No permit? No loan! - 01/26/11 02:38 PM
This is well worth a re-blog.  Many people don't understand that the banks will not lend on unpermitted room additions.  In fact, I just explained all this to my daughter-in-law yesterday, when she contacted me to inquire about a house she saw on Realtor.com with unpermitted rooms, that even though she intends to pay cash, at SOME POINT, she will have to get those permits, either in case of a refinance, or when they go to sell.
Via Daniel Polimino (Fuller Towne and Country Properties):
We all know that borrowers are being more closely scrutinized than ever before. What you should also keep in mind is … (1 comments)

Why Would You Do That To Your Home??? - 01/26/11 10:35 AM
Remodeling soon?  What are your remodeling plans?  Are you thinking of adding a second story, or perhaps a couple more rooms?
THINK BEFORE YOU PLAN!!! 
If you don't know what I am talking about, drive around your city, through your neighborhoods, and sure enough, you will spot one (or twelve).  You know what I am talking about!  Remodeling monstrosities.  Houses that don't EVEN look like they belong in that neighborhood. 
If you live in a tract of homes that are all one story, ranch style, 1800 square foot homes, you certainly do not want to add another 2000 square feet … (10 comments)

Double Dip Housing Slump Has Begun - 01/26/11 09:20 AM
Well, we all knew it was coming.  Why?  The "they" us it was.  lol  So, now, according to "them", this long-predicted double-dip in housing has begun.  Housing prices in cities all over the country falling rapidly to their lowest point in many years.  This all according to data released by analysts.  In fact, according to the chairman of S & P, we could have confirmation of the "double-dip" before spring, this year.
Prices in 20 major metropolitan areas fell 1 percent in November from October, according to the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Home Price Index. The index is only 3.3 percent above the low it reached … (6 comments)

Huell Howser's California Gold--World Famous Phillippe's - 01/25/11 06:32 PM
For those of you who live in California, I hope you have had the opportunity to catch Huell Howser on Public Television.  Here in Southern California, he is on KCET and KOCE (Los Angeles and Orange County Public Stations).
Every evening, somewhere around six to eight pm, he has (reruns typically) of shows where he travels to unique spots in California and visits with folks, and it really does make you want to go there, no matter WHAT he is spotlighting.
Not long ago, Huell visited a California landmark in the heart of downtown Los Angeles called Phillippe's.  This restaurant is … (1 comments)

Huell Howser's California Gold - 01/25/11 06:15 PM
For those of you who live in California, I hope you have had the opportunity to catch Huell Howser on Public Television.  Here in Southern California, he is on KCET and KOCE (Los Angeles and Orange County Public Stations).
Every evening, somewhere around six to eight pm, he has (reruns typically) of shows where he travels to unique spots in California and visits with folks, and it really does make you want to go there, no matter WHAT he is spotlighting.
Last night, he did a show on a really cool sounding restaurant in Burbank called the Tallyrand.  It is a … (0 comments)

Facebook For DumDums--The Series--Part 5 Going Stealth - 01/25/11 05:18 PM
Have you wondered why people can see you and make comments to you on Facebook, when you don't even know who they are?  There are privacy settings that you need to be zware of and get set to avoid this invasion of your privacy.
When you have logged into Facebook, go to your profile and click 'Account' in the top-right corner. Then choose 'Privacy Settings.'
Go to the Privacy Settings' page, click on 'View Settings' to see who can search for you, send messages to your account, see your education and work settings and more. Change all of these drop-down menus to 'Friends … (3 comments)

Facebook For DumDums--The Series--Part 3 - 01/18/11 10:05 AM
Our next chapter in Facebook For Dummies: "Adding Your Own Face To Facebook", takes us through how to set up your Facebook account, set up your profile, and add your photo.  Now, even I can figure this out.
A couple of things I did pick up from this chapter are 1. You Are NEVER Too Old For Facebook.  Ok, I feel better now.  And, 2. they really do seem to have a lot of security measures in place.  Gee, that's comforting.
Seriously, though, for those of you who still struggle with this stuff, as I do, when you are setting up … (2 comments)

Are Lease Homes Second Class Listings? - 01/15/11 12:53 PM
I am at a loss of why some agents feel they are either TOO GOOD or TOO HIGH ON THE BOARD to work with rental properties.  In this market, especially, we are seeing so many people who have lost their homes to foreclosure, needing rentals, yet, I come across agents quite often, who will say, "Oh I don't have time to work with that stuff".  Well, IMHO, "THAT STUFF" still pays money, and contrary to popular belief, we really probably make more money on a rental contract, than we do on a big fat sale.  That's if, you look at the … (3 comments)

How To Avoid Facebook Spam in Your Email - 01/14/11 04:38 PM
Spam and scammers are running rampant through our private lives, and sometimes we don't even know we are opening the door for them.  I felt that this blog by our own Brad Andersohn was worth another read, becasue it just goes to show you how easy it is for scammers to seep through the cracks. 
I watch every thing that comes to me, and it if doesn't look right, I just don't open it.  Beware
Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):
Ever feel like a fish in the water that just got hooked?  If you're biting, read on....
Face it, if you're … (0 comments)

Hemet California: Is It Goatnapping or Just Stealing? - 01/14/11 04:33 PM
I don't really even know where to begin.  Sometimes I think I am gonna go outside and see Jed Clampett, Jethro, Ellie Mae and Granny pullin into my driveway. 
Hemet California is a somewhat small town.  Hemet has lots of dairy farmland and wide open spaces, as well as newer and older housing tracts.
The downtown area is quaint.  The city is just 101 years old.
I have a police scanner that I keep on 24/7, and it is always interesting what you wil hear happening here in Hemet California.  The other day, I thought I heard them say there was an attempted … (10 comments)

Foreclosure 101; what I tell my buyer clients. - 01/13/11 02:22 PM
This blog post by Bob Hashbarger goes into great detail about forel=closures, in a way that we can explain to our clients.  I have had so many clients, and actually friends ask me questions about foreclosures, short sales, deed in lieu, etc.  They always seem to have asked someone else who talked so far above them, that they got a bad taste about the whole thing.  We need t remember that when we are talking to people, not to speak in realtor slang, but to give it to them so that they will comprehend what we are saying.  Read on.....
Via Bob … (0 comments)

Facebook For DumDums--The Series--Part 2 - 01/13/11 02:10 PM
Well, it's finally official.  I have cracked open that Facebook For Dummies book that I purchased somewhare around October of last year.  And, since I am not a huge bookworm, or have the acute ability to retain a lot of what I read, I thought that if I blogged about what I read, it would help me, and perhaps either help others who are in my boat, or at least provide laughs for the rest of all y'all.  Sound like a plan?
So, here goes.  On Facebook, you will first want to establish a profile.  Now, I think we all know … (4 comments)

HOA Demands Flag Be Take Down... A Few Call it "trashy" - 01/13/11 12:08 PM
Talk about going too far?  An HOA in Cypress Texas is charging a retired Marine $10.00 per day penalty, all because he chooses to fly the AMERICAN AND STATE FLAG in his OWN FRONT YARD.  These self-righteous HOA  members (we'll refer to them as the NAZIS), say that is makes the park look TRASHY.  IMHO, THEY are the ones who are trashy.  It is going to end up in court, and I hope and pray that the NAZI HOA group has to pay this man (WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY) ten-fold of what he has paid for this crap.
I think everyone … (0 comments)

199,245... and inching toward 200,000 Members strong! - 01/12/11 07:21 PM
We are getting dangerously close to the TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND MEMBER mark.  It actually would take less than a quarter of a percent of us to take it over the top.  When you break it down that way, we should hit 200K by morning.  Probably won't happen that way though. 
I know I invite folks all the time, but they somehow don't share my entusiasm.  Oh well, lets see how fast we can do this.  Someone grab the party hats!
Via Kathy Schowe ~e-pro~ La Quinta, California (The Lori Bowers Group, La Quinta California):
 
 
Do you check the running count … (2 comments)

Should Renters Get a Home Inspection? - 01/09/11 01:44 PM
Just in case you have missed this featured blog, I personally think this is a great idea.  Most people who rent a home, go through with cameras and checklists, just to cover themselves when it is move out time, and/or in case something breaks.
The cost of a home inspection can be way less than the cost of an attorney.
Via Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD):
Crofton renters recently asked me how much it would cost to have a home inspection before they moved into the property. 
Frankly, this isn't … (6 comments)

Dear Facebook, I’m sorry but there’s someone else! - 01/08/11 04:11 PM
Just in case you missed this FEATURED blog post, it is a must read.  Tara has entertained us with her wit about her relationship with ActiveRain.  Sorry Facebook, but it looks like you have received a "Dear John" letter.  Very cute and funny post......
Via AmeriFirst Financial, Inc.:
Dear Facebook,
I’ve been dreading bringing this up, wondering how to say it and let you down easy. I could say that it’s me, not you. It’s really not you! But I think I just need to put it out there: There’s someone else.

We’ve been through it, haven’t we? I know when we … (3 comments)

Step away from the potty! - 01/08/11 04:02 PM
Why is it when agents take a listing, they do one of two things?  1. They take ONE louzy picture of the front of the house, usually, either on a rainy day, or they don't focus, just shoot it out of their car window. And 2. they take 25 pictures, 5 of which, are of the bathroom.  And you KNOW the darned toilet is in each of those 5 pics. 
If I am a buyer, I'm thinkin that if there is a bathroom, there is surely a toilet.  Assuming, of course, that the previous owners were not so disgruntled that they took … (4 comments)

Jeff Dowler: Another Millionaire Blogger! - 01/08/11 03:47 PM
Wow!!!! Congratulations to JEFF DOWLER for becoming ActiveRain's newest MILLIONNAIRE!!!  In case you hadn't seen this post, be sure and read how nicely Patricia Kennedy applauded Jeff's accomplishments.  This is truly one of the great things I love about being a part of the ActiveRain community. 
Jeff's localism blogs are always great to read.  He always makes you want to be right there in the moment of whatever he writes about.
Be sure and add Jeff to your subscribers list.
Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):
Some time yesterday, probably when he posted  Evergreen Art in San Marcos, CA,  Jeff Dowler passed … (2 comments)

Contact information for credit reporting agencies - 01/08/11 03:11 PM
Sue Lechman has very nicely put together a list of the three credit reporting agencies in which to contact for credit reports and/or credit report disputes.
Be sure that your clients, and actually everyone you know, that each year thay are entitled to one FREE CREDIT REPORT, simply by writing to each one of these agencies.  All they must do is write a simple request, including their full name, address, birthdate, social security number and I believe state driver license number. 
All of the ads we see online and on television about FREDD CREDIT REPORTS are going to extract money for … (0 comments)

Facebook For DumDums--The Series--Part 1 - 01/08/11 02:58 PM
So, about three months ago, I made somewhat of a MAJOR PURCHASE.  I bought Facebook for Dummies.  Ha Ha!  Couldn't hurt to read up on all the stuff I don't know.  Right?  Well, up until this very minute, I have not even TOUCHED this book.  It has been lying on the floor next to my desk.  Boy did it collect a lot of dust!
So, not being very good at cracking open the books and studying, I thought that if I went through a portion of the book each and every day, and blogged about what I read, I might possibly … (12 comments)

Marketing Idea for Facebook Business Page - 01/07/11 06:24 PM
Don't you just love it when one of our fellow ActiveRainers shares one of their ideas with us all?  Maureen has what I think is a phenomenal marketing idea for Facebook.  I hope she doesn't mind, but I think I will run with it.
There are so many ways to market ourselves, and reaching out to these business owners without a store-front not only helps them, but should be a great "farming" tool for us, as well.
Via Maureen Smith-Hartman:
You have heard that on the sports channels - first time caller, faithful listener.  Decided to take the plunge.  Thought about a great … (2 comments)

Short Sale Seller Has Hired A Cleaning Crew - 01/07/11 06:02 PM
Just when you thought you had seen everything!  I have this client, who I have listed as a short sale, however, she just received her notice of Trustee's Sale, so she only has 21 days before she is no longer the owner.
I went over to visit her this morning, and she has already secured a house to rent, has her place pretty much packed up, and is going to start moving tomorrow.  She has lived in this house for 20 years, so she wasn't one of the buyers from 5 years ago who is upside down.  Although, she IS upside … (34 comments)

Real Estate Agent is One Lucky Fellow - 01/06/11 07:18 PM
Wow, one of the winners of this week's big Mega Millions Lottery turns out to be a real estate agent up in Washington State.  He and his wife of 41 years will take home 90 million bucks after taxes.  His share of the prize is $190 Million, the state of Washington has NO taxes, the federal government takes 25%.  How they whittle that down to only $90 million is beyond me.  Must be that NEW MATH.  lol
So, being an enterprising realtor myself, I decided that I would try to contact this person and see if he wanted me to be … (6 comments)

Addicted To ActiveRain--Anyone Know of A 12-Step Program? - 01/06/11 07:02 PM
Oh my gosh!  Where did it all begin....when will it end?  Hopefully NEVER!  Having been in real estate for over 30 years, I have worked with and known some very knowledgable people, also in the "biz".  I have attended Mike Ferry, Floyd Wickman, Tommy Hopkins, etc. etc. etc.  Im am a sponge for knowledge.
But a little over two years ago, I stumbled upon this site, called ActiveRain.  At this point, I am not even sure HOW I found it, but praise those AR Gods who lured me in.
Why, I have met some of the nicest folks on the entire … (12 comments)

Home Staging Question! To Paint Or Not To Paint - That Is The Question - 01/06/11 06:33 PM
We really need to be able to sit our clients down and explain to them, that, inasmuch as they have lovely furnishings, for "resale" purposes, less is more.  Not everyone wants to trip over massive pieces of furniture or decorator items to get to the kitchen.  You can gently advise them to de-clutter before listing their home for sale, to increase interest with potential buyers.
Via Jane Grant - Southwest Real Estate - Riverside County, CA:
My Sellers at 42 Saint John, Dana Point, California - Are wondering if they should paint their home white, or off white! 
It's a beautiful home and we're getting lots … (0 comments)

Documentary transfer tax - 01/06/11 06:23 PM
Jim Cheney has blogged about this topic, which most buyers and sellers know little about until it comes to closing an escrow.  In the last paragraph, Jim talks about ways to avoid paying this tax.  Most of them are connected to why you are transferring title.  A typical sale between a buyer and a seller is going to warrant tax being paid, however, if you are transferring between parent and child, or spouses, no tax needs to be paid.  There are several other instances, as well.  But, overall, the local government will find a way to get your money. lol

… (0 comments)

Once Again, My Faith in Humanity Has Surfaced! - 01/06/11 01:50 PM
I am sure that by now, all of you have seen the news where a Mr. Ted Williams has risen from homelessness.
This man is an ex-radio announcer, with an INCREDIBLE voice, who fell on hard times after losing his job a few years ago.  Drugs and alcohol didn't help the matter, and he found himself living on the streets.  Standing on streets, holding a sign, asking for money, was his only source of survival/income.  His sign said:  "I have a god given gift of voice. I'm an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times. Please! Any help will be … (3 comments)

Paradise in Temecula California - 01/04/11 11:00 AM
If you live in California, by now, you should have made a visit to Temecula, California.  If you have visited, hopefully, you were able to come to Temecula, California.  If not, you have missed a rare beauty.
Nestled in the rolling hillsides between San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties, Temecula, California is a veritable PARADISE.  One hour from the beach, the mountains, Palm Springs or San Diego. 
On any given (early) morning, there are a number of spectacular hot air balloons floating over the area.  What a wonderous sight to see from your kitchen window.
And, Temecula, California offers up over … (1 comments)

Hemet California Annual Trash Collection Day - 01/03/11 03:00 PM
Every year, here in Hemet, California, the Lake Hemet Municipal Water District, which also provides refuse service to most of the city of Hemet, allows it's residents to place large items out at the curb for pick up. 
This event happens the very first week of January, every year.  So, that is THIS WEEK.  Hemet LHMWD customers may place all those large unwanted items, such as washers, dryers, water heaters, toilets, rolls of unwanted carpeting, etc. out for pickup.
You know who you are, harboring all this "junk" in your garage, patio, backyard, or whereever.  GET RID OF IT.  Why put … (2 comments)

Are You Thinking Of Making A Move To The Hemet San Jacinto Valley in 2011? - 01/02/11 02:35 PM
After living in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County for nearly 35 years, it is such a nice change to live in Riverside County, more specifically--HEMET in the SAN JACINTO Valley.  The pace is much more calm, the traffic is more pleasant, folks will actually say "hi" when you pass them on the street or in a market.
Hemet is centrally located about five miles north/northeast of Temecula, about 85 miles east of Los Angeles, and about 75 miles north of San Diego.  You can also be in Palm Springs in about 40 minutes.  The beaches are less … (2 comments)

 

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