North Phoenix Meetup Sept 8th @ Anna Banana's. Happy Hour Time for Rainers with Tude! - 08/30/11 03:57 PM
Okay all of you AZ Rainers, Anna Banana is calling all Rainers with Tude to join in the North Phoenix Meetup on September 8, 2011.  I'm way to far away to even think about it and just in case you are not a member of the "Bananatude" group, you might be missing out on the this announcement. So I figured it was appointed duty as a Bananatude Moderator to help spread the word.
Via Anna Banana - AZ Top Banana! Phoenix Broker CRS 602-380-4886 (Phoenix Property Shoppe):
North Phoenix Meetup Sept 8th @ Anna Banana's.  Happy Hour Time for Rainers with Tude!
 
… (1 comments)

A.H. Parker High School Gets a Facelift - 08/29/11 01:29 PM
A.H. Parker High School Gets a Facelift
My father graduated from Parker High School.  He played football there and sported jersey #49.  Growing up black and in Birmingham, AL prior to the 70's meant that you or your parents likely graduated from Parker High School too.
Parker holds an indisputable place in Birmingham's Civil Rights History as well as history in general.  On Sunday, the doors were open to the public for a tour of the new building which opened this month.  Graduates from the 1940's to present were there for this grand event.
Ninety year old Walter Floyd called the … (7 comments)

RENTED and Managed by Bham WIiRE Realty: 2 Bedroom Rental in Centerpoint: 2828 Sweeney Hollow Road $570/mo - 08/29/11 10:05 AM
RENTED and Managed by Bham WIiRE Realty:  2 Bedroom Rental in Centerpoint: 2828 Sweeney Hollow Road  $570/mo
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone wants or needs a 3 bedroom home with 2 full baths. For those one needed 2 bedrooms and one bath will do, I've got the perfect home for you.
2828 Sweeney Hollow Road, Birmngham, AL 35215 at $570/mo.  Perfect Size.  Perfect Rent.
Schedule a showing

… (3 comments)

Buying a Home in Birmingham Alabama: A Question of Short and Long Term Affordability - 08/29/11 08:17 AM
Buying and Selling a Home in Birmingham Alabama:  A Question of Affordability
Two of the most often asked questions by consumers are:
Is now a good time to buy a home and Is now a good time to sell a home Both are excellent questions and both hinge on the same answer which is a question in itself:
Can you afford it? Can you afford to sell?  Can you afford to buy?
The answer to the buyer question may be a bit more obvious. Of course you'll need to be able to afford the monthly mortgage.  But what about the cost leading … (4 comments)

Homes for Sale in Birmingham's Forest Park ($300,000 - 350,000) - 08/29/11 08:16 AM
Homes for Sale in Birmingham's Forest Park ($300,000 - 350,000)
4015 Glenview Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35222 ($310,000)
You can buy a house anywhere.  But when you’re shopping for a home in Forest Park…….well, we know you’re looking for much more than a home…….it’s about lifestyle.  When 4015 Glenwood Avenue becomes your new home, you’ll be proud to invite people into the neighborhood which is rich in history.  4015 Glenwood Avenue is filled with the rich “character” that homes in Forest Park and known for.  Every square inch (from the curb to the fence surrounding the swimming pool in back) says “I … (2 comments)

Historical Markers: A Home With a Place in History - 08/26/11 11:34 AM
Historical Markers:  A Home With a Place in History
Everytime I see a historical marker, especially on a residence, I think how special it must be to own a piece of history.  So when I walked up to 4015 Glenwood Avenue for my listing appointment, I was thrilled to see this precious gem prominently placed.  I remember thinking, soon I'll be a part of Forest Park's history too.  I'll be among the agents that have sold homes in Birmingham's Historic Forest Park.
Heck it's not quite as good as living in Forest Park, but the sometimes the little things count jus … (9 comments)

A Day Without Complaint. Is That Possible? - 08/26/11 08:41 AM
A Day Without Complaint.  Is That Possible?
Well we’ll see.   I vow that I will live  this day without complaint both in the physical world and cyberspace.  Nope, not a single one.  That’s a tall order in the world for which we live and work and I hope I can pull it off.
Can you take a challenge and do the same?  Are you up to the task?
SIDENOTE:  Those who live to complain are excused from this challenge?
 
… (16 comments)

Only 3 Days Left to Experience Birmingham's Restaurant Week - 08/25/11 03:08 PM
Only 3 Days Left to Experience Birmingham's Restaurant Week
Last year was the inauguration of Birmingham's first ever Restaurant Week.  Lauded as the "culinary event" of the year, it looks like a repeat of good eats across the city.
Look who's participating.  You'll be licking your lips with every click.
Check out the Birmingham Restaurant Week's website and see what the following restaurant's have got cooking.
TwentySix
Bottega Restaurant and Cafe
And if you just happen to Live in Forest Park, you can walk to Silvertron Cafe.
Flip Burger Boutique
The Wine Loft
Well you get the idea.  There's a pallet … (7 comments)

RENTED September 2011 - 08/25/11 09:06 AM
RENTED:  You just can't beat a price like this for a home in one of Birmingham's finest historic districts.  Everything you need is in walking distance.......that is if you can pull yourself away from your new home to take that stroll.
Forest Park:  A Lifestyle Choice

… (13 comments)

Things Go So Much More Smoothly When You Get it in Writing - 08/24/11 04:28 PM
Things Go So Much More Smoothly When You Get it in Writing
Corresponding via email is great when but when it comes to contract negotiations and terms, it should always be in a form whereby the buyers and sellers have reviewed a formal( document whether contract or addendum) and signed off on all terms.
Sure email is great and terms can be negotiated via email and uses as backup or for reference, but once an agreement has been reached, ALL terms discussed via email should be written up in the form of a formal addendum if it affects the existing terms of the … (0 comments)

Birmingham's Mayoral Race: Looks Like it Wasn't a Race Afterall - 08/24/11 08:08 AM
Birmingham's Mayoral Race:  Looks Like it Wasn't a Race Afterall.
Well it's looks like Birmingham has staved off being known as the Mickey Mouse Club of the South.  Yesterday the citizens of Birmingham spoke loud and clear at the poles and I'm not even sure that Mayor Bell's victory can even be called a landslide.  Some how with almost 90% of the votes (15,942 out of 17,920) going to incumbent William Bell, "shoe in" just seems a bit more appropriate.
From 1999 to 2010 the Mayor's office had been the center of controversy, tantrums, rants, bullying, theatrics, showboating and grandstanding.  But … (0 comments)

Buying A Home in Birmingham's Forest Park is All About Lifestyle - 08/23/11 11:58 AM
Buying A Home in Birmingham's Forest Park is All About Lifestyle
Birmingham's Forest Park is all about lifestyle, love of archectural detail and an appreciation of Forest Park's designation as a Historic Neighborhood.
When buying a home in Birmingham's Forest Park, it's not all just about the house.  It's about unique architecural features that are found in these historic treasures.  Forest Park is an official Historic District.
Such features as:
Built-in cabinetry (wall units, bookcases, armoires, etc)
Window seating (where one can sit for hours on end and gaze out the window or enjoy a good book, watch the sun rise … (10 comments)

Mickey Mouse and Traveling Shoes Run in Today's Birmingham Mayoral Race - 08/23/11 08:43 AM
Mickey Mouse and Traveling Shoes Run in Today's Birmingham Mayoral Race
You heard it right.  Willis H. 'Mickey Mouse' Buddy Hendrix and Harry "Traveling Shoes" Turner are on the ballot today in an effort to unseat the current Birmingham Mayor William Bell.
Other candidates on the ballot are more life like as opposed to "cartoon-like" characters and they include:
Kamau Afrika a Birmigham activist and real estate investor who has unsuccessfully run for mayor in years past.
Patricia Bell (no relation to current Mayor William Bell), a childcare provider
T.C. Cannon, a local pub owner
and of course incumbent, Mayor William … (2 comments)

Realtors and Stagers..Just for one day let's try not using the evil "D" Word. - 08/22/11 08:46 AM
Yet another "word" that isn't even a word at all.  This is one of those post that just says "I've been wanting to say this forever."  It's funny how we just latch on and roll with something without a thought.
Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
 Realtors and Stagers...Just for one day let's try not using the evil "D" Word.  
 
No not some of the other "D" words that we use (although you may be having one of those days where you want to use one) but I'm talking about the other … (5 comments)

Hold on there Bobalouie - 08/22/11 08:15 AM
A social media expert I AM NOT. But who among us is?  We know Gerry will call it like he sees it in the most gentle way possible.  He disagrees with a post written by Glenn Phillips, but in true "Gettysburg Gerry" fashion, he does it in "non" attack mode.  Is social media to new to be truly analyzed with the ability to track and site statistics?
Via Gerry Michaels GettysburgGerry (Area Pro Realty, Gettysburg, Pa):
Hold on there Bobalouie I recently read a featured post from one of our own AR colleagues Glenn Phillips entitled "10 Ways to Screw Up Your Social … (1 comments)

Tristan's Got Talent: Who Let the Dogs Out? Who? Who? - 08/21/11 08:43 AM
Tristan's Got Talent:  Who Let the Dogs Out Who? Who?
… (13 comments)

Ambiguity Has No Place in a Sales Contract - 08/19/11 05:18 AM
Ambiguity Has No Place in a Sales Contract
Negotiating offers and final contracts are never about what someone told you.  Rather's it's all about what you've gotten in writing.
Both buyers and sellers should seek clarification of items in writing if the existing language is ambiguous.  One of the first things we learn when it comes to communication is to clarify your understanding of something by repeating it back to the speaker.
For example, you might say to the speaker "so if I hear you correctly, you mean that ........
Although the above reference is common in oral communication, it can … (9 comments)

How To Set Up A Successful Budget! - 08/18/11 02:36 PM
This is a great post by Wandanna.  Every household needs a budget (without exception).  I totally agree that the reason many don't have one is because they don't know how to set it up or they fear they'll have to sacrifice far more than they want to.
It's time to trade some bad habits in for some good ones.
Via Wandanna Melliphant - Specializes In Helping Mississauga First Time Buyers (Royal Lepage Credit Valley Real Estate Brokerage):
The word “budget” is one most consumers hate to talk about; hence they avoid this topic by any means necessary for numerous reasons.
Here are the … (4 comments)

Seller Says Let it Go!!! As Opposed to.........? - 08/18/11 12:24 PM
Seller Says Let it Go!!!   As Opposed to.........?
I always get so tickled when I see listing comments such as:
Seller says let it go (Go where? What does that mean?  It would probably go a little faster if conditions were primed for that call) Seller says bring/make an offer (as opposed to saying what?  Don't bring an offer) It won't last long (well hell, the listing is only a year old.  What's your definition of long?) Seller will consider all offers!  (As opposed to saying what:  don't bring an offer unless it's for asking price and no contingencies) Seller is … (10 comments)

Dear MLOs and Mortgage Brokers - 08/17/11 10:40 AM
Dear MLOs and Mortage Brokers,
  The reason that I am writing is to ask you to do me a favor.  It may seem like a no brainer, but in actuality, I've learned that it's not.  It's not easy for me to ask this, but here it goes, please don't pre-approve my buyer if they are, well   NOT PRE-APPROVED No, no, no.  I'm not talking about all MLO and Mortgage Brokers, I'm only talking about the one that run a credit report and then within the blink of an eye, spew out a pre-approval letter.   No no no.  Not … (26 comments)

She sabotaged a possible sale of her own home by just trying to be nice! - 08/17/11 10:32 AM
This should be titled:  "
Sellers Please Step Away From the Showing!"  Followed by:  "Your presence is sure to kill any potential deal or prospect of a deal. Stay at your own risk.
This is just a warning.  In the event of a live showing, you'll be asked to leave before the buyer and their agent ever even turn the corner."
Via Al and Cal Realty Group Al Mussi Carol Ann Palmieri (RE/MAX Executive Realty):
She sabotaged a possible sale of her own home by just trying to be nice!

I find that the guidelines in life are generally there for … (7 comments)

Don't Take Reading & Writing Offers SO SERIOUSLY! It's JUST a Legally Binding Contract!! - 08/16/11 10:43 AM
Oh my God.  This is so appropriate as I have been dealing with this same issue with 3 or 4 contracts.  It seems that everyone wants to treat them like templates or rubber stamps and assume that they all say the same thing.
If you are not at least reading offers and paying attention to the language, then just who benefits?  Certainly not your buyer or seller nor are you for that matter.
Read. Read.  And Read Again.
Via Sherri Wellborn, Keller Williams Realty Murfreesboro TN Homes, Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty, Murfreesboro):
I wrote a blog post this week called Before You … (6 comments)

Twitter With No Profile...Isn't That Like Cookies Without Milk? - 08/16/11 10:40 AM
I'm feeling Thom on this one completely.  But the finishing touch to his post is that if you send friend invites or invites of any sort for people to connect with you, don't be angry or surprised when you don't get a response.
On the other hand, if you are the invitee, exercise your option to accept or ignore the invitation.  Like Thom, I'd like to know a little about you before the first kiss.
Via Thomas Ramon Realty Midtown Atlanta Real Estate:
I like to think I've come along way in the Social Media arena. Mind you, there are plenty that are … (2 comments)

DO YOU WANT A PIECE OF THE LOCAL ADVERTISING PIE?..... BETTER GRAB IT!!!! - 08/16/11 08:26 AM
Think print advertising is a dying bread.  Read Paula's post and you're likely to think twice.  Newspaper advertising is not the only game in town.  Print advertising can be costly, so if you don't want to or can't spend the money on print advertising, don't do it.  But don't diss it because you just don't want to spend the money.
Via Paula I Hathaway, SVP (Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate):
DO YOU WANT A PIECE OF THE LOCAL ADVERTISING PIE?...... BETTER GRAB IT!!!
I hear that great numbers of Realtors are completely out of the print advertising business!....Not that they are thinking about it or … (5 comments)

AMB from Bham Spotlight on a Newbie: Kimberly Tapscott - 08/15/11 08:23 AM
AMB from Bham Spotlight on a Newbie:  Kimberly Tapscott
I ran across Kimberly Tapscott while reading someone else's post and since I didn't recognize her, I thought I'd click on over to her place to see what she was up to.
It appears that Kimberly has only been a member since July (I say appears because most of us know how long lurking can take place before we finally take the blogging plung),
At any rate, Kimberly writes with a storyline, but without fluff.  A couple of her post stuck out as I really liked her common sense approach.  Check them … (7 comments)

Agents Disclose, Not Diagnose - 08/14/11 05:17 PM
Real estate sale and law.....it's what we know best or should know best.  Take a tip from Michael and don't try to be all things to your buyers.  If you're not a licensed plumber, you shouldn't be doling out plumbing advise.  Or if you aren't a contractor at all in any given area, recommend that the buyer contact a specialist, because you're not it (excluding agents that happen to be contractors).
Via Michael Jacobs (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate):
Agents Disclose, Not Diagnose
"seldom can it happen that something is not a little disguised, or a little mistaken"           … (0 comments)

HUD Owned Properties Can Offer Luxury Too - 08/12/11 12:44 PM
HUD Owned Properties Can Offer Luxury Too
And here's just one such example.  Check out this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath in the Bessemer/Hoover/Helena area located at 8143 Weatherstone Circle.  It's quite expansive and has tons of wonderful features such as:
Hardwoods Ceramic tile Master suite(the word bedroom just doesn't' describe it) Bonus/ Den (upstairs)  Covered Back Patio Scenic view Oh and let's not even talk about the beautiful acreage.  You've got to see it. Contact me at 205-321-1200.
Oh and here's the best part.  It's only $144,000.
 
 
… (9 comments)

Operation Transformation - 08/12/11 08:58 AM
Operation Transformation
This morning, as with most mornings, I was reading my online subscription to Our Daily Bread and today's message was "A New Purpose."  It spoke of the following and this is definitely applicable to all of us includnig the work that we do and the businesses that we are in and that we run:
"A rusty ship that is docked in Philadelphia is being restored and may become a hotel or a museum. Hangar 61, an admired piece of architecture at the old Stapleton Airport in Colorado, is being transformed into a church. Each structure had a specific use … (22 comments)

Two Wrongs Equal a Crow - 08/12/11 08:23 AM
Confession is good for the soul.  I am not above occassional lapses in judgement.  But having a lapse in judgement and being able to admit and acknowledge the err of my ways is quite another.  I love that Joe fessed up and didn't try to hide behind a rock and insist on ridiculing the other agent without slapping his own hand.  Good job Joe.
Via Joe Kenny (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
There is never a day that goes by in ActiveRain where you can’t read about the professionalism of this agent or lender.  “He said this”, “she said that”. “They were so … (7 comments)

Got Questions About Back to School Basics? - 08/11/11 04:24 PM
Got Questions About Back to School Basics?
Since I am donating school supplies this year, I've been tinkering around on the internet for resources relating to Birmingham City Schools.  Much to my surprise, and I'm not sure why, but the Birmingham City Schools Facebook is a wealth of information.
Parents and other inquiring minds are asking great questions, expressing genuine concerns and answers and feedback is being generously given.
I don't have kids in school but I am interested in helping schools and this away for me to find out what those needs are.
Got kids in Birmingham City Schools.  Check … (0 comments)

The Never Ending Need for School Suppies in Birmingham Area Schools - 08/11/11 11:49 AM
The Never Ending Need for School Suppies in Birmingham Area Schools
The dreaded school supply list can wreck havoc on the purse strings even for parents and grandparents that are financially stable.  But what about the parents and kids that are less fortunate.  I've heard parents say that they've racked up as much as $400 in schools supplies for just one child.
I don't have any children in school, but I know that their is always a need for school supplies, so I'd decided to donate school supplies where needed.
I know that schools that are deemed to be Title 1 … (2 comments)

STOP LISTENING, KEEP TALKING! - 08/10/11 09:08 AM
Marco experience is quite common when it comes to rentals and prospective tenants.  I don't know what goes on in their heads, but I can tell you that within a very short time (often the first phone call), you already know that this is a person that you'd much rather look elsewhere to call home.
Via Marco Giancola,P.A. Realtor 954.734.5122 Fort Lauderdale Florida (Castelli Real Estate Services):
 
As professionals of any business we all know the virtues of listening to our customers needs. How else will we be able to determine their needs-right?
After accepting a rental referral from an acquaintance … (2 comments)

School Supply List for Simmons Middle and Other Birmingham Alabama Area Schools - 08/09/11 03:51 PM
School Supply List for Simmons Middle and Other Birmingham Alabama Area Schools
Not every school's website is user friendly not do they all contain the most helpful information on the most sought after subjects.  School officially starts in the Metro Birmingham, AL area on or around August 10, 2011.  And the number one subject on the minds of parents is "what schools supplies will my child need?"  Here are just a few school websites/pages and specifically answer that question.  Take the guesswork out of what your child will need and go directly to the source.
School Supplies list for Simmons Middle … (0 comments)

Founder of For Sale By Owner Company Turns to Broker for Help - 08/09/11 09:50 AM
Now this post has got to be considered FSBO Gold.  Imagine the founder of ForSaleByOwner.com fails at selling his own home.  For real estate agents around the world must be shouting "how cool is that?" (in unison).
Via Tim and Susan Fennell (The Legends of Real Estate, REALTORS®):
Founder of For Sale By Owner Company Turns to Licensed Real Estate Broker for Help
by TIM on AUGUST 4, 2011

From the files of stranger than fiction, the founder and former CEO of ForSalebyOwner.com, Colby Sambrotto, was unable to sell his OWN HOME so he turned to a licensed real estate Broker to get the job done.
… (3 comments)

ARE QR Codes Newsworthy? - 08/09/11 08:17 AM
ARE QR Codes Newsworthy?
The answer is yes, no or maybe so.  I received the email below last week from a feature writer at the Birmingham News. 
"Charita,
I am currently writing a piece for Birmingham News Extra about QR Codes and what they can mean for businesses.
I came across your information online and was hoping we could speak briefly either over the phone or via email about your experience using QR codes.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you in advance for your help!"-- M.f.Food and Feature Writer
 
When I responded to tell her I would be … (10 comments)

Hey There Mr. & Mrs. Seller...You've Got a Leg Up on the Average Buyer - 08/05/11 08:44 AM
Hey There Mr. & Mrs. Seller...You've Got a Leg Up on the Average Buyer
Why do I say that you ask.  Well because you are or soon will be one of them.  Think about it:  you'll be moving somewhere when you sell and in all likelihood, you'll be buying another home instead of renting one yourself.
You have the unique advantage of being able to think like a buyer and thereby being able to better prepare for the seller/buyer negotiating experience.  If by chance your current listing agent will be representing you in the purchase of a home as well, then … (7 comments)

Motivated, semi-motivated, or unmotivated seller? - 08/05/11 07:43 AM
Working with an unmotivated seller can put you both in the dog house.  Don't do it.  Don't do it.  That is of course if you don't live to be stressed out.
When it comes to seller motivation, an unmotivated seller's only motivation is self indulgence.  Don't fall into that TRAP.
Via Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, Alain Pinel in Northern California (Alain Pinel):
Motivated seller
Goodness, why would one accept a listing from an unmotivated seller? But sometimes, we may miss the signals or we don't really find out the seller isn't motivated until it comes to crunch time.
Or can we?
… (10 comments)

I Did the Unthinkable: I Talked a Seller Into Taking Their Home Off of the Market. - 08/02/11 06:58 AM
I Did the Unthinkable:  I Talked a Seller Into Taking Their Home Off of the Market.
While right now is an absolutely great time to buy, it's isn't necessarily a great time to seller (at least not for all homeowners).
Yesterday as part of my weekly follow up with a seller, I advised the seller that it might be a good time to take her home off of the market until such time that:
A shift in the market allows her to list her home for what she actually needs it to sell for She could afford to sell it The … (92 comments)