It's A Total Package That Starts With The Word Yes. - 11/30/10 01:04 PM
Why is it that buyers think that we can and will run out to show them a house or homes at the drop of a dime without ever having laid eyes on them or even knowing whether or not they are qualified.  Please help put an end to this kind of madness for your protection as well as the buyer's and the seller's protection and best interest.  We can only be pawns if we let others treat us that way.
Via Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind, Associate Broker (Tierra Antigua Realty, Tucson AZ Real Estate):
Phone call over Thanksgiving weekend:  "Hi I'm in town for … (16 comments)

Business Planning 202 - Making 2011 Super Successful - 11/30/10 10:18 AM
Business Planning 202 by Debbie Gartner:  If you didn't have a clue where to start you business planning for the upcoming year, then look no farther.  Debbie, as usual is very analytical and her experience transcends across many industries.
Via Debbie Gartner, Westchester Flooring (Floor Coverings International :Westchester NY & Fairfield CT):
Business Planning 202 - Making 2011 Super Successful.  This is inspired by David Popoff's post 1-3-5 Business Plan for Real Estate Agents and his challenge for me to take it to the next level.  As background, I have an MBA in marketing and 12 yrs biz experience running multimillion dollar and … (5 comments)

Temptation at the Cash Register. Ho Ho Ho ... You Just Lost the Chance to Close Your Loan - 11/29/10 11:41 AM
How many of you know this song?  "Buyers, whatever you do, don't establish any more credit until after the closing.
Chorus: Don't even think about it.
Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Via Gene Mundt (Chicago Bancorp):
    
    
    
     You're out doing your holiday shopping. It's 11:45 pm .. and you're in that store because they have exactly what you want and have been looking for ... at an unbelievable price, but only if purchased during the hours of 10 pm to midnight.
    
    
      Plus, in your hand you have an additional coupon that you found at an online site. The … (10 comments)

Video: Me and My iPad - Thank You RealBird - 11/27/10 10:02 AM
Video:  Me and My iPad - Thank You RealBird
… (40 comments)

I'm Thankful For This Day - 11/25/10 08:33 AM
I'm Thankful For This Day!
I moved to Alabama from Detroit in August 1982 and what I remember most during those early years of my transition was Thanksgiving Day.
Every year for probably my first 6-8 years in Alabama, Thanksgiving was such a terrribly sad time for me.  Although I had and still have lots of family in Alabama, I really missed sharing Thanksgiving with my immediate family and the extended family that I shared the holiday with for the first 22 years of my life.
During those first few years here in Alabama, my Thanksgivings were filled with sadness and … (28 comments)

It's THE ONE! But let's keep looking anyway. - 11/24/10 09:49 AM
Who among us has not worked with a buyer who let their dream home get away simply because they wanted to be ABSOLUTELY sure that there wasn't anything better available?
Via Tish Lloyd Real Estate Agent Wrightsville Beach, NC (Prudential Laney Real Estate 910.547.1446):
"It's THE ONE!  But let's keep looking anyway.  It's a Buyer's Market, I bet we can find a better deal if we just keep looking." 
Are you sure?  Are you sure that the home you want will still be available at the price you want, with the interest rate you want, if you wait?  Buyers -- Don't look yourself right out of … (14 comments)

How Cool Is This? - 11/17/10 05:13 PM
How Cool Is This?
RealBird just made me a winner and I've got a new toy coming my office real soon.  Yea! Yea! Yea!  How sweet it is.  I have been toying with the idea of getting an iPad for far too long.  I'm so excited.  That I just can't hide.  I'm about to lose control and I think I like it.
 

… (45 comments)

Craigslist Captcha Is a Joke - 11/16/10 04:37 PM
Craigslist Captcha Is a Joke
As far as I can recall, I've only posted something about Craigslist once and I don't even remember what it was.  It's such a hotbed for spammers, I figured why waste time blogging about it. But I just had to post this.  It's no wonder we get so much crap from Craigslist.
I was uploading some rental listings onto Craigslist.  When I got to the part where you enter the "Captcha" text, as I was hitting the continue button, I noticed a blatant error in what I had typed and what I was supposed to type and … (19 comments)

Pleasure Blogging vs SEO Business Blogging - 11/15/10 07:54 PM
This is a must read for those of us that are SEO challenged.  Victoria provides a boatload of resource materials to kickstart your efforts towards being an SEO magnet.
Via Victoria Stankard (Get Found Now ):
Most folks separate blogging into two different camps - pleasure blogging and SEO business blogging.  But, they really don't have to be on opposite sides of the fence. 
Pure pleasure blogging is a great outlet for sharing ideas, networking with fellow cohorts, tooting your own horn and basically having a good ole time expressing yourself with words. You can blog about what turns you on, what makes you laugh and even blog about what ticks you … (13 comments)

The Handwriting on the Wall - 11/14/10 07:53 AM
The Handwriting on the Wall
Yesterday I wrote Losing a Listing to the Competition and I got a lot of really good feedback on how agents view that experience.  In the aftermath, I continued to ponder on the loss of a listing and I wondered how many times have I may have missed the "handwriting on the wall."  In other words, during a presentation, was there ever any sign that should have been so blatantly clear and yet I still missed it.
So I began to think of things that could routinely be invisible to us although the handwriting is clearly … (62 comments)

Do We Eat Our Own?? Piranha's Do!!! - 11/13/10 10:34 PM
Barbara reinforces the fact that we don't have to like what someone else writes about on their blog.  We can agree or disagree.  But their is such a thing as respectfully disagreeing and that is ALWAYS the route to take if we chose to express the opposing view.
Via Barbara Todaro (RE/MAX Executive Realty in Franklin, Ma):
We are each created differently.  Some of us are more sensitive than others, and when one person goes on a tirade, that could be devastating for the thin-skinned agent.  So why does this need to happen in the first place?
Does anyone have the right to … (14 comments)

Open House Sunday, November 14, 2010 Hueytown Rental Home - 11/13/10 10:03 PM
1265 Hueytown Road, Hueytown, ALNoon until 2:00 p.m.Sunday, November 14, 2010
Bham WIiRE Realty is have an Open House at one of our rental listings in Hueytown, AL.  Hueytown is a highly sought after area particularly with families with school aged children.  The City of Hueytown has an elementary, middle and high school (all carry the city's namesake).
This is a spacious home (over 1400 per tax records).  It has 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, carpeted throughout and the only source that uses gas is the water heater.  A/C and heat are both electric.
As you can see, there is a … (6 comments)

Losing a Listing to the Competition - 11/13/10 07:29 AM
Losing a Listing to the Competition
When I hear about an agent that has lost a listing to another agent or brokerage, most of what I hear is that the agent that got the listing overpriced the home, the agent has a negative reputation, less experience, etc.   In other words, the agent that got the listing did not deserve to get it.
What I don't often hear is what the agent that lost the listing could have done better.  I do know that a vast majority of the time, we lose listings to someone who actually will be doing the seller … (117 comments)

Why I Think QR Codes Will Catch On Quickly - 11/13/10 07:00 AM
Last week I started a conversation about QR Codes and received varying levels of optimism as well as skeptism. Earlier in the week Barbara Todaro implemented the codes on her sign riders and now Tanya Nouwens seems to be sold on the codes too (inspired by a comment her husband innocently made).
Via Tanya Nouwens ~ Real Estate Broker ~ Home Stager (JJ Jacobs Realty / Ready, Set...Sold! ~ Montreal Canada):
There's been a lot of buzz about QR codes lately. I was on the fence about them until last night, when my husband complained to me:
"I wish Blackberry had a feature where you could … (6 comments)

Real Estate Agents Love A Good Motivational Book - 11/12/10 08:27 AM
Stacey Clarke comes forth with her addiction to motivational books.  It's an addiction that I share with her and many others.  For those of you that are addicted as well, you'll understand the empowering feeling that you get when you read a book that sets a fire in your bones.
Via RealSupport Real Estate Virtual Assistant (RealSupport Inc.):
I have an addiction to admit. My name is Stacey Clarke and I am addicted to motivational books. I love the thrill you get while you're reading them.  I love how they make you think anything is possible. And I love the new-found outlook … (8 comments)

Walking Through The Fiery Furnace That is Real Estate - 11/12/10 03:24 AM
Walking Through The Fiery Furnace That is Real Estate
I have to thank Carla Muss Jacobs for being the inspiration of this post. The other day she and I were talking as we often do, and she mentioned that she had recently been reading the Book of Daniel (one of my all time favorites).  Carla related that she was in awe of the fact that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego not only came through the fiery furnace unscathed, but they did not even reek of smoke.
Where Am I Going With This?The real estate transaction is much like a walk through the … (23 comments)

"Where Do Good Ideas Come From?": Fertile Environments & Connected Networks. Like ActiveRain? Yes! - 11/11/10 09:35 AM
 
Barbara sort of plays connect the dots with regard to the generation of ideas and how on Active Rain a single post  can spur an endless stream of ideas and conversations. Active Rain is indeed the "Fertile Environment" that is catalytic in nature.
Comments on this post have been disabled.  Please post your comments on Barbara's blog. Thanks.
 
Via Barbara Chatterton, Middleton Wisconsin Realtor (The Stark Company):




 "Where Do Good Ideas Come From?": Fertile Environments & Connected Networks. Like ActiveRain? Yes!

Where Good Ideas Come From: The Natural History of Innovation. By Steven Johnson. … (0 comments)

Veteran's Day is Thursday, A Not So Gentle Reminder - 11/10/10 06:04 AM
Bill of BLiz (Bill & Liz Spear) gives us a gentle reminder of why we should pause, honor, reflect and respect the purpose of our military and those who have served our country with selfless diliigence (Bill included).
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite (Southwestern Ohio) (Northern Cincinnati to Southern Dayton):
I'll be the first to admit, I'm a little biased in favor of our military.  I can't point back like Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump to generations of service, but I was born in an Air Force Hospital in Anchorage Alaska, the son of an Army enlisted man ....and Mom had something … (13 comments)

Thanks Active Rain For Fixing the Glitch - 11/09/10 08:48 AM
Thanks AR For Fixing the Glitch
Last week on November 4th, I posted AR Staff Can You Please Fix a Few Glitches For Me?
One of the reasons for the post was because when I sent emails to AR members, I was seeing double. When I began typing the message, there were shadows behind the first few words.

Well ActiveRain answered the call to clear up my double vision and I can see clearly now.

Thanks Active Rain for Answering the call.
 
 
 
… (32 comments)

Why Tons of Buyers Are Screwing Up - 11/08/10 09:29 AM
This is becoming all to common.  Transactions are not progressing towards a close because someone may feel the need to be "in control" or make the other party feel as if they are nothing.  Unless a home is simple trash and not worth being on the market period, if a buyer thinks highly of enough of a home to make and offer, then realistically there is not reason for the deal to fall a part.
Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. LLC) Westchester County NY:
Price and Terms. 
Price. Terms. 
I will bet you a 6-pack of Old Milwaukee that if you ask first-time … (5 comments)

Just Rent This 2 Bedroom in Ensley Highlands 1409 33rd Street) - 11/08/10 08:50 AM
Just Rented This 2 Bedroom Home in Ensley Highlands
Not to fret because we've got more rentals and I'm sure we've got one for you.  You'll find our remaining rentals listings at www.bhamwiirerentals.com. 
We have rentals in the following areaa:
Rental Homes in Trusssville, Alabama 6245 Jonathans Way
Rental Homes in Birmingham (East Lake 316A 79th Street), Alabama
Homes for Rent in Centerpoint, AL (near Winewood 1503 Harrison Lane)
 
 
 
RENTED: Ensley Highlands … (5 comments)

QR Codes: It's All the Rage. Or Is It? - 11/06/10 03:31 AM
QR Codes:  It's All the Rage.  Or Is It?
I'm really not being cynical when I ask:  Or is it?  I actually think QR codes are a great idea. My question is does the public know what QR codes are and how to use them. 
I have not implement the new QR Codes yet and want to survey their usefulness for those  of you that are currently using them.
When retail shopping, we can check prices by scanning the barcodes ourselves using equipment provided in the store (usually on a wall or column in the store). 
 
If  instructions were not posted … (43 comments)

$220 In Savings: I'm a Two Hundred-aire - 11/06/10 02:06 AM
$220 In Savings:  I’m a Two-Hundredaire
I’m a fanatic about paying bills and am on a mission to pay down debt.  So naturally I would have to find a way to resist using my newfound fortune on such a practical purpose.  Let’s see hear I could:
Put it away for that darling little grandson of mine, Tristan Hill $220 in savings would really help with the Christmas shopping list I’ve been contemplating an upgrade on my phone.  I’m still under contract so I’d have to pay but I sure would like to have an iPhone or a cool new Android phone … (14 comments)

Why Epilepsy Awareness matters to me - 11/06/10 01:30 AM
As we all know, ActiveRain is any but real estate, all of the time.  Tish Lloyd helps us to understand Epilepsy and perhaps even more important, how we can be of assistance if we were ever present when some was having a seizure.  These instructions are worthy of printing and keeping in your wallet.
Via Tish Lloyd Real Estate Agent Wrightsville Beach, NC (Prudential Laney Real Estate 910.547.1446):
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month.  Why does it matter to me?  Well, it hits a little close to home, my daughter has epilepsy.
 
She started having seizures when she was 6 months old, but … (3 comments)

HOMEBUYER PROTOCOL AND GUIDELINES: Can two walk together unless they be agreed? - 11/04/10 08:12 PM
I really love Andi's idea of "Homebuyer Protocol."  We talk with buyers about what to expect from us, but do we do enough to clarify what we expect from them.  Andi lays it out on the line.  You can't get much clearer than this.
Via Andi Grant | LONG BEACH, Los Angeles, Downey, Carson Real Estate Blog (310-508-4354 | www.AndiGrant.com):
HOMEBUYER PROTOCOL AND GUIDELINES:  Can two walk together unless they be agreed? --Amos 3:3
When teaming up with buyers, you are in a three-legged race!  There must be teamwork and cooperation of all parties involved to make it to the finish line (closing) without a detrimental … (6 comments)

Is There a Cutoff Time to Stop Emailing Someone - 11/03/10 01:56 AM
Is There a Cutoff Time to Stop Emailing Someone
I'm not a 24/7 real estate agent for the most part, so I believe that at a certain point in the day (or rather evening), it's time for me to shut down the phone and or at least not take business related calls.  If someone is calling me at 9:00 at night to discuss a current transaction or simply has a question about a listing or whatever, I think it's a phone call that can wait and that the caller should think twice about what time is considered too late to call.  … (51 comments)

BOM: 820 Marion Lane, Birmingham, AL (Barnisdale Forest) - 11/02/10 10:13 AM
820 Marion Lane, Birmingham, AL (Barnisdale Forest)
This is a lovely remodel by a very conscientious investor.  This investor goes well above and beyond carpet and paint.  Kitchen has had been totally gutted and replaced with beautiful cabinetry, ceramic tile flooring and appliances.
The home is also adorned with hardwoord floors so reflective that you can see your face.  Here's just a glimpse of what the buyers were so impressed with:
 
Total Home Makeover in Barnisdale Forest … (17 comments)

I know I need to lead generate... Right after I do this one thing... Oh and that too! - 11/02/10 10:03 AM
Chris had identified one of the biggest culprits to procrastination:  Fear.  Nothing stops us from making progress towards a go goal faster than fear can.  If you can't conquer your fear, perhaps a new goal is in order.
Via Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Cupertino California):
You know what I am talking about...  That one or two or three things that are just way to important to do later.
Like:  Checking your email, buying a pretend goat for a pretend farm, checking the news, adding a link to your website, looking at the homes that are on tour this week, uploading pictures … (3 comments)

Customer Service Shouldn't Begin When Someone Makes a Mistake - 11/02/10 10:00 AM
No matter what we call ourselves (real estate agents, brokers, real estate associates, marketing experts, etc), in the end, what we really are and what we really do is all based on customer service.
Via Loreena Yeo, Realtor® Frisco TX Homes www.316teamREALTY.com (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY):
"By the way, we can't refund the fees because it wasn't our mistake".... and with that statement, I realized that I was dealing with a business who does not see eye-to-eye with me on Customer Service. And with that, the business relationship of 7 1/2 years ended.
I fired my local bank but there's a lesson … (0 comments)

Money: The Root of All Non-Disclosures and Other Evil Unpleasantries - 11/02/10 09:14 AM
Money:  The Root of All Non-Disclosures and Other Unpleasantries
This topic has been lingering in my head for a day or so after reading a comment that I believe was made by Donne Knudsen in response to another post.  I don't remember the post, but I remember Donne commenting on how Banks (REOs) hide behind the fact that they have never lived in or on one of their REO properties as a means of circumventing disclosure.
I didn't quite know what I wanted to say about this and even as I write, my thoughts are not well formulated so I guess I'll have to borrow … (10 comments)