My state is in AR's Top 10! Is yours? - 10/27/06 02:40 PM
While noticing the blogging was down over the last week or so, I figured this was a great time for some Active Rain promotion.  In order to keep this wonderful network growing, we need to introduce it to more and more people.  I have emailed my favorite home inspectors, loan officers, appraisers, and insurance brokers, politely asking them to check us out.  We are now over 8,000 strong!  While that is exciting, imagine if we had 15,000 members, or 100,000, or even 1 million.  I don't know exactly what the long-term plan for AR's creators is, but it is sure exciting to … (4 comments)

Relo Companies Beneficial to us or thieves? ....Part Deux - 10/26/06 01:02 PM
Once again, I have to bring up this painful subject.  This is a follow up to my first blog on the dreaded topic.  I have to share what just happened with the re-lo deal I finally just closed.  I will not say who the company was, but I will say it is on of the "Big Dog Re-Lo Companies". 
Everything started out as usual, as I was contacted from a buyer in Kentucky who just accepted a job here in Roswell, GA.  He flew in, and we looked out some homes.  The day before we the contract was written, the re lo company … (1 comments)

Client Follow-Up...What do you do? - 10/24/06 01:30 PM
I have read some interesting blogs on client follow up.  It seems that most of us agents either do a lot, a little, or none at all.  I would place myself into the middle category.  Every year I always say I am going to do more, but for some reason unfortunately it never turns out that way.  Making excuses for not doing enough will not get us far.  I don't know about the rest of the network, but for me it’s an organizational thing.  At the beginning of each month is when I set out to do my reach-out programs.  I found … (1 comments)

Tips on Avoiding Idenity Theft - 10/23/06 01:13 PM
We all hear about identity theft on the news and most of us even know someone who's had their identity stolen.  It has not happened to me yet, and like most, I hope it never will.  I would like to share some of these tips that I pass on to my clients that help protect us.  While there is no way to completely stomp this nuisance out of our lives, but these simple steps can drastically reduce our chances of being victims.
1. Remove mail from your mailbox promptly.  If you stop receiving mail, call the post office promptly.  Thieves can fill out … (1 comments)

Realtor.com Banner...A Good Move? - 10/21/06 03:01 PM
We all know that Realtor.com is a highly trafficked site for buyers looking in specific areas.  Sure the listing packages are nice, and the search for an agent feature is good, but what I want to talk about is the Banner.  A few months ago I inquired about a banner that would post at the top of the page when someone searched a city included in my county.  The price was 3k a year.  The thing that puzzled me is that they could not tell me what the average click through rate or impressions were for my county.  The sales person told me … (7 comments)

Sites such as Realty News..Are they good for SEO? - 10/21/06 12:36 PM
I wanted to get the networks opinion on the site called RealtyTimes.  I think the site is great due to the awesome articles it contains.  Also the market watch is kind of different too. Are any of you members?  And is having a backlink from the site worth the $699.  I know it is a highly ranked Real Estate site but for $699 there are a million more ways to go.  I noticed a competitor with my search terms had a link from there, thats what sparked the interest.  I would love to see what Mary says about this one.  … (7 comments)

Corrupt and misleading lenders? Or Not! - 10/20/06 08:51 PM
This post is aimed toward all of my "mortgage friends" on the network.  While I'm sure none of you are apart of this, some of your local competition is.  We agents always have a few deals fall through a year, due to a lender Pre-Qual or Pre Approving a prospective buyer for a home who never had any business buying in the first place.   The lender I recommend my buyers work with has NEVER given me a problem.  They work in house with the underwriters and can tell me right away if the loan will work or not.  The problem is when we … (5 comments)

The reports out! Is the slide over? - 10/20/06 08:12 AM
Based on a government report published Wednesday, the number of new projects that homebuilders started rose to an annual pace of 1.77 million in September.  That is up 6% from the previous month. This is the first upswing in 7 months, which is obvious what we need to get over the hump.  Most lead economists had predicted that September would again be a slow month for new projects, but they were wrong!  It's about time we hear some great news about the Real Estate Industry!  I just hope this is a sign that the market has indeed already bottomed out.  In … (1 comments)

DownTown Woodstock is being reborn! - 10/19/06 02:26 PM
As everyone in Woodstock now knows, the DownTown Woodstock project by HedgeWood Homes is moving along.  The commercial section is up right along mainstreet, and the high end luxury homes are being completed as we speak.  This is going to be great for the city of Woodstock!  The traffic on the other hand has not been dealt with.  Now I have just received word from a city planner contact of mine, that Hedgewood is buying another 30 acres on the West Side of Main Street behind Bank of Woodstock.  Wow!  They submitted there zoning to take it to 20 units in … (0 comments)

Has anyone tried the new Internet Explorer 7? - 10/19/06 02:08 PM
As I was working on my Woodstock Real Estate website yesterday, I got a notice from Microsoft to update my IE.  They said it's supposed to be as fast and secure as Firefox, so I thought I'd give it a try.  The look is much sleeker, the old 90's look of Internet Explorer is gone, which is a good thing.  Most of us who use IE are sick of the old design and have been waiting for the "new edition" for a while.  The functions are much different and more customizable.  Tabs and Windows now default at the top instead of bottom.  And … (5 comments)

Active Rain Blogging? Watch out for the Blog Police? - 10/18/06 07:09 PM
I have been an Active Rain member for a month now and love it.  I love writing blogs, especially about my local region of North Atlanta.  While they are not page long articles, I still believe they get the idea or point across.  All of the sudden I've been noticing a lot of blogs targeting "new bloggers" and "short bloggers".  Many of them have talked about how AR bloggers are writing garbage and cutesy blogs.  Who has the time to read 50 blogs a day and judge who can write better than the others?  I guess a lot of us do.  Many of … (14 comments)

Canton eyesore finally will be taken care of! - 10/18/06 12:10 PM
The senior housing project that was abandoned while under construction a year ago, is finally going to be completed.  The project sits off Marietta Hwy and Waleska Street, and has been sitting there growing mold for almost a year now.  I have fielded questions by many clients over the last 6 months on why the building has not been finished yet.  Now I finally have answers!  The buiding was purchased by Jasper-based Etowah River Group LLC, and are turning the site into apartment homes.  Another posititive note is that 4 acres will still be included in the Etowah River Greenway, which … (0 comments)

What exactly is the best E-mail type and/or service? - 10/18/06 11:57 AM
Just what is exactly the best type and way to use Email.  Do you use a Pop3 or a web-based.  I have all my email forwarded to my Yahoo web-based account to make it accesible anywhere.  The BlackBerry is one the most amazing inventions of our time!  The only problem is that web-based emails that link to it are limited. Sure you can sync to Blackberry from a computer, but what happens when you don't have a computer readily available.  I would be interested to see what others do, and how they handle thier mobile email.  In this day of Internet and … (1 comments)

How much does bad weather effect showings, and everything else. - 10/17/06 04:38 PM
Just how much does a week of inclement weather slow down showings and all other real estate activities?  We have had rain over the last few days in Atlanta and since that time I have had two buyers reschedule and absolutely 0 showings on my listings.  I always figured that the serious people would be out in the rain, sleet, or snow, but it's not like that anymore.  That's also a saying in the car buiness, When people are out looking for cars when it is raining, they are definatley serious and going to buy that day!  I would love to hear what … (2 comments)

The Future of Cherokee County Real Estate - RidgeWalk - 10/17/06 10:41 AM
As it stands now, the future of Cherokee County Real Estate is a bright one!  While county planners have curbed new development somewhat, exciting new communities are sprouting up everywhere.  In the southernmost region of the county lies Woodstock, Towne Lake, and Holly Springs.  By the end of 2008 a new master planned community will also be among us called Ridgewalk.  Ridgewalk Parkway will be the next exit, north of Towne Lake Parkway.  This will ease congestion on both Hwy 92 and Towne Lake Parkway, which is a good thing, becuase we need the relief.  The planned development of Ridgewalk will … (2 comments)

For Online Marketing, Bye Bye Yahoo - 10/16/06 01:16 PM
I just wanted to let everyone know I am not doing business with Yahoo Pay-per-Click anymore.  The reason is they will not let my site be completely omitted from there partner sites.  As most of you know, over 25% of Search Marketing Clicks are fraudulent.  Webmasters create B.S. sites so they can offer pay-per-click customers links and then click them themselves or pay companies in India to do it for them.  This is very profitable for any scam artist.  I use stat-counter to see where every click comes from.  When a high volume of pay per click activity started coming in from … (6 comments)

Woodstock GA Traffic Concerns - 10/16/06 08:12 AM
Ok, I just have to rant here.  There are some problems we are facing in downtown Woodstock.  With the traffic on I575, and the New Downtown Woodstock construction, buy Hedgewood Homes, the city is near grid-lock.  The plans for loosening up the grid-lock all call for completion dates of 2008.  That is to far away!!  How are we going take clients around and plan a day for showing 8-10 homes.  I'm sure this is a common story in cities all around the United States, but this is a first in this town.  I wonder what the city planners where thinking when … (1 comments)

Economists are on our side! - 10/16/06 08:02 AM
I ran across a great article today I had to share with the community.  It seems now some chief Wall Street Economists are now singing the same positve tune as we are.  Now, this issue has been kicked around for the whole year, especially over the las few months in Active Rain.  Just because the Real Estate Industry is correcting itself due to 5 years of record sales, doesnt mean it is going to be catastrophic.  The article points out that the media has turned this whole issue into a circus, and is scaring the Home-Buying Public.  The media are the ones in … (2 comments)

E-Neighborhoods?????? Do you like it? - 10/14/06 02:21 PM
Does anyone love E-Neighborhoods?  I am using it as a free 2 month trial right now and am not that impressed.  I am learning all the features, and while the software seems great, It just does't seem like it will be that beneficial to me.  If anyone uses this on a daily basis and loves it please let me know.  I am still trying to use it, at least for another 2 months.
Canton Real Estate
… (4 comments)

Cherokee County Information - 10/14/06 01:53 PM
Hello my fellow Cherokee County agents!  I have found a great link, if you alread new about it, disregard this message.  It has all of the locations of the municipalities in Cherokee County.  Tags, Courthouse, etc, it tells you everyhthing.  Consider passing this links on to clients who just moved here.  It will be of great help!
http://www.cherokeega.com/directions.cfm
Canton Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Other agents contacting me about my IDX - 10/14/06 01:40 PM
Ok guys, here is something to chat about.  I want to know if this same thing happends to other agents with a good IDX on there website.  I get at least 5 calls a week from Atlanta agents asking me about a listing off my IDX.  At first I tell them I don't know what they are talking about, because they aren't my listings, then I realize what is happening.  Their client had been searching my website and found these listings through my IDX, and assumed they were all my listings.  We can't blame the consumers here, because how are they supposed to … (8 comments)

Woodstock GA Real Estate - 10/13/06 01:43 PM
Woodstock GA Real Estate has had a slower time with new construction as of lately, due to the high price of land.  Developers are moving north towards Canton and Ballground where land is a little cheaper per acre overall than Woodstock.  High Density type of construction is common on Hwy 92 in Woodstock.  Townhomes, condos, and cluster homes are the new rage here.  In Woodstock's backyard, you still have some larger tract communities going up, such as Olde Heritage. … (0 comments)

Canton GA Real Estate - 10/13/06 01:37 PM
Canton GA Real Estate is still going strong.  The huge influx of buyers coming from Florida is still very common. The ony probem with Canton these days are the limited supply of lower priced housing. Not everyone can afford these 400k houses.  Don't get me wrong, the constant high end new home building going on in Canton is great, but I wish we could have some lower end new construction besides townhomes.  When talking to my developer clients, they have all made it clear to me that land in Cherokee County is so expensive per acre, that smaller high density tracts … (0 comments)

Has anyone recieved this email???? - 10/12/06 09:26 AM
I have received many spam emails, but these are getting rediculous.  About 10 times a day I get these stock quotes that annoy me to death.  I ahve heard that they target Realtors...I dont know why?  They always beat my spam blocker too, does anyone know how to stop this madness?  If so, please help!Here is the full Spam Email:  I get about 10 of these a day!Ultimate control am With whole in new range is library playlist a portable of device controls more easier use than ever before.Find and organize is your giving ultimate control With whole new range in … (4 comments)

7000!! Congratulations Active Rain! - 10/11/06 07:50 PM
7000!  Awesome!  I have told everyone I know about this wonderful website!  I hope everyone else has too.  I joined back when it was around 3000, and now it has more than doubled.  Way to go Active Rain staff.  This is the most innovative industry sites I have ever see.  My friend in the website design business told me that Active Rain was the first to do many things.  There is no website like its kind that combines the practicality and ease of use as this one.  May 2007 be just as great or better than 06 for ActiveRain.  Congratulations staff, … (2 comments)

Woodstock Real Estate - 10/11/06 07:42 PM
Do any of my fellow agents care to talk about the Woodstock Real Estate market?  Being my home city, I obviously watch it a little closer than others.  My opinion is that for the time of the year, I think the city is doing fine.  The homes are still appreciating at an above average level.  If anybody wants to add, please do!
Woodstock Real Estate
… (0 comments)

Alpharetta Real Estate market - 10/11/06 07:34 PM
It wasn't that long ago that Alpharetta was just a small town in Northern, Georgia.  Now it is a bustling city that houses some of Atlanta's wealthiest residents.  I grew up in the city and watched the change up-close.  The Real Estate market exploded in the mid 90s, and has done wonderful ever since.  Now I start to see a change in the residents.  It was once a mecca for young families, but know that has completly stopped.  With the average median home value over 300k, the first-time homebuyers are staying away.  The most important stat I read to back this … (1 comments)

Check this article out.....We are not overpaid! - 10/10/06 08:56 PM
It's nice to see an article come about that breaks it down the right way.  This article talks about how most experience Realtors make less than six figures a year, the average is what a teacher makes, and most rookies earn less than 12k a year.  It talks about how CEOs of large corporations should be coming uner fire, not us Realtors.  Check out htis wonderful article and let me know what you think!
http://realtytimes.com/rtapages/20061010_reportrips.htm
… (0 comments)

Strange type of contact - 10/10/06 08:46 PM
Well, today I got a strange question.  I was contacted off of my website from a Realtor in Florida moving here to Georgia.  He said, because he will do all the work he wants to receive a 50/50 referral fee.  Hmmm...ok, what does "all" the work mean, I asked.  He said when he gets here he will show the MLS his Florida Real Estate license, and he will be able to view all the listings, even get into them...LOL.  I had to keep from laughing.  I emailed him back tonight, telling him I can do a refferal fee, only with a … (2 comments)

Does anyone have a "MySpace" Real Estate page? - 10/10/06 07:57 AM
I might be late in the game with this post, but I was just wondering if anyone had a "myspace" page for there business.  Now I know it's mainly teenagers that spend all day on the site, but I have been seeing more and more small businesses taking part in the action.  Any adverising is "Good" advertising....I guess?
Acworth Real Estate
… (2 comments)

Townhomes in Cherokee County - 10/09/06 07:15 PM
Has anyone seen the amount of town homes for sale in Cherokee County lately?  I wonder what these builders are thinking?  Take a look at all of the 1-3 year old town homes on the market right now!  These poor people can't give them away.  I remember going on a listing appointment in March, telling the seller if she really wanted to sell, she needed to be 15k less than her original price.  Well guess what, I didnt get the listing, and the home right now is still for sale for 20k less than her original price.  She has now been … (0 comments)

'The Super Bowl of Real Estate'----Good Article - 10/09/06 08:38 AM
Hello my active rain community!  We are constantly blogging about this topic, and I have found a great Washington Post article about it.  Look at the price of these homes.  Imagine having to list a 100 million dollar home?  The amazing thing is, even in a supposed "Down Market", these homes are still bringing in record prices.  Let me know what you think.  Anything with Donald Trump involved is always kind of interesting!
Washington Post Article
 
… (1 comments)

Woodstock/Canton Real Estate - 10/09/06 08:30 AM
Well, the fall is finally here!  I have been hearing from other Cherokee County real estate agents that the influx of buyers is slowing down. Builder inventory is stacking up, as they still implement price increases!  I would love to hear from my other agents in this region to see how things are going.  Lets make it a strong Winter/Fall, and then do it big in the spring!  Good Luck! … (0 comments)

Will this spring be as great as last? - 10/08/06 05:19 PM
Hello everyone, what is everyones take on March-June of next year.  Will it be a buyers or sellers market, or a great median.  I, myself, feel that interest rates will possibly be lower than they are now, and also the price of gasoline will remain low.  That should be enough to spark the Real Estate Industy.  My feelings on Cherokee County is that it will be again, one of the fastest growing counties in the state.
Alpharetta Real Estate
… (4 comments)

400k + lisitings are abundant in Cherokee County - 10/08/06 07:37 AM
I just went to a list a home in Bridgemill Friday, and had a "real" conversation with the owners.  It was typical in the fact that they wanted to sell "fast", but they also wanted to get "top dollar".  Understandable.  The thing about it though, is when you look at the inventory on the listing services of their price range....It's a little demotivating.  I told them that in this type of market, your home has to be the cleanest, and have to stand out.  There is way too much competition out there.  And of course, the most important thing of all, … (3 comments)

How are the buyers coming - 10/08/06 07:15 AM
Hello everyone!  I just wanted to ask all of my fellow Georgia Realtors how they are doing with Buyers.  For some reason I have noticed an increase in listings, but a decreas in buyers.  While all year it was the opposite.  Much of my buyers also have a home to sell in Florida.  I'm sure you guys have heard that before.  I have the 8 contacts in Florida right now that I speak to on a montly basis, but are having difficulty selling there home.  I think if the market in Florida ever rebounds, us Atlanta Realtors will be Rich!  Let … (4 comments)

Great article about home price comparisons - 10/07/06 12:52 PM
Hello Everyone, I just came across an awesome article on what a typical home costs in different parts of the country by comparison.  I think for those who have not seen this, it's a good idea to check out this link on CNN.com.  It will give you a good idea where out-of-state buyers are coming from.  Check this link out and let me know what you think!
http://money.cnn.com/2006/09/26/real_estate/costliest_housing_cities_for_middle_managment/index.htm
… (2 comments)

Morgage rates decline for 10th time in 11 weeks - 10/07/06 07:28 AM
Now that is what I am talking about!  Even though the drop is was slight this week, it is still going in the right direction.  With the price of gasoline going down(Now a $1.99 in Atlanta), and natural gas at a 3 year low, this is what the economy needs for a quick boost.  My mortgage friends are very happy about this situation as there phones have been ringing like crazy for re-fis, something they haven't seen in a long time.  I know job growth is down, as is housing activity, but these are a few bright spots. … (0 comments)

North GA Mountain Real Estate - 10/07/06 07:22 AM
Has anyone been to the North Georgia Mountains lately?  It is now the time of the year.  The leaves are changing and the festivals have begun.  My husband and I purchased a cabin in Coosawatee River Resort this summer and are looking forward to get up there.  It's just difficult to find the time these days.  The real estate market in Glimer, Pickens, and Lumpkin counties has been extremely active over the last 2 years.  The locals don't know what to think of it.  The younger residents welcome the change, but the older residents can't stand it.  While everyone is really nice, there are some … (0 comments)

Lead Generating Companies - 10/06/06 02:06 PM
This is just a message to all of my fellow agents on the Active Rain Network.  I just got off the phone with another fellow Georgia Real Estate agent who tried a certain lead generating company.  I do not want to mention the name, but you know the kind I'm talking about.  He has had it for 4 months a 500 per month.  He is guranteed 20 leads per his 3 zipcodes.  Here is the problem.  95% of his leads are bogus phone #s, bogus email adresses, and/or rookie agents needing help.  While this scamming has been going on for a … (7 comments)

Solid Source Realty's Day at the Fox - 10/06/06 02:00 PM
The Fox Theatre was alive today with all my fellow agents from Solid Source, and thier friends.  In just 3 years Michele Shoda has grown this amazing Real Estate Brokerage from 3 to 1200 agents.  Her concept is so unique and cutting edge she now has franchises in Florida and Illinois.  Before I found this awesome company, I was working for GMAC Metrobrokers, only to be stuck with massive franchise fees and a $12,000 cap.  I encourage all of my local Atlanta agents to find out more about this wonderful brokerage.  Just like Active Rain, it is changing the way agents are … (1 comments)

Water Front Property in Georgia - 10/04/06 04:46 PM
I have a developer I have been working with who loves waterfront property.  In Georgia, of course, that is hard to find sometimes.  We have the largest tract of land "for sale" on the Chatahoochie River under contract in Whitesburg right now.  If any of my fellow agents have any going up soon, please let me know.  The only requirement is that it has 80+ acres.  He builds 1-2 acre lot communities so zoning is usually not a problem.  … (0 comments)

Investors? Great Clients or Time Wasters - 10/04/06 04:35 PM
Hello everyone, I was wanting your take on Atlanta real estate investors.  In my career I have been very hit-or miss with them.  Some have been great and I have closed many transactions with, but most have been newbie types.  I guess the best thing I have learned is to size the up right away to see how "for real" they are.  I have passed a few off to new agents, but I don't do that anymore.  After months of wasting time the agents finally told me they had enough and passed them on to other new agents.  This seems like … (3 comments)

Cherokee County Traffic - 10/03/06 08:10 AM
I don't know what everyone else thinks, but showing homes in Towne Lake recently is becoming quite difficult.  The service lanes they are constructing between exit 8 & 9 seem to have all of Woodstock in gridlock.  I know eventually it will fix the problem, for now, but in the meantime I guess we must suffer.  It has been a deterrent for clients though.  They think the traffic is always like this.  Has anyone else in the Cherokee County real estate market had the same problem with this?  If so, I would love to hear about it.  Thanks! … (1 comments)

Website slowdown on weekends due to Football? - 10/03/06 07:36 AM
Now I know this kind of sounds strange, but think about it.  Over the last 3 years I have realized something.  I average a large amount of unique hits on my website M-F.  But starting in late August those stats plummet on Saturday & Sunday.  Now I know here in the South, College Football is King.  With large amount GA Tech, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Auburn, and Tennesee Fans in Metro Atlanta, I can see how many are watching the games instead of surfing the web for Atlanta Real Estate.  And between the Falcons and NFL Sunday ticket on Sundays, it is much … (4 comments)

The Active Rain Real Estate Network Rules!!! - 10/01/06 07:26 PM
Its funny how I found Active Rain.  Reading the forum at Agents Online I ran into it.  At first I didnt know what to think.  A points based network with rankings for participation with a profile?  Interesting.  The more I read into it, the more I realized that this was different.  About a week later my SEO manager e-mailed me and said, "Join Active Rain Now!".  I told him I had already found it and loved it!  The participation is fun, not painful. I have even met some great people on this network! … (9 comments)

Relo Companies Beneficial to us or thieves? - 10/01/06 06:52 PM
I just wanted to get my fellow Realtors opinion on relo companies.  In my years I have dealt with many of the big ones.  Some of them have been easy to work with and some not so much.  Of course on the buying side I have always had to pay a 35% referral fee....even though I generated the lead.  On the listing side I have been pretty lucky.  Most of my clients had 1 way relo packages that had nothing to do with buying there current home.  I guess relo companies benefit only the consumer, unless you directly work for one.  … (8 comments)

 
Jenngiraldi-atlanta-real-estate Rainmaker_large

Jennifer K Giraldi, Atlanta REALTOR® Atlanta Real Estate Expert

Alpharetta, GA

More about me…

Solid Source Realty Atlanta

Address: 10900 Crabapple Road, Roswell, GA, 30075

Office Phone: (678) 469-9519

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