Westchester Real Estate Blog on Active Rain

Westchester Real Estate Blog on Active Rain http://activerain.com/blogs/maxwell News, thoughts, about Real Estate, communities, schools, political and any other interesting Information about Westchester County, New York ActiveRain.com en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1479061/rivertowns-in-westchester-county-new-york Rivertowns in Westchester County, New York <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/3/6/7/ar126555500076338.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="281" /></p> <p>Seems to me that in order for a town to be considered a Rivertown they must have frontage on the Hudson River.  Ardsley doesn't have any Hudson River waterfront yet a lot of people consider it a Rivertown.  I don't.  Ardsley, New York is a 1.3 mile Village.  Ardsley has Route 9A running through the center.  Proximity to the city, centrally located and close to all highways and great schools make Ardsley a popular place to settle.  However it is not a Rivertown.  In Westchester County the following communities have Hudson River frontage and would be considered "Rivertowns":</p> <p>Yonkers, Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown, Mt. Pleasant (Sleepy Hollow), Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, Cortlandt Manor and Peekskill.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: #494949; line-height: 18px;">"Historic Hudson River Towns is a consortium of communities located on the East and West banks of New York’s majestic Hudson River, from Yonkers to Albany."   </span></p> <p>Please check out Hudson River to see all of the activities, places to visit and sites to see, <a href="http://www.hudsonriver.com" target="_blank">here.</a></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:06:10 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1479061/rivertowns-in-westchester-county-new-york http://activerain.com/blogsview/1476929/blogging-can-be-so-interesting-at-times Blogging Can Be So Interesting at Times <p><span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium; color: #333333;"> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">This afternoon I received the most interesting email.  I am posting it here and if anyone remembers and can help please let me know, you can comment on the post.</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> </p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Good afternoon Miriam,</p>  <br /> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Years ago, I lived at 8 Sleepy Hollow Road., Rye Brook New York (off Ridge Street)</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">As a young girl, approx 12 years old, I remember my best friend Lisa R. and I, used to walk up the hill to visit an old castle that was in our neighborhood.  We used to sit under the tree and do our homework.  We would spend hours just walking around the property and loving every second.  My parents mentioned that ElizabethTaylor almost purchased the castle, but she wanted more acreage.  Soon after the castle was torn down and more homes were built.</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">You could imagine the grief and crying that went on for a long time between us.  The castle was breathtaking.- a large gargole sat on top where the enormous wooden doors were.  The grounds had shrubs (topiary) an olympic swimming pool, etc.</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">The inside had marble floors, a water fountain in the foyer etc. It was hugh!</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">My question is;</p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Can you find the history of this castle?  </p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">This question has been in my mind since I first laid eyes on it and never forgot.  I am now 56 years old and this is<br /><span>one of my quests.</span></p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: justify;">Can you please help us?</p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:44:42 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1476929/blogging-can-be-so-interesting-at-times http://activerain.com/blogsview/1476918/coyotes-in-westchester-county-new-york Coyotes in Westchester County, New York <p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; color: #333333;"> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">In the Town of Greenburgh a women walking her dog was attack by a coyote at 3:15pm in the afternoon yesterday. Her dog was also attacked.  The following is from the Town of Greenburgh Police Deparment web site about what to do if you encounter a coyote.</p> <br /> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;">The Police Department has recently recieved and investigated Coyote Sightings.</span></p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="textstyle1" style="font-size: 13px;"><br />All residents are reminded to keep all pets inside, eliminate food sources, and keep a distance from coyotes. Report all coyote conflicts to the police department.</span></p> <span class="textstyle1" style="font-size: 13px;"> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a name="solving" id="solving" style="text-decoration: none; color: #0000ff;"></a></p> <p style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;">The Eastern coyote is firmly established in New York. They live in New York as an integral part of our ecosystem. People and coyotes can usually coexist if the natural fear of people that coyotes have is maintained.<br /><br />Some tips on dealing with coyotes,</p> <li>Do not feed coyotes</li> <li>If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior - make loud noises, wave your arms, throw sticks and stones.</li> <li>Do not allow pets to run free.</li> <li>Do not feed pets outside.</li> <li>Make any garbage inaccessible to coyotes and other animals.</li> <li>Eliminate availability of bird seed. Coyotes are attracted to the concentration of birds and rodents that come to feeders. If you do feed birds, clean up waste seed and spillage.</li> <li>Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.</li> <li>Ask your neighbors to follow these same steps.</li> <div><br /></div> </span></span></span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:36:22 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1476918/coyotes-in-westchester-county-new-york http://activerain.com/blogsview/1448453/how-elizabeth-weintraub-shows-homes-in-land-park-and-the-sacramento-core How Elizabeth Weintraub Shows Homes in Land Park and the Sacramento Core <p><p>This post is so true.  A good buyers agent is not just an order taker.  We do a lot of behind the scenes work before we even get into the car to show a property.  If a buyer has interest there is even more behind the scenes work that needs to get done. </p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1448014/how-elizabeth-weintraub-shows-homes-in-land-park-and-the-sacramento-core">Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, 916.233.6759, Lyon RE (Lyon Real Estate)</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><p><a href="http://elizabethweintraub.com" title="land park agent" target="_blank"><img title="land park agent sacramento" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/1/1/6/ar126417233461152.jpg" height="200" alt="land park agent" style="margin: 5px; float: left;" width="300" /></a><strong>I'm often amazed when I receive an out-of-the-blue offer for a listing, meaning the buyer's agent has not made prior contact with me</strong>. It's sort of like they figure that buying a home in Sacramento is on par with flipping through a Macy's catalog. Photographs and the sales price of a home tell only part of the story. There is always a story.</p> <p><strong>This weekend, I'm showing <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/marketfactstrends/ig/Land-Park-Homes/" title="land park homes" target="_blank">homes in Land Park</a>, Midtown, <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/marketfactstrends/ig/East-Sacramento-Homes/" title="east sacramento homes" target="_blank">East Sacramento</a> and Carmichael to several sets of home buyers.</strong> I work with buyers based on the homes that they want to see <em>and</em> the homes that I think they would like to buy. But I would rarely show a home if I haven't made an effort to communicate with the listing agent. For one thing, that home could be under contract and not yet changed in <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/marketfactstrends/qt/0407MLS.htm" title="mls" target="_blank">MLS</a>. Or the agent could be in the middle of a <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/offersnegotiations/qt/CounterOffers.htm" title="counter offer" target="_blank">counter offer</a>. <em>(I've snatched some homes for buyers because the buyer who made the counter didn't act fast enough.)</em> Or the agent might have information that could influence the price and terms my buyers might want to offer.</p> <p><strong>When buyers send me an advance list of homes they want to tour, I go to work. </strong>I do not print them out, stuff the buyers in my car and hit the streets. I've got behind-the-scenes work to get done before my buyers see any of those homes. Buyers might not know what an experienced <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/buyingahome/qt/071907-buyagt.htm" title="buyer's agent" target="_blank">buyer's agent</a> does for them, but it's far more than being an order taker.</p> <p><strong>The first thing I do, of course, is make sure the home is still available for sale and the information in MLS is correct.</strong> It's not only wasting my buyer's time to look at homes in Land Park and East Sacramento that are not available, but it's wasting my time. Moreover, if the information in MLS conflicts with the tax records, that's a red flag telling me my buyer might have a problem in <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/glossaryuthruz/g/Underwriters.htm" title="underwriting" target="_blank">underwriting</a>.</p> <p><strong>Ken Stieger, the <a href="http://www.assessor.saccounty.net/AssessorsBiography/default.htm" title="ken stieger sacramento county tax assessor" target="_blank">Sacramento County Tax Assessor</a>, came to my office last week to talk with all the agents at Lyon Real Estate.</strong> The question of discrepancies in the tax records came up because sometimes the tax records are incorrect due to human input error. Mr. Stieger explained that if a <a href="http://elizabethweintraub.com" title="land park agent" target="_blank">Land Park agent</a>, for example, is about to list a home in Land Park and discovers the home has four bedrooms but the County records show three, that agent can call the County and get the tax records fixed. Simple as that.</p> <p>Conflicting data in the tax records is not the only potential problem I look for. The second thing I look at is whether the seller owes more than the home is worth. If I find an encumbrance that makes it appear as though the home could be in <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/4closureshortsales/a/shortsalebasics.htm" title="short sale" target="_blank">short sale</a> status, but not listed as a <a href="http://shortsaleagentsacramento.com" title="sacramento short sale" target="_blank">Sacramento short sale</a>, I get in touch with the listing agent. It could be a <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/financingadvice/qt/Equityloans.htm" title="home equity line of credit" target="_blank">home equity line of credit</a> that has not been tapped. Or, the seller could be planning to bring <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/sellingahouse/qt/051907Pay2Close.htm" title="sellers cash to the table" target="_blank">cash to the table</a> to close, which could make that list price pretty firm. Or the agent might not even know the seller owes more than the list price.</p> <p>This is only the tip of the iceberg, though. Tomorrow I will talk about the other things I do before showing homes. Because there's a lot more to buyer representation than meets the eye. Stay tuned for part 2.</p><div class="agent_signature"><p><img title="sacramento short sale agent" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/8/6/7/ar12506909376828.PNG" height="43" alt="sacramento short sale agent" width="230" /></p> <p>---</p> <p><em><a href="http://elizabethweintraub.com/" title="land park agent" target="_blank">Elizabeth Weintraub</a> is an author, <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/" title="home buying and selling" target="_blank">home buying</a> columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/marketfactstrends/ig/Land-Park-Homes/" title="homes in land park" target="_blank">homes in Land Park</a>, Curtis Park, Midtown and <a href="http://homebuying.about.com/od/marketfactstrends/ig/East-Sacramento-Homes/" title="homes in east sacramento" target="_blank">East Sacramento</a>. Weintraub is also a <a href="http://shortsaleagentsacramento.com/" title="short sale agent sacramento" target="_blank">Sacramento Short Sale agent</a> who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Short-Sale-Savior-Elizabeth-Weintraub/dp/1574723766/re" title="The Short Sale Savior" target="_blank">The Short Sale Savior,</a> by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.</strong></em></p> <p>Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.</p> <p> </p></div></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:31:49 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1448453/how-elizabeth-weintraub-shows-homes-in-land-park-and-the-sacramento-core http://activerain.com/blogsview/1442890/dying-a-realtor Dying A REALTOR <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/5/8/9/ar126394696698513.jpg" height="100" alt="" width="160" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Personnally I cna't imagine doing this but the National Assocation of Realtors, our beloved NAR, has amended their trademark policy and now allows members to use the "Realtor" logo on their gravestone.  Apparently, NAR gets one or two requests a year and has in the past granted verbal approval.  People in the business for very long periods of time, 60 plus years and families who believe this is appropriate.</p> <p>It seems some monument companies would not use the word "Realtor" without written permission from NAR and now with amended policy they are able to give the permission.</p> <p>In case anyone is interested this is now possible and easier to accomplish.</p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:29:48 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1442890/dying-a-realtor http://activerain.com/blogsview/1433748/have-some-respect-please- Have Some Respect, Please! <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/5/2/4/ar1263508042562.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="222" />I recently got a referral a couple who were not first time buyers, they had owned a property and sold it and were now looking to buy another.  Because this buyer had owned previously there is hope that they would have a little knowledge about at least some of the aspects of the process.  I have no problem with an initial meeting or showing in order to meet a potential client, it gives them a chance to meet me and me a chance to meet them.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The first time I met them I asked about their financing and had they been to the banks.  They said no and I won't state the reasons why they hadn't here but this buyer had a reason, not a good reason, but a reason why they hadn't spoken to a banker.  When I approached this subject this would have been an excellent time for them to explain a little bit about what they were planning, a little bit about their finances and some of their issues. But they didn't.  They said nothing.  They asked nothing.  I sent them the name of a mortgage broker.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Two weeks later I get a phone call, can you show up this co-op this evening.  This evening!  This is urgent they must like something about this unit and if it is urgent then maybe they are ready to move forward.   They knew they didn't have the down payment but urgently that evening wanted to see this apartment. Why, I haven't a clue.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">They could not get approved but wanted to begin their search.  They don't plan to buy for another five months but want to see properties now.  Want to see properties in the evenings, want to see properties immediately with no notice in terms of an appointment, urgently.  They are not approved.  They don't have the down payment and won't have it for a while.  They want an agent who will show them properties during the next few months and then maybe they will get an approval.  I finally found out what they are up to when the approval was not issued, a clue!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The husband told me "not to worry" about any of this. Is he kidding?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>What would you do? </strong> I told them I am not interested in showing them properties until they have their finances in order  and that perhaps another agent would be willing to, but I was not.  I wished them luck and I wish the next agent luck.  I hope that they tell the next agent they are not approved and won't be buying anything for a few months, maybe.  At least then the agent can make the right decisions.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:56:12 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1433748/have-some-respect-please- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1430670/it-s-not-about-you-it-s-about-them- It's Not About YOU, It's About THEM... <p><p>I have often pondered what "Top Producer" means and why or what it means to the buying public.  To me it is meaningless. This post by Debe Maxwell is so true.  Our clients want to know what we are going to do for them, how are we going to help them accomplish their goals, are we qualified and will we do what we say.  It is not about us.</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1428643/it-s-not-about-you-it-s-about-them-">Debe Maxwell, Realtor® - Charlotte NC MLS - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (Helen Adams Realty)</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><h3><img title="It's Not About Me..." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/8/6/3/ar126326899836872.png" id="debe" height="211" alt="It's not about me" style="margin: 8px; float: right;" width="144" /></h3> <p> </p> <h3 style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;"><big><big>It's Not About YOU, It's About <span style="color: #990000;">THEM</span>...</big></big></h3> <p><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;">..."Top Producer” Is OUT…<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #990000;">'YOU'</span> Is In<br /><br />How many times do we read about our peers' accomplishments--their sales volume or their 'Top Producer' status within their own firm or that of the city or nation's list of top agents?  Agents and other service providers tend to 'tout' their monetary worth rather than selling themselves with what they can offer their clients.</big></big></p> <p><big><big><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><big><big><span style="font-family: Cambria; color: #000066;"><br /></span></big></big></span></big></big><img title="It's about them" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/5/4/2/ar126326929624593.png" id="debe" height="327" alt="It's about them" style="margin: 8px; float: left;" width="300" /><big><big><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><big><big></big></big></span></big></big></p> <p><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;">What does it mean to the consumer when they read 'Top Producer' in an ad for a real estate agent?  Have you ever pondered that question?  Could it mean that the agents "think they're all that?"  Could it mean that the agents are just "too busy for me, the consumer?"<br /><br />My father was in the service (USAF) and then 'retired' and went into business.  I remember all my life having the mantra 'the customer is ALWAYS right' hammered into my brain.  When I retired from nursing and went into real estate, those words resounded with me because I knew that I had to adjust my teaching mentality (from nursing) to one of complete customer service (in real estate)</big></big><span style="color: #000066;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <p><img title="Customer Service" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/0/5/7/ar126327312675052.jpg" id="debe" height="200" alt="Customer Service" style="margin: 8px; float: right;" width="300" /></p> <p> </p> <p><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;">New to the business, I would read each and every real estate advertisement, flyer, postcard or letter that was sent to my home by other agents and thought that the 'Top Producer' thing <em><strong>had</strong></em><strong><em></em></strong> to be a short term goal for me.  I would not stop until I achieved that status so that I could "boast" about that just as other agents did.</big></big></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><img title="Customer Service" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/2/0/2/ar126327008420204.jpg" id="debe" height="200" alt="Customer Service" style="margin: 8px; float: left;" width="300" /></p> <p><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;">That old customer service seed that my father planted has led me to recognize that customer service, regardless whether the customer is right or wrong, is <strong><em>most imperative</em></strong> in our business.  I've read numerous comments and blog posts about how our business is NOT a service industry.  How is it NOT?  We're dealing with customers/clients and we're providing a service to them day in and day out--we're sharing our knowledge and our expertise with them in order to help </big></big><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #990000;">THEM achieve their goals.</span></big></big></p> <p><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /></big></big><img title="It's all about THEM" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/6/9/6/ar126327080169675.png" id="debe" height="217" alt="It's about them" style="margin: 8px; float: right;" width="241" /><big><big style="color: #000066; font-family: Calibri;">The monetary rewards of our service to our clients is secondary.  Our mission is t<span style="font-weight: bold; color: #990000;">o help THEM achieve their homeownership and financial goals.</span>  Think about this when you're writing your ads and marketing yourself and your business...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; color: #990000;">...it's not about YOU, it's about THEM.</span></big></big></p> <p> </p><div class="agent_signature"><p><img title="Debe in Charlotte" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/0/1/ar12536389310483.png" height="47" alt="Debe in Charlotte" width="89" style="margin: 10px;" />   </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/DebeinCharlotte" title="Subscribe to my Active Rain Blog" target="_blank"><img title="Subscribe to My Active Rain Blog" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/2/2/9/ar125363953292207.png" height="37" alt="subscribe to my Active Rain Blog" width="136" style="margin: 10px;" /></a>  <a title="Email Me!" target="_blank"><img title="Email me" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/0/8/1/ar125363957418011.png" height="37" alt="Email me" width="122" style="margin: 10px;" /></a>   <a href="http://www.SoldByDebe.com" title="Shop for Homes for Sale in Charlotte NC" target="_blank"><img title="Search Charlotte NC MLS" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/6/2/6/ar125363960062629.png" height="37" alt="Search Charlotte NC MLS" width="130" style="margin: 10px;" /></a>   <a href="http://twitter.com/debeincharlotte" title="Follow me on Twitter" target="_blank"></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitter.com/debeincharlotte" title="Follow me on Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Follow me on Twitter" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/0/5/1/ar125363976615047.png" height="48" alt="Follow me on Twitter" width="48" /></a><a href="http://technorati.com/people/technorati/Debeincharlotte" title="Technorati" target="_blank"><img title="Technorati" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/3/9/7/ar125363980979358.png" height="48" alt="Technorati" width="48" /></a><a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/debeincharllot/" title="StumbleUpon" target="_blank"><img title="StumbleUpon" 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style="font-size: xx-small;">Disclosure of material contained within</span></a>.</p></div></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:28:40 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1430670/it-s-not-about-you-it-s-about-them- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426723/the-westchester-toy-and-train-show The Westchester Toy and Train Show <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/8/2/8/ar126320986582859.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="179" /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>1/31/10 <br /><a href="http://www.countycenter.biz/">Westchester County Center</a> </strong></span><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><strong>The Great Westchester Toy & Train Show </strong><br /> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Details:</strong></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The Largest Toy & Train Show in the Northeast featuring more than 300 Vendor Tables. New & Antique Toys & Trains , All Gauges, Train Parts, Layouts, Appraisals, Die Cast Automobiles, Books, Test Tracks, Toy Soldiers, Match Box, Star Wars, Thomas and Friends, Games & Toys for all ages. Potential Vendors please call 518-392-2660 or 631-653-8133 9am-3pm.</span> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Hours:</strong></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Sunday: 9:00am-3:00pm</span> <br /></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Cost:</strong></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Adult $9 / Children under 12 years free when accompanied by an adult</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Location: </strong></span></td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Westchester County Center</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">198 Central Avenue</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">White Plains , NY </span> <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">10606</span></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">For additional information:</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> 914-995-4050</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Westchester County Center</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Website: </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">www.westchestertoytrain.com</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Accessibility: <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">A,P,B</span></span></span></span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:38:56 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426723/the-westchester-toy-and-train-show http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426719/jewish-deli-s-in-westchester-county-new-york Jewish Deli's In Westchester County, New York <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/1/1/6/ar12632090961129.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="190" />There are just a few good Jewish Deli's in Westchester County.  Blooms Deli in upper Westchester has closed.  The Mt. Kisco deli is no longer in Mt. Kisco but is now located in White Plains.</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 15px;"><em>"But the granddaddy of them all — </em><a href="http://www.epsteinsdeli.com/" style="color: #004276; text-decoration: underline;"><em>Epstein’s of Hartsdale</em></a><em> — is going strong after 40 years. Bought from the original owners by Robert DeGroaf and his wife, stepdaughter and son-in-law about a year and a half ago, Epstein’s has been spruced up and given a new focus on service while still putting out the same juicy pastrami, corned beef and freshly roasted turkey that it has for years."</em></span></p> <p>Epstein's has just changed their menu, organizing it and making it much easier to read, the food is consistently good and the service is excellent.  Epstein's Deli is located on Central Avenue in Hartsdale, New York.</p> <p> </p> <p>From the New York Times, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/10/nyregion/10qbitewe.html" target="_blank">here.</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:27:41 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1426719/jewish-deli-s-in-westchester-county-new-york http://activerain.com/blogsview/1423853/hartsdale-new-york-10530-market-statistics-12-31-09 Hartsdale, New York 10530 Market Statistics 12/31/09 <p><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic'; font-size: medium;"> <div style=""> <p style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS'; font-size: 14px;"><img class="yui-img" src="http://charts.altosresearch.com/altos/app?s=median:l,&ra=c&q=a&st=NY&c=HARTSDALE&z=10530&sz=s&ts=d&rt=sf&service=chart&pai=52439006&co=0&endDate=&startDate=" alt="Real Estate Market Chart by Altos Research www.altosresearch.com" style="cursor: pointer !important;" /></p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> </p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">As of 1/1/2010  45 Active Single Family Houses are on the Market</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">                           3 Houses are in Conditional Contract</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">                           1 is in Pending Status</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">                           48 Houses during the calendar year 2009</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">                                        Low price was $265,000<br />                                        High price was $1,262,500<br />                                        Average 604,980<br />                                        Median  542,500<br />                                        Average Days on the Market was 174</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">9 Sold During the Month of December 2009 and the absorption rate at the end December was 21.7 weeks of inventory which is a neutral market.  The time of year historically has lower inventory and there was a push to close before the end of the year for tax and home credit issues driving the number of up.  </p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">During 2008 61 single family houses sold, compared to the 45 in 2009 and compared to the 80 in 2008 which shows that close to 20 fewer houses sold.  The median price in 2008 was $610,000 as compared to a median for 2009 of $542,500 which is an 11% decline.</p> <p style="font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify; font-size: 13px; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"> </p> </div> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sat, 09 Jan 2010 07:12:10 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1423853/hartsdale-new-york-10530-market-statistics-12-31-09 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1413905/the-first-time-buyer-interview The First Time Buyer Interview <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/0/5/1/ar126260897115096.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="133" />Yesterday after showing houses in the bitter cold (-8) wind chill I had an appointment to meet a new buyer at my office.  This buyer is a first time buyer who has spent time on the internet for the past few months and is trying to get a handle on the process of buying.  While there is a lot of information on the internet it is hard to put all of the information in order.  I met this buyer and we spent two hours getting to know each other.  When you are a new buyer you don't always know all the questions you need to ask.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong> You Don't Know What You Don't Know</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">After chatting for a while we had a nice conversation going and this buyer started to feel more comfortable and asked the questions they wanted to ask.  It can be difficult for buyers to  sit across from a broker and ask questions about their experience, how they represent buyers, what is it that a buyer's agent can do for them, what is their experience, will they work as a dual agent?  It is uncomfortable to sit across a table and ask the questions you want to ask without feeling that you are insulting the agent or asking inappropriate questions, it is difficult.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I tried to make them comfortable and told them to please ask their questions, it was okay.  I would answer them.  I would say the same thing to any buyers out there who are looking for an agent.  I will be glad to answer any questions you may have, you have a right to know how an agent you are considering works.  If you don't have a list of questions or aren't sure what you should ask, call me and let's have a chat.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Since I am an experienced broker I know the questions you want to ask, really I do.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Mon, 04 Jan 2010 06:43:44 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1413905/the-first-time-buyer-interview http://activerain.com/blogsview/1411722/don-t-let-the-big-banks-bully-you-something-you-can-do- Don't Let the Big Banks Bully You! Something You Can Do. <p>With new bank regulations around the corner a lot of Americans are feeling helpless.  We are captive.  The reports state that the banks are going to increase fees and charge new fees and create new fees.  The folks at The Huffington Post came up with a rather ingenious idea.  The small guy can do something about this.  You can move your money to a community bank or credit union and take it away from the big guys. </p> <p>JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Citibank are the culprits.  Don't just take it!</p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Century, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 28px;">"And as we contrasted that with the efforts of local banks to show that you can both be profitable and have a positive impact on the community, an idea took hold: why don't we take our money out of these big banks and put them into community banks? And what, we asked ourselves, would happen if lots of people around America decided to do the same thing? Our money has been used to make the system worse -- what if <em style="font-style: italic !important; padding: 0px; margin: 0px;">we</em> used it to make the system better?"</span></p> <p> <object height="385" width="480"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Icqrx0OimSs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Icqrx0OimSs&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="480"></embed> </object> After you view the video, check out<a href="http://www.moveyourmoney.info" target="_blank"> www.moneyourmoney.info</a> and then tell everyone. We can show them they can't bully us.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:10:11 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1411722/don-t-let-the-big-banks-bully-you-something-you-can-do- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1409842/new-standardized-good-faith-estimate-effective-january-1-2010 New Standardized Good Faith Estimate Effective January 1 2010 <p><p>This post from Yoreena Yao is an excellent overview of the new 2010 Good Faith Estimate that is mandatory on all loans.  It is not a perfect form and buyers will need to know what the pitfalls are.  This article is good place to start.</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1375563/new-standardized-good-faith-estimate-effective-january-1-2010">Loreena Yeo - Broker|Realtor(R) of Frisco-TX-Homes (214) 783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY)</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><p>For the longest time, there was no standardization in good faith estimates presented by Lenders when a loan application is made by a borrower. No standarization here means some lenders disclose a variety of information on the previous GFE while others do not disclose at all. In efforts to facilitate a better shopping experience for the consumers, <strong>HUD requires all lenders use the new standardized format for Good Faith Estimates effective January 1 2010. </strong></p> <p>At first glance, the standardized format of the Good Faith Estimate is easy to read, understand and digest by the average borrower.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/9/6/8/ar126032882486964.jpg" height="204" alt="" width="150" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/7/6/8/ar126032887886793.jpg" height="202" alt="" width="150" /> <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/9/4/1/ar126032891114902.jpg" height="204" alt="" width="150" /></p> <p>The summary of the loan is displayed on the 1st page with answers about the loan such as:</p> <p>(1) Can your interest rate rise? (Indicates if it is an adjustable rate mortgage)<br /> (2) Even if you make payments on time, can the loan balance rise? (Indicates if it is a negative amortization loan)<br /> (3) Even if you make payments on time, can your monthly amount rise? (Indicates if the account is escrowed or not)<br /> (4) Does the loan have a pre-payment penalty?<br /> (5) Does the loan have a balloon payment?</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/4/9/1/ar126032917319438.jpg" height="203" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Lenders are held to a higher standard of accountability with the use of the standardized Good Faith Estimate</strong>. "Good faith" in the past will now be more of certainty, especially when it comes to the Lender charges. HUD requires that Lenders be sure to know how much they intend to charge their borrowers based on the information the borrowers provided.</p> <p>The <strong>new Good Faith Estimate also utilize the Lump & Dump concept</strong> whereby HUD feels that the borrowers have been provided too much information in the previous good faith estimates. Items "A" on Page 2 of the GFE includes all origination charges. They are no longer broken down into Loan Origination Fee, Processing Fees, Tax Service Fee, Funding, Lender Feeds, Doc Prep Fees, Broker Yield Spread Premium, etc. Only information that could affect the loan is broken down into 2nd part of "A". According to HUD, the "bottom line" numbers is what the consumers care about.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/1/4/6/ar126032911164126.jpg" height="162" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p><strong>This section of the Good Faith Estimate must be the same (ie. Zero Tolerance for differences) and borrowers can expect them to be the same on the HUD-1 settlement statement</strong> - if the terms and conditions of the loan are the same. Should there be a difference, HUD considers this Breached Tolerance and this breach will be cured with a credit at the closing table or writing a check to the borrower within 30 days of closing.</p> <p>This brings Lenders to more accountability towards the accuracy of their good faith estimates to their clients. It is a good thing.</p> <p>Other considerations could be expected should there be <strong>changed circumstances on these No Tolerance items above (ie. Lender charges)</strong>. A changed circumstance may include acts of God, war, disaster, new information not known by the Lender, other information found not to be inaccurate.</p> <p>There are other charges associated in purchasing the property. These items are found as part of "B" on page 2 of the GFE.</p> <p>The similar lump & dump concept for Title charges in Section 3, 4, 5 and 6. These charges can deviate up to 10% on the HUD-1 statement - assuming that the borrowers services identified by the Lender. The total of these charges of page 2 on the GFE constitutes the "B" total.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/2/4/0/ar126032923304234.jpg" height="239" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p><strong>Along with the "A" total and "B" total, these costs add up to make the Total Estimated Settlement/ Closing Costs. However, this is NOT to be confused with Cash Needed for Settlement. Items A and B DOES NOT account for Seller's concessions, property tax and HOA prorations</strong>, etc.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/8/4/5/0/ar126032926505483.jpg" height="93" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p>Page 3 of the Good Faith Estimate is also known as the "finishing touches" for the loan. It gives borrowers instructions on what cannot be increased at settlement, what may increase up to 10% and what could potentially subject to change.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/0/7/4/0/ar126032931004706.jpg" height="222" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p>There is also <strong>a tradeoff table</strong> for borrowers to see the various choices as provided by the same lender. Same loan with lower settlement charges or same loan with lower interest rates.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/3/8/3/ar126032936338319.jpg" height="241" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p>Last but not least, the GFE also provides a section to allow borrowers to <strong> compare various loan offers in the Shopping Chart section</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/3/8/1/ar126032939518316.jpg" height="261" alt="" width="500" /></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>The use of the form is MANDATORY</strong>. In the past, lenders have created their own formats and some not providing one at all. The new rules as directed by RESPA must be furnished to borrowers:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Within 3 days of loan application.</strong><br /> A loan application is deemed taken by a lender with the borrowers' names, social security numbers, incomes, estimate purchase value, loan amount, other information deemed necessary by lender and property address.<br /> This form must only be utilized if there is a specific property address.<br /> While home buyers have used the GFE to shop for lenders, they could no longer do that. Without a property address, the industry believes that lenders will come up with "preliminary" GFEs without the actual property address.</li> <li><strong>Without 10 days of GFE issuance.</strong><br /> The GFE will be good for 10 days after the borrower receives it. The borrower MUST express an intent to proceed with the terms and conditions of the loan based on the GFE provided within 10 days business. After 10 business days, the lender is no longer bound by the issued GFE.</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>This is HUD's effort in facilitating consumer comparison shopping of Lenders. </strong>It is not the most perfect version out there but it is a much simpler method for an average consumer to understand. <strong>What this new GFE does not address is it does not specify the loan product</strong> (FHA, Conventional, VA, etc.) and <strong>it also does not inform the borrower the actual monthly payments in Principal, Interest, Property Taxes and Home Insurance (PITI).</strong> It only addresses the Principal, Interest and Mortgage Insurance (if applicable).  The lender may furnish these information on other documents.</p> <p>Download the new GFE <a href="http://www.hud.gov/content/releases/goodfaithestimate.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Related Articles:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_MortgageCompareLendersGoodFaithEstimates"> How to Compare Lenders and Good Faith Estimates</a></li> <li> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_MortgageInterestRatesSpikedHigherThanNormal"> Mortgage Interest Rates Spiked Higher Than Normal</a></li> <li> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_PersonalFinance100HomeLoans">100% Home Loans</a></li> <li> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_PersonalFinanceTimeValueofMoneyinClosingCosts">Time Value of Money in Closing Costs</a></li> <li> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_HomeownershipMythsaboutTaxAssessmentsvsValues">Myths about Tax Assessments vs. Property Values</a></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #006699;">*********************************************************************************************</span></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">All contents are original. Consider <strong><a href="http://www.activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=13811" target="_blank">subscribing to my blog</a></strong> for more real estate commentaries. <br /> <br /><strong><a href="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=2886838&loc=en_US">Subscribe via Email if you are not an Active Rain member here.</a> </strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/316teamrealty" target="_blank"></a>Contact: </strong></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/0/8/4/ar125303583648067.jpg" height="183" alt="" width="175" /><br /><strong>Loreena Yeo </strong><br />Realtor®/ Broker of 3:16 team REALTY <br />(214) 783-2210 <br /><a href="mailto:loreena@loreenayeo.com">loreena@loreenayeo.com</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;">Check out my <strong> <a href="http://www.frisco-tx-homes.com/" target="_blank">Frisco TX Homes</a> website</strong>. <br /> The premier greater Frisco TX Homes local informational center for your one-stop real estate needs.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.frisco-tx-homes.com/frame.asp?f=mls&selectedidx=" target="_blank"> Search MLS Listings</a> with no registration required.<br /> <a href="http://www.frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_homevaluerequest_A_d_E_forms" target="_blank"> Home Value Request</a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Super-serving <strong>Frisco, Plano, Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Little Elm, Prosper, Celina, Richardson, Dallas M-Streets, Dallas White Rock Lake</strong> area communities and other surrounding areas.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: center;">Copyright © 2009 by Loreena Yeo (3:16 team REALTY)<br /> Originally posted on <strong> <a href="http://frisco-tx-homes.com/default.asp_Q_f_E_cpg_A_pg_E_MortgageNewGFEEffectiveJanuary12010" target="_blank">New Standardized Good Faith Estimate Effective January 1 2010</a>.</strong></p></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:19:43 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1409842/new-standardized-good-faith-estimate-effective-january-1-2010 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1409838/our-goal-is-to-reach-3000-registered-attendees-to-virtualrebarcamp-com- Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to VirtualReBarcamp.com! <p><p>Here is my reblog of this article on the Virtual RE Barcamp.  How smart to turn this into a contest and have an incentive to all to reblog (post) this.</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag">Via <b><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1409303/our-goal-is-to-reach-3000-registered-attendees-to-virtualrebarcamp-com-">Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato)</a></b>:<br/><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/6/0/3/4/ar126229680743063.jpg" height="125" alt="" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" width="125" />Our goal is to reach 3000 registered attendees to <a href="http://VirtualReBarCamp.com" target="_blank">VirtualReBarcamp.com</a>!</p> <p>The event is free being presented by 28 of the top minds in RE technology and social networking. Currently we have 1500+ registered attendee.  To reach our goal we need your help.  Fortunately, we have a ringer in our pocket: The generosity of <a href="http://ListingMoves.com" target="_blank">ListingMoves.com</a>.  ListingMoves.com is going to be running  a contest for everyone that helps us attain our goal.</p> <p>Anyone that writes/re-blogs this post on ActiveRain about <a href="http://VirtualReBarCamp.com" target="_blank">VirtualReBarCamp.com</a> being held January 4th will be entered in a drawing to win one of the following prizes:</p> <p>      1. 1 year free subscription to ListingMoves.com premium package ($720 value)</p> <p>      2. HP Netbook Computer</p> <p>      3. Platinum RainCamp Access Pass (If you don't know what that is go to RainCamp.com or ask one of the guys here on ActiveRain they'll fill you in :-) )</p> <p>      4. One year free NetFlix subscription (3DVD's out at a time)</p> <p><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><img src="http://virtualbarcamp.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/rebarcamp146.png" alt="" style="float: right; border: 10px solid black;" /></span>The rules:</strong></p> <p>Comment below with the link to your post or re-blog so we can enter you in the drawing.</p> <p>You can also tweet about this for a 2nd entry in the drawing and it can say anything to promote VirtualBarCamp but it must include #VREBC & #ListingMoves as hashtags for tracking purposes such as the following:</p> <p><em>28Top real estate tech speakers present@ #VREBC Jan4  Register now by going to <a href="http://bit.ly/8BBZYu" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/8BBZYu</a> & qualify 4 $25 StarBucks GiveAway #ListingMoves</em></p> <p>(ListingMoves.com will also be giving away 25$ starbucks gift cards to the 2000th, 2001st, 2500th, 2501st, 3000th, 3001st registered attendees and donate the same amount to the <a href="http://virtualbarcamp.com/pages/warmath-charity/" target="_blank">Warmath Children College Fund Charity</a>) </p> <p>Wow!  Fingers crossed... come on 3000!</p> </span></span></p></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 07:17:06 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1409838/our-goal-is-to-reach-3000-registered-attendees-to-virtualrebarcamp-com- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1405354/10-houses-20-houses-298-houses- 10 Houses? 20 Houses? 298 Houses! <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/4/5/0/ar126209862105461.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="165" />I often tell buyers that finding the right house is a process that can take time and that seeing 20,30,40 houses is not all that unusual.  This article appeared in the Wall Street Journal and is the story of a buyer who viewed 298 houses.  It states that several agents gave up and it is no wonder.  A bit excessive.  I have to wonder if the house search became a hobby, if the search was the point and not actually finding a house.  </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 10px;"> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5em; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><strong>The National Association of Realtors says the average buyer visits 10 to 12 homes before buying. Over two-and-a-half years, Ms. Pringle personally inspected 298 homes in Marin County.</strong></p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5em; display: block; padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Collecting flyers along the way, she amassed enough data to fill a two-by-three-foot box.</strong> </p> <p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 8px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 8px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5em; display: block;">Buyers have more choices but when does it get a bit obsessive - 298?  To read the article from the WSJ, <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126205338369508429.html?mod=googlenews_wsj" target="_blank">here.</a></p> <p> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:00:12 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1405354/10-houses-20-houses-298-houses- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1402376/the-imminent-demise-of-the-fax-machine The Imminent Demise of the Fax Machine <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/2/1/6/ar126192286661213.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="215" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Way back in the early 1980's pre my Real Estate Career I was asked by an employer whether I thought a fax machine would be useful for the business we were in. I didn't quite understand what a fax machine was or how it worked, how did the paper fit into the phone line?  We got a fax machine way back then with rolled paper. Then came the plain paper fax where we could use 8.5X11 sheets and didn't have to cut the faxes we received with a scissor.  For some of you I must sound like a dinosaur.  We are now almost 30 years down the road and if that employer were to ask me if we could use a fax machine in our business today my answer would be the same probably not but for different reasons, fax machines are becoming obsolete so let's try an internet fax number instead.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">For many years I have been scanning documents and faxing them from my computer where I could then file the document as well, no more rummaging through folders and if I went on vacation all of my documents are on my laptop and I didn't need to ask anyone to go to my file, find the document and fax it.  Less stress.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Now I am on to the next step in faxing and I am wondering if "in the cloud" is the right phrase.  I now have an iMac with MobileMe from Apple Computer. Now I can upload entire folders and give access to whoever needs it right on the computer.  I have an iDisk and can upload multiple documents into a folder with instant access to whoever I send it to, all password protected.  The individual receiving the documents doesn't have to click each link, save onto their computer what they need they can just go to MobileMe and access what they need.  </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I suggested to my friend please consider this as an alternative to faxing, less stress and you can always access your documents.  No, she said, I must have a fax machine.  So I guess the world isn't quite ready to move to the next step but eventually it might happen and in the meantime I enjoy not having a fax iine and paying Verizon!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sun, 27 Dec 2009 08:23:09 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1402376/the-imminent-demise-of-the-fax-machine http://activerain.com/blogsview/1401118/sfr-designation SFR Designation <object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q3BzAYXCR1A&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Q3BzAYXCR1A&hl=en_US&fs=1&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="340" width="560"></embed></object> I have just been informed that I have officially earned the SFR Certification mentioned at the end of this short video from RE/MAX International on the 2010 Home Buyer Credit, Short Sales and Foreclosures.<div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Fri, 25 Dec 2009 18:25:42 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1401118/sfr-designation http://activerain.com/blogsview/1399684/kudos-to-sen-frank-lautenberg Kudos to Sen. Frank Lautenberg <p>I don't know if any of you have been following the story of Sean Goldman but I have found it heart wrenching.  His father David out of love for his son has fought for five years to regain custody of his son and today they are reunited.  Everyone once in a while our Government does something that I applaud and that happened in this case.</p> <p>This has been a tug of war between a father and maternal grandparents in another country, many legal battles and finally last week the legal fight appeared over whe a Brazilian appeals court ruled that Sean should be handed over to this father.  Then another court ruled against this.</p> <p> </p> <p>United State Senator Frank Lautenberg then blocked the renewal of a trade bill with Brazil and when news came through that father and son would be reunited Senator Lautenberg lifted his opposition and the trade bill was passed unanimously.</p> <p>Kudos to Senator Lautenberg, power used for the good.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9px; border-collapse: collapse; color: #464646; line-height: 12px;"> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px;"> </p> <p style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; font-size: 9px; margin: 0px;"> </p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:09:49 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1399684/kudos-to-sen-frank-lautenberg http://activerain.com/blogsview/1398083/holiday-shopping-in-westchester-county-new-york Holiday Shopping in Westchester County, New York <p><span style="font-family: Palatino, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 12px;"> <p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/5/9/5/0/ar126156733305956.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="224" /> We have some wonderful shopping all around Westchester County, New York.  Yesterday I went to <a href="http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=105" style="color: blue !important; text-decoration: underline !important; cursor: text !important;">The Westchester Mall in White Plains,</a> New York and the parking lot was packed.  I had to drive around looking for parking and while I found that annoying it was wonderful to see buyers out.  The sales at all of the stores were fantastic.  The Apple Store where I was headed was standing room only with lines at the cash registers.  I did a little damage there myself getting the new iMAC which is fabulous and for someone who loves technology like me what fun.  I spent the day yesterday setting this up even though the the Apple Time Machine the machines did the work for me.  One of the few stores without any discounts and the busiest store.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Some of the stores at this mall are Nordstrons, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany, Ann Taylor, Victorias Secret, The Apple Store and the Gap among many others.  For food there is the food court, P.F. Changs.  Across the street is the Cheesecake Factory, Morton's.  Down the road is Bloomingdales.  In White Plains there is also a Wal Mart, Barnes and Noble, Macy's, and Legal Seafood plus a variety of other restaurants and stores.  White Plains is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">I hope that the number of people at the mall yesterday translates to a good holiday season for our retailers.  We could all use it.</p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Wed, 23 Dec 2009 05:23:15 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1398083/holiday-shopping-in-westchester-county-new-york http://activerain.com/blogsview/1392555/town-of-greenburgh-tax-overages-check-it-out- Town of Greenburgh Tax Overages - Check it Out! <p style="text-align: justify;">In 2007 I sold a house that is in the Town of Greenburgh, Westchester County, New York.  This house closed in November.  In January of 2008 a bank sent an escrow payment to the Town of Greenburgh.  Here is the problem.  The Town credited the money to the seller's name because there is a delay of up to 6 months from a closing to when the Town is notified as to who the new owner is.  If the buyer goes to the Town website and checks to see if the Town has any money that belongs to them their name will not show up, the name of the seller is listed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">So, you need to check your name and your seller's name as well and then verify with your escrow agent at your bank to verify who the money belongs to.   </p> <p> </p> <p>http://www.greenburghgov.com/Documents/refundlist%2012-2-09.pdf</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:44:44 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1392555/town-of-greenburgh-tax-overages-check-it-out- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1392550/winter-snow-storm-coming-this-weekend-12-19-09 Winter Snow Storm Coming this Weekend, 12/19/09 <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/9/7/1/ar126122576417964.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="285" />it is Saturday morning and the East Coast is battening down for up to 20 inches of snow on Long Island.  In Westchester County which is north of New York City they are predicting 3-6 inches but possibly more.  We shall have to wait and see but certainly travel will be a mess as the airports are already reporting delays because of flights coming into New York from areas in North Carolina already effected by the storm.  A good day to stay off the roads as the storm hits.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:30:17 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1392550/winter-snow-storm-coming-this-weekend-12-19-09 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1389239/village-of-croton-on-hudson-new-york Village of Croton-on-Hudson, New York <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/6/1/1/6/ar126104943061168.JPG" height="129" alt="" width="230" />I have a closing in Croton-on-Hudson today, one of several in the past few months.  I lived in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson for about 9 years and I know the area very well.  For buyers who want space and land, want easy access to the Hudson River Valley for skiing or hiking, want to sit by the Hudson River and all of it's glory, want proximity to be within 20 minutes of Connecticut (closest Costco), 20 minutes to White Plains and a beautiful commute down the Hudson and into New York City within 50 minutes this is the place for you.  Boating, sledding and the best ice cream at the Blue Cow and now at the Purple Monkey ice cream shops.    <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/8/8/5/ar126104951158828.JPG" height="129" alt="" width="230" style="float: right;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The house that is closing, to give you an example for what your money buys in this area is a 2400 sq ft, contemporary on 2 acres (flat and useable), 3 bedrooms, 2 and a half baths in the Croton-Harmon School District in the mid 500,000's.  Taxes are in the $12,000 range.  You don't see your neighbors houses.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The Croton-Harmon train station is a large commute hub with plenty of parking and construction on the parking lot at the train was just finished and on schedule restoring a little over 600 spots that have been unavailable for the past few months.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/6/3/3/ar126104958233636.JPG" height="129" alt="" width="230" />One of the really gr<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/9/4/4/ar126104963844921.JPG" height="129" alt="" width="230" style="float: right;" />eat parks in Westchester County is the <a href="http://www.westchestergov.com/PARKS/ParksLocations02/CrotonPointPark.htm" target="_blank">Croton Point Park </a>where you can picnic, there is a beach, boating, cross country skiing, a nature preserve.</p> <p> </p> <p>Last month the New York Times did one of their "Thinking of Living in Croton on Hudson, New York pieces and here is the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/realestate/08living.html" target="_blank">link.</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:34:54 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1389239/village-of-croton-on-hudson-new-york http://activerain.com/blogsview/1387389/a-buyer-s-agent-story- A Buyer's Agent Story <p><span style="font-family: Palatino, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 12px;"> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/6/3/5/ar126096098653665.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="242" /> I was recently asked by a buyer what can a buyer's agent bring to the table, what is it that a buyer's agent can add to a transaction.  Lisings are on line, sales information is on line, so what is it exactly that a buyer's agent can add.  So I will tell you a little story about a buyer that I had many years ago before buyer agency and before agency disclosure which came into being about 15 years ago.  This story is why we now have agency disclosure.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">My buyer and I worked together for about two years.  They were not in a rush to buy and looked more aggressively at certain times than at others, this was pre internet and pre sharing of listings on line.  We spent a lot of time together in the car and we chatted and got to know each other.  At that time there was only sub agency which meant that I was working for the seller, who  I might add I had never met, but according to New York State law at the time my loyalties in a negotiation were to the seller.  I had no obligation to disclose that to the buyer and so the buyer thought that because we  spent so much time together that I ha her best interests at heart.  She disclosed her entire financial history to me and I knew what she could afford, how much she really wanted to spend and how much she like a particular house which meant that I could gauge how much she might spend on any particular house and since I worked for the seller and it was my obligation to obtain as much money for the seller as I could when I presented an offer I could tell the listing agent that "I know that the buyer will go higher and can spend considerably more so please plan accordingly when you counteroffer, I believe that the seller will be happy".  We did not even consider at that time the possibility that there was something wrong with that - that was the way it was done.  Back then if my buyer said "I would like to offer let's say $900,000 and my top number is $1,200,000 I could disclose that to the listing agent".</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Doesn't seem fair does it.  Now if you are a buyer and you have a buyer's agent working with you and you say "I would like to offer $900,000 and my top number is $1,200,000" that can not be disclosed.  We are working for you, the buyer, and trying to get you the best price.  Recently one of my buyer's wanted to bid $575,000 on a house, that was the number that he and his wife felt would be fair.  I knew that was too high and I told them to please rethink their offer and consider a lower number which they did and they bought the house for a considerably lower amount.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">This is one of the ways that a buyer's agent is necessary in a transaction.</p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:57:10 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1387389/a-buyer-s-agent-story- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1387371/an-italian-and-jewish-bakery-kosher-too- An Italian and Jewish Bakery, Kosher Too! <p><span style="font-family: Palatino, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;"> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/7/6/3/3/ar126095763133679.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="286" />So when Enrico’s, an Italian Bronx bakery, opened at the site of a bakery in Hartsdale about 18 months ago, Glauberman saw a perfect opportunity to unite his passion for both Jewish tradition and bakeries.  <span style="font-size: 12px;">Westchester has long had traditional kosher bakeries, like the White Plains Bake Shoppe or the myriad possibilities in communities like New Rochelle. That Jewish customers can buy a chocolate-chip challah or noodle kugel along with a dairy tiramisu cake or delicate italian pastries like sfogliatellle is a wonderful thing.</span></p> </span> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></p> <p style="text-align: right; float: left; font-size: 10px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Full article, <a href="http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c36_a17463/News/New_York.html" style="color: blue !important; text-decoration: underline !important; cursor: text !important;">here</a></span></p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:01:55 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1387371/an-italian-and-jewish-bakery-kosher-too- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1385601/feedback-is-it-appropriate- Feedback? Is it Appropriate? <p><span style="font-family: Palatino, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 12px;"> <p style="text-align: justify;"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/7/3/1/5/ar126087852751378.jpg" height="200" alt="" width="200" /> One of the things that listing agents do is obtain feedback from the  buyers agent after they have seen a home.  It is part of the job that a listing agent does.  They either call or email the buyer's agent and ask what the buyer thought.  The question is, is it appropriate for a buyer's agent to provide any feedback without the buyer saying it is okay.  What if the buyer is riding in the car with their agent and discussing the house, discussing all of the things they like about the house and the agent then repeats what the buyer said to the other agent as "feedback"  Now the buyer decides to put a bid in on the house and wants to negotiate certain points but they can't because the buyer's agent has already told the seller what they thought about the issue during the feedback discussion.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Feedback is not as innocent as a seller might think and buyer's should make the descision as to what is said with their agent.</p> <p>Less talking is usually better!</p> </span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p style="text-align: center;"> <img style="float: left;" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/1/7/ar124325263971917.jpg" alt="" width="85" height="100" />                      </p> <p> </p> <p>   <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/8/3/8/ar125067779083874.png" alt="" width="206" height="28" />      </p> <p>    <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestatesearch.listingbook.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/2/0/5/ar126104765850249.jpg" alt="" width="120" height="20" /></a></p> <p>                       <a href="http://www.westchesterrealestateblog.com" target="_blank">Westchester County Real Estate Blog</a></p> <p> </p> <p><sup>Copyright 2009, Miriam Bernstein and Westchester Real Estate Blog, All Rights Reserved</sup></p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=ltblue.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p> <p> <script id="lb_client_form" src="http://www.listingbook.com/cgi-bin/controls/client_form/?uid=A50201&url=stage&btn=red.gif" type="text/javascript"></script> </p></div> Miriam Bernstein,Westchester County Real Estate (RE/MAX Prime Properties) Tue, 15 Dec 2009 06:03:18 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1385601/feedback-is-it-appropriate-