When Active Rain first came out with the ability to re-blog, I wasn't sure that I liked the idea... I'm always just a tad cautious about new things and need a little time to think about it or get used to it.
Quickly though I realized that others were writing stuff that my clients would or could benefit from if they read it... articles about topics that those writers were much better qualified to write and may have just said it better than I had. So I started re-blogging. Since there are mortgage people here on Active Rain that are writing some really great blogs about all of the ins and outs of mortgages, I sometimes re-blog a mortgage post. It compliments the topics that I choose to write about.
Ditto for staging. My clients could really benefit from good staging articles and we have some of the best stagers in the world right here writing about it. So I re-blog staging articles. And home inspection articles, AND appraisal articles.
Sometimes someone posts an article and I just flat-out do not want to lose that article and I will come back to it easier if I re-blog it into my line-up... I realize that reason for re-blogging may be a little off base but hey, it's the truth.
Sometimes I simply truly enjoy an article. It says things in ways that I want to promote...so I re-blog. Every once in a while someone is trying to accomplish a worthwhile goal that will better accomplished if more people know about it, so I re-blog their post to bring attention to their issue.
On one re-blog, I received an email from the original blogger, compliementing me on the use of her blog. I had added a little bit to the title for a better fit to my area. I knew when I saw her photo blog that it was a great one for use around Lake Raymond Gary and I appreciate her letting me re-blog and her compliment on my use of it. Re-blogging allows me to have a much fuller blog for my clients and customers with depth into areas where others are the expert, not me. Hopefully it will benefit my clients, my office, and the original blogger.
So my question - Why do you re-blog?
The picture of the cracked foundation is from flickr user Casey Serin. The photo is a link to the profile on flckr. The picture of the staged room is from flickr user Real Estaging. The photo is a link to their profile.
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
We need to remind our buyers that sometimes the colors within a home are what they are reacting to when they don't like the house... not the house itself.
The idea is to figure out which groups and shades of colors make you look terrific, and which ones make you look like an organ donor waiting to happen. Of course, you want to go with the look-good-feel-good colors that work for you.
They say this approach is also useful when you are working on decor for your home. You get a good feeling about a room when it's decorated in your colors.
The woman who did my analysis worked for Color Me Beautiful. They divide people into one of four "seasons". And people in one season, the "Autumns" like and look good in browns, golds, maroons, olive greens, and unusual shades of other colors. But the Autumns only make up about three percent of the people on the planet!
So the other day, I showed a house where they had moved out the buyers pretty decent stuff and brought in a stager. Well, this gal must have been pure Autumn, because it was all the shades that made my buyers (she was a spring and he was a winter) just want to run out the door! Golden green couch, Chinese rugs with brown and gold patterns, and maroons swags.
"Wait!" I said. "You're reacting to the colors." And once they realized what it was, they were able to see beyond the staging and realize it was a terrific place. It's on the possible list now.
This made an impression because I am preparing to list a house that has all the wrong colors - out of That 70's Show! The seller is up for letting us consign his olive green couch to Value Village and bring one in from our staging warehouse. He's agreed to have the place painted to make the maroon walls in the master bedroom disappear and transform leaf gold dining room into an oasis of cross-season neutrality.
And to help choose the colors, I'm going to call a favorite colleague who helped me with my own house. Oh, my friend is a summer, but she's good at picking universal colors that everyone can feel comfortable around.
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
As promised below is an overview and comparison between the present Tax Credit and the New. The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.
Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview:
First‐time homebuyers (those who have not owned a principal residence in the three years prior to the purchase date of their subsequent home) are eligible for a refundable tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a principal residence up to $8,000 for homes bought between January 1 and December 1, 2009.
If the home is sold within three years, the taxpayer must pay back the credit (called "recapture").
Income limits for the current credit are $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, phasing out completely after $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples. Income limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit:
Extends the availability of the $8,000 first‐time homebuyer credit to taxpayers who have a principal residence under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.
Creates a new $6,500 credit for move‐up buyers. Move up buyers are defined as people who haveLike the credit for first‐time buyers, lived in their current home for 5 or more consecutive years during the 8 year period ending on the date of purchase of the their subsequent principal residence. this credit is available to taxpayers who have principal residences under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.
Raises the income limits for both the first time and move‐up buyer to $125,000 for single filers, $225,000 for joint filers with a $20,000 phase‐out. The $20,000 phaseout means that no credit can be claimed by those with MAGI above $145,000 for single filers, $245,000 married joint filers.
Both the first‐time and move‐up credit are available for principal residences with a purchase price up to $800,000. Purchase price is defined as the adjusted basis of the principle residence on the datesuch residence is purchased.
Includes strong anti‐fraud provisions:
Gives the Internal Revenue Service math error authority which they have requested when processing IRS form 5405. This would allow the IRS to correct certain errors during credit processing, and avoid the need for a post‐refund, labor intensive audit.
Requires a copy of the settlement statement (HUD‐1) which would verify the date of purchase, the residence address, and the purchase price.
Introduces an explicit age limitation, allowing no one under 18 to claim the credit
Excludes individuals who are claimed as dependents and married individuals who purchase the home from the family of their spouse from claiming the credit
Eliminates the recapture requirement for military personnel and members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community who are forced to sell their homes within three years as a result of an official extended duty of service. In addition, these individuals have one additional year to qualify for the credit if they served for at least 90 days outside the U.S. in 2009 or 2010.
Purchases made in 2010 can be claimed on the 2009 tax return.
The score of $10.8 billion over 10 years is paid for by a seven year delay of the worldwide allocation of interest rule until 2017, not stimulus funds.
Effective after the date of enactment.
Homebuyers who were eligible for the first‐time homebuyer tax credit pre‐WHBAA will be able to continue to claim the credit. Homebuyers who qualify for the credit under the expanded terms will only be able to claim the credit if they close on their home purchase after the date of enactment of this bill (the binding contract can be signed before enactment).
Some of this, like any new Legislation, is going to take a few days to fully understand. As further clarification is made available I will try to provide it.
George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
You want to sell whether the guy down the road gets his sold or not.... it's what you want.
SO COMPETE.
Give buyers what they are looking for... cleanliness, neatness, uncluttered, a home that speaks to their heart. You want buyers to become attached to you home, to feel "at home"... so make it that way.
One of the most important things to think about is what Sharon addresses here. So you do your part and I promise I'll do my part. Clean it, organize it, stage it to put it's best foot forward and I will advertise, internetize, take great photos, virtual tours, brochures, ads, ads, ads, and will be available to show, show, show...
It is common knowledge that you need to prepare your house for sale. You would have to be living under a rock not to know that you have to "declutter"to make your house more desirable, and it is highly unlikely that you haven't seen some form of home staging show on television.
So, I have a question for you....
What gives?
How is it possible that there are so many filthy, cluttered, poorly maintained houses out there on the market?
I'm not talking about running into one every now and then. I'm talking about more times than not...
The market is cluttered with "BEFORE" pictures!
Maybe it's just me...maybe it's the nature of my work...
I am, after all, called in to give advice. Maybe I'm only seeing the ones that really need help. Maybe I've spent too much time checking out houses on the MLS.
For those who are serious about selling their house? Here is some free advice...
Get the buyers' attention. Show them something that they are not expecting.
Surprise them!
After a long day of touring nightmares,
make your house the house of their dreams.
Show them something they didn't see in any of the other houses. Show them clean, organized, freshly painted. Show them light and spacious.
Here is a novel idea:
Clean under the sink, organize all the cabinets, drawers, and closets. Clean inside the oven and refrigerator. Clean all the windows.
It's really not that hard to impress buyers when your competition is so bad!
More information on preparing your house for sale:
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
A Safe Water Supply, a safe water supply sure is critical to protecting publie health, is the first obligation of all water suppliers. Without the modern water systems, diseases such as cholera and dysentery would be part of our everyday life.
In the United States, water utilities are monitored for more than 100 contaminanta and must meet close to 90 regulations for water safety and quality. Those water standards are among the world's most stringent.
A Safe Water Supply, States usual also require utilities to meet additional standards. Community water supplies are tested evey day. Tap water undergoes far more frequent testing than bottled water. Many North American water systems add small amounts of fluoride to their water supplies to help prevent tooth decay. Kid's cavity rates have been reduced b6y 20 to 40 % where fluoridation has been implemented.
Did you know? That water utilities provide customers with a detailed report on the quality of their drinking water every year. If you would like your utility's report, you just need to contact your local utility company. Or you can visit http://www.drinktap.org
Post 610 - 28 Oct. 2009
By the time we complete the Inspection, you will know the Home or Commercial Property better than the owner does!
God Bless America, The Land We Love
A home inspection from Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting, will give you peace of mind, so you and your family can enjoy the things you like to do!
Knowledge is Your Power For The Freedom of a Worry- Free Home!
When buying, renting a Home or Commercial Properties when Relocating in or to Sullivan County, New Hampshire, Windsor County, Vermont, or nearby Counties. When "Good Enough" Isn't, call Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting to schedule, Your New Hampshire and Vermont Home or Commercial Property Inspections!
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
Home Owners Do you Prevent Fats and Greases from Damaging your Septic, Fats, Oils, and Greases are not just bad for your arteries and waistline, these things are also very bad for your private Septic System or public Sewer System. A Septic or Sewer System a overflow or backup can cause health hazards, damage home interiors, and can very will threaten the environment. An increasingly common cause of overflows is sewer pipes being blocked by grease. Grease gets into the sewer from household drains as will as from poorly maintained grease traps in restaurants and other businesses.
Just where dose grease come from?
Most of us know grease as the byproduct of cooking. But grease is also found in such things as: Meat fats, lard, cooking oil, shortening, butter and margarine, food scraps, baking goods, sauces, and dairy products. Too often, folks wash grease into the home's plumbing system, usually through the kitchen sink. Grease sticks to the insides of sewer pipes, both on your property and in the streets. Over time, the grease can very will build up and block the entire pipe.
Home Owners Do you Prevent Fats and Greases from Damaging your Septic, your home garbage disposals dose not keep grease out of your plumbing system. These units only shred solid material into smaller pieces and do not prevent grease from going down the drain. Commercial additives, including detergents, that claim to dissolve grease may very will just pass the grease down the line and end up causing problems in other areas.
The results could very will be:
Raw sewage overflowing in your home or your neighbor's home.
An expensive and unpleasant cleanup that often must be paid for out of your home budget.
Raw sewage overflowing into parks, yards, and streets.
Potential contact with disease-causing organisms.
An increase in operation and maintenance costs for your local sewer department, which ends up causing higher sewer bills for customers.
Home Owners Do you Prevent Fats and Greases from Damaging your Septic,You see its really best to keep, these kinds of materials out of the sewer system in the very first place.
By the time we complete the Inspection, you will know the Home or Commercial Property better than the owner does!
God Bless America, The Land We Love
A home inspection from Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting, will give you peace of mind, so you and your family can enjoy the things you like to do!
Knowledge is Your Power For The Freedom of a Worry- Free Home!
When buying, renting a Home or Commercial Properties when Relocating in or to Sullivan County, New Hampshire, Windsor County, Vermont, or nearby Counties. When "Good Enough" Isn't, call Baker Home Commercial Properties Inspections and Consulting to schedule, Your New Hampshire and Vermont Home or Commercial Property Inspections!
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
I seem to be having a spate of luck where, inspection after inspection, I a running into high decks. We are not talking three feet high. I mean decks that are 18 or 20 feet high and they are situated over valleys below. When such a deck is inspected it is very important that it be solid to the house. Another thing we inspectors want is proper spacing of the balusters. The standard safety guideline today is that balusters should be close enough together that a four inch sphere will not pass through. At many decks I find spacing much wider than that -- like a foot or more.
The other day I found a deck that had spacing just under four inches. I was very pleased, until I pressed on them. Oooops. Those balusters need to not only have the right spacing but they also have to stay in one place if a child, or the wind, is fiddling with them
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
How to Create a Blog Post for Customers and Search Engines.
There are three important audiences to be writing for:1. Other members and friends of your Social Networks. 2. Consumers, Subscribers, and a Target Audience of readers. 3. Search Engines. I'm sure this is preaching to the choir, but this is important information to be shared if you want to get maximum exposure and results from your Blog posts with consumers, visitors, and with Google. Google Juice? I'll drink to that! :-)
Blogging for Customers and Search Engines correctly is a key component to a successful Blog.
Using these effective strategies and time tested methods when creating your post can make a huge difference. The first thing when writing a post is to determine the audience you are writing for, the product or concept you're promoting, and the geographic market you are targeting. In this scenario, we are creating a Blog post to drive readers, consumers, and search engines to your Blog which is All About Your Area. Things like "Vacant Land", "Open Houses", "Loan Modifications", "Tax Credit", "Pest Control", "Relocation", "Market Statistics", "Short Sales", "Condos" etc.
1.How to title a blog post: Use a title that a customer would type into Google. example: "Open Houses in Mesquite Nevada" Targeting Neighborhoods and focusing on Communities are best, but you can also use City/State. Most searches by consumers always include a geographic area. example: "Vacant Land For Sale in Bend, Oregon" Don't just title your post "Vacant Land For Sale" as it probably won't get indexed to a specific location and will likely get lost in the Search Engine Abyss. (SEO abyss = page 24 of Google)
2.Repeat the title in BOLD in the first sentence of your blog post. example: "Vacant Land For Sale in Bend, Oregon" and now priced better than ever! Build your dream home inBend, Oregon!" By creating the first sentence of your post to include the title and BOLD key search words, terms, or phrases, you'll increase the potential of being found and then read. That first sentence is typically the first sentence that shows up under your TITLE within the Google search results. It's an important part of getting the search engines to recognize your topic and see it's relative content. It's also what will help a consumer decide if they want to click on your link or NOT!
3.Write your blog posts to the title...then add in good content that a customer would want to know about. It takes a bit more time to think this strategy through, but the results and rewards will be tremendous. This in NOT the only way to gain SEO and more exposure, but it's a great place to start if you're new to Blogging and are wanting quicker results from your time and efforts here.
Creating posts and Understanding Long tail and Short tail search terms: Short tail searches are just that, very short keyword searches. example: "Homes for sale" or "Homes For Sale Austin, Texas". This is where most searches begin during the early stages of research by consumers. The Long tail search comes into play the closer consumers get to making a final purchase decision. example: "Gated Community Homes For Sale With a Pool in Austin Texas" Justin Smith explains more about Long tail/ Short tail searches in his post. You can also find more details by searching Google for "Long tail and Short tail searches." Here's a video that might help make heads or "tails" about this.
4.Go through your blog post and make sure that the words of your title are repeated a minimum of at least three or four times. At least one time every other paragraph or so. You should also bold those keywords so they stand out to the reader and to the search engines. You need to be somewhat creative in doing this and remember, don't over do it.
5.Tag your blog posts with other keywords and phrases the customer may type into Google. These should be topic related and relevant to your post. Do not try to game the search engines by packing in keywords that have nothing to do with the post, this will do more harm than good in most if not all cases. Also make sure to include images and links to relative sites, this will create more stickiness and add value to your posts.
Creating a Blog Post for Customers and Search engines is not that difficult once you understand some of these basic concepts and then practice and apply them on a regular basis. This is not to say you shouldn't write about other topics both personal and business, even those can be tailored to get you better results with customers and search engines. We tested this theory on the Fourth of July Weekend and you should see some of the results ActiveRain members experienced. It really does work.
I hope you can use these tips on "How to Create a Blog Post for Customers and Search Engines." VERY IMPORTANT: If your post on ActiveRain is (MEMBERS ONLY) then none of the above applies.
"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
Oh yes, you'll get a lot of showings because buyers trying to make a decision between the two will want to look at both so they can compare them and then, given everything else being about the same, they are going to march right down the street and buy the other house.
If you have an overpriced home, you are hurting yourself and helping other homes sell!
To get your home on the market in it's correct price range, list it with us!
For real estate sales and purchases in Choctaw County Oklahoma and McCurtain County Oklahoma, including Idabel, Hugo, Valliant, Swink, Sawyer, Millerton, Garvin, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary area, Pine Creek Lake area... Call me, Judi Barrett, 580-212-5946
Jody made some excellent points here and graciously has allowed her post to be reblogged. Thanks, Jody!
Preparing to sell your home takes some planning and expert advice, especially when it comes to setting the price.
You'll find everyone becomes an expert and wants to offer their opinion on the price...neighbors, family, co-workers, etc. And...while all of these individuals have good intentions and only want to help, it is crucial that you take into account all factors involved: market conditions, similar style homes that have sold in your area, your homes currently on the market, is it a buyer's market or seller's market, condition of your home, how fast homes are selling, terms and incentives, etc.
Avoid testing the market! Set a realistic price based on the facts involved. Pricing too high will only help sell competing homes in the area and you'll lose your initial rush of good qualified potential buyers. The longer a home stays on the market, the lower the offers and less negotiating power there will be for you.
How much you paid for the home and how much you want to profit, are important to you, these factors do not affect the market value of your home and what Buyer's are willing to pay.
For a personal pricing consultation, give us a call at 614-755-9566. You can also visit us on-line at www.sellyourhomecolumbus.com for helpful information.
If you're considering buying or selling a home in the Columbus, Ohio or surrounding areas, call me at 614-755-9566. You can also visit me on-line atwww.buyahomecolumbus.com
The Paragon Realty Team of Solutions for Real Estate 614-755-9566 www.jodydeeds.com
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
Clayton has written a short simple post here with lots of good advice for anyone making offers, regardless of where you are!
For real estate sales and purchases in Choctaw County Oklahoma and McCurtain County Oklahoma, including Idabel, Hugo, Valliant, Swink, Sawyer, Millerton, Garvin, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary area, Pine Creek Lake area... Call me, Judi Barrett, 580-212-5946
Help for the Buyer - Multiple Offers Without The Stomach Ache
I stay very busy working with buyers writing offers on short sales and bank owned properties in Destin, FL. I like to seek out the best deals for my clients and this often leads to multiple offer situations. This can be a very uncomfortable and stressfull situation for all agents and buyers involved. The tips below will help any buyer in this situation.
1. Do not make your offer based on the other offer. For all you know the other offer could be ridiculously low and have contingencies all over it. You will have no way of knowing the other offer unless the seller advises the listing agent to tell you. Speculation will get you nowhere.
2. Look at the comps and have your realtor provide you with a CMA "comparative market analysis". Make your decision based on the comps and base your offer on this analysis.
3. When you are told to submit your "Highest and Best Offer", submit your highest and best offer but understand that the bank or seller may ask for "Highest and Best" again. I have had this happen a few times.
4. Make your offer as clean as possible. Do not include too many contingencies because you may lose out to a lower offer.
5. I have seen foreclosures and short sales sell for over the asking price. This happens all of the time. Sometimes banks and agents price homes under market to create a bidding war.
6. The other agent is not lying about the other offer. This would be a major violation and we cannot assume this.
Keep a cool head and make a good offer when there are multiple offers on the table. Do not offer way too much and be careful with the low ball offers.
Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!
Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946
Southeast Oklahoma - The place to own that second home if not living here already! Green grass, tall pine trees, lakes, lakes, lakes. We bring Southeast Oklahoma to you... real estate and more!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
They say this approach is also useful when you are working on decor for your home. You get a good feeling about a room when it's decorated in your colors.
The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.
So, I have a question for you....
For those who are serious about selling their house? Here is some free advice... 
1. How to title a blog post: Use a title that a customer would type into Google. example: "
2. Repeat the title in BOLD in the first sentence of your blog post. example: "Vacant Land For Sale in Bend, Oregon" and now priced better than ever! Build your dream home in Bend, Oregon!" By creating the first sentence of your post to include the title and BOLD key search words, terms, or phrases, you'll increase the potential of being found and then read. That first sentence is typically the first sentence that shows up under your TITLE within the Google search results. It's an important part of getting the search engines to recognize your topic and see it's relative content. It's also what will help a consumer decide if they want to click on your link or NOT! 
3. Write your blog posts to the title...then add in good content that a customer would want to know about. It takes a bit more time to think this strategy through, but the results and rewards will be tremendous. This in NOT the only way to gain SEO and more exposure, but it's a great place to start if you're new to Blogging and are wanting quicker results from your time and efforts here.
Creating posts and Understanding Long tail and Short tail search terms: Short tail searches are just that, very short keyword searches. example: "Homes for sale" or "Homes For Sale Austin, Texas". This is where most searches begin during the early stages of research by consumers. The Long tail search comes into play the closer consumers get to making a final purchase decision. example: "Gated Community Homes For Sale With a Pool in Austin Texas" Justin Smith explains more about 
4. Go through your blog post and make sure that the words of your title are repeated a minimum of at least three or four times. At least one time every other paragraph or so. You should also bold those keywords so they stand out to the reader and to the search engines. You need to be somewhat creative in doing this and remember, don't over do it. 
5. Tag your blog posts with other keywords and phrases the customer may type into Google. These should be topic related and relevant to your post. Do not try to game the search engines by packing in keywords that have nothing to do with the post, this will do more harm than good in most if not all cases. Also make sure to include images and links to relative sites, this will create more stickiness and add value to your posts. 
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