real estate practitioner can have is that of accurate property valuation. The original listing is no more than an "offer" to prospective home buyers. Buyers agents who can properly value property listings are offering their buyers an important service. As a "buyers agent" member of a team, has that buyers agent received any training to properly value properties offered for sale???

BUYER AGENCY TRAINING? Additional Buyer Agency training is available through the NAR. However, having gone through several "buyer agency" courses, I don't believe they do the job of producing buyer experts, but rather focus on risk reduction for agents selling their own broker's listings. Many will differ with that description, and so be it. Risk reduction is critical, of course, but knowing how to avoid committing fraud through undisclosed dual agency doesn't provide skill in representing home buyers. I realized after committing 4 days to a course specializing in buyer agency that the experience gained by limiting my customers and clients to home buyers, managing many contracts for home buyers, my experience was far more valuable than the course offering.

TEAMS are a good marketing concept. They may share the workload. The question is, does a team member with a "specialty" title offer any more actual expertise for the consumer?   Has the broker, the entity with the real responsibility for any team formed by a group of licensees in that brokerage, required that the team members with any speciality where a consumer would be referred actually have expertise in that specialty?

DOES THE BROKER KNOW WHAT THE TEAM IS DOING? Seems to me that the broker must take responsibility to make sure that the consumer is well served and that includes shared responsibility for customer or client service by a team.



"Honey, did you find an agent to help us today?"

"Yes Dear, I called the listing agent for the house we saw on the Internet and they are going to have the Buyers Agent on their team contact us."

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

The Buyer CMA. Do you use it?

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:07:21 -0500

Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:

Hi folks. Lenn Harley wrote a post today titled "Looking at Real Estate Teams and Team Specialists". If you haven't read it please take a moment to do so. In her article Lenn wrote...

"The assumption is that training for property valuation is for listing agents for CMAs and not for buyers agents. IMO, one of the most valuable skills any real estate practitioner can have is that of accurate property valuation."

I have to say I agree with that statement. As most of you know I have been primarily a listing agent for many years. Over the last 18 months or so I have had to revamp my business and now find myself working with more and more Buyers.

I find that one of the advantages I have is that I know how to value property. My market is saturated with foreclosures and Short Sales. Because of this, the listing price means nothing. The listing price is normally quite a bit lower than what the property will eventually sale for.

The purpose of a low listing price is to create a bidding war. I completely understand this strategy and have no problem at all working within the rules of this "game".

My Buyers are counseled to make offers based on the value of the property not the list price. This is very important for Buyers and their agents to understand when working in this kind of a market.

How many of you have had Buyers that insist on offering below listing price on every property they look at? How many of you counsel then to do this? Is the extent of your counsel telling Buyers to offer 90% of list price? Be honest. When was the last time you prepared a full blown CMA (Comparable Market Analysis) for a Buyer?

Do you even know how to prepare a market analysis? From some of the offers I see coming in on my listings my opinion is that..no..you don't. Your Buyers are missing out on properties because they are hung up on the listing price. Your job is to make sure this is not a stumbling block for them. The best way to do that is to make sure you are giving your Buyers a CMA.

This Buyer CMA can be for a specific property or it can be based on the style and type of property they are looking for. Does that make sense?

Here's a CMA I prepared last week for a Buyer. We ended up getting his offer accepted even though there were about a dozen offers on the property. Check it out. Any questions?

CMA 816 Halifax Dr Kissimmee FL 34758

Bryant Tutas
Broker/Owner
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
http://CentralFloridaShortSales.com

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com

Are you a Florida REALTOR(R) looking for a change? Check it out.

CENTRAL FLORIDA REALTOR(r) OPPORTUNITIES

Copyright © 2009 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved

1503 Concord Court Quakertown - Just Listed at a great price!

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:24:00 -0500

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz | Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951 | 215-536-6777 x 329

1503 Concord Court, Quakertown, PA

Quakertown First Floor Condo ~ Great Location!

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1995
Sq Footage	1,226
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$145 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C	- Central heat	- Fireplace
- High/Vaulted ceiling	- Walk-in closet	- Hardwood floor
- Tile floor	- Living room	- Dining room
- Dishwasher	- Stove/Oven	- Microwave

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 309 To West Trumbauersville to Right on Willow Stream, Left , Concord.

- ElectricHeat, HotAirHeat, ElectricHtWt, CentralAir, PublicWater, PublicSewer, 100-150AmpEl

- Parking: NoGarage, 2-CarParking

- Sidewalks, StreetLights, VinylExt, BltOnSlabFou, LevelLot, PitchedRoof, Patio, NoPool Bsmt: NoBase

- CableTVWired, FulBathMnBed, LR/GREntr, Den/Study/Li, Util/MudRoom, NoModifs/Unk, MainFlrLndry

- FullKit-NoEI, ElecCooking, KitDoubleSin, KitBuiltInRa, SelfClnOven, BuiltInDishW, Disposal

- Assn Inc: ComAreaMaint, ExtBldgMaint, LawnMaint, SnowRemoval, TrashRemoval

- Finance: ConventnalFi, FHA, VA

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz

Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951

215-536-6777 x 329

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 21, 2009, 3:39pm PDT

Same Song, Different Artist

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:00:43 -0500

Via Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty):

Same Song, Different Artist

As I was reading and commenting on a great blog post from my friend, Clint Miller, Let's Talk About What Is REALLY Wrong In Real Estate, I was reminded of many articles/posts written about a year ago regarding this same topic. The issue with agents at the time was poor communication. Back then, my pat answer was basically, those of us who give 100% to our jobs are eventually, "going to weed these wanna-be agents out of the business so, not to worry!"

Today, as I look at my 'to-do' list for tomorrow, guess how many of my calls are follow-up calls to agents who have not responded to me? Four of my calls will be to agents whom I've already left emails and voice mails concerning a BUYER question for their sellers! FOUR! Two are for the same client and since I had not heard back from either agent and let my buyer know that this evening, his answer was, "We'll work with the first one that calls us back!"

Recently I had an agent whom I basically had to STALK to get a reply regarding an INTERESTED BUYER question for him before putting in our Offer. FINALLY, I got a call back and he apologized saying that he tries to take care of his clients first, then, and ONLY then, if he has TIME, he'll phone agents back! Get this--'as long as it's before 5:00!'

First of all, if you're a listing agent and a buyer's agent calls you--you NEED to respond! If you're not, you're doing your seller an injustice. As well, I relayed to my buyers that I could not get ahold of the agent to find the answer to their question. I don't want them to think that I'm the one falling down on the job so, I let them know that I've left a voice mail and will get back to them. Then, I let them know that I've sent an email and will get back to them. With each attempt, I keep my clients informed so that they KNOW that I'm doing everything I can to get their answers for them.

Just as these particular clients were almost ready to move on to choice #2, thinking that this is how the entire transaction was going to be with this agent, we received the above described call back. Even if everything forward in this transaction goes beautifully, these clients will NEVER have anything good to share about that agent because they already don't like him and think that he is a 'slacker!' (their word, not mine!) Their new neighbors and their current neighbors, friends and family will never use the agent because of their experience with him and the frustration that nearly made them have to move to their second choice.

Think about it--their experience with him was not even a DIRECT one but, because of poor communication, his reputation will suffer--the real kicker-- this agent is under the (false) impression that he's only ignoring agent calls!

Furthermore, what SUCCESSFUL real estate agent do you know that turns off their phone at 5:00?! I have no problems with agents taking their day of worship off, whether it be Friday, Saturday or Sunday but, to turn your phone off on a weekday at 5:00 is eliminating those clients who are only able to talk on the phone after work. Why wouldn't you, at least, have the courtesy to phone back the FOLLOWING day?

And, why wouldn't returning agent calls about one of their listings NOT be the same thing as returning a client call--after all, aren't they working for their SELLERS in this situation? We, unimportant agents, are calling to try to help YOU sell your client's homes!

A 2-minute phone call is certainly NOT worth jeopardizing MY reputation; I just don't understand agents who do this on a routine basis!

Sorry for the redundancy but, I had to share my recent rant! Same song, different artist!

What Are YOU Expecting For 2010...What Should You Be Doing NOW?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:59:40 -0500

Via Tim and Julie Harris (Harris Real Estate University):

OK, we are almost there....the end of 2009.

Collective sigh of relief......

I am sure most of you are glad that 2009 is almost over and you are looking forward to better times in 2010.

Many agents will look back on 2009 as the year they (finally) transitioned into the new market. More so, there is a new breed of agents who took action early and are now leading the markets. (Listen to recent Free interviews with many of the nation's top producing agents now)

Either way, you have lived through the worst aspects of the housing crash.

For that, you should congratulate yourself. You are a survivor. There is something special within you that has allowed you to do what hundreds of thousands of other agents couldn't (or wouldn't) do.

Now, lets focus forward and be prepared for what is coming next.

You and I need to have a heart-to-heart chat about what you should be doing now...so that you can move from being merely a survivor and join the ranks of the agents who are now the nation's new top producers.

We have been warning the real estate community that the foreclosure ‘crisis/ mess/ epidemic/ whatever’ would only get worse....for well over a year.

Some agents listened...some agents ignored the message....some agents responded negatively......

Regardless, we continued to share what we knew to be true with as many agents who cared to listen.

Its our sincerest hope that we helped many of you. For those of you who have yet to 'tune in' know this....its NOT TOO late for you. You can do this. You can easily follow in the footsteps of the thousands of Realtors who have successfully transitioned from denial...to acceptance...into discovering that this market is nothing to fear. Matter of fact, once you learn what this market requires you can help MORE people and make MORE money than you could of ever thought possible....

Do you need a free coaching call? If you need help..of any kind...regardless if you are a HREU student or not...request a FREE Coaching Call.

We did this while it seemed the rest of the real estate industry spent most of the year reporting that housing had ‘reached bottom’.

Listen, I 100% understand why so many agents believe they can only be successful when the market is headed up. Heck, that's what the boom market was all about. When homes were quickly appreciating it was easy to motivate folks to buy and sell. For a while, owning a home was akin to possessing a winning lottery ticket.

But, that's not our reality now...is it?

So, here it is....

HREU Students (and future students)….at best we are half way through this real estate correction. (Watch the video now that explains the current real estate market cycle) Expect at least another 1-3 years of ‘correcting…lowering..home prices’ followed by a slow climb back to '07 home values. Its been reported many times that homes won’t return to peak values for 10+ years in some markets.

If you are are an agent who expects to be in the real estate business in the Spring there are 2 things that you must be mastering NOW: Short Sales and how-to list REOs. There is no question that these 2 skills should now be considered mandatory.

Exerpts from an article featured on CNN.com

Despite concerted government-led and lender-supported efforts to prevent foreclosures, the number of filings hit a record high in the third quarter, according to a report issued Thursday.

“They were the worst three months of all time,” said Rick Sharga, spokesman for RealtyTrac, an online marketer of foreclosed homes.

During that time, 937,840 homes received a foreclosure letter — whether a default notice, auction notice or bank repossession, the RealtyTrac report said. That means one in every 136 U.S. homes were in foreclosure, which is a 5% increase from the second quarter and a 23% jump over the third quarter of 2008.

Realtors, its NOT too late for you to learn how to become a REO Listing Agent. Staggering fact…the banks simply don’t have enough REO listing agents. Its now being estimated that the number of foreclosures coming isn’t…5,000,000…ins’t 7,000,000…but, 13,000,000! Nothing like this has ever happened before. Watch the FREE Agent REO Secrets video and then download your FREE Agent REO Secrets book.

Nevada continued to be the worst-hit state with one filing for every 23 households. But even tranquil Vermont, where the foreclosure crisis has barely brushed the housing market, saw foreclosure filings jump nearly 170% compared with the third quarter of 2008. Still, that resulted in just one filing for every 5,023 households in the state — the best record in the country.

The RealtyTrac report also unveiled the results for September, and it found that there was slight relief from foreclosure filings. Last month, notices totaled 343,638, down 4% compared with August. Unfortunately, that total accounts for 87,821 homes that were repossessed by lenders.

That deluge contributed significantly to the quarter’s record 237,052 repossessions, a 21% jump from the previous three months. So far this year lenders have taken back 623,852 homes.

“REO activity increased from the previous quarter in all but two states and the District of Columbia, indicating that lenders may be starting to work through some of the pent-up foreclosure inventory caused by legislative delays, loan-modification efforts and high volumes of distressed properties,” James Saccacio, RealtyTrac’s CEO, said in a statement.

Most disturbing is that all foreclosures — not just repossessions — are rampant despite efforts to corral them. Not only has the Obama administration’s Making Home Affordable foreclosure prevention program taken a bite out of REOs but lenders themselves have scaled back repossessions over the past few months to give the program time to work.

And in some low-price markets, lenders simply aren’t following through on foreclosures, according to Jim Rokakis, treasurer for Cuyahoga County, Ohio, which includes Cleveland.

“They’ll even set the date for the sheriff’s sale, but they don’t file the final papers,” he said. “They hold it in abeyance and let the residents stay in the house.”

In ever more frequent cases, delinquent borrowers want out of the mortgage worse than the lenders. There are no firm statistics for it, but many industry watchers claim the percentage of REOs caused by borrowers voluntarily walking away from their homes is skyrocketing.

Agents, did you read that last sentence?

The number of homeowners who are deciding to simply ‘walk-away’ is skyrocketing! What does that mean to you?

HUGE opportunity. Learn how to easily list and sell Short Sales.

Considering what is happening in your real estate market…with so many homeowners upside down…if they must sell..and their listing agent doesn’t know how to do a Short Sale..what happens? They lose the home to foreclosure. You can help them avoid the foreclosure blight and earn tons-of-dough when you list and sell their homes through the Short Sale process. Watch the FREE Agent Short Sale Secrets video and then download the FREE Agent Short Sale Secrets crash course!

A study of the trend by the Chicago Booth School of Business and the Kellogg School of Management determined that when home price declines drop home values 10% below the mortgage balances, people start to give up their homes. When “negative equity” approaches 50%, 17% of households default, even when they can still afford their mortgage payments.

No end in sight

The foreclosure crisis may not diminish anytime soon. “The fastest growing area is in the 180 days late-plus category, the most seriously delinquent borrowers,” Sharga said. “It’s going to be a lingering problem.”

Plus, the RealtyTrac statistics may understate the depth of the foreclosure mess because lender and government actions have delayed many filings. As a result, some delinquencies have not been counted on the foreclosure tallies. That means the crisis may not end quickly.

And because there are so many delinquent borrowers, Sharga predicts the banks will be slow to take back their properties and put the repossessed homes back on the market.

“It’s hard to envision [the banks] putting millions on properties up for sale and cratering prices,” he said. “Recovery will be slow and gradual. I don’t see home prices getting much better until 2013.”

The only question is...how many home owners will YOU help in 2010? How many REO Listings will YOU represent in 2010? NOW is the time to take action, to be sure you don't just 'survive' another year, but that 2010 is your year to THRIVE.

A Haunting Question - Got Ghosts?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:59:16 -0500

Via Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services):

Victorian for Sale (with ghosts)

      The Stambovskys found a nice Victorian home in the Village of Nyack, New York in 1991 and they made an offer. The purchase price was $650,000. The Buyers made a down payment of $32,500.

  A couple of months after the contract was signed, Mr. Stambovsky was horrified when he learned that the home was known in the community to be HAUNTED!

      Apparently, the phantasmal reputation of the house was commonly known in the Village of Nyack.

   Surprisingly, the Sellers had publicized the ‘hauntings" to the local media and Reader's Digest. In 1989, the house was included in a five-home walking tour of Nyack and described in a November 27th newspaper article as "a riverfront Victorian (with ghost)." The Stambovskys were not from the area and did not know about the poltergeists.

            The Stambovskys brought a legal action and alleged that the Seller and the Seller's agent should have disclosed the presence of ghosts.   They wanted out of the contract because the presence of ghosts was not disclosed.

            The trial court said no way! However, the case went up on Appeal and the Appellate court ruled that the Stambovskys could get out of the contract because, "As a matter of law, the House is Haunted".

The Appellate Court stated:

            "While I agree with the Supreme Court that the real estate broker, as agent for the seller, is under no duty to disclose to a potential buyer the phantasmal reputation of the premises and that, in his pursuit of a legal remedy for fraudulent misrepresentations against the seller, plaintiff hasn't a ghost of a chance, I am nevertheless moved by the spirit of equity to allow the buyer to seek rescission of the contract of sale and recovery of his down payment."

     The court reasoned that because the Seller had promoted the hauntings to several publications, she could not now deny the existence of ghosts. Therefore, the Appellate court ruled that under the equitable principals of the law, the Stambovskys were entitled to a refund of their down payment.

This was the Amityville house ~ Stambovsky v. Ackley (169 A.D.2d 254, 572 N.Y.S.2d 72). It was decided in 1991 by the New York Appellate Court.

     When I first moved to New Hampshire and began my career in real estate, I was showing an older home in Atkinson, New Hampshire. It was a charming home -- All of a sudden, we heard a loud noise --the wind was whistling and a door slammed shut.

We all were trying to act like it wasn't any big deal. Then the lights started to flicker. I didn't know what to think - and up until that time, I hadn't thought about whether I REALLY believed in ghosts. My clients were very nervous.

   Then to my surprise, the Real estate agent, said "Well, I guess that I should tell you that this house may have a ghost and the seller wanted me to share this with you." He went on to explain that a young child had died from a serious illness many years before, and the child could be heard crying from time to time. Some had speculated that the child's soul was "stuck" in the house.

    The clients were not familiar with "haunted houses" and they decided they would buy a new contemporary instead!

   There is also a "haunted" restaurant in Nashua, New Hampshire. The Country Tavern was built in 1741. It is a lovely restored farmhouse and is the home of a friendly ghost known as ELIZABETH.

The "haunted restaurant has been featured on "Hard Copy and "unsolved mysteries".   I haven't met Elizabeth, but some staff members have met her. They say she is very friendly and likes to play pranks on the staff!

        Here is a list of "haunted homes" and attractions in New Hampshire!

                  A Haunting Question:     Got Ghosts? What is the DUTY TO DISCLOSE IN YOUR STATE?

            - Does the seller's agent have a duty to disclose the phantasmal reputation of the premises?

            - Does the seller have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            - Does the buyer's agent have a duty to disclose the presence of ghosts?

            What is the duty to disclose stigmatized property in your state?

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

           Visit New Hampshire .... New Hampshire was chosen as the Most Livable State in America! and the Third Healthiest State in America! Whether you are relocating to New Hampshire or already live in New Hampshire and you seek buyer focused representation, contact me, I would love to show you the New Hampshire Advantage!

_____

Disclaimer: Information herein may come from various sources, some of which may not be reliable and may change without any notice. Joan Whitebook does not guarantee or is any way responsible for the accuracy of the information in this blog and information provided is without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Information on this blog represents the opinions and ideas of the author; comments by others may not express the views of the author. Buyer's Option Realty, Janet White, owner/broker. Copyright © 2009 By Joan Whitebook, A Haunting Question - Got Ghosts? " ~ all rights reserved.*

Realtors: How has your life changed because of this Market?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:14:21 -0500

Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:

How has your job changed in the past couple of years?   My business card says Realtor Broker, but my job entails so much more nowadays: I am a social worker, general contractor, psychologist, loss mitigator, asset preservation specialist, credit counselor, short sale specialist, reo specialist, foreclosure counselor. My days are spent solving problems. That’s really what should be written on my card:

Mirela Monte, Problem Solver

Do I sell Real Estate anymore? Yeah, and lots of it, but the quality of my life has deteriorated immensely. I work 80 hour weeks, not for the money, but because I have too many balls up in the air. Real Estate is not for sissies! It is a full time, all consuming endeavor, more so now than ever before.

“God bless you if this is how you have to deal with more deals this year. If so, you are in need of a vacation.”

These were the words of a builder on a project I am handling on one of my Bank Owned properties, a spec taken back by the bank right before it was completed. We’ve had so many obstacles on that project that what started as the 100 yard dash has turned into the Boston Marathon - only at the ‘dash’ tempo!!! In the past year and a half, I’ve sold that house seven times and I’m yet to close on it.   I could write a book about it and I just might, however the project in question will be a mere chapter, since I also have several others with various sized problems.

As I close them all, I get even more business. Such and such person hears about my feat and comes to me to solve their problem. I’m not complaining, it’s good to have business these days; I just want to know if the lifestyle I’m having right now is sustainable for long periods of time. Am I paying the price for solving other people’s problems with my own life, or is this extraordinarily tenuous period going to propel my career into the stratosphere?

How many of you have changed gears and are now bearing down under a mountain of stress? The way I figure it, I’d rather carry the stress, rather than the mountain of bills… What do you think?

How has your life changed because of this Market?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection                     Join The Optimist Group!

Freddie Mac you broke my heart

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:13:51 -0500

Via Brian Leavitt (Northstone Real Estate Inc. & Northstone Mortgage):

Freddie Mac you broke my heart. You teased me with your beautiful little condo nestled on the wooded hillside by the lake. Two ample bedrooms and two sparkling baths complete with tile floors and sleek tile tub surrounds. Your spacious south facing living room took full advantage of the fleeting Seattle sun. But you, unresponsive, communication challenged and unable to commit. My intentions were clear from the very start, I wanted your condo to be my own to have and to hold in sickness and health to sale do we part, but it seems it was just not to be. Perhaps you have been wounded by other less serious suitors but 30 days is way too long to expect me to wait. Terms agreed to orally but no written response. As beautiful and seductive as your condo is I have left you for another.

Three days from offer to inspection and now ready to close. My new condo is beautiful and fully committed, closer to the city center and in way better shape. You my old flame, I wish all the best. Perhaps we can still be friends but more likely I think not. Freddie Mac, until you clean up your act and deal with your skeletons you are destined to keep your own condo company.

Thoughts from a buyer after waiting 30 days for a signed agreement from Freddie Mac that never materialized.

This blog was written by Brian Leavitt, a Licensed Real Estate Broker and Licensed Mortgage Broker representing Northstone Real Estate Inc, and Northstone Mortgage.

Brian serves clients within the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

You can contact Brian directly by phone at 800-806-3145 or by email at brian@northstone.net. Click here to view his client newsletter.

Brian is licensed with the Washington State Department of Licensing and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions License number 510-MB-19802 and is a member of the Seattle King County Association of Realtors and Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

2450 Hillcrest Drive Quakertown $595,999

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:12:58 -0500

2450 Hillcrest Dr, Quakertown, PA

Magnificient Colonial/Farmhouse in Milford Township with 6 bedrooms, pond and large outbuilding!

6BR/1.5BA Single Family House

offered at $595,000

Year Built	1900
Sq Footage	3,005
Bedrooms	6
Bathrooms	1 full, 1 partial
Floors	3
Parking	4+ Uncovered spaces
Lot Size	4.96 acres
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

THIS HOME IS IN THE 5-K PROMOTION. CALL FOR DETAILS ON AWARDS FOR BUYERS AND AGENTS! This Stately plastered over Colonial Brick Home (c)1900 offers 3000 sq ft of gracious living. Designed for functionality this home provides for perfect entertaining or quiet family time. Living room & Family room both have fireplaces, crown molding & some built ins. 10' ceilings through out the home, random width floors, upscale kitchen with stainless steel appliances and mexican tile floors make you want to stay. Large front porch plus back deck. Sited on 4.5/4.9 acres with mini barn, some fencing & wildflower garden with pond.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central heat	- Fireplace	- High/Vaulted ceiling
- Hardwood floor	- Tile floor	- Family room
- Living room	- Bonus/Rec room	- Office/Den
- Breakfast nook	- Dishwasher	- Refrigerator
- Stove/Oven	- Microwave	- Granite countertop
- Stainless steel appliances	- Attic	- Basement
- Washer	- Dryer	- Laundry area - inside
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- GasHeat, HotWaterHeat, BaseboardHea, GasHotWater, NoA/C, PublicWater, PublicSewer, 200-300AmpEl

- NoGarage, 3+CarParking

- Fencing, VinylExt, Stcco/SimExt, BrickExt, StoneFound, FlagLot, LevelLot,

- OpenLot, FrontYard, RearYard, SideYard(s), PitchedRoof, ShingleRoof, Barn/FarmBld, Deck, Porch, NoPo

- FullBasement, UnfinishBsmt Interior: WalkUpAttic, FinshedAttic, TwoFirePl, BrickFirePl, LR/GRFireP

- FamRoomFireP, Gas/Propane, FinishedWood, W/WCarpeting

- , 9Ft+Ceiling, Attic/HseFan, CableTVWired, StallShower, Foyer/VestEn, NoModifs/Unk, MainFlrLndry

- KitW/BrkfstR, GasCooking, KitDoubleSin, KitBuiltInRa, BuiltInDishW

- Poss: 30-90Days Finance: ConventnalFi Cond: Average+

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Picture	Photo 2
Photo 3	Photo 4
Photo 5	Photo 6

Contact info:

The Bradbury Team; Don Bradbury,Marilyn Woldow, Jodi Cheatle, Linda Hoy, Janice Kutt, Jen Lorenz

Coldwell Banker Heritage 1448 W Broad St Quakertown PA 18951

bradburyteam@bradburyteam.com

215-536-6777 x 329

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 24, 2009, 6:47pm PDT