Buyers' Agent...Your Buyer Just Signed A Contract Without You...But I'll Gladly Pay You!!! - 05/31/11 08:28 AM
One thing about working with Barbara Todaro is that you ALWAYS know that she plays fair.  A woman of integrity. Barbara's philosophy on this makes people want to do business with her and isn't that the general idea.
Via Barbara Todaro "Franklin MA New Homes" (RE/MAX Executive Realty ):
I just read a post written by Christine Smith titled "Buyers Use Your Buyers Agent-They're On Your Side" and I had to share my opinion.  My team and I are listing agents, and we have experienced a number of different scenarios regarding this topic.
The majority of buyers who visit our open house events … (2 comments)

An Absolutely Gorgeous Day in Railroad Park on Memorial Day (Hot But Still Gorgeous) - 05/31/11 08:23 AM
An Absolutely Gorgeous Day in Railroad Park on Memorial Day (Hot But Still Gorgeous)
Yesterday was hot as the dickens in Railroad park but the people, the music, the sights and the overall ambiance made it enjoyable and bearable.  Below is just a short video of just one of the bands (I did all of you favorite and didn't include the video where you could here me singing as I was recording.  The video is just a soundbite. 
… (6 comments)

AMB from Bham: Playing Telephone Tag With A Newbie - 05/30/11 01:50 PM
AMB from Bham: Playing Telephone Tag With A Newbie
I'm Calling on my AR SOI to help a Newbie out.  You can offer your best advice to Sinead right here and she'll be watching and listening. 
Last week on Thursday (I believe it was) I shot this little lady an email welcoming her to ActiveRain.  A short while later she emailed me back with the following message:
"Hi Charita,Thank you for the message. I still kind of feel like I don't know what I'm doing. I just try to put something out there every day or so, but don't know if … (33 comments)

It's 91 Degrees in the Shade and Railroad Park is Heating Up for Memorial Day - 05/30/11 01:21 PM
It's 91 Degrees in the Shade and Railroad Park is Heating Up for Memorial Day
The event started this morning at 10 o'clock and will go on all day long until around 9:30 or 10:00 tonight.  I rode by to snap up some early photos but I suspect when I do back to enjoy the concert (early this afternoor), it will be a packed park.
Cars are already starting to line the streets.  But an attendee told me that the best of the bands start around 1:00 this afternoon.  But you know how folks are.  Everybody wants to come early to … (3 comments)

Yard Sale May 27 and 28, 2011: Everything Almost Gone in Under 6 Hours - 05/27/11 03:08 PM
Yard Sale: Everything Must Go:  800 Rutledge Drive Midfield, AL 35228 May 27, 28 2011
Yesterday I posted this the yard sale.  I just stopped by and people are converging on the yard sale like bees on honey.
All furnishings are almost ALL gone:
LR furniture:  G.O.N.E.NE DR furniture:  G.O.N.E. Kitchen table and chairs:  G.O.N.E. Window treatments:  G.O.N.E. Washing Machine:  G.O.N.E. Deep Freezer: G.O.N.E. Stove:  G.O.N.E. What's left:  The house & the kitchen sink.
800 Rutledge Drive sits on a huge corner lots which makes an idea location for this yard sale.  Not to mention that I got the Google Juice … (14 comments)

How to Attract A Buyer Who Will Pay Top Dollar In A Declining Market - 05/27/11 08:45 AM
Want top dollar for your home?  Then you've got to do what it takes to get it. Top dollar means different things to different people as Tni explains.  What does it mean to you and what are you willing to do to get it?
Via Tni LeBlanc REALTOR® Santa Maria CA Homes Central Coast:
How to Attract A Buyer Who Will Pay Top Dollar In A Declining MarketThe story remains the same.  Most sellers expect “top dollar” for their homes and most buyers want to pay “rock bottom” prices.  However, there are buyers who will pay top dollar for your home and … (3 comments)

Yard Sale: Everything Must Go.....Including the House! 800 Rutledge Drive Midfield, AL 35228 May 27, 28 20111 - 05/26/11 09:46 PM
Yard Sale:  Everything Must Go.....Including the House! (THIS HOUSE SOLD JUNE 30, 2011)
Yard Sale:  May 27 & 28, 2011:  800 Rutledge Drive, Midfield, AL 35228
Everything must go INCLUDING THE HOUSEYes this two bedroom, 1 bath home on a lovely corner lot is being sold too.  Come to the yard sale and help the sellers clean house buy getting furniture and house hold goods at a bargain.  Items include:
Living room furniture Dining room furniture Kitchen furniture Bedroom furniture Household goods Much, much more. When I say everything must go, I mean EVERYTHING.  Including the house at just $24,950 $18,950 … (12 comments)

Birmingham Alabama is Helping to Pick Up the (Tornado) Pieces: Memorial Day 2011 at Railroad Park - 05/26/11 04:14 PM
 Birmingham Alabama Helping to Pick Up the (Tornado) Pieces:  Memorial Day 2011 at Railroad Park
Pickin' Up the Pieces Tornado Relief Concert. I won't cost you nothing but you can help a family in need by bringing donations of 
blankets, ethnic hair products, toiletries, baby items, nonperishable food items and other goods For your musical pleasure, enjoy music by:
Birmingham Heritage Band Neo Jazz Collective, Vann Burchfield. When:    Monday, May 30, 2011 (Memorial Day)
Where:   Railroad Park, 1600 First Ave. S., downtown [map]. For
Time:      10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, email info@magiccitysmoothjazz.com or call (205) 616-1735.
… (8 comments)

Thelma & Louise 20 Year Anniversary - 05/26/11 02:36 PM
Thelma & Louise 20 Year Anniversary
I can hardly believe that it's been 20 years since Thelma and Louise took a ride on the wild side in a 1966 Thunderbird convertible.  Susan Sarandon has always been one of my favorites and who knew that movie would have a cult like following.  Although Geena Davis was great in the movie, she actually became one of my favorites after starring in the action packed film Long Kiss Goodnight, with my main man, the chameleon himself, Sam-u-el Jackson.  (Yeah I know it's Samuel L. Jackson).
What I didn't realize is that the movie Thelma and … (5 comments)

Real Estate Buyers, Client Loyalty! - 05/26/11 02:04 PM
Jane's statement below really sums up this entire post: 
"I also told him that the best way to get great service is to be a "loyal client"!
Loyalty Counts
Via Jane Grant - Southwest Real Estate - Riverside County, CA:
Be Loyal To Your Agent!  These words I uttered to the client who called me and asked me to look up the status of a home for sale! I asked, as I always do......"Do you have an agent?"   The caller replied..."Well, Yes, but I think she is lying to me about whether or not this home is for sale, because it is … (3 comments)

Is Your Home Hazardous to Your Kid’s Heath? - 05/26/11 01:58 PM
 
I just couldn't let this get by without reblogging.  Protecting kids inside and outside of the home is of utmost importance even if the kids are not your own.  this should prompt us all to do a "Kid House Safety Check" and insist that our friends and family do one as well.  Let's not just take for granted that our homes are safe just because nothing has happened YET.
Via Elaine Cooper - Brooklyn, NY - Multi Family House, Co-op & Condo Specialist (Fillmore Real Estate):
Is Your Home Hazardous to Your Kid’s Heath? As parents you often worry about your … (3 comments)

Should We Make Others Look Bad for the Sake of Making Ourselves Look Good - 05/26/11 01:43 PM
Should We Make Others Look Bad for the Sake of Making Ourselves Look Good
I guess we can't really help but do that to a certain degree, but there have been a couple of post that kind of just begged this question (even if only in my mind).
One such post was Donne Knudsen's Choosing Your In-Laws, Brother's Half Sister's Cousin for Your Realtor is REALLY NOT a Good Idea.  And yes before you even go there, I DID READ IT.  This (my) post isn't exactly in the same context as Donne's but sometimes we (agents in general) do seem to … (4 comments)

It's Never Too Late To Re-Evaluate!!! - 05/26/11 09:30 AM

Stop.  Look. Listen. Think and Rethink if necessary.  Sometimes things just don't go as plan.  And believe it or not, that's all good.  Do you know why?  Well I'll tell you why or at least Barbara has already done that:
You can rethink and reevaluate your plan at any given time.  No plan is written in stone and no stone should be left unturned.
Via Barbara Todaro "Franklin MA New Homes" (RE/MAX Executive Realty ):

What are you doing to make it all work?  Listing and selling real estate doesn't happen unless you create the game plan.  If you haven't … (0 comments)

Miss Bad Manners Guide to Commenting Philosophies! - 05/25/11 01:40 PM
I'm sure no one reading these descriptions will recognize themselves but can think of a ton of other folks that fit the description.
Admittedly, I'm sure I've been in a category or two or three or four before, but I promise I'll do better.
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
Miss Bad Manners Guide to Commenting Philosophies! Miss Bad Manners, although largely absent lately, has however continued her daily monitoring of Active Rain.  She has detected that some of her graduates have managed to take their performance to a level beyond even HER standards, … (4 comments)

You Can't Want the Deal to Close More than Your Buyer! - 05/25/11 10:32 AM
If you want the deal to close more than your buyer or seller does, then chances are your motivation is purely self-indulgent.  In which case, I suggest you start looking for another line of work particularly if your judgment is affected by that desire and your actions are reflective of your dire need.
We all need a payday and the best way to keep them coming is to provide quality service to those who have entrusted us to aid in the sale or purchase of their homes.
Via Boca Raton Florida Homes for Sale David Serle (RE/MAX Services):
"Do WHAT you said … (1 comments)

That Brenda Mullen is a Blogging Machine - 05/24/11 12:04 PM
That Brenda Mullen is a Blogging Machine
If you have not stumbled upon Brenda Mullen yet, you're missing a real treat.  Brenda haa a really cool writting style that's detailed, informative and no nonsense at time.  If you are not quick witted, you'll be unfortunate enough not to recognize or appreciate her sometimes wry sense of humor.
She is a true student of Active Rain and she absorbs everything like a sponge and then in true ActiveRain fashion, she quickly shares her knowledge with others.
Apparently she's been around since August 2007. I don't know what happened, but it looks like somebody put a … (14 comments)

Expired? Cancelled? Off Market? What's a Seller To Do? - 05/24/11 11:48 AM

I've been singing this song for the past week and I stand firmly behind it.  Glenn pinpoints the importance of effort on everyone's part and the role they play in going from X,C, OM to Sold.
Via Glenn Roberts - Seattle Residential (Lake & Company Real Estate):
Expired? Cancelled? Off Market? What's a Seller To Do? You are not alone. Many homes in Seattle and elsewhere have languished on the market for months. In other words: Unsold. No action for weeks. You're the seller. The sign post in your yard has been leaning toward the street for so long you can tell … (0 comments)

I'm A Real Estate Agent. Not a Needle in the Haystack Finder - 05/24/11 09:14 AM
I'm A Real Estate Agent.  Not a Needle in the Haystack Finder.  I am in one of the most rewarding businesses in the world. I help people find that home that's just perfect for themselves, their family and the lifestyles that they have either chosen to lead or lead by default.
If you have in mind and ideal house that you could very easily make your home, I'm the one to help you find it.  I'll listen to your every need and desire that meets the terms of your pre-approval letter which you'll have in hand before our search begins.
Given … (21 comments)

Homes for Rent in East Lake: 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Duplex $525/mo - 05/24/11 07:58 AM
Homes for rent in East Lake: 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Duplex $525/mo East Lake Dulplex for Rent … (0 comments)

No Way I'm Paying the Full Price of $40,000 - 05/23/11 08:54 AM
No Way I'm Paying the Full Price of $40,000
Everyone loves a bargain and you can't blame anyone for trying to get one. But when I hear buyers say "no way I'm offering full price ($40k) for this (foreclosure) because it needs this, it needs that, and it needs the other"  it can be quite a test to convey that because it needs this, that and the other is exactly why it's priced the way it is.
Particularly when you consider that after you finish doing this, that and the other, you're still going to have over $60kin equity in the … (32 comments)

Mr. Home Buyer, Your Champagne Tastes Don't Entitle You to Price Deductions! - 05/23/11 08:43 AM
The reason I love this post is because it just magnifies how consumers can literally make a fool of their agents.  Somehow, the buyer convinced their agent to convey to the listing agents (Bliz Spear Team) that the justification for the low offer was to compensate the buyer for their wish list of upgrades once they got the house.
To agents everyone, no where is it written that you have to let your client make a fool of you and attempt to make fools of everyone else by trying to justify something that is unjustifiable.
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite … (6 comments)

Like I Was Sayin' - 05/22/11 12:50 PM
Like I was sayin' let's just price it right and get this puppy sold.  You kind of have to know the backdrop for this all to come together in this final fold of this storyline.
A week or so ago, I wrote Homeowners of Expired Listings: Wake Up and Smell the Sold Listings.  Basically it was a public post to let sellers know what to expect from ME.  Are you with me?  In a nutshell, proper pricing and showing preparation were a given, but some felt that PRICE, PRICE, PRICE, PRICE, should be rammed down the throats of sellers.
So the day … (11 comments)

Child Safety Seats - The CHP will install them for you! - 05/21/11 01:25 PM
Safety First.  Not everyone knows that places like the highway patrol and in Alabama, the local fire department, will properly install a child safety seat in your car.  Don't risk your life and it's double duty when you've got a child in the car.
Via Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County CA Broker/Owner (Safe Haven Realty):
Have you tried to install a child safety seat lately? I have. I was driving a client to a house she was buying and she couldn't find anyone to babysit her 3 year old. No sweat, I said, he can come along too!
She had just bought a … (7 comments)

Let's Just Price It Right and Then Sit Back and Relax - 05/21/11 09:29 AM
Let's Just Price It Right and Then Sit Back and Relax
This has been brewing in draft mode for several days and you'll need to read this in it's entirety to understand the gist of it.  AND you'll need to read Part Deux on tomorrow to realize the crystallization of this post and other post referred to here.
Agent Charita:  Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller let's just price it right and sit back and relax.  Now let me just get you to sign right cheer on the dotted line.
........................................................Sign Right Cheer!
Mr. and Mrs. Homeseller:  That's it?  You just want us … (14 comments)

What Happens When You Become "Too Available”? - 05/20/11 12:06 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you Eddie Brown.  I am a long time proponent of dispelling the "myth" that real estate agents are or should be of the 24/7 variety and quite frankly I don't understand why anyone would want to be at anyone else's beck and call
T W E N T Y - F O U R  H O U R S a day
S E V E N  D A Y S a week
We can better serve our clients if we maintain a life of our own.
Via Eddie Brown ~ FM Realty a Long & Foster Company/ … (3 comments)

When You Fall Do You Get Back Up? - 05/20/11 11:04 AM

Whenever I think about failing or falling, this always come to mind:
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light. (Micah 7:8)
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
When You Fall Do You Get Back Up? Life is full of things to trip us up, some little, some large.  Sometimes we catch our balance, sometimes we fall flat.  When that happens, sometimes we have to check ourselves and not let that fall keep us down.  It … (0 comments)

You Don't Want To Bother Your Agent, So You're Bothering Me? - 05/20/11 09:49 AM

This is incredible but totally believable that people don't want to both their own agent (that is until it's time to write the offer).  Somebody, somewhere dropped a ball on these buyers as their agent apparently didn't explain to them what buyer agent responsibilities are.  Whoa!
Via Lorrie Semler, Addison Real Estate Specialist (Keller Williams):
You Don't Want To Bother Your Agent, So You're Bothering Me?
The last time I answered the phones at the office, I had two similar calls the same morning.
The first caller was looking for a place to rent and called about a specific property listed by … (0 comments)

Death and Property Taxes - 05/20/11 09:01 AM
Death and Property Taxes
These are the two things that are certain (ironically in life).  I was inspired to write this post after reading a post by Joan Cox. Although the premise is different, here is my take of our local property taxes and consumers should be aware of this.
I know in my area when it comes to a homes value, people tend to take the tax valuation info and use it whichever way suits the mood.  For example if a property were assessed at $150,00.  If the homeowners want to lower their tax bill, they will dispute the assessment saying … (0 comments)

Are there guidelines for working with a Buyer's Agent? - 05/20/11 08:56 AM
 
I don't mean any harm when I say this, but I have actually worked with buyers who truly believe that my only job is to do exactly what they say.  This is so NOT true.  Once we've established a "relationship" our boundaries will be clearly understood and mutual respect must be in the mix.
We want to work and be allowed to work in the very best way so that we can optimize the experience for the buyer.  But "teamwork" is paramount.
Skip on over to Tish's place to for commenting.
Via Tish Lloyd Real Estate Agent Wrightsville Beach, NC … (0 comments)

Things To Think About Goin it Alone Selling Your Schertz Texas Home (For Sale By Owners) - 05/19/11 09:06 AM

Saving money is top of mind when people consider becoming unrepresented sellers (formerly known as FSBOs).  More often than not, you just can't convince them that there is more to it than a sign in the yard, an add in the paper and opening the door to let strangers in).  I wish it were that simple.  Brenda knocks another one out of the park.  Click her link  below to comment (comments disabled on this post).
C
Via Brenda Mullen, Realtor® Selling Schertz Texas Homes (Smart Moves Realty):
Things to Think About Goin it Alone Selling Your Schertz Texas Home (For Sale by Owners)
… (0 comments)

Lock Boxes! AGAIN?! - 05/18/11 08:09 AM

Here we go again. I'm with Joni all the way.  If a seller is going to put a house on the market, why on earth would they want to make it difficult to sell.  Yeah, yeah, yeah it's just a lockbox you say.  But guess what?  It holds the key to selling the home.
Via Joni Staples, REALTOR® Broker Associate (936) 650-9017 (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Anderson Properties):
Lock Boxes! AGAIN?
 
Yes. AGAIN!
I can’t believe it... but there are still seller’s out there that insist on not having a lock box on their home. To make matters … (2 comments)

The Price Is Right: $18,950 - 800 Rutledge Drive, Midfield, AL 35228 - 05/17/11 10:29 PM
The Price Is Right:  $24,950 0 REDUCED AS OF 6/11/11 TO $18,950
For this 2 bedroom, 1 bath home in located at 800 Rutledge Drive in Midfield, AL.  No this is not a foreclosure, short sale or any other distressed category.
This is simply a home priced right, at the sellers insistance.  There was no disputing the comps.  There was no seller denial. There was no "we aren't going to give it away."  They simply said you just can't dispute the facts, so let's just "Git 'er" listed and sold as quickly as possible.
This property is in great shape.  Once the … (0 comments)

Useful Facebook Pages For Warren County Residents - 05/17/11 12:26 PM

This is fantastic idea that BLiz had to post about useful Facebook Pages.  I hate to be copycat but look for Useful Facebook pages coming to my ActiveRain post soon.  Hey, I'm being honest about being a copycat.  Just another useful tip on what to blog about.
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
Useful Facebook Pages For Warren County Residents If you're NOT a Facebook fan, we may be able to give you a few reasons to rethink your position! More and more businesses, governments and other agencies are using Facebook to promote!  With … (0 comments)

I Could Care Less About What Your Client Thinks - 05/16/11 09:17 AM
I Could Care Less About What Your Client Thinks
Real estate agents and buyers and sellers alike often utter these very words.  And each time I hear it, I often think "Well you should.  How the hell else are you going to negotiate?"
People seem to lose sight of the fact that the dominate factor in good negotiating skills is the ability to anticipate the actions of the other party.  Call me crazy, but that's going to be a little hard to do if you could "care less" about what the other parties think.
Buyers and sellersIf you have an agent … (0 comments)

Ready and Willing are Here, But Has Anyone Seen Able? - 05/16/11 08:58 AM
Ready and Willing are Here, But Has Anyone Seen Able?
We hear the term "ready, willing AND able" all of the time, but it's one of those terms that are so commonplace, the we forgot the full scope of its meaning.
In real estate, the term in mostly used with buyers, but sellers must also not only be ready and willing to sell a home.  They must also be ABLE.
The idea buyer candidate is ready to buy a home now.  They are willing to
make themselves available to view homes recognize the realities of the market be decisive understand that … (0 comments)

Homeowners of Expired Listings: Wake Up and Smell the Sold Listings - 05/15/11 09:51 AM
Wake Up and Smell the Sold Listings
I know discouragement has set in because your listing has expired and there is no buyer prospect in sight (that you know of).
When I talk to sellers of expired listings and I ask why they think their home didn't sell, the answer is ALWAYS the same:  our agent says it's the market.  And my answer is always the same:  I'm sorry but given that homes are selling every day of the week, I am not convinced that the "market" is the reason homes don't sell.
True enough, it is a tough and very … (14 comments)

There's No Better Time Than Now to Buy Rental Propeties in Birmingham Alabama - 05/13/11 03:21 PM
There's No Better Time Than Now to Buy Rental Properties in Birmingham Alabama
There's No Better Time Than Now to Buy Rental Properties in Birmingham Alabama</strong>Whether you are an experienced investor or new to the game, there is no better time than the present to invest in Birmingham Alabama rental properties.
By doing so, you can be in prime position to help rebuild communities ravaged by recent tornadoes.  We're not talking about flipping properties, but rather, we're talking about rental properties.  With thousands of people left homeless (owners and renters), investors are in a position to make a tremendous impact on … (4 comments)

Need to Sell Your Property That Needs a Little TLC? - 05/13/11 03:10 PM
Need to Sell Your  Property That Needs a Little TLC?
If so, then Metropolitan Birmingham, Alabama area investors are looking for you.  The tornadoes that ravaged through Alabama a few weeks ago left behind a population of people that are now literally homeless. Some are living with relatives.  For some, their insurance providers are housing them in rental homes and hotels.
Some were renters.  Others were homeowners.  As a result investors are scrambling to find investment properties that will serve as rental properties.  It's without question that they want to get the best buy that they can get.   But beyond that … (0 comments)

Will Someone Please Tell Spellcheck That................ - 05/12/11 09:35 AM
Will Someone Please Tell Spellcheck That................
Will Someone Please Tell Spellcheck That BLiz is a word.
BLiz:  a man and woman named Bill and Liz who are members of ActiveRain.  And while it hasn't been proven that they are actually 2 people, for the most part we presume that they are.
I am trying to do better about using spellcheck, but somebody needs to tell Webster that BLiz is actually a word.  In fact, one would consider it a proper noun.
That's Capital B, Capital L, small i, small z.
BLizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

Bill and Liz Spearthe "BLiz Team"
 
… (18 comments)

You See This? It's Called A........... - 05/12/11 06:56 AM
You See This?  It's Called A...........
You See This?  It's called a spade.  And a spade by any other name is not a spade.


 
 
 
You see this?:  Applicant's final approval is contingent upon applicant obtaining a credit card to increase applicant's credit score.
It's called a mortage loan .
Homebuyers, buyer's agent and mortgage loan officers:  don't let the dangling carrot build false hope for a big let down.  It just waste everyone's valuable time.  A mortage loan rejection TODAY, doesn't mean a rejection 3 months or a year from now.  It just means that with proper … (17 comments)

Homebuying: We Need Your Highest & Best and We Need it NOW! - 05/07/11 10:06 PM
Homebuying:  We Need Your Highest & Best and We Need it NOW!
It's decision making time for the buyer.  The listing agent is calling for highest and best and there is a deadline in which they need it.  Uh oh.  You've got a decision to make and you've got a small window of opportunity in which to make it.  What to do?  What to do?
Well there is only one thing left to do. You need to make an offer on the property like you really want to own it.  But what if the listing agent is just faking me out with … (17 comments)

Storm Shelter Seats 8-10 People: (Minor) Birmingham, AL - 05/06/11 03:52 PM
Storm Shelter Seats 8-10 People: 3297 Pike Avenue (Minor) … (0 comments)

Thank You For Calling 1-800-SHORT-SALE - 05/05/11 11:50 AM
Thank You For Calling 1-800-SHORT-SALE
CSR:  Thank you for calling 1-800-SHORT-SALE may I have your loan number?
Caller:  123-456-789
CSR:  I'm sorry I'm not showing that account number. What number did you dial?
Caller:  1-800-SHORT-SALE
CSR:  Oh no wonder.  I'm sorry but you need to call 1-800-SHORT-SALE2
Caller:  Excuse me.  But I've been calling 1-800-SHORT-SALE for the past several weeks and I've been speaking with So and So about this very account.
CSR:  I understand M'am and I'm sorry, but you need to call 1-800-SHORT-SALE2.
Click!
CSR: Thank you for calling 1-800-SHORT-SALE2 may I have your loan number?
Caller:  123-456-789
CSR:  What number … (22 comments)

Walked Away Without A Scratch - 05/04/11 10:54 PM
Walked Away Without A Scratch
The driver of this car

Ran a Red light at this busy University area intersection

While doing this

And ran into my daughter's car causing this
 
Causing Candice to ram into a parked car and this is the final result of this incident

Candice walked away without a scratch.  She was on her way to get my grandson.  Had he been in the car, he would have been sitting in his car seat on the same side of the impact.
So tell me this.
If the result of your talking … (37 comments)

You Say You Really Love This House But Your Offer Says "But Not Enough to Want To Buy It" (at best) - 05/03/11 06:45 AM
You Say You Really Love This House But Your Offer Says "But Not Enough to Want To Buy It" (at best)
It's really sad to see a prospective homebuyer lose out on a home especially when they could have been making plans to move in it instead of making plans to move on to find another house.
If you are in the market for purchasing a home, your quest begins with two things: 
A SOLID pre-approval letter and A real estate agent whose judgment you can trust. Armed with a SOLID pre-approval letter, your real estate agent will be able to identify … (24 comments)

Active Rain Master Minds April Challenge - Procuring Cause : How can we make it less of an issue? - 05/02/11 10:14 PM
This may be the most significant challenge thus far.  Procuring cause is a subject that agents may not be as well versed in as they think they are.  Procuring cause demands that we document meticulously and not to take anything for granted.
Via Rita Fong (RE/MAX REAL ESTATE TODAY, REALTOR®, Marion, Arkansas):
Active Rain Master Minds April Challenge - Procuring Cause : How can we make it less of an issue?
What is procuring cause?
According to National Association of  REALTOR®,
Quote" Procuring cause is in fact the interplay of factors which together demonstrate that the unbroken efforts of a specific broker were … (3 comments)

I've Got Multiple Personalities! I'm Your Guadalupe County Listing Marketing Negotiating and Selling Agent Part One - 05/02/11 03:52 PM
Brenda's post depicts us as being multifaceted and that's exactly what we have to be in the world of real estate.  We do it all or seemingly so. We've got to have multiple personalities because we have to be chameleons in order to adapt to the personalities of the consumers that we work with.
But know that there is a difference is being a chameleon and being Sybil.
Via Brenda Mullen, Realtor®, ACRE®, ABR®, e-Pro® (Smart Moves Realty):
I've Got Multiple Personalities!  I'm Your Guadalupe County Listing Marketing Negotiating and Selling Agent Part One
As you set about the journey of selling … (4 comments)

QR Code: How I Used at Open House - 05/02/11 08:49 AM
QR Code:  How I Used at Open House
I have been having a terrible time trying to figure out uses for QR Codes (besides putting them on flyers and sign riders).  So yesterday, I had this bright idea and this is what I did.
I created sign in cards by using Avery 28877 Perforated Business Cards and created individual sign-in cards.
On the flip side, I printed instructions on how to download a QR Code Reader
After they filled out the card and downloaded the QR Code Reader, the gave the sign in card back to me. 
And then I gave … (87 comments)

MLS Wide Open House May 1, 2011, 2pm-4:pm: We're Having a QR Code One Day Sale! - 05/01/11 10:15 AM
We're Having a Seller Approved QR Code One Day Sale!
A one day sale you say.  What the heck is that?  Well here's how it works:
1364 Willoughby Road is currently listed for $199,500.  But for this special MLS Wide Open House event, we'll be offering it for a special price of $XXX.XXX.  Well you'll have to visit the open house to find that out.
All you have to do is show up.  Sign in.  And we'll give you a QR Code to scan and the special price will be revealed.  But before you arrive at the One Day Sale, it's … (3 comments)