Timothy Geitnar a victim of his own failed attempts to fix the housing market - 09/29/09 04:24 PM
It's hard to believe that a guy who's in charge of correcting our housing market woes can't even get out of his own way.  It's so unbelievably sad that it's actually become comical and Jon Stewart and the folks at The Daily Show have capitalized on it.
It makes for a good laugh:
 

… (7 comments)

Is The FDIC Killing Short Sales? - 09/29/09 11:54 AM
I only like to re-blog posts that I think are timely, important, and need to be shared beyond the reach of the original blog.
Bob has written a few of such posts that would be very beneficial for people to read.  I would reccomend following the links he put in this blog and educating yourself about what he has stated here.  It's very concerning.
Via Bob Hertzog (Summit Home Consultants):
Is The FDIC Killing Short Sales?
As some of you already know, I blogged recently about being interviewed recently by our local NBC news affiliate.  To read the blog, click here.  Basically, IndyMac … (2 comments)

Idaho news: Let Foldesi know he's a dirtbag, don't eat at Boobies. - 09/27/09 06:44 PM
Here's a story from the Idaho Statesman that makes my blood boil:
Stranger rents out Boise woman's home without her permission
It's amazing to me that the state of Idaho hasn't put a stop to these antics.  This guy is obviously scamming both the tenants and the owner of the property.  I guess if Idaho's laws don't want to put a stop to it at least Boise's consumers can voice their option by refusing patronage to his local restaurant, Boobies.
 
 
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Congrats to the Bosie State Broncos - No. 5 in the rankings! - 09/27/09 06:04 PM
Congrats to boys in blue and orange on another commanding victory over Bowling Green!
The Boise State Broncos seem to be driven to make history week after week as the climbed to number 5 in the rankings. 
They even managed to get their picture on the front page of Yahoo! 
Hat's off to the Boise State Broncos.
These guys work hard and they deserve it.
… (0 comments)

Bank approved short sale in Star, Idaho - 12137 W Darkwood - 09/27/09 04:28 PM
Bank Approved Short Sale in Star, Idaho - 12137 W Darkwood

 
 
 
***The bank says they can have an answer in 24 hours. If you're looking for a quick close on a short sale, start here. No worries about your 8K tax credit expiring before you can close.***
Bank-approved short sale! Can close in 30 days! * Great "Salmon" floor plan by Big River builders. Desirable main-level master bedroom. Main-level den or office, too. Tile flooring and tile back splash in the kitchen, and granite counters/breakfast bar in the kitchen (*also matching granite in the master bathroom!) Charming … (0 comments)

A word of caution to short sale flippers in Idaho - 09/27/09 04:07 PM
There are right and wrong ways to do property flips in Idaho.  Right now, I'd be very careful in doing any type of real estate transactions that may be construed as unethical or illegal.
The current state of the real estate market in Idaho is producing no shortage or opportunities for investors looking to cash in.  What I would say is this:
Be very cautious of what your getting into.  Especially in the realm of short sales.  The Idaho Real Estate Commission is currently investigating these transactions.  
It's not to say that there are not valid ways to invest in … (2 comments)

Bank Approved Short Sale in Star, Idaho - 12141 W Gambrell - 09/25/09 06:27 PM
Bank Approved Short Sale in Star, Idaho - 12141 W Gambrell


***The bank says they can have an answer in 24 hours.  If you're looking for a quick close on a short sale, start here.  No worries about your 8K tax credit expiring before you can close.***
Bank-approved short sale! Can close in 30 days! * Great "Salmon" floor plan by Big River builders. Desirable main-level master bedroom. Main-level den or office, too. Tile flooring and tile back splash in the kitchen, and granite counters/breakfast bar in the kitchen (*also matching granite in the master bathroom!) Charming interior columns … (3 comments)

Dave Ramsey - say it ain't so!! - 09/25/09 10:21 AM
I've listened to Dave's program and even been through his classes.  I think he's got some sound advice for the most part but this speaks volumes about their "Endorsed Local Provider" program.
Bottom line is he uses his celebrity status to collect referral fees from providers.  It's really just a way to make money off his followers and from the looks of it the quality of his providers should be called into question.
Via Lewis Poretz - expert mortgage advice:
Let me begin this post with this disclaimer…. THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK ON DAVE RAMSEY -  he is an idol of … (5 comments)

A great story about a tragedy and a 2nd chance - 09/24/09 03:19 PM
When I read this story I thought I had to share it.  It is a football story but there is so much more to it than that.  It's a story about a tragedy, a second chance, and an unbelievable display of character.  One of the things I really admire in a football player is sportsmanship. 
This is probably why I like college ball better than the highly paid pros with egos to match.  I can't stand the guys who spend as much time celebrating their good plays as they do actually playing the game.  This is a story of class that … (3 comments)

2009 Idaho International Film Festival - Box office is now open! - 09/23/09 12:17 PM
The 2009 Idaho International Film Festival starts tomorrow!  The festival runs from September 24 through the 27th. 
Tickets are on sale now at the Egyptian Theater in downtown Boise.
The Idaho International Film Festival host a collection of thrilling and varied films from independent film makers in the US and abroad.  There will be a host of special events and activities during the festival. 
For more information about the 2009 Idaho International Film Festival and its sponsors you can visit their website by clicking here: Idaho Film Festival 2009.
 
 
 
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My landlord has defaulted on their mortgage, do I still have to pay rent? - 09/22/09 04:13 PM
My landlord has defaulted on their mortgage, do I still have to pay rent?
This is a frequent question with the number of defaults we're experiencing.  The title company shows up to serve notice that the property is being foreclosed on and invariably the tenant calls to ask.
The answer to that question is yes, so long as you would like to keep living there.  Your lease agreement is between you and your landlord, not you and the bank. 
Once you miss a rent payment your landlord can start the eviction process.  In Idaho, if you're living in a property that … (3 comments)

Boise's air polution problem likely to get worse as EPA mulls making ozone rules tougher - 09/21/09 02:03 PM
While it's I find it mildly annoying to go get my cars emission test done I can appreciate measures taken to clean up the air pollution in Boise. 
As Boise's growing pains have caught up with them the air quality seems as if it's going to remain an issue.  Anyone who's taken a trip to Bogus Basin and looked down on a clear day to see the nasty inversion has got to think twice about the air we're breathing in the Treasure Valley.
It seems by this time next year the EPA will issue new standards for air quality standards.  Fancy … (1 comments)

Sonata homes for sales in Boise, Idaho - 09/20/09 11:16 PM
Sonata homes for sale in Boise, Idaho
Sonata, a Southwest Boise, Idaho subdivision is one of my favorites.  Consequently, many also share the same opinion.  The subdivision features homes from some of the Boise areas premier builders.
Sonata's just got a feel to it that makes it unique.  It's not to big, not to little, but just right.  Both the lots and homes are larger than average in comparison to surrounding subdivisions.  Sonata offers homeowners all the modern amenities and freeway access is just minutes away, giving residents access to everything Boise has to offer.
 
It's no wonder why … (0 comments)

Does allowing people to re-blog, allow them to steal your Google Juice? - 09/20/09 10:39 PM
I'm curious about this one.  I was checking my Google rankings on a blog I wrote recently and I noticed that the people who re-blogged it were actually showing up before me in the search results.
So I checked on some others as well that I noticed had been re-blogged.  The results were the same.  Then I went back to my post after a week had passed and it seemed to have resolved itself. 
The best I can tell is yes, it does allow someone to re-blog your post and they will out rank you in the search engine but only … (7 comments)

Golf course property in Indian Lakes subdivision - 7239 Modoc, Boise, ID - 09/20/09 10:31 PM
Get a great deal on this golf course property located in the Indian Lakes sub in Boise, Idaho 7239 Modoc MLS # 98415019
Well-taken care of home and lawns here! Located 2 blocks from the golf course, this has great stone curb appeal and mature landscaping to welcome you home. Convenient single-level floor plan and a master bedroom with walk-in closets and his/her sinks in the master bath (*as does the other full bath!) Kitchen has a breakfast bar and durable tile counters. Vaulted ceilings in the family room. Back yard retreat with a large covered patio, redwood deck, and hot … (0 comments)

Short Sales - know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em - 09/20/09 10:01 PM
Short sales are can be difficult and time consuming and that's when they go well.  While some banks have gotten better some are worse than ever.  In my area short sales have become such a prevalent part of our market you really have two choices, work them, or go find something to do besides real estate.
That being said, you can quickly ramp up to capacity working short sales.  Once you've reached that point, you really need to start qualifying your short sale clients so you're not stuck with a bunch of listings with little chance of them going anywhere.
This … (2 comments)

Super clean little home in Nampa, ID - 7742 Arlington - 09/20/09 09:15 PM
The great little home would be perfect for a first time home buyer or as an investment property 7742 Arlington MLS # 98406601
Nice neutral colors throughout this home and it has a unique split bedroom floor plan. Large back yard and it's fully fenced with hassle-free automatic sprinklers. Move-in ready - just set up a tour!
Call for a private showing.
This is a short sale and final approval from the lender is required.
… (0 comments)

Beautiful Meridian Home in the Red Feather subdivision - 4158 Race Street - 09/20/09 08:51 PM
Lots of upgrades in this beautiful Meridian, ID home located in the Red Feather subdivison 4158 E Race Street MLS # 98405967
Space for everyone in this 4-bedroom home with 2 living rooms, a formal dining area, a kitchen with a breakfast bar, and desirable dual vanities in the master bathroom. Granite counters and vaulted ceilings throughout, along with hardwood floors and plant shelves. Extended back patio and the shed stays!
Well-maintained and recently built home in desirable Red Feather Subdivision - within walking distance to all the shopping and restaurants at Eagle/Ustick and seconds from everything in Boise & Meridian!
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Congrats to the Broncos for setting another milestone in the rankings - 09/20/09 04:31 PM
Hurray!  Boise State Broncos have made it to number 8 in the rankings.  Despite all the detractors coming up with excuses about why they wouldn't make it in a big conference they refuse to be shaken.  Year after year they bring the drive and determination to be at their best. 
Say what you want about the Broncos, they are a great team with a great Coach.  They may not have the "depth" and the "talent" the ESPN announcers like to quote when bagging on them and comparing them to the top conferences.  What they do have  is the heart and understanding … (1 comments)

LOAN SCAMS: Two lenders ordered to stop making loans in Idaho - 09/19/09 02:20 PM
 
This is great information for Idaho consumers to be aware of.  A big thanks to my friend Janna for posting this. 
Idahoans need to be very cautious of these types of scams.  A good rule of thumb is "If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is."
 
 
Via Janna Rankin Scharf - Realtor Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho Homes (Keller Williams Realty Coeur d'Alene):
Don't be the victim of a scam!  On September 17, the Idaho Department of Finance issued a news release saying that it had ordered two companies, Hillside Financial Group and Outsource Credit Solutions, … (3 comments)

Boise, Idaho short sale success, another one closed in 64 days! - 09/18/09 12:28 PM
Boise, Idaho short sale success, another one closed in 64 days!
 
We just closed on my 2133 Leadville property in Boise, Idaho.  I couldn't have been more happy with the outcome.  The sellers came in asking us for help and in 64 days from contract to close we were able to successfully get them released without a deficiency on this short sale. 
The cherry on top was the lender gave the sellers nearly $1000.00 dollars for completing the short sale.  We were able to close this short sale before any notice of default was ever filed and the quick … (9 comments)

Possible ban on upfront fees for loan modifications coming - 09/17/09 04:13 PM
There's no shortage of companies promising to save troubled homeowners from foreclosure through loan modifications.  Many of them charging an upfront fee ranging from 1000-3000 dollars.  Once the fee is paid they do little or nothing at all on the loan modification.
Now the government is considering banning companies from charging upfront loan modification fees altogether. 
In my opinion they should have done this a long time ago.  It would have saved troubled homeowners asking for loan modifications a lot of trouble and despair.
It's hard to know in a time of desperation what you should do.  It makes it … (2 comments)

Please check out our new website and tell us what you think - 09/15/09 10:59 AM
I have designed a new website for our team and I would greatly appreciated some feedback from the AR community. 
 
The web copy is not done yet so that will be changing.  Not all the links work as some of the pages are still under development.  I'm just trying to get a feel for what people think about the look and feel of the site.  Does the navigation make sense.  Does the layout work.
 
Please take a gander and give me your thoughts: Mike Brown Group, Keller Williams (click here!)
Thanks in advance for helping me out.
… (11 comments)

Work hard for the ones you love and make time for the ones you're working for - 09/13/09 11:25 PM
I pride myself on working hard to support my family.  I put in long hours and never quite feel like I've done enough.  I was reminded the other day of an important lesson. 
I don't know if it was a broken hearted client who had been through a tough divorce counseling me after I remarked I live at the office to remember to make time for my family.  Or if it was a rough start to my morning trying to get my daughter out the door for preschool.
It was a terribly busy day and things were piling up but I … (11 comments)

"Project Impact" Dominating real estate the Walmart way - 09/09/09 01:03 PM

Want to dominate your market area?  Are you wondering how?  Well you could take after one of the biggest retailers in the world and focus on getting the business that steep discounts alone won't buy you. Walmart, the nations leading discount retailer, is launching a new campaign aimed at crushing the competition.  Coined "Project Impact" Walmart plans to focus on three initiatives to drive the competition out.
1. Cleaner less cluttered stores to improve the shopping experience. 
2. Friendlier customer service. 
3. Focusing on categories where they can beat the competition.
 
Two of these really aren't anything new … (76 comments)

Your seller was mean to me when I showed up unannounced! - 09/08/09 06:41 PM
I got a call from an upset potential buyer this weekend who happened to see my sign at a property out in the country and took it upon himself to head down the driveway and announce to the owner that he wanted to see the house. 
I wasn't there so I don't know what exchange took place but according to him the owner refused to show him the house, and asked that he leave.  He also said there were some expletives exchanged. 
Now I'm not condoning the seller's behavior if he was a bit gruff with a potential buyer.  He may … (10 comments)

When clever advertising goes too far - Meet the IHC, Institute for Human Continuity - 09/06/09 04:05 PM
So I'm watching a show on Mayan predictions this morning when a commercial comes on.  Between carrying on conversations with the wife and kids and I here something about a lottery for the chance of survival after the events of December 2012 destroy the world as we know it.
I chuckled to myself and and made a mental note to Google these nut jobs and find out who they are.  Maybe you've seen it to, if not here is their website:
IHC: Institute for Human Continuity
I clicked around a bit trying to figure out if it was real and low … (3 comments)

Picture file formats and web browsers, which to choose. - 09/05/09 09:08 PM
Sandy Childs recently did a blog post asking why Active Rain did not allow users to upload BMP files that are commonly associated with clip art files.  I gave here the quick answer in the comments and thought it would be a great one to expand on for anyone wondering about the types what file types to use when uploading images and why.
As far as BMP files go Active Rain is doing you a favor  by not allowing you to upload them in first place.  The reason is they're not a format supported by web browsers. Even if AR let … (9 comments)

Achieving your goals...it's not rocket science or is it? - 09/04/09 05:48 PM
Who says physics doesn't apply to real estate?  We can all do a little rocket science of our own.
There's a lesson to be learned about goal setting from the accuracy in which an unmanned rocket reaches it's intended goal.
A rocket moving at incredibly high speeds toward and intended goal does not get there necessarily by by staying on a preplanned path or getting back on that path if it falls off course.
Instead the person(s) guiding the rocket constantly evaluate "What speed is the rocket traveling and what is the best way to reach the desired target, given present … (4 comments)

YouTube and email forwards are not credible sources to support your cause. - 09/04/09 12:19 PM
Here is one of my all time favorite quotes and it applies to a lot of what I'm seeing rolling across Active Rain in all the political rants from the left and right:
 
You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, nor look through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the specters in books, You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me, You shall listen to all sides and filter them from your self. – “Song of Myself,” Walt Whitman
 
People from both sides seem to have stepped up … (13 comments)

Will the lender pursue a defeciency on my short sale in Idaho? - 09/01/09 11:32 AM
I recently received this question from a concerned homeowner in Idaho who had recently completed a short sale on their Idaho home in Canyon county:
 
Q: Just completed a short sale on our home in Canyon Co. Trying to get some specific answer as to when/if we might see a "Release of Liability" from the mortgage co. Some people have said we will see it at closing, some said we will need to keep looking behind us for the next couple of years.....some have said we will see it by the end of the year with a 1099. Any specific … (3 comments)

 

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