301 Martin Drive in Sleepy Hollow Subdivision Has Just Been Reduced: $109,900 - 07/31/11 08:31 AM
301 Martin Drive in Centerpoint's Sleep Hollow Subdivision Has Just Been Reduced to $109,900
 
Just Reduced … (0 comments)

If You Want To Get It Sold - Drop the Price! - 07/29/11 01:00 PM
If I am not mistaken, I believe that this is what one would call Leah's post:
HITTING PAY DIRT!
Did she nail this or WHAT?
Via Lora "Leah" Stern, Realtor Suffern, Rockland County NY (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
If You Want To Get It Sold - Drop the Price!
Has your home been languishing on the market, without any offers or even showings?  Well that's a clear indication that you just might be overpriced.  In this current market and economy price is still king and it's still the single most important determining factor in how quickly your home will sell.
How do you … (9 comments)

Who Really Benefits From Writing Offers for Unqualified Buyers? - 07/25/11 09:15 AM
Who Really Benefits From Writing Offers for Unqualified Buyers?
This really is a no brainer.  Of course no one (buyer, seller, agent, MLO, etc) benefits from this unwise and ever discouraging practice.
Not once should it ever occur to an agent to write an offer for a buyer that is unqualified to purchase a home.  Not ever should a contract be held up while a buyer's qualification hinges on obtaining a credit card and the reporting of that new account on a credit report.
If buyers need to pay off a bill in order to qualify or if buyers need to … (28 comments)

WHY I DON'T SELL N0N-REALTY ITEMS - 07/25/11 08:47 AM
We are Realtors® and real estate agents.  We don't run a thrift store nor a bartering service.  I agree totally with Paula that I don't like being put in the position of negotiating items not considered to be real estate (with the exception of appliances).  Furthermore, I don't mind letting clients know that doing so is beyond my scope and is a personal matter between buyer and seller that don't involve the agent.  The term often flaunted on real estate contracts with regard to personal property is "of no real value."  Well if it's of no real value, then why is … (12 comments)

By using DocuSign ... I didn't have to chase firetrucks! - 07/22/11 03:59 PM
Cynthia uses DocuSign for electronic signatures and I use Transaction Desk by Instanet Solutions.  Both of us can testify to the time, money and money = gas savings.
There may be a small learning curve but it beats running around time gathering signatures.  If you haven't explored the use of electronic signature technology, now may be the perfect time.
Via Cynthia Larsen - Sonoma County CA Broker/Owner (Safe Haven Realty):
I consider myself a fan of technology, but I'm one of those hold-outs who hadn't used digital signatures until early this year. The perfect opportunity presented itself when, after 4 years of looking, … (5 comments)

A Near Disaster - I Almost Used "That Word" in Copy - 07/18/11 04:42 PM
I am with Marte on this one.  The phrase "call me for all of your real estate needs" just sends chills up my spine.  To me it's pointless, shows a lack of thought process and shows that someone has not given much thought to the services that they really provide.  Can you please stop using that phrase?  Why not just your name, phone number & title.  If someone wants to contact you for a real estate services, it won't be because of your plea:  call me with all of your real estate needs.  One way for anyone to get me to NOT … (5 comments)

Open House Today, Sunday July 17, 2011: 2 - 4 pm: 301 Martin Drive (Centerpoint) - 07/17/11 12:31 PM
Open House Today, Sunday July 17, 2011:   2 - 4 pm:  301 Martin Drive (Centerpoint) 
We'll be sitting on the porch awaiting your arrival to view this beautiful home with it's new hardwood floor in the living room, modern kitchen, 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths.  From the moment you drive into the Sleepy Hollow community, you'll be greeted with pride of ownership and as you approach 310 Martin Drive, the first thing you'll notice is the lush, green grass that almost looks like carpet.  It's been a couple of years since the exterior was painted, but it still looks … (0 comments)

Knock, Knock... Hello, I’m a Realtor. My Client Would Like to Buy Your Home. - 07/17/11 10:12 AM

Joseph Robinson details an incredible tail abouthow he sold a house that was not for sale.  It's a chilling tale (of the good time).  The real live plot thickened and did not disappoint.
Via Joseph E. Robinson III Melbourne Realtor Rockledge Suntree Brevard MLS Search (Coldwell Banker Paradise Real Estate):
I had an amazing client.  She had the perfect home in her mind.  The home had to be in Viera or Suntree, Florida.  It had to have a pool and be on the water.  Concrete block construction was a must with an open kitchen and a three car garage.  Did I … (5 comments)

Birmingham Alabama Short Sale: SOLD JULY 2011 - 07/15/11 11:29 AM
Birmingham Alabama Short Sale:  SOLD JULY 2011
We closed on this short sale today almost exactly 3 months to the date after it went under contract.  Another one bites the dust!

2520 Avenue Y, Birmingham, AL 35208
I give applause to the selling agent for her patience and professionalism.  Knowing how lengthy the short sale process can be, she didn't feel the need to blow my phone up for 3 months straight.  During the entire three months, frankly I can't remember her calling me not one time.  If she did call, it must have been only once.
I made sure … (10 comments)

What's That You Say? What's a Motivated Seller? - 07/14/11 08:01 AM
What's That You Say?  What's a Motivated Seller?
My post titled Home Buyers Imagine For a Minute That You Were a Home Seller was featured and received a lot of comments regarding buyers.  Please note that I was not bashing buyers, but rather I was posing to them considerations that may not have occurred to them.
Today, I'm flipping the script a bit with this post and focusing on the sellers role in the decision making process of putting their homes on the market and expectations during the listing process all for the benefit of a pleasant experience.  Nothing here or elsewhere … (40 comments)

Bank Owned Lot For Sale : 185 Sweetbay Drive, Maylene, AL 35114 - $25,000 - 07/13/11 11:41 AM
Bank Owned Lot For Sale :  185 Sweetbay Drive, Maylene, AL 35114
This is a sweeheart of a deal.  Don't wait any longer!  A dream home fits right here.  Surrounded by nature and beautiful neighboring homes in the Lake Ridge Subdivision. This lot is ideal for an investor, builder or someone awaiting the perfect spot to build.  At this price, you can buy now and build later or start building right away. 
Lot size 0.52 acres / 22,521 sf per tax records.

 

 
… (1 comments)

A Re-blogger's Confession - 07/13/11 10:35 AM
I gotta give creds to this Newbie.  He's got style, humor and he UNDERSTANDS the premise of re-blogging.  I appreciate the confession as well as the dramatic writing style. I'm thinking he's a keeper.
Via Steve Matsumoto ~ first time home buyers Oceanside, CA (RE/MAX By-the-Sea: waterfront condos, second homes):
I recently re-blogged someone else's post for the first time.
 
I feel dirty.
 
I can't escape the feeling that I'm taking credit for someone else's work or that I've haven't give the writer her full due.  Silly, right?  It was a featured post; already branded with a gold star and … (6 comments)

Home Buyers Imagine For a Minute That You Were a Home Seller - 07/13/11 08:45 AM
Home Buyers Imagine For a Minute That You Were a Home Seller
Let's play a little game.   Come on now stay with me.  Home buyers, imagine for just a moment or 2 that you're a homeowner with a home on the market.
Your agent has called you to schedule an appointment.  You've scurried to make sure the home is in tiptop shape.  You've packed the kids up including your 3 month old and the dog.  But where will you go with kids and dog in tow for the next two hours?
You drive around for a while.  Heck gas is only … (49 comments)

We're Having an Open House at 301 Martin Drive 35215, Sunday July 17, 2011 - 07/12/11 10:15 PM
We're Having an Open House at 301 Martin Drive 35215, Sunday July 17, 2011
That's right.  On Sunday, July 17, 2011 we'll be holding an Open House at 301 Martin Drive, Birmingham, AL 35215 from 2:00 til 4:00.
We'll be sitting on the porch awaiting your arrival to view this beautiful home with it's new hardwood floor in the living room, modern kitchen, 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths.  From the moment you drive into the Sleepy Hollow community, you'll be greeted with pride of ownership and as you approach 310 Martin Drive, the first thing you'll notice is the … (0 comments)

Prayer for the Day - 07/12/11 09:39 AM
I really wish AR did not make us write a "lead-in" to a reblog because this post really says all that I want to say.
Via Ashley Myers, Realtor (Allen Tate Realtors):
Oh, how I praise You Lord! You heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds. You count the number of the stars and call them all by name. Great are You, Lord, and mighty in power. Your understanding is infinite. You lift up the humble, and cast the wicked down to the ground. I praise you Lord, you who covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth; you … (9 comments)

UPDATE: The Joy of Getting a New Smartphone. Oh Boy. - 07/12/11 08:49 AM
UPDATE:  The Joy of Getting a New Smartphone.  Oh Boy.
A few weeks ago, I wrote the post below.  I went to the T-Mobile store and there were so many choices that I didn't make one at all.  I've been wanting a Droid phone so this past weekend my daughter and I switched phones so that I could try the Android platform and she used my Blackberry.  Her phone is an Optimus and when I tell you I HATED IT,  you best believe I did.  I have been pestering the you know what out of her to 2 days to get my … (18 comments)

Bham WIiRE Realty's First EVER First Time Home Buyer Seminar a SUCCESS - 07/09/11 11:50 PM
Bham WIiRE Realty's First EVER First Time Home Buyer Seminar a SUCCESS
We were very pleased with the turnout for our first EVER, First Time Home Buyer's Seminar.  It was an intimate crowd which meant that everyone received the personalized attention that they deserved.
I started the seminar by giving an overview of what we hoped to accomplished including handling first things first when it comes to the home buying process.  That lead into the intro of our first speaker, Martha Hernandez of the Southern Mortgage Group.  Martha gave a wonderful overview of the mortgage qualifying and loan process.  Attendees were very … (12 comments)

A Real Estate Career Part time? - 07/07/11 11:44 AM
It's the old part time/full time agent debate AGAIN.  I think my response to the original post bears repeating, so hear it is.
My belief is that there are FAR MORE full-time elitists agents and nay-sayers than their are incompetent part-timers.
I think that those who judge part-time agents are really revealing their own insecurities and looking for someone, albeit anyone to blame for their own lack of success.
Furthermore, for full timers that view part-timers as a competitive threat, it would seem that by virtue of available hours, that other full time agents would be far more a competitive threat … (14 comments)

Looking for a Birmingham Alabama Home With Hardwood Flooring? - 07/07/11 10:56 AM
Looking for a Birmingham Alabama Home With Hardwood Flooring?
Look no further, 301 Martin Drive has brand new hardwood flooring in the living room and it's absolutely beautiftul.  This home shows very well and is easy to schedule.  Just give me a call to schedule. 

… (6 comments)

Birmingham First Time Home Buyer Seminar, July 9, 2011 - 07/07/11 09:15 AM
Birmingham First Time Home Buyer Seminar, July 9, 2011
Well it's finally almost here.  Bham WiiRE Realty's First Time Home Buyer's Seminar is this coming Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Five Points South Library. Seminar starts at 10 am and last until noon.  Seating is limited so you can register and/or RSVP on Facebook.
 
… (4 comments)

10 Weekends of Free Jazz in the Park Kicks of July 4th Weekend 2011 - 07/07/11 09:14 AM
10 Weekends of Free Jazz in the Park Kicked off July 4th Weekend 2011
That's right.  Your eyes are not deceiving you.  July 4, 2011 is the kick off date for 10 consecutives weeks of FREE Jazz in the Park.
The 2011 inaugural FREE concert kicks was at Caldwell Park
Before you go, be sure to check out the rules to be observed while at the parks.

… (9 comments)

Does having a license make you a professional? - 07/06/11 08:19 AM
Many of you already know how I feel about the most overused word in real estate:  "professional"  (Professional: The Most Overused Word in Real Estate). But Bryan has taken the time to pull together definitions that don't always apply to the conduct of those claiming to be real estate "professionals." 
In essence just calling yourself a professional does not make you one.  Read. Take notes.  And then self-evaluate to see if you truly meet the standard.
Via Bryan Robertson, Los Altos REALTOR Los Altos Real Estate - Homes For Sale (Sereno Group - Los Altos):
How many people go out, take 1-3 online … (17 comments)

A Home's Value is Not Dependent on Your Personal Situation - 07/05/11 09:11 AM
Yes we are definitely sympathetic to the financial plights of both buyers and sellers.  Unfortunately those plights are not the overarching factors necessary to determine market value.
Buyers and sellers should review and study comps provided by their real estate agent to grasp the true picture of market values.
Via Christine Smith, Canton MA Buyer Agent & Attorney, 781.799.8313 (Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com):
A Home's Value is Not Dependent on Your Personal Situation
I've had some interesting conversations with buyers and listing agents (on behalf of their Sellers) recently.
SELLERS: The value of a home is not determined by how much … (7 comments)

The All Too Important Question About Your New Home Search - 07/05/11 08:40 AM
The All Too Important Question About Your New Home Search
Congratulations!  You've decided that it really is a good time to buy a house.  Before you even contact a real estate professional, ask yourself this question:  Where do I want to live?   Seems like a simple question doesn't it?  Well it should be but one of the most common answers that I get when working with buyers is "I don't know", "anywhere" or "it doesn't matter as long as..."
Don't worry if you can't decide or if you really don't know, your real estate agent should be able to help you … (6 comments)

Listing Data NOT From The MLS May Have Errors - 07/03/11 10:23 AM
This makes total and complete sense to me.  But when coupled with the inaccurate data that agents put into the MLS, it can be a nightmare.   As real estate agents, the point of origin (in the case the MLS) warrants that we put in factual data.
And while I am not always completely successful at going back to update data elsewhere online, I do make an effort than can continuallys stand to be improved.
Via Stephanie Leon - Miami Lakes Real Estate Expert Advisor (Avanti Way Realty):
Listing data that doesn't come directly from multiple listing service (MLS) data is more likely to … (2 comments)

Don't You Want to Know What I Think? - 07/03/11 06:34 AM
You all may remember my post from a few weeks ago about the author of a post not responding to comments.  Well Jon's post may be the ugly cousin to my post.
I'm pretty open minded or at least enough so that I can vehemently disagree with your opinion and yet respect your right to it (such is the case with Jon).
Regardless of whatever my opinions about anyone's blogs or their blog behavior, I respect that people have the right to maintain, monitor, direct, etc their blogs however they see fit.
Via Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL. FunCoast Realty, 386-405-4408:
There are … (17 comments)

The ROI of Social Media is Your Business Will Exist in 5 Years - 07/03/11 06:17 AM
I've said often how I just don't "get" social media.  My and understanding and use of Facebook and LinkedIn is nearly non-existent and I have long proclaimed to be Twitter-illiterate.  Sounds to me like I need a new game plan.
Via Jeremy Blanton (210 Consulting~ Social Media Advisors):
I just finished watching the 2011 version of Social Media Revolution from Socialnomics.  As usual, they have put together a good visual representation of where social media is right now.  They shared some good stats as they normally do.  Things like, “If Facebook were a country, it would be the 3rd largest” “eReaders have surpassed … (3 comments)