Kim Knapp Dishes on Real Estate?

Kim Knapp Dishes on Real Estate? http://activerain.com/blogs/kimknapp Jacksonville Leading Realtor, who is also mother, wife, daughter and a wanna be writer(LOL) etc... Updates on Real Estate in Jacksonville, St Johns County, Clay County, Orange Park and my very own stomping grounds Fleming Island. Seasoned with thoughts on life, love and family en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1494102/equator-boa-short-sale-redemption- Equator, BOA Short Sale Redemption? <p>The last time I wrote was several months ago. Frustrated with the lack of process on <strong>behalf of the banks.</strong></p> <p> I felt that if we, as agents, doing any kind of volume we needed to hire an outside source to sit on the phone, or refax documents all day. That required giving up a portion or percent of our commission while at the same time we had to sell the house 3 times before wee got the approval letter. 3x's more market time, 5 x's more work and sometime 33% less money in economy where it is already hard to survive. <strong>WHY?</strong></p> <p>We don't even get into the banks motivation to do or not do short sales based on where the make more money. (is Foreclosing) My point is no processes at all the where orchestrated to work with the real estate community. Remember the one they required the sellers to list their home with.</p> <p>Much has changed. The banks overall are moving quicker. BOA/Countrywide short sales caused an across the board <strong>Ugh..</strong> Now with <a href="https://www.equator.com/index.cfm?" title="Equator for Short Sales with BOA" target="_blank">Equator</a> I am seeing some measurable results. It's my understanding that they hope to funnel them all through this process.</p> <p>I have several in various stages. I have gone from 2-3 months from submittal of a complete package to getting the appraisal/BPO completed to 3 weeks. I got an approval on a property in 7 weeks. This is BOA mind you.</p> <p>What I like about the program is you submit all documents. You can look and see them and so can they. No confusion there. It alerts you to exactly were you are and the negotiator responds in a timely manner to your internal emails.</p> <p>I like many agents have been ready to pull my hair out at times during this transition in our industry. I am pleased to see what is actually~ real progress.</p> <p> </p> <p>Kim Knapp</p> <p> <a href="http://teamknappsells.com/">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> <p>904-334-7425 (anytime)</p> <p>Do it Right, Keep it Real!  </p> <p>Top Agent Northeast Florida</p> <p>Top Agent Vanguard Realty</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:37:54 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1494102/equator-boa-short-sale-redemption- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1176126/blogs-and-posts Blogs and Posts <p>Don't forget about our forum. We have changed it to activerain/vanguardrealty</p> <p>Invite other agents from the company and thanks for sharing your ideas. Make sure when you post to activerain  that you post to this group. Thanks</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:51:27 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1176126/blogs-and-posts http://activerain.com/blogsview/1174903/short-sale-revolution Short Sale Revolution <p>I for one am ready for a short sale revolution! First of all when a lien holder sends my customer a letter telling them the benefits of a short sale as opposed to a foreclosure and how they should put their house up for sale what skin do they have in the game? What commitment have they made at this point? Let me think, none?</p> <p>Now what they, do is tell us to list the house and let them know when we have an offer. Now there are folks who play the game send in bogus offers to generate the BPO or appraisal. Is that what level of professionalism we as licensed professionals should be reduced to?</p> <p>I say if the Banks suggest the "Short Sale" then once the house is listed <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">they should send out an appraiser </span></strong>and get on the same page with the seller and listing agent. They should then disclose to the listing agent what it is as opposed to it being Top Secret as <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>some </em></span>lien holders seem to feel it is. Tadah we are on the same page. They should then assign the file to the same person until the <strong>BITTER END!</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Short Revolution" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/9/7/3/ar124899578037998.jpg" height="191" alt="Slot Machine" width="231"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Instead we blindly list the house, spending our money, not knowing where then banks brain is on this, price wise, or if the investor will even be on board. We pull the lever and hope for 3 of a kind. We sell the same house 3 or 4 times due to loosing buyers for (1) commission. Something is wrong with this picture.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">That, or on top of that we pay a percentage of our commission to a 3rd party to handle it so we don't have to deal with it. Why do we do that? Because the process is so convoluted. The Banks could not even deliver a written policy to anyone that would be good for more than 60 days.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> I know I will be bombarded from all the 3rd party short sale negotiators on this post. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Nothing against you , it's not my point! I realize that many of you are a great help to agents everywhere and some of you have taught me a thing or two! </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">My post is directed to agents. Why? Because the banks operate in madness many agents give away more commissions to get the job done. They are so bogged down on the phone retelling their customers life story to someone that doesn't really care, instead of out selling real estate. We should not have to hire out and pay from our commissions what we have spent a lifetime building (a real estate career) because the powers that be don't know what day it is.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Unfortunately many good agents in our area have got involved in the more lucrative simultaneous closings where the 3rd party investor negotiator becomes the trustee and the listing agent lists for them and then finds an end buyer that the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">lien holder never knows about it.</span> The agent gets double commission on this and both deals close at the same time. The concern is that NAR says this is wrong on so many levels. The picture below is from Fannie Mae. The seller even cluelessly signs something that says the house will not be sold in the next 30 days.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/3/0/3/ar124899684830316.gif" height="309" alt="Mortgage Fraud" width="539"></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Why is all this happening? There is no clear process. The NAR has been slow to rule across the board, all the while the FEDS are investigating Fraud on every level. Meanwhile as Realtors we are working hard for our customers to get transactions closed and keep up with the ever changing rules. Why can't we as an organization call on the industry to streamline the process that THE BANKS so eloquently encourage our customers to do! No worry we'll list the house that we're not sure is "For Sale"</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Why do we dance to their song. Spend our money, energy and frustration? The worst is when the give out our phone numbers when it's done to bill collectors because our name was on the file. Anyone have that happen yet? I just had to throw that in there.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> For the record in the last 12 months I have been able to close 16 short sales on my own besides my normal resale inventory. Not very much compared to many of you I know, but enough to have a taste up front and personal. I have been on the other end with buyers more times that I care to. I am happy to say that more and more buyers are looking for houses that are "For Sale".</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Bottom line something has got to change!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:13:11 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1174903/short-sale-revolution http://activerain.com/blogsview/1093242/listing-agent-number-2 Listing Agent Number 2 <p>It saddens me as a successful full time real estate professional to go on listing appointment's these days. I sit across from a seller that called for obvious reasons, to list their home and the conversation often goes the same way.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia;">FIRST AGENT APPOINTMENT</span></p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: Mr Seller, based on the comparable sold properties, the active listings, what is <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7bvfPCRpI/AAAAAAAAEqc/V8hCj0QMSQ4/s1600-h/money+scale.gif"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7bvfPCRpI/AAAAAAAAEqc/V8hCj0QMSQ4/s200/money+scale.gif" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340947816992884370" height="153" alt="" width="133" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 147px; height: 169px;"></a>currently under contract as it relates to your home including all the wonderful features, lot location and condition here is the range your home will sell in________.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Seller</span>: Well I was hoping to get ________ because we we need _______ to buy our other house. Or we need it to pay off some debt so we can do _______________.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: I understand your position, however with the amount of inventory that consumers have to choose from along with the amount of information that is available to them buyers are very savvy. It's important to you as a seller to come out strong in every area to get the highest price. That means condition as well as your list price. Consumers will recognize a good opportunity when they see it. You could even have multiple buyers interested. What you don't wa<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7b6-L55XI/AAAAAAAAEqk/WffCDa28W0w/s1600-h/house_monopoly_stand_out_woman.jpg"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7b6-L55XI/AAAAAAAAEqk/WffCDa28W0w/s200/house_monopoly_stand_out_woman.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340948014279812466" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 123px;"></a>nt to do is chase the market down. What I mean is, if you start too high you will lose your best market time, your first months. By the time you lower the price to where you should have been in the first place, the market may have moved below that based on newer information. That being said a month after listing the home with no offers, having made another mortgage payment we may need to adjust the price to lower than suggested in the beginning and now you listing is a month old.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Seller</span>: I hear you, but we really aren't talking that much and buyers will want to negotiate. They can always make an offer. Besides I need that room to come down. I can't sell below________.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: It's your home and your money we can list were you want to, you just need to understand the consequences of this strategy. If we do not get an offer on your home, which is the equivalent of someone being emotionally engaged in purchasing your home, we cannot even begin negotiations. An experienced agent will be a trusted counselor as well as a skilled<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7cuVQ2rhI/AAAAAAAAEqs/MqrBDF_EVCs/s1600-h/negotiate.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7cuVQ2rhI/AAAAAAAAEqs/MqrBDF_EVCs/s200/negotiate.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340948896647917074" height="124" alt="" width="162" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;"></a> negotiator. These are must have qualities in the Realtor you decide to hire. Meaning putting your best foot forward in the beginning, then have a skilled experienced agent that can handle the negotiations once an offer comes in equals selling your home. It's about more than, "Do you do open houses?" The only reason I am passionate about this is I have watched several home owners lose money over a strategy that will not work in this market. Unfortunately you will find an agent that will do whatever you tell them.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Seller</span>: Thank you so much we are going to talk about it tonight and let you know tomorrow.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: (in mind) They have an agent already that gave them a warm fuzzy about a higher price!</p> <p><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia;">DIDN'T SELL, SECOND LISTING</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia;"> AGENT APPOINTMENT</span></p> <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7dQgSTXYI/AAAAAAAAEq8/TXe9j1T7M54/s1600-h/frustrated-home-buyer.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7dQgSTXYI/AAAAAAAAEq8/TXe9j1T7M54/s200/frustrated-home-buyer.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340949483722333570" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 108px; height: 108px;"></a> <span style="color: #3366ff;">Seller</span>: Thanks for coming over so fast. Our listing just expired yesterday and we really need to get our house sold fast. I don't know why we didn't call you in the first place.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: Well, tell me what happened? What went wrong?</p> <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7c-N860QI/AAAAAAAAEq0/MlqbKlRiEk4/s1600-h/pricereduced.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/Sh7c-N860QI/AAAAAAAAEq0/MlqbKlRiEk4/s200/pricereduced.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340949169563160834" alt="" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 133px;"></a><span style="color: #3366ff;">Seller</span>: Well, when we listed our house we started out just a little higher than maybe we should have. But we needed the money to buy our next house. Now it doesn't matter anymore. Prices have dropped so much on our house that it's not even an option. At this point we just need to get out. The payments too high and we are just going to rent.</p> <p><span style="color: #3366ff;">Realtor</span>: (in my mind) I'm thinking I just walked in and get the listing, The other agent did all the work and did not even get the chance for the right price. At the same time this was so unnecessary. OUT LOUD: Let me show you how we market a home, go over the comparable's and our service then we can get started.</p> <p><span style="font-size: 130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000; font-family: georgia;">What's the point?</span></span> Is it better to be agent number 2? Well for the agent but never for the consumer or the market. The agent will have a motivated seller which equals a sellable home. At the same time if they would have listened to reason in the beginning they would have made more money and the comps would look better. Everyone has to remember that in most markets we are still declining. If you haven't noticed where are the 5 million foreclosures? They sure aren't <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #ff0000;">"For Sale". </span><span style="color: #000000;">It appears that the banks are trickling them into the market. Un</span>til all that inventory is liquidated and <span style="font-weight: bold;">working Americans own them</span>, the housing market will not be stabilized. That among other factors. It's not all doom and gloom but unrealistic sellers participate in driving down the market. Not sure what the answer is. I will be listing agent number 2, but I much prefer to be agent number 1. It's better for everyone. <span style="font-size: 130%; color: #ff0000;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">market time, sold price and seller net. It's a win win!</span></span></p> <p>Kim Knapp</p> <p>Team Knapp</p> <p>904-334-7426</p> <p>follow me <small>http://twitter.com/jaxsecretagent</small></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Thu, 28 May 2009 14:16:59 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1093242/listing-agent-number-2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1083931/real-estate-is-a-team-sport- Real Estate is a Team Sport! <p>Unfortunately some of our bretheren do not know it but Real Estate is a team sport. Let me stop there. <br><br>I have to extend <strong>love</strong> and <strong>appreciation</strong> to all me friends in the business who are some of the best team mates I have ever know. Thank you!<br><br><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/ShRShAjku3I/AAAAAAAAEmg/6My1x6cUAq8/s200/salesman.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337982185379249010" alt="">Begin again. Have you ever had a transaction with an agent that was more interested in being some undefined hero that they lost the house for their buyer or mismanaged the negotiations for their seller? It's exhausting and tiresome. Those of us that pick up the slack like on any team go ahead and take one for the team and do what it takes to make it work. Why? As professionals we know real estate is about the <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">people we serve and never about us.</span></strong> <br><br>What's the problem with this. One we enable folks to remain in this business (stay on the team) that are not qualified. Two, it's a disservice to the paying public. <br><br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/ShRSts7qF2I/AAAAAAAAEmo/2MwI3OGWM9E/s1600-h/GMAC+6.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/ShRSts7qF2I/AAAAAAAAEmo/2MwI3OGWM9E/s200/GMAC+6.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337982403449853794" alt=""></a>We need each other. When we list a house we are asking the whole real estate population to work with us to get that listing sold. If we prove lazy, unresponsive, difficult, arrogant or otherwise someone they prefer not to deal with, your listing may find it's way to the bottom of the pile. <br><br>Consumers need to make sure they hire a well respected professional not a smooth talking hot shot. They may both get the job done in the end but it might cost them in ways they never planned.....</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 20 May 2009 14:05:51 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1083931/real-estate-is-a-team-sport- http://activerain.com/blogsview/987303/i-love-fleming-island I love Fleming Island <dt><img title="marina" src="http://iluvflemingisland.wordpress.com/files/2009/03/marina.jpg" height="416" alt="Crossing the Bridge to Paradise" width="659"></dt><dd>Crossing the Bridge to Paradise</dd> <p>It's True I do. No one piad me to say it I just do. I always tell people it's pleasantville minus the creepy part. Why? Everything is here and besides the necessary evil called work (LOL) you never have to leave. Crossing that bridge is like crossing the threshold of your front door. Done for the day! There are so many great restaurants, awesome entertainment, endless water sports, family fun opportunities, physical fitness choices for all ages, <a href="http://www.clay.k12.fl.us/" title='"A" rated Schools' target="_blank">"A" rated schools</a>, low crime rate, <a href="http://www.teamknappsells.com/bin/web/real_estate/AR243046/NEWSLETTER/Orange+Park/1233689775.html" target="_blank">beautiful neighborhoods</a> both old and new, watefront and golf course homes you name it, it's here. I feel so blessed to have stumbled upon it when we moved here.</p> <p>The good thing is that folks here don't try to keep it a secret like they do in Amelia Island. There they don't want anyone else to find out about it. In Fleming Island folks are anxious to tell you about where they live and why you should check it out. We've made so many friends. Of course, don't laugh but I probably sold almost every one of our friends a house. It's true. I tease my husband that selling homes was our friend recruiting tool. Regardless if Northeast Florida is on your list you really owe it to yourself to look at Fleming Island. If you need a guide feel free to give me a call.</p> <p>Make sure to check out <a href="http://www.iloveflemingisland.com/" target="_blank">iloveflemingisland.com</a></p> <p>Kim Knapp</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 16 Mar 2009 19:30:03 -0700 http://activerain.com/blogsview/987303/i-love-fleming-island http://activerain.com/blogsview/879924/25-websites-to-help-you-save-time-and-money 25 Websites To Help You Save Time And Money <p> </p><p>I think anything we can do to save time and money is worth looking at especially when it's top folks in our industry.</p> <p>Thanks Sara so much for taking the time to Blog this.</p> <p>Kim Knapp</p> <div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://sarab.activerain.com/post/877517/25-Websites-To-Help-You-Save-Time-And-Money">Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p>Recently at each Inman Conference they have had a speaker highlight various websites to watch for various reasons.  Last week in New York, <a href="http://activerain.com/respres" title="jeff turner" target="_blank">Jeff Turner</a> put together a list of 25 websites that will help you reduce costs, save time, and communicate better. </p> <p>I like his last note not to forget about the old fashioned telephone or hand written note when addressing communication.  Two art forms that can be overlooked. </p> <p>Definitely worth a quick look through his list which can be found here:</p> <p><strong> <p><a href="http://www.inman.com/files/sf09/25WebSitesHelpFindCustomers.pdf" title="25 websites to help you find customers and save money in a downturm" target="_blank">25 Websites To Help You Find Customers & Save Money In A Downturn</a></p> </strong></p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:42:16 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/879924/25-websites-to-help-you-save-time-and-money http://activerain.com/blogsview/879082/are-they-crazy-can-someone-audit-these-lenders-already- ARE THEY CRAZY? Can Someone audit these lenders already? <p>This is my last short sale in the pipeline with <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Countrywide.</span></strong>I use last in the truest sense of the word. It's the only short sale I have left with <strong>THEM</strong> and it's the <strong>LAST</strong> one I will take with <strong>Them</strong>.</p> <p>Their own people tell me their processes are ridiculous but hey what are you going to do?</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/9/5/0/9/ar123184851890599.gif" height="172" alt="Go to jail" width="252" style="float: left;">I had an approved short sale, letter in hand. However by the time they got it to me we lost the buyer. Bet you never heard that before? We immediately got a new buyer for the same offer amount less them asking for closing costs. Hmm..... higher net to the investor. I'm feeling a slam dunk here.</p> <p>What I really got was "go to jail, directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $6000." "no commission for you!"In other words "that's great we will start the file over and send it back to the front lines. <strong>Are you joking me?</strong> After 8 months of working on this, 500 phone calls, who knows how many showings, and they have the nerve to act like we are overpaid. I'm thinking I'm at .89 cents an hour. Now I'm at .00.</p> <p>Same offer, bigger net, start over. Are you paid to think? Does the investor audit these people? Our money is bailing them out? In the meantime there are now 2 sales that will bring this one down further and will probably blow this price out of the water by the time "Stella gets her Grove Back".</p> <p>Why do we stay in this game? For the customers we serve. It sure isn't to help the investors on these loans that constantly have their hands in <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">our wallets and their heads in the sand</span></strong>. Well I'm tired of looking at their rear ends. They need to be accountable. In the meantime they are bringing values down with how slow they are.</p> <p>I had one home go down $70,000 over the course of all the offers before the bank finally approved. They lost $70,000 because the process is not streamlined, and people are not paid to think. Oh did I mention that was Countrywide and it took a Negotiators Boss to step in to finally get it closed. Hello!</p> <p>Help</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Tue, 13 Jan 2009 06:24:53 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/879082/are-they-crazy-can-someone-audit-these-lenders-already- http://activerain.com/blogsview/873035/fifteen-twitter-follow-dos-and-don-ts Fifteen Twitter follow dos and don'ts <p> </p><p>This is great info if you are interested in Twitter. Which I am embracing. Like any technology it's <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">knowing how to use</span></strong> it that makes the difference. Thanks for the great pass and I appreciate to be able to pass it along.</p> <p>Kim</p> <div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://socialmediahandyman.activerain.com/post/873017/Fifteen-Twitter-follow-dos-and-donts">Paul Chaney (Social Media Handyman)</a></b>:<br><blockquote> <p><a href="http://pchaney.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee040188834010536c063b5970c-pi" style="display: inline;"><img class="at-xid-6a00e54ee040188834010536c063b5970c " title="IStock_000006492912XSmall" src="http://pchaney.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee040188834010536c063b5970c-800wi" border="0" alt="school of fish twitter follows"></a> <br> There are two schools of thought pertaining to who to follow on Twitter. One is what I refer to as the <a href="http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2008/12/how-to-use-twit.html">Guy Kawasaki method</a> which says, "forget the influentials," "defocus your efforts," and "get as many followers as you can." It's more of a mass marketing approach. </p> <p>Up and until <a href="http://help.twitter.com/index.php?pg=kb.page&id=242">Twitter imposed limits</a> on the number of people that I could follow in a given 24-hour period, that's pretty much the school to which I subscribed and just about anyone and everyone qualified (minus the spammers of course). </p> <p>Since then, I've had to be more discerning and have actually found that to be a good thing. So, here are fifteen suggested Twitter follow dos and don'ts based on my current Twitter follow modus operandi:</p> <p><em><strong>Dos...</strong></em></p> <p>1. <strong>Focus your efforts</strong> - If you're in sales and marketing, hopefully you've outlined specific target markets based on demographic, psychographic and technographic profiles. Maybe you've even created a <a href="http://www.mpdailyfix.com/2006/09/the_power_of_personas.html">persona</a> of the ideal client or customer. Find those folks and follow them. </p> <p>One good way to do that is by using <a href="http://www.twellow.com">Twellow</a>, which is a Twitter "yellow pages." It categorizes Twitter followers based on geography and industry and covers everything from aerospace to Web development. </p> <p><a href="http://pchaney.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee040188834010536b65ec8970b-pi" style="display: inline;"><img class="at-xid-6a00e54ee040188834010536b65ec8970b " src="http://pchaney.typepad.com/.a/6a00e54ee040188834010536b65ec8970b-500wi" alt="Twellow Twitter"></a> </p> <p>For example, a search on my city, <a href="http://www.twellow.com/search.php?q=Lafayette%2C+LA">Lafayette, LA</a>, brought five pages of returns totaling 100 people. Not a lot, but consider that a) Lafayette is a small city by comparison and b) it's in the deep south which is often the last to catch on to new trends. If you're in a more metro area, chances are your returns will be manifold times this.</p> <p>What might be more relevant is search by category. For example, <a href="http://www.bizzuka.com">Bizzuka</a>, the company I serve as marketing director, is targeting the legal industry. A search for <a href="http://www.twellow.com/category_users/cat_id/161">lawyers</a> brought over 930 returns. We are also targeting healthcare. A search returned almost <a href="http://www.twellow.com/category_users/cat_id/155">100 hospitals</a>. </p> <p>Apply that same methodology to your own situation and see what comes of it. </p> <p>Twellow defaults to ranking returns based on number of followers, but you can also sort by <br>recent activity and/or whether the person has verified their Twellow account. </p> <p>Each person listed has a profile associated with their entry which, depending on whether they've verified their account or not, could contain lots of information, including a bio, latest Twitter updates (good for knowing whether they're an active user or not), and link to their Web site or blog. </p> <p>2. <strong>Follow those with real names</strong> - That's one way to know it's a genuine account. (It's always a good practice when setting up a Twitter account to use your real name.)</p> <p>3. <strong>Follow those who follow you</strong> - In most cases it's a common courtesy. Chances are they're in the same industry or have some relevance to you.</p> <p>4. <strong>Follow those following the people who are following you</strong> - Same rationale as #3, just once removed. </p> <p>5. <strong>Follow those following the people you are following</strong> - If you've chosen to follow a particular individual for whatever reason (maybe they fit the profile mentioned in #1), there's a good likelihood at least some of the people following them would be relevant for you as well. </p> <p>6. <strong>Follow those in your industry</strong> - Obviously, one of the best uses for Twitter is as a vehicle for networking, gathering feedback and getting advice.  It's a great tool for meeting others in your industry or discipline.</p> <p>7. <strong>Follow those you find interesting and/or entertaining</strong> - In all the mad rush to turn Twitter into a business communications and marketing tool, leave a little for pure fun. If you find someone's posts interesting, maybe they're worth following as well. </p> <p>8. <strong>Follow those who use the same <a href="http://www.wildapricot.com/blogs/newsblog/archive/2008/03/11/an-introduction-to-twitter-hashtags.aspx">hashtags</a> (ex. #nms08) to follow a conversation</strong> - Again, if they're interested in the same things as you, consider following them. </p> <p>9. <strong>Follow those who @reply you </strong>- @replies can be sent into the public timeline addressed to people you're not following. If a user has addressed you in that way, might be fruitful to add them. </p> <p>10. <strong>Follow those interacting with people you follow</strong> - If you see a tweet with an @reply addressing someone you're following that comes from someone you're not, they may be worth following. Check em out!</p> <p><em><strong>Don'ts...</strong></em></p> <p>11. <strong>Don't follow those with numbers behind their names</strong> - This is a technique often used by spammers (Twammers) due to the fact that have multiple accounts. It's a dead give-away. (One word of caution: When setting up your Twitter handle, don't use numbers. Your real name will do nicely.)</p> <p> 12. <strong>Don't follow those with no avatar</strong> - If you can't see their face, company logo or some sort of avatar, don't follow. </p> <p> 13. <strong>Don't follow those who only broadcast</strong> - Unless you know it's an account set up strictly for that purpose - a news, shopping or "tips" type account - don't follow. If they don't participate in conversations with anyone else, they won't with you either.</p> <p>14. <strong>Don't follow those who aren't active</strong> - I don't know the number or percentage, but I bet the number of people who've subscribed to Twitter and aren't actively using it is sizable. If a user is not actively maintaining the account, chances are it's dead.</p> <p>15. <strong>Don't follow users based on their follower count</strong> - In social media, it's not necessarily how many eyeballs that count but who those eyeballs belong to. There are some very influential people who may not have huge numbers of followers. </p> <p>There you have it - 15 tips for know who to follow and who not to. That's my list at least for now, though I'm sure I'll add to it. <strong>BTW, you can too!</strong> What criteria do you use in determining who to follow. Please share it in a comment. Thanks! </p> <p>Finally, if you're not following me, please do. My Twitter handle is <a href="http://www.twitter.com/pchaney">@pchaney</a>.</p> </blockquote> </div> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:34:59 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/873035/fifteen-twitter-follow-dos-and-don-ts http://activerain.com/blogsview/868243/tell-sellers-the-truth- Tell Sellers the truth..... <p>It's a New Year time to stand tall and make a decision to tell the cold hard truth. When you walk into that listing appointment remember they asked you to come because you are a real estate professional and they are looking for guidance and solutions.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/2/6/8/ar123127903286247.jpg" height="138" alt="" width="131" style="float: left;"> Now if your end game is merely to get your sign in the yard then you won't be in the game too long. However, if this is your career you get that it's a bigger picture.  The bigger picture... your <strong>reputation, referrals, delivering on what you say</strong>! Remember you are dealing with folks biggest investment don't make it about you. Once you do you lose.</p> <p> Maybe your excuse is you just can't be that hard on them, it will hurt their feelings. How would you feel if the cancer doctor felt really bad about your terminal diagnosis so he told you everything was fine come back in 6 months? Too bad you won't be showing to the appointment.</p> <p> That's what many agents are doing out there with seller's finances. They are over pricing homes to get the listing meanwhile the market is passing the seller by till they are in ruin.  </p> <p> I'm not talking about the seller who won't listen. We all have dealt with them. I prefer to be the <strong>second</strong> listing agent on those because now they are prepared to listen and I didn't have to spend my money on a house that wouldn't sell.</p> <p> If it smells, tell them, if it's cluttered tell them, if they want to overprice it for the market tell them. You don't have to be unkind you just need to be honest. Suggest an appraisal if need be.</p> <p> I would love to hear from some of the best how you handle the seller that is in denial and at the same time really needs to get their house sold.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:59:55 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/868243/tell-sellers-the-truth- http://activerain.com/blogsview/860588/keep-it-real-consistant-positive- Keep it real! Consistant! Positive! <p>Well, we are <strong>smarter</strong>, <strong>leaner</strong>, and <strong>wiser</strong>! There are less Realtor's, Mortgage Brokers, and Wanna Be Inspectors in the business. This is <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">GOOD</span></strong>!</p> <p>Now that you have rid yourself of marketing that doesn't work, team members that were order takers and people on your sphere list that shouldn't be there it's time to Make Things Happen!</p> <p>Success is a state of mind, if you believe in yourself first, than your confidence will lead others to put their confidence in you.</p> <ul> <li> <strong>Stick to the plan.</strong> (make sure you have one)</li> <li> <strong>Stay lean even when you get busier</strong>. (save for tomorrow)</li> <li> <strong>Focus on your past customers, current customers and your productive sphere</strong>. (this is a referral business)</li> <li> <strong>Have processes in place to keep you on task</strong>. (people oriented people tend to get distracted easily)</li> <li> <strong>Give back</strong> (you reap what you sow, good or bad)</li> <li> <strong>Refresh Yourself regularly</strong> (when you're in a better state of mind you're more productive)</li> <li> <strong>Keep learning</strong> (as soon as you think you've arrived, you just became a know it all! Who likes a know it all?)</li> <li> <strong>Make a commitment to step up your professionalism</strong> ( Realtor, let's represent!!)</li> </ul> <p>I wish each and everyone of you the best! Happy New Year!</p> <p>Kim Knapp</p> <p>Realtor Jacksonville Florida</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Thu, 01 Jan 2009 11:35:01 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/860588/keep-it-real-consistant-positive- http://activerain.com/blogsview/852997/fleming-island-plantation-amenities Fleming Island Plantation Amenities When we moved here it felt like we lived in a resort. The good news is, it still feels that way. The kids love it and so do we. Walk to schools, the public library, YMCA and more. Want to find out why so many folks are calling Fleming Island PLantation home? Check out the amenities in Fleming Island Plantation? Enjoy the slideshow below!!<p> <embed src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fknappteam%2Falbumid%2F5284216842618946881%3Fkind%3Dphoto%26alt%3Drss" width="288"></embed> </p><div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Fri, 26 Dec 2008 17:24:42 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/852997/fleming-island-plantation-amenities http://activerain.com/blogsview/852933/survey-for-peeps-selling-real-estate-inquiring-minds-want-to-know Survey for peeps selling Real estate, Inquiring minds want to know <p>So there is a post out there suggesting that the listing agent be present if possible for all showings instead of using a lockbox.</p> <p> I just have one question I would like answered by those of you out there in the trenches.</p> <p>If you are showing homes to a buyer do they spend _____________ time in the home if the listing agent is present?</p> <ol> <li>More</li> <li>Less</li> <li>Doesn't matter</li> </ol> <p>Lastly what kind of convo follows when you get back to the car?</p> <p><strong>"Supra Rocks" conversion is worth the pain......... </strong></p> <p>I will post my thoughts later.</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:00:14 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/852933/survey-for-peeps-selling-real-estate-inquiring-minds-want-to-know http://activerain.com/blogsview/852842/fleming-island-plantation-kids-color-with-team-knapp Fleming Island Plantation Kids Color with Team Knapp Every Year we do a fun coloring contest for the kids that live in Fleming Island Plantation. Except in this contest everyone is a winner. The kids are always so excited to recieve personalized gifts at thier front door. They work so hard, we hope you enjoy the show. At the end are just a few pictures from the Christmas Parade we sponsor every year. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and wish you a very proserous new year.<p> </p><table style="width: auto;"> <tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YM_RbPpgEpXBEtJfjQuaHA?authkey=AO-tQrbgcEc&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SVTaGwgszdI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ZBaVLfT6IeQ/s400/Santa2.jpg"></a></td></tr> <tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/knappteam/Movies?authkey=AO-tQrbgcEc&feat=embedwebsite">Movies</a> </td></tr> </table><p> Click on the picture above for slide show! </p><div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:35:54 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/852842/fleming-island-plantation-kids-color-with-team-knapp http://activerain.com/blogsview/850784/countrywide-short-sale-closing Countrywide Short Sale Closing <p>Having closed around 20 short sales this year (not that many by a long shot) I have discovered that some lien holders are so much easier to work with than others.</p> <p>One obstacle that I have found with many is that it's more about the <strong>process </strong>than the <strong>results</strong>. They may get $50,000 less than they could have but by darn they massaged the process.</p> <p>Let me compliment Countrywide first in that I can always get a breathing human being on the phone that can pull up the account! Can't get too far without that. Last week I decided my part time job was calling Wachovia. ie.. "We are experiencing a high volume of calls please try your call again later" UGH! Once I got a live person and she asked me a question. I said, " I'm sorry I didn't understand did you ask for the account number or borrowers name?" She said, " Can you hold please?" SILENCE for 15 minutes. I think I was lost to never never land.</p> <p>Back to CW. So they answer the phone, they have worked to stream line the process, however it's still a crap shoot on who the negotiator is, did your file fall off a cart or airplane, and do they understand what they are hearing and reading. After working on a short sale since 9/11/08 we are closing today due to a higher up yesterday making an EXECUTIVE decision before I jumped off of a small bridge. Merely for the drama affect.</p> <p>The approval letter was wrong/short on the closing costs by $7,000 but the net to CW was low by $17,000. The negotiator said that if we didn't fly with it <strong>the process</strong> would start over. Hello? I explained this is a net gain of $17,000 even with the closing cost change on the approval letter. We had discussed the details and the only outstanding item was the seller contribution. How did the terms change. She then went on to email me the prelim HUD from Sept when it first started.</p> <p>That's when I started pulling my hair out. On 11/19/08 The negotiator acknowledged receipt of all the changes everyone agreed to including a new prelim HUD reelecting those changes. WOW.</p> <p>End of the story, she was not interested in talking to me or helping me. Believe I understand you catch more flies with honey. This beehive was dripping. However it was time for action. I was able to get her supervisor on the phone at the 11th hour. He said because of the net gain and it already being approved he could sign off on it. Merry Christmas after all.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:23:22 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/850784/countrywide-short-sale-closing http://activerain.com/blogsview/850780/finally-a-countrywide-short-sale-closing Finally a Countrywide Short Sale Closing <p>Having closed around 20 short sales this year (not that many by a long shot) I have discovered that some lien holders are so much easier to work with than others.</p> <p>One obstacle that I have found with many is that it's more about the <strong>process </strong>than the <strong>results</strong>. They may get $50,000 less than they could have but by darn they massaged the process.</p> <p>Let me compliment Countrywide first in that I can always get a breathing human being on the phone that can pull up the account! Can't get too far without that. Last week I decided my part time job was calling Wachovia. ie.. "We are experiencing a high volume of calls please try your call again later" UGH! Once I got a live person and she asked me a question. I said, " I'm sorry I didn't understand did you ask for the account number or borrowers name?" She said, " Can you hold please?" SILENCE for 15 minutes. I think I was lost to never never land.</p> <p>Back to CW. So they answer the phone, they have worked to stream line the process, however it's still a crap shoot on who the negotiator is, did your file fall off a cart or airplane, and do they understand what they are hearing and reading. After working on a short sale since 9/11/08 we are closing today due to a higher up yesterday making an EXECUTIVE decision before I jumped off of a small bridge. Merely for the drama affect.</p> <p>The approval letter was wrong/short on the closing costs by $7,000 but the net to CW was low by $17,000. The negotiator said that if we didn't fly with it <strong>the process</strong> would start over. Hello? I explained this is a net gain of $17,000 even with the closing cost change on the approval letter. We had discussed the details and the only outstanding item was the seller contribution. How did the terms change. She then went on to email me the prelim HUD from Sept when it first started.</p> <p>That's when I started pulling my hair out. On 11/19/08 The negotiator acknowledged receipt of all the changes everyone agreed to including a new prelim HUD reelecting those changes. WOW.</p> <p>End of the story, she was not interested in talking to me or helping me. Believe I understand you catch more flies with honey. This beehive was dripping. However it was time for action. I was able to get her supervisor on the phone at the 11th hour. He said because of the net gain and it already being approved he could sign off on it. Merry Christmas after all.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:12:53 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/850780/finally-a-countrywide-short-sale-closing http://activerain.com/blogsview/850778/finally-a-countrywide-short-sale-closing Finally a Countrywide Short Sale Closing <p>Having closed around 20 short sales this year (not that many by a long shot) I have discovered that some lien holders are so much easier to work with than others.</p> <p>One obstacle that I have found with many is that it's more about the <strong>process </strong>than the <strong>results</strong>. They may get $50,000 less than they could have but by darn they massaged the process.</p> <p>Let me compliment Countrywide first in that I can always get a breathing human being on the phone that can pull up the account! Can't get too far without that. Last week I decided my part time job was calling Wachovia. ie.. "We are experiencing a high volume of calls please try your call again later" UGH! Once I got a live person and she asked me a question. I said, " I'm sorry I didn't understand did you ask for the account number or borrowers name?" She said, " Can you hold please?" SILENCE for 15 minutes. I think I was lost to never never land.</p> <p>Back to CW. So they answer the phone, they have worked to stream line the process, however it's still a crap shoot on who the negotiator is, did your file fall off a cart or airplane, and do they understand what they are hearing and reading. After working on a short sale since 9/11/08 we are closing today due to a higher up yesterday making an EXECUTIVE decision before I jumped off of a small bridge. Merely for the drama affect.</p> <p>The approval letter was wrong/short on the closing costs by $7,000 but the net to CW was low by $17,000. The negotiator said that if we didn't fly with it <strong>the process</strong> would start over. Hello? I explained this is a net gain of $17,000 even with the closing cost change on the approval letter. We had discussed the details and the only outstanding item was the seller contribution. How did the terms change. She then went on to email me the prelim HUD from Sept when it first started.</p> <p>That's when I started pulling my hair out. On 11/19/08 The negotiator acknowledged receipt of all the changes everyone agreed to including a new prelim HUD reelecting those changes. WOW.</p> <p>End of the story, she was not interested in talking to me or helping me. Believe I understand you catch more flies with honey. This beehive was dripping. However it was time for action. I was able to get her supervisor on the phone at the 11th hour. He said because of the net gain and it already being approved he could sign off on it. Merry Christmas after all.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:12:09 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/850778/finally-a-countrywide-short-sale-closing http://activerain.com/blogsview/850777/wow-finally-a-cw-short-sale-closing WOW Finally a CW short sale closing <p>Having closed around 20 short sales this year (not that many by a long shot) I have discovered that some lien holders are so much easier to work with than others.</p> <p>One obstacle that I have found with many is that it's more about the <strong>process </strong>than the <strong>results</strong>. They may get $50,000 less than they could have but by darn they massaged the process.</p> <p>Let me compliment Countrywide first in that I can always get a breathing human being on the phone that can pull up the account! Can't get too far without that. Last week I decided my part time job was calling Wachovia. ie.. "We are experiencing a high volume of calls please try your call again later" UGH! Once I got a live person and she asked me a question. I said, " I'm sorry I didn't understand did you ask for the account number or borrowers name?" She said, " Can you hold please?" SILENCE for 15 minutes. I think I was lost to never never land.</p> <p>Back to CW. So they answer the phone, they have worked to stream line the process, however it's still a crap shoot on who the negotiator is, did your file fall off a cart or airplane, and do they understand what they are hearing and reading. After working on a short sale since 9/11/08 we are closing today due to a higher up yesterday making an EXECUTIVE decision before I jumped off of a small bridge. Merely for the drama affect.</p> <p>The approval letter was wrong/short on the closing costs by $7,000 but the net to CW was low by $17,000. The negotiator said that if we didn't fly with it <strong>the process</strong> would start over. Hello? I explained this is a net gain of $17,000 even with the closing cost change on the approval letter. We had discussed the details and the only outstanding item was the seller contribution. How did the terms change. She then went on to email me the prelim HUD from Sept when it first started.</p> <p>That's when I started pulling my hair out. On 11/19/08 The negotiator acknowledged receipt of all the changes everyone agreed to including a new prelim HUD reelecting those changes. WOW.</p> <p>End of the story, she was not interested in talking to me or helping me. Believe I understand you catch more flies with honey. This beehive was dripping. However it was time for action. I was able to get her supervisor on the phone at the 11th hour. He said because of the net gain and it already being approved he could sign off on it. Merry Christmas after all.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:11:21 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/850777/wow-finally-a-cw-short-sale-closing http://activerain.com/blogsview/838884/luminary-in-fleming-island-plantation Luminary in Fleming Island Plantation <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyQcadv2sI/AAAAAAAAAXI/oGmkPDKR4Eg/s1600-h/ImportantDate.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyQcadv2sI/AAAAAAAAAXI/oGmkPDKR4Eg/s320/ImportantDate.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277251681186208450" alt=""></a> <strong><em>Get Reaaaaady!</em></strong> <br>Fleming Island Plantation is teaming up for the first time with Pine Castle for the First Annual F.L.I.P Night of Lights. <br><br><br><br><strong><em>Who is Pine Castle, Inc?<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyQ20F9duI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/VcEan_eTFIQ/s1600-h/pinecastle.gif"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyQ20F9duI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/VcEan_eTFIQ/s200/pinecastle.gif" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277252134742357730" alt=""></a></em></strong> <em>Pine Castle, Inc</em> is the largest non-profit organization in Northeast Florida providing opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities. <br><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyS2nXt_UI/AAAAAAAAAXg/M_7iDvxtF3U/s1600-h/luminarylight.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyS2nXt_UI/AAAAAAAAAXg/M_7iDvxtF3U/s200/luminarylight.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277254330350435650" alt=""></a> <em><strong>Whats Included???</strong></em> We have a deal for you. They have put together Luminary Kits that include 12 ten hour votives, 12 white bags and 2 bags of sand... all for only $7.00!<br><strong><em>Why is it so special to do?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyRChOV_xI/AAAAAAAAAXY/GKRRXyT96Kg/s1600-h/santa_claus_suits.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STyRChOV_xI/AAAAAAAAAXY/GKRRXyT96Kg/s200/santa_claus_suits.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277252335835676434" alt=""></a></em></strong> Glad you asked. One of the many traditions behind luminaries was that if it was a foggy night these lights would help guide Santa Claus safely to your home. So lets help Santa out so all 8 tiny little reindeer know exactly where Fleming Island Plantation is.<br><strong><em>How do i get my kit?</em></strong> Simple... all you will need to do is come to the Amenity Center to pick your Plantation Luminary Kit up. It's that easy my friends. Call 278-8613 for more information. <br><em>Let's show our holiday spirit and light up the curbs of each and every community in the Plantation. </em></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Tue, 16 Dec 2008 11:07:21 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/838884/luminary-in-fleming-island-plantation http://activerain.com/blogsview/838866/fleming-island-plantation-santa-parade Fleming Island Plantation Santa Parade <p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STxEaHwI9kI/AAAAAAAAAW4/MKlBlu6dyi4/s1600-h/santa_claus_menu.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/STxEaHwI9kI/AAAAAAAAAW4/MKlBlu6dyi4/s400/santa_claus_menu.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277168078919628354" alt=""></a> <strong>Fleming Island Plantation 5th ANNUAL SANTA PARADE!</strong></p> <p>Another year passes and guess what... the kids in Fleming Island Plantation must have been really good because Santa is coming back folks! <strong>Mark your calendars this Saturday, December 20th.</strong></p> <p>This year Santa decided to bring some of his good friends from the North Pole down here for the visit. Frosty, The Grinch, and we can't forget Mrs. Claus too! <br><br>Santa will <em>start at 4:15</em> and travel down every street in Fleming Island Plantation with candy and treats for the kids.</p> <p>This Saturday, December 20th is a perfect evening to sit outside with some friends and neighbors. Look for the squad car leading the parade.</p> <p><em>We would like to personally wish everyone in the Plantation a joyous and peaceful holiday season. Merry Christmas from Santa's Little Helpers, Team Knapp at Vanguard GMAC.</em></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Tue, 16 Dec 2008 10:59:24 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/838866/fleming-island-plantation-santa-parade http://activerain.com/blogsview/805149/is-your-microwave-a-breadbox IS YOUR MICROWAVE A BREADBOX <p>Well, well, well, we laughed at our grandparents when they thought the microwave was a breadbox. Thank goodness for Active Rainers or we would soon become dinosaurs.</p> <p><strong>Zig Ziglar said, <em>"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want."</em></strong></p> <p>Now here we are:</p> <p>•·     Tweeting</p> <p>•·     Podcasting</p> <p>•·     Blogging</p> <p>•·     Streaming</p> <p>•·     Feeding</p> <p>•·     Drip campaigning</p> <p>•·     Social networking</p> <p>•·     Uploading</p> <p>•·     Downloading</p> <p>•·     Digital Capturing</p> <p>•·     Virtual everything -- assistant, tours, reality</p> <p>•·     Texting- I text my customers during a deal all the time. They love it!</p> <p>•·     Web 2.0</p> <p>•·     Voices</p> <p>•·     Tubing!</p> <p>Then there is the basics</p> <p>•·     FSBO's</p> <p>•·     Expired</p> <p>•·     Farm</p> <p>•·     Network</p> <p>•·     Sphere</p> <p>Daily</p> <p>•·     Coordinate too many hands in the pot to close our transactions. Enough Said. Finding balance is key, while not getting lost while at the same time recognizing that how the Y generation is going to consume will be much different. Check out this amazing video below. It will blow you away!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8" title="DID YOU KNOW?">Did You Know?</a></p> <p>Lastly, checking out the daily blogs on active rain can be one of the most powerful tools you have. There are so many incredible folks willing to share so much. Search the blogs and you will be amazed at what you will find. The work has been done for you! Honestly if you don't know ask. There is someone in the rain that will help!</p> <p><strong><em>"You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. "</em></strong>              ZIG ZIGLAR</p> <p>                                                             </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:02:00 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/805149/is-your-microwave-a-breadbox http://activerain.com/blogsview/805116/whats-going-on-in-rachacha- Whats going on in Rachacha? <p>Tom and I bought our home in Greece (Rochester) in 93 for 139,900. Lived in it til 2000 (moved to the sunshine state and it's 70 degrees out today) we updated everything from the roof, siding, furnace, AC, new sunroom, tile, kitchen etc.... We sold it for 135,000. So I keep reading about the appreciation up there being a straedy 2% a year. What is ther scoop?</p> <p> </p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:22:45 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/805116/whats-going-on-in-rachacha- http://activerain.com/blogsview/805111/did-someone-say-plan- Did someone say plan? <p>You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. <br><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/z/zigziglar381983.html">Zig Ziglar</a></p> <p> </p> <p>I love Zig!!! Anyway over the course of this week I ma going to be posting some fun stuff from NAR. Make sure to help get more of or VNGD friends on. I believe that we can be better together! Most agents covet their ideas. You'll never win that way. Honestly alone none of us is that smart. What one person knows is not worth losing out on what 100 other people know. Check out the link below. It will blow your MIND! You laughed when your grandparents thought the microwave was a bread box didn't ya?</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8" title="Did You Know?">Did You Know?</a></p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:18:31 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/805111/did-someone-say-plan- http://activerain.com/blogsview/794571/the-wild-party-the-hangover-and-rehab-where-are-the-success-stories- The Wild Party, the Hangover, and Rehab..... Where are the success stories? <p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBlRdvgPUI/AAAAAAAAAVI/L9-xKdD2RJw/s1600-h/party.jpg"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBlRdvgPUI/AAAAAAAAAVI/L9-xKdD2RJw/s200/party.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269322914739535170" height="116" alt="" width="74"></a><br>It was 2003 and people where starting to show up to the party. If you got there early you didn't really know how many people were going to show up. Once they did the scene was crazy. <br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBlY1RJTWI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FapTlMuYKl8/s1600-h/Giant+party.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBlY1RJTWI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/FapTlMuYKl8/s200/Giant+party.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323041313738082" alt=""></a> <br>Agents, (new franchises by the dozen) buyers, sellers, and lenders everywhere, it was the ultimate pick up event. Buyers outbid other buyers for homes and were never happier, probably because they felt as if they had won. Agents worked with sellers they didn't like. That's okay the house will be sold in a week. Agents left the party with buyers they didn't know. (Ahhh, they were buying right?) Buyers worked with agents and lenders they picked up at the party. They couldn't remember their names the next day but so what they bought a house. <br><br><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBluDFw68I/AAAAAAAAAVY/nCn7WoqJN54/s1600-h/spending-decision.jpg"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBluDFw68I/AAAAAAAAAVY/nCn7WoqJN54/s200/spending-decision.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323405801352130" alt=""></a>We were buying advertising like it was a new bauble. "Hey, that's really cool give me 2 pages will ya?" The advertisers were drunk with love for us and always coming out with another place we would want to see ourselves. How much was all this costing anyway? Does it matter? Naw, we'll just find us another buyer at the watering hole. <br><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBmIvX4fsI/AAAAAAAAAVo/QNejZsAmU-c/s200/Lights+out.png" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269323864365104834" alt=""><br>Then someone had the nerve to turn the music off and the lights on.  <strong>What was left, too many agents and lenders without reserves</strong><strong>, sellers upside down on their homes and buyers without money. Boy that was some party!</strong> <br><br><br>Time for a little personal reflection. Some folks got out of the biz, that's okay they needed too, others though went through rehab. <br><br>· Why am I am I in Real Estate? <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBmTH8bBrI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CLqfDbKumDg/s1600-h/group_counseling.jpg"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_NpMHO2oywJk/SSBmTH8bBrI/AAAAAAAAAVw/CLqfDbKumDg/s200/group_counseling.jpg" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269324042759505586" alt=""></a> <br>· Do I work better with Buyer or Sellers? <br>· What's my Budget? Budget is that word in the dictionary? <br>· What's my business plan? <br>· Have I created relationships with other agents in my market? Or do I have some making up to do for my bad behavior during the party? <br>· Do I even have my database together? Ughh <br>· Sphere - Is that a circle thingy? <br><br>I am happy to say a lot of great agents have come out the other side. Will you share with us, "What's the one single greatest thing you learned?" <br><br>For me it was, "I didn't have to outspend my competition on marketing. I had to learn to say NO." Actually it's really easy. Try it... No, No. See it only takes a second, calls over and you didn't spend they money you don't have to impress other agents when the consumer is the one we need to impress. Hello! (disclaimer, we need to impress each other with the service we provide)<br><br>Share some love and tell us the best you learned____________.</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:29:26 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/794571/the-wild-party-the-hangover-and-rehab-where-are-the-success-stories- http://activerain.com/blogsview/785887/latest-and-greatest-from-convention Latest and Greatest from Convention <p>I will start to post some of the new things I found at the NAR convention so you all can check it out. The first one is Stazzle. You can check them out at <a href="http://www.stazzle.com">www.stazzle.com</a>. It's a cool and FREE online database for keeping track of birthdays, anniversaries, referrals and of course the opportunity to send gifts. But if all you want to send is an ecard for the celebration that FREE and right there too. Well friends that's all for today. I look forward to building the group and hearing from you!</p> <div class="agent_signature"> <p><span style="font-family: book antiqua,palatino;">Kim Knapp Vanguard Realty</span></p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/2/3/9/ar125171917393203.jpg" height="0" alt="Blog picture" style="float: left;" width="0"><img title="Woman Typing" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/9/7/6/4/ar125171922546792.jpg" height="108" alt="Blog picture" width="80"></p> <p><a href="http:/www.teamknappsells.com" title="Kims website" target="_blank">CallTeamKnapp.com</a></p> </div> Kim Knapp Top Realtor Jacksonville and Orange Park Florida (Coldwell Banker, Vanguard Realty) Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:13:25 -0800 http://activerain.com/blogsview/785887/latest-and-greatest-from-convention