The smell of "Money" - 07/30/06 03:55 AM
This may be an unpleasant topic for some of you, but this post is directed at those hardy souls who fancy themselves as real estate investors. 
Long ago I stumbled upon this truth in Real Estate:  Homes that smell like cats just won't sell!
You see the average buyer will buy only what they can see,  meaning that a home buyer often times will not look past an unusual paint color, out of date carpet or appliances, or a messy yard.  They want a home that is move in ready at a fair price.  I can tell you from personal experience that the vast … (1 comments)

So your Realtor® wants you to work with his/her preferred lender? - 07/30/06 03:38 AM
I've been asked this question before,   "Why should I work with the lender you have recommended?"
Here's the long answer:  I have developed relationships with lenders over time that I know will treat you with the respect you deserve.  I only recommend lenders that I have determined will give you a fair deal on your loan, communicate with me throughout the home buying process, and close transactions on time.  You see there is a great deal more to a good lender than APR and Loan origination fees! 
From the outside looking in, a Realtor's job seems fairly easy, and I want my clients … (1 comments)

Spend some time in the front yard - 07/13/06 01:22 AM
If you are considering selling your home, you've no doubt taken the time to give the home a thorough cleaning.  Your agent may have suggested baking bread or cookies shortly before a showing.  For some reason Vanilla flavored candles seem to be very popular today as well.  There are a lot of tips and tricks to help your home show well. 
Surprisingly many home sellers overlook street appeal, specifically the lack of it.  Many a time I've pulled up to a scheduled showing with buyers in the car and have been told "let's skip this one".  Buyers can be brutally honest at … (3 comments)

You're in good company! - 07/11/06 02:13 PM
A recent study by the NAR (National Association of Realtors) found that 79% of all home buyers started their home search on the Internet.  This trend has continued to rise each year as more and more of the public rely on the Internet for information on a daily basis. 
This has spawned a major online lead generation industry.  Lead generation companies have positioned themselves squarely between the consumer and the real estate professional.  While many of these companies claim to add value to the consumer by matching them with a qualified Realtor in their area, offering over the net home evaluations, … (1 comments)

July 4th started off with a BOOM! - 07/06/06 12:16 PM
Dateline: Graham Washington, 3:04 am.  I happened to be awake, couldn't sleep for some reason.  I opened my window to listen to the frogs chirp away in the pasture, and got back in bed.  Suddenly a huge explosion rattled the house, I leap up out of bed and looked out the window expecting to see a mushroom cloud, or meteor impact crater in my back pasture.  As my mind raced through the possibilities i quickly dismissed Thunder (Way too Loud for that), Earthquake (Noise was right but the house wasn't shaking enough), North Korea? (No their missile malfunctioned), Hot Shot Fighter … (0 comments)