Happy Prosperous 2009!!! - 12/31/08 09:31 PM
Happy New Year! Great news, we've been through an election, a "financial crisis," and housing bust ... it can only get better.
No one said that life should be easy, and for many, 2008 has been a real challenge. As we slide into 2009 just remember a few basic things and have fun with the rest: life is short, someone else is in a worse situation than you, make the best of what you have-not what you don't have and live each day like it was your last.
Here's a cool quote that I got from Garrison Keillor (not sure where … (2 comments)
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Another 2 Family Home Sold by Mike Hughes, 114-116 Taylor Street, Waltham, MA - 12/31/08 09:20 PM
SOLD for Full Price in 11 days!
Finally available...this great two-family home will not last! Owner occupied and very well cared for. Updated siding, windows and systems. Hardwood flooring with much preserved molding, Eat in kitchens, separate access to the basement from each unit and off street parking. This property has three living levels and limitless configuration opportunities ... 3rd floor has a storage room AND bedroom for each unit--in addition to the spacious 2 bedrooms in each unit. Perfect owner occupy or convert.
For more information call 800-332-2830 or log on to http://www.mphughes.com.
Call to be notified of other … (0 comments)
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Recap CHEAP Cool Tools for 2009 (& your 10 daily Comments done) - 12/30/08 07:58 AM
Via Regina P. Brown at R.P. Brown Real Estate:
Due to popular demand, here's a recap of the CHEAP cool tech tools I found to help you with your business for next year:
#1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/824067/CHEAP-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Glossy-Full-Color-Biz-Cards-limited-time-offer
#2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/824105/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-SEO-tips-for-Web-Marketing-from-Anthony-Kirlew
#3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/824957/CHEAP-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Branded-Email-WOW-factor-from-MLX-Jet
And if you want a recap of the FREE cool tech tools I recommend:
#1 http://activerain.com/blogsview/821888/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Dominate-the-Listings-with-eBook-from-Brett-Noel
#2 http://activerain.com/blogsview/821978/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-BlackBerry-PDA-Phone-limited-time-offer
#3 http://activerain.com/blogsview/822066/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Motivational-Audios-from-Paul-J-Meyer-limited-time-offer
#4 http://activerain.com/blogsview/827754/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Birthday-Reminders-e-Cards-from-BirthdayAlarm
#5 http://activerain.com/blogsview/831202/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Fly-Around-the-Globe-with-Google-Earth
#6 http://activerain.com/blogsview/831219/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Email-Large-Files-with-YouSendIt
#7 http://activerain.com/blogsview/832826/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Share-Photos-Online-with-Flickr
#8 http://activerain.com/blogsview/832819/FREE-Cool-Tool-for-2009-Free-International-Calls-Video-with-Skype
Hey, and if you want to get your 10 blog comments in today very QUICKLY.... that's okay too! Just use the lists above.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and … (0 comments)
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What is YOUR Buying Strategy for 2009? - 12/30/08 07:55 AM
Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Associates):
If you are considering buying a home in 2009, or perhaps have been working on it but it hasn't happened, you might want to do some planning.
What IS your real estate buying strategy?
Do you HAVE a strategy or are you going to just go about it haphazardly?
Consider the following:
DON'T IGNORE THE INTEREST RATES
Interest rates are historically low and there are predictions of 4.5%. It's worthwhile checking into what programs you can qualify for and what this means financially for your monthly budget. Be aware that … (0 comments)
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Top 10 budgeting techniques for 2009 - 12/29/08 10:55 AM
Via Tim Moncrief, Co-Owner-Bartlett Group KW (Keller Williams Realty (Bartlett Real Estate Group)):
Remember we are not in business to be number one, we are in business to make money. For 3 decades I have watched agent after agent try to get to number one and fail to follow a budget and end up on the streets. In 2009 it is more crucial than we have ever seen to not only have a budget, but to follow it like a hawk. I want get into too many details about budgeting to keep this concise, but I highly recommend reading Millionaire Real … (0 comments)
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Marketing a New Listing-It Doesn’t Happen Overnight - 12/29/08 07:51 AM
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
How fast can you put a home on the market? Can you do it in an hour? Can you do it in a day? On a recent listing appointment a seller indicated that a previous agent suggested if they signed the listing agreement right then they could have the house on the market tomorrow. Gasp!
Sure I can run home and put the basic data in the MLS. I don't have to fill in all the data fields or at least not correctly … (0 comments)
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What's Your Social Media Game Plan for 2009? - 12/29/08 07:49 AM
Via Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder (ActiveRain Corporation):
Getting Your 2009 'Social Media' Game On!
They say that if you 'AIM' at nothing, you'll hit it every time. This is especially true as it relates to our real estate business and the need for some consistent, intentional, and well-conceived planning. I am always amazed at how many people never take the time to honestly assess/evaluate their past year's marketing efforts, and then establish some realistic, measurable goals for the coming New Year.
Creating an effective Marketing Plan doesn't have to be overly-detailed or complicated. You don't have to be a … (0 comments)
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Twitter Twaffic Explodes Confirming New Twend - 12/29/08 07:47 AM
Via Stefan Swanepoel (Trends Expert, Author & Speaker):
During the holidays I received a few emails indicating surprise that I included micro blogging (Twitter) on my Top 10 Events impacting Real Estate in 2008 so I thought I would provide a little more information for those that are not that familiar with the concept of short text-based 140 character posts.
Twitter is again one of those social media phenomena's. Founded in 2006 Twitter moved into the mainstream in this year. According to HubSpot 1 million people joined Twitter since October, pushing the new 2008 Twitter users to 3.5 million and the grand total … (0 comments)
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The ActiveRain 2009 New Year Challenge - 12/29/08 07:46 AM
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain):
It's The Official ActiveRain - Invite a New Member Day By now, you have probably set your goals, or are setting your goals and resolutions for 2009. Jon, Rich, Bob, Jeff and I have set some goals ourselves, and we hope you don't mind if we solicit your help.
On New Years Eve (and day), invite just "ONE" new member or friend to the community. Our Goal is to get 1000 new members. This has NEVER been done before. 300 is the most we have seen join in a single day. We'd love if you … (1 comments)
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FHA loan changes to keep in mind for 2009 !!! - 12/29/08 07:42 AM
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
With 2009 fast approaching, so are some key and important changes in regards to FHA loans. One important thing to remember is that FHA has made these changes official in their mortgagee letters, but that doesn't mean that investors or mortgage companies have to follow them. I will explain later....
What are the new changes?
Down Payment : The new down payment for FHA loans will be 3.5% down and not 2.25% down. Now, this is a … (0 comments)
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My listing isn't selling, so here's what I am doing. - 12/23/08 06:41 AM
Via Candice Reinke (Old Towne Realty):
I have a listing that has been on the market for about a month now. It was previously listed at a ridiculously high price. Well, it didn't sell then, and I am still having trouble getting it to sell now. So, I have re-evaluated the listing and the home and here is what I have come up with to help get it sold.
Begin using a 1-800 number for 24/7 recorded info that will get me the number of the caller so I can immediately call them back. Switch up the flyers - I am going … (0 comments)
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Out with the old, in with the ... old? - 12/23/08 06:33 AM
Via Mark Flanders (Olympic Northwest Mortgage):
It's interesting to prowl around the internet these days. Anyone in search of ways to promote a website or a profession will stumble across a seemingly endless number of articles touting the advantages of Social Networking. Regardless of the industry, harnessing social networks seems to be the dominant idea behind effective website promotion. Lists of Social Networking sites are published. Discussions on the merits of each, the effectiveness of each and the usability of each abound. Yawn...
Let me clarify that
Social networking works. I won't try to argue that point. What's interesting is the fact that … (0 comments)
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Are You Working With a Real Estate Agent is an Easy Question to Answer, Isn't It? - 12/23/08 06:25 AM
Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker (Lyon Real Estate):
What if you were thinking about going into business for yourself and was told that you'd work long hours, drive all over town for days on end, share your expertise and wisdom with a client with absolutely no guarantee that you'd ever receive compensation for your work, would you be eager to go into the business? Yet that's what some buyer's agents do in real estate.
I referred out-of-town buyers to an agent in an outlying office of Lyon Real Estate because I don't work in the Sacramento foothills and felt I … (0 comments)
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Ask Mike Hughes Any Real Estate Question - 12/22/08 09:06 AM
Okay, so here's your shot ... Buyers and Sellers you are all welcome to ask me any real estate question and I'll do my best to answer it for you. As a real estate professional, we often take our experiences and knowledge of the process for granted. If you are planning to buyer or sell, or if you have already started the process and you are curious about next steps or "standard practice" please feel free to post your answer, and I will do my best to answer it for you. Also, I'd like to invite other real estate professionals, buyers … (3 comments)
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Complete Open House Listings for Massachusetts - 12/20/08 06:32 PM
I was recently asked the best method for obtaining open house listings since many seem to be held each week and most of them are not listed in the Sunday Boston Globe newspaper. The answer is simple, just visit my website and get the list in PDF format - the list is updated every Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning directly from the MLS (99.9% of the agents post their open house listing in the MLS so that buyer agents can easily identify properties to view with their client). Click here for the current list.
In addition to the weekly open house … (0 comments)
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5 Tips to Getting Your Real Estate or Mortgage Blog to Generate Leads - 12/19/08 07:38 AM
Via Bill Rice Online Lead Generation Tips (Kaleidico-Sales Lead Management):
There are very few great real estate blogs on the Web. But, what does "great" really mean? For most that use the term it probably refers to the appearance, traffic, or lively industry banter in the comments section. I challenge you to change your definition. Start making "great" mean I actually generate sales and closings.It is really easy to get side tracked by false indicators of Web/Blog success. Let's make our metric really simple--generating the right traffic, traffic that generates sales leads. Here is my 5 step K.I.S.S formula:1. Keep it local. … (0 comments)
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Interesting Dilemma -- When is a Material Fact Not a Material Fact? - 12/19/08 05:39 AM
Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker (Lyon Real Estate):
Sometimes it's difficult to figure out whether an agent could be compromising his or her fiduciary relationship with a seller or violating the law regarding material facts. Real estate agents in CA are required to disclose material facts to a buyer. It doesn't matter whether the agent is a listing agent or a buyer's agent, all material facts must be disclosed.
A material fact is a matter that, if known by the buyer, would cause the buyer to pay less for the home or perhaps even walk away from the purchase; it's … (0 comments)
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5 Things Agents Should Avoid with Homebuyers - 12/19/08 05:33 AM
Via Amy Le (Homescape):
Over the past couple of weeks I've been helping a friend look around for a new condo here in the Chicago metro market. While he's currently just window shopping and hasn't entered into any serious talks with potential sellers, he's your ideal buyer - especially during this slow housing market. His credit score is over 800, he has about $65,000 saved for a down payment, and he has a steady, well paying job. With that said, I was shocked by the treatment we had received when we both contacted some listing agents to show us their properties. Don't … (0 comments)
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We Should Help With the Financial Bailout - 12/18/08 07:28 PM
There is a simple, yet ingenious way to fix much of the housing market, but I cannot take the credit for idea. A few days back, Mike Ferry presented several of us with a simple concept. (With Christmas, Hanukkah and 2009 around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider this simple plan to, as an industry, we need to reduce the inventory and help stabilize the markets.)
For the next several weeks Realtors, mortgage specialist and applicable attorneys need to do their jobs. That is it: Get to work! During January and February, we all need to work harder … (6 comments)
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Bye Bye Bling Bling: How Luxury Became a Dirty Word - 12/18/08 10:36 AM
Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (RPM Mortgage):
If you are feeling a little shameful about how you spent your money in the past, you are not alone. Welcome to the new era of "Luxury Shame".
Bye-bye, bling-bling.
Each year at this time I am reminded of the following sales pitch I used as the former owner of an auto leasing company: "Gee, don't you want to drive up to Christmas dinner in your brand new shiny Mercedes?"
This line was used by me in an effort to avoid the old "I'll just wait until after the first of the year." And … (0 comments)
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A Plea to Agents and Sellers - Please do not way overprice your Listings ! - 12/18/08 10:31 AM
Via Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (RE/MAX Affiliates):
I wonder if my plea will be heard...
Back in August I had a suggestion in this blog post "I have a cure for the housing market but I need your help" which stated that every realtor and seller (including FSBOs) should immediately withdrawl their listings that would knowingly never sell. If that did happen, probably at least 10 percent of the inventory would be cleared ! That in and of itself would be a great stimulus to the housing market !
As an add-on to that post, my next … (0 comments)
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TEN CRITICAL TIPS for Selling Your Home in Today's Somewhat-Challenging Real Estate Market! - 12/18/08 10:27 AM
Via Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago Real Estate Team (Dean's Team - Keller Williams Lincoln Square Chicago):
EEY - How you doin'? (That's "Chicago shorthand" for "How are you doing this evening?")
Over the last few Weekly Status Meetings for our Team, we put together a list of Ten Critical Tips for Getting Your Home Sold in Today's Real Estate Market.
For the sake of brevity, here are the Top Five. Feel free to append, modify, and share as you would like.
Click to our post today via BlogChicagoHomes.com for the complete list.
Indeed, it is likely that the year 2008 … (0 comments)
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Marketing in Turbulent Times: 7 Strategies for Successful E-mail Marketing - 12/17/08 05:56 PM
Via Debra A. Jason, Kauai Realtor (Kauai homes for sale, Kapaa to Haena) (Vision Realty All Islands Kauai):
In these challenging times, it’s more important than ever to stay in front of your customers. Pick up the phone, send a greeting, or consider e-mail. One of e-mail’s competitive advantages is its ability to help you optimize your most valuable asset - loyal customers - especially in a down economy.
According to a study by Forrester Research, 97% of consumers and 94% of marketers are using e-mail. However, don’t get caught up in the excitement and start haphazardly zipping off messages just because … (0 comments)
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FHA Property Guidelines Are Not Understood by Many Mortgage Originators! - 12/17/08 05:45 AM
Via James Graner (Residential Services (http://appraisalmo.com)):
I receive FHA appraisal orders from many different people and many different mortgage companies across the country. I know many times these Mortgage Professionals tell me they telephone interview a perspective borrower about their home and after I leave the home it is obvious they have no idea what questions to ask before ordering the FHA appraisal.
I am sometimes told "The house does not sound to be in the best condition," or a similar line. On many occasions the home is just slightly dated and meets all FHa conditions, the originator worried for no real reason … (3 comments)
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Oh, Yes ... There Will Be Blood. - 12/16/08 05:50 PM
Via Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives):
Let’s face it, if you are in the market to buy or sell a home as we approach 2009, you are either the hunter or the hunted. You are in financial disarray or you are seeking to exploit the struggles of another. I say this without judgment. A transaction which involves the antithetical goals of two or more parties is replete with advantage seeking in the best of times. Amidst unyielding economic turmoil, that truth is only exacerbated.
We all want leverage.
With apologies to Jennifer Allen, you might call it the … (0 comments)
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Business Decisions of Short Sales & Foreclosures Create Artificial Real Estate Values - 12/16/08 05:35 PM
Call or email me today for a free list of bank foreclosed properties and short sale listings in MA.
Via Loreena Yeo - Realtor(R)/Broker proudly serving Frisco TX Real Estate (3:16 team REALTY):
Foreclosure rates are on the rise. It is not news anymore. In fact, it's no longer funny to banks and sellers. Both are taking large financial hits. One of Dallas Morning News Real Estate reported that 1 in 10 owners are delinquent on their mortgages and some recent data supported the fact that 50% of the work-out programs offered by banks in these delinquencies move on to foreclose … (0 comments)
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As Is Or IS It? - 12/16/08 03:17 PM
Via Debe Maxwell (Helen Adams Realty):
As-Is or Is It? You always know to cover all of your bases to a 'T' with investment purchases because something always comes up! One of my investor clients from out of state wanted to purchase a property which currently has a tenant in place and wanted to make an Offer and get a Contract in hand prior to making a trip up to Charlotte to view the property just before Closing.
We clearly stated in the Offer that the Contract would not be Executed until which time a visual inspection by the Buyer took … (0 comments)
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IT'S A NEW PARADIGM - SHORT SALES AND FORECLOSURES DRIVING HOME PRICES. - 12/16/08 03:13 PM
The bottom line on pricing with nearby foreclosures and short sales: Consult a full-time professional, a Realtor. In some cases, value will be affected ... other-times, it will not. A Realtor can share detailed market knowledge and may have had the opportunity to preview comparable properties.
Via Lenn Harley Homefinders.com MD & VA Real Estate:
IT FINALLY HAPPENED!
In many communities across the country, foreclosures and short sales ARE the market today. Everything else is "out of market".
THE AMERICAN DREAM. Mike and Julie Sebastian paid $300,000 for their split foyer home in 2004. They planned to own their home for 5 years and then sell. Their plan was to sell their … (0 comments)
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Don't Ever Hire That Home Inspector Again, the Listing Agent Said - 12/16/08 05:11 AM
Via Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Real Estate Broker (Lyon Real Estate):
Is it possible to hire a home inspector who does such a terrific and thorough job that listing agents cringe when they hear his name? I have heard grumblings from previous home buyers who had hired a bad home inspector. And, of course, the person they blame is the buyer's agent. They believe that an agent-referred home inspector will not disclose potential and / or glaring problems in the home simply to save a relationship with the buyer's agent.
Got to say it's a possibility. There are agents who don't want … (0 comments)
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Should I list now or wait until spring ? - 12/16/08 05:04 AM
Via Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (RE/MAX Affiliates):
Should I list now or wait until spring ?
I received a call yesterday from a consumer who said "Chris, I know it is not a great time to sell. Should I put my properties up now or wait until spring ? " . What is interesting is that I have found myself answering this question frequently and I have been seeing the same question on Trulia Voices and Zillow discussions. So, I figured it made sense to write about it as it relates to the Philadelphia real estate market.
The … (0 comments)
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First Time Homebuyer Tips : Understanding the total mortgage process -- Part 3 of 5 - 12/16/08 04:57 AM
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
Shopping for a mortgage can be such a confusing process, even for those that have bought a home or refinanced previously. And in this first time homebuyers series, the biggest thing that I can't stress is the ability to pick that loan officer who will have your best interest at stake. I don't want this to be a debatable subject. There can be arguments based on :
Make sure you get the loan officer through a referral (you can find … (1 comments)
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Top 5 things I took away from the "Millionaire Maker Potato Chip Marketing" seminar... - 12/13/08 03:24 PM
Via Amber Noble-Garland @ Weichert Realtors - www.AmberLovesRealEstate.com - NJ (I offer 30% referral fees to ActiveRain agents - Call me!):
Below are the Top 5 things I took away from the seminar taught by marketing consultant, trainer, speaker, author (Jennifer Cummings) at the "Millionaire Maker Potato Chip Marketing" seminar at the NJ-NY-PA "Triple Play" regional real estate convention in Atlantic City this week. Perhaps you read the article she wrote in the recent Realtor Magazine.
I'm paraphrasing a lot of what she said in the session. Everything is broken down based on the notes I wrote feverishly, as I listened to her every word intently...
1. The #1 mistake most real estate professionals … (0 comments)
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I negotiated for my mortgage... and what did you get? - 12/13/08 07:25 AM
Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
You might find this odd, coming from a man. But I soooo love deals and I actually like different kinds of shopping, especially when I find great deals.
Overall, most of us love a great deal or what I call, "a great steal". Because of today's economy, I think we seek deals more than ever before. And to capture a great savings gives us a great feeling of joy.
Just the other day I read a blog … (0 comments)
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I'm not participating in this recession - 12/12/08 11:45 AM
Via Russ Ravary - Michigan Homes for sale - Michigan Real estate & Mortgage info (Remerica Hometown One):
Yep.... you heard it right. I am refusing to buy into Detroit Michigan's recession. I am not going to doomed and gloomed by the media. I can't afford to be scared. Me and my family are making a stand!!! WE HAVE DECIDED NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEARS RECESSION
I'm not participating in this recession. My family, friends, and co-workers are going to work hard. We are going to stay afloat. We are going to different things to make money. We are going to work … (0 comments)
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Do You Suffer From Social Networking Overload? - 12/12/08 11:39 AM
Via Kris Kombrink (Real Estate Marketing) (The Kombrink Team at RE/MAX Excels):
As I sat catching up on my friends status updates on Facebook & Twitter the other day, I noticed one friend in particular always had the same updates (verbatim) on duplicate networks. After a little digging I found out how he does it - and now I'm a raving fan!
I'm not certain this is the exact service he uses, but I can now accomplish the same thing through a site I found. It's called ping.fm, and as the site states, it's a simple way to update all of your … (0 comments)
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Landlord Steals Tenant's Identity and Ruins His Credit...What? - 12/12/08 11:38 AM
Via Sandy Shores, Melbourne, Brevard County, Florida Space Coast (M & M Real Estate Inc):
Today we are hearing that identity theft is on the rise. Yesterday I read an article in our local paper about a landlord and prior tenant that had a dispute over $200 in back rent. The prior tenant alleges that his previous landlord took his credit and personal information and posted it on a subscriber list of companies that sell all types of electronics.
According to the tenant, within months his credit score fell from 700 to down below 500 due to the dozens and dozens … (0 comments)
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"The Deal", Emotion and Markets... - 12/11/08 04:05 PM
Via Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy:
Markets are not nearly as logical as one would expect them to be. The stock market, the commodities market... even the real estate market. Don't get me wrong, the DO move based on logic and reason, and they appear to be very logical... but there is a HUGE component that isn't logical...
There are two emotions at the base that move markets...
Greed Fear Those are the base emotions to which markets react. Let me illustrate...
In a euphoric market, greed overcomes fear, and people buy. This creates a bubble. We saw it … (0 comments)
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The Sellers Want to Know WHAT?! That's Good News - 12/10/08 09:01 AM
Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360:
A recent meeting with some homeowners who plan to list their home in this market was impressive. The listing presentation was conversational and interactive, rather than a canned, page by page treatise on me, my company and all the wonderful things I can offer - blah blah blah. No one cares and I don't do it. It's all about THEM and their needs, not me.
The meeting was essential for these homeowners to understand what is going on in their micro-market - the homes that are their direct competitors, what is selling (or … (0 comments)
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Using The Three Tell 'Ems in a Blog Post Makes Me a Better Writer - 12/10/08 08:59 AM
Via Margaret Woda, Crofton Maryland Real Estate:
Have you ever heard or read something that left you scratching your head because it seemed to be "unfinished." Or perhaps the content seemed to have no connection whatsoever to the title or topic? Do you ever reach the end of a lecture or a blog post and think to yourself, "So what?"
If you don't want your blog post to come across as a puzzle with a missing piece (or two or three), try using the Three Tell 'Ems.
Many of us learned about the "Three Tell 'Ems" as students. I … (1 comments)
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Change Should We Embrace it - 12/10/08 08:58 AM
Via Downtown Portland Real Estate Broker~Herb Hamilton:
The evolution of Real Estate sales is an ongoing process. As I look back at the many changes ( most for the good ) I wonder where we might be in another 10 or 20 years.
The first day I walked into my office now some 20 plus years ago I was met by the office manager. She sat me down for an interview. The interview consisted of about 20 pounds of forms that she wanted me to fill out. There were MLS forms, Office forms, Brokerage forms and the big one, the Business Plan … (0 comments)
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Where Are Your Real Estate Leads Coming From? - 12/08/08 05:52 PM
Via Marc Rasmussen - Sarasota FL Real Estate:
I would be curious to hear where most of your real estate leads are coming from. I get most of my Sarasota real estate leads from the internet and sphere of influence. If I was really organized and had more hours in the day I could tell you accurate percentages but unfortunately I don't. I can tell you that more than 80% of my business comes from the internet. I have made a 2009 goal to increase my business from other sources like my sphere, direct mail and farming campaigns.
Benefit of Internet Leads
… (1 comments)
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Good Search, You Search We Give - 12/08/08 05:49 PM
Via Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate:
What is Good Search ? Good Search is a search site where you can search your favorite stores online. Anything that you buy through there they donate to the charity of your choice.
When you log on set up your favorite charity and everything you spend a % is given back to the charity of your choice. All of your favorite stores are on there: Amazon, PetSmart, Staples, Walmart, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Best Buy, Gap, HP, HomeDepot, Macys, Ralph Lauren, Saks, and so many more.
Charities and non-profits are hurting in our … (0 comments)
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If price is all that matters, why do we need real estate agents? - 12/05/08 07:13 PM
(Ultimately, price always does cause the sale. However, condition is key and staging is at the heart of condition.)
Via Debra Gould, The Staging Diva:
I find it amazing when real estate agents say "price is what sells real estate." It's usually said within the context of "staging is a waste of time and money." We all know that price is important, as with most purchase decisions (especially in this economy).
However price is rarely the ONLY thing that inspires someone to actually buy something! Especially when it comes to the home their family will live in for years to come!
If it … (0 comments)
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The ActiveRain Starter Kit - 12/05/08 07:07 PM
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder:
In your "Starter Kit" is everything you'll need to get started here on ActiveRain. Take your time and read through each post in the order they are listed below, this will save you hoursof frustration, anxiety, and that feeling of being overwhelmed when you first join our community. Welcome aboard!
Before You Begin: It's Important to understand what ActiveRain is, how it works, and what's expected.
ActiveRain Community Guidelines The Terms of Service may be a little dry, but this is a "must read" for every member.
Terms Of Service The 10 Guiding principles and philosophy … (0 comments)
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Are YOU Providing VALUE? - 12/05/08 07:06 PM
Via Debe Maxwell:
Are YOU Providing Value? Are YOU Providing VALUE? Just as we live our lives with certain 'moral' standards, we run our businesses based on a particular 'quality' or 'value.' What do you base your value on? Boosting customer service is best done by boosting customer relationships. This is, as I've said before, the easiest part of our job but, sometimes the most neglected. Long ago, I accompanied a Seller to their Closing. The buyer's agent delivered a glamorous gift basket to her client at the closing table and we all ooh'ed and ahh'ed over the gift. Afterwards, … (1 comments)
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$282 Cost My Seller $300K! - 12/04/08 08:54 PM
This is a short, but not so sweet lesson. (This may be different for other states ... this occurred in MA.)
•1. A buyer must buy title insurance to protect the lender's interest in real property.
•2. A buyer SHOULD ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS buy personal title insurance to protect themselves.
Here's why:I just had a deal fall apart for the perfect buyer and a great seller because of a title issue that may take several months to resolve. Essentially, the original builder and the town screwed-up ... now my seller is paying the price. Back in 1958, a lot was subdivided. … (1 comments)
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FORECLOSURE SALES HAVEN'T CHANGED IN 25 YEARS. AGENTS CAN PREPARE THEIR BUYERS. - 12/04/08 05:54 PM
Via Lenn Harley:
* * * * HARD CORE REAL ESTATE TALK * * * *
Kent Simpson wrote, "it seems that many lenders are starting to figure out how to move their foreclosed properties in a timely manner". Not in my area. In my experience, the process of selling bank owned properties has not changed in 25 years. Many of the players are the same. Granted, there are brokers who have expanded their bank owned listing efforts and even some brokerages that have been formed specifically to list bank owned properties. However, the case management for these sales has not changed since I first … (0 comments)
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Establishing an Internet Presence: "Are You Creating a 'False Front?" - 12/04/08 05:52 PM
Via Rich Jacobson ~ ActiveRain Community Builder:
During a recent meeting with one of our local real estate offices, a question came up about how to create an effective Internet presence through the use of social media/networks. A comment was made about how many profile pictures are out-dated, and give an 'inaccurate' representation of the particular person.
It reminded me of the time when I had just begun my real estate career back in Kansas (please, no 'Wizard of Oz' jokes). There was a female agent in a competing office who advertised rather aggressively through printed media, billboards, and even the screen … (0 comments)
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Buyers: If You Want the Plasma TV, Be Sure It's Written In Your Contract! - 12/04/08 05:50 PM
Via LaShawn Norden:
No one likes personal property disputes. I mean really, closing days are meant to be "happy days" when everyone celebrates, not when you yell or scream because the surround-sound speakers are "missing" or worse...the flat screen TV is no longer mounted on the bedroom wall!
All kidding aside...if you want to avoid an uncomfortable (and potentially deal-breaking) situation, it's very important that you know what "personal property" is being sold with the house and what "personal property" is not....and, if you want the Seller to leave something that they didn't include via the listing agreement or in the Seller's Disclosure, ASK … (0 comments)
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Do Your Clients Love You Enough to Keep Coming Back? - 12/04/08 05:49 PM
Via Kevin & Maryellen Garasky (KMG Mortgage Group - ID & WA):
Do Your Clients Love You Enough to Keep Coming Back?
For a brief period I took a break from mortgage lending and became a Regional Corporate Trainer - Customer Support for a nationwide telecom company. I was recruited into the position by a client of mine. She called me up one day and offered me the job after we had worked professionally together for almost one year.
It was a GREAT job and I loved it!I loved the excitement of living out a hotel room (this was pre-kids)and eating out at … (0 comments)
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Fail Safe...or...Idiot Proof...!!! - 12/04/08 11:49 AM
Via Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ :
A recent post by impassioned and renown blogger, Lola Audu, one of my favorite people on Active Rain, prompted this post!!! Lola discusses many important aspects of a typical business transaction, and rather than present a summary that does no justice to her post, I recommend you drop over to Lola's blog and pay a visit!!!
What it boils down to is 'What does it take' to complete a successful transaction...either in real estate or in business itself!
I conclude that it takes a great system...one that is FAIL … (0 comments)
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Making Guests Feel Welcome-Tips on Staging A Guest Room To Impress! - 12/04/08 05:07 AM
Via Cindy Bryant~Houston's Home Staging & Home Stagers By Redesign Etc.~RESA~ASHSR:
With the Holiday Season upon us, we will all probably be guests of someone or will have guests staying with us. If relatives or friends are planning on visiting you anytime of the year, make them feel welcome by doing a few special things that will make them more comfortable while being away from their homes.
It will not only make them feel special, but let them know that you were thinking about them, and want them to have an enjoyable stay.
I've stayed thousands of nights away from home and boy does it … (0 comments)
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Where the Smart Marketing Money is going - 12/01/08 08:30 PM
Via Memphis Real Estate - Joe Spake:
Noticed how the local newspaper looks a little thinner lately? It is especially obvious to me in Sunday Real Estate supplement. It's not just the current economic situation that is causing the decreased amount of print advertising, it is marketers changing their tactics in favor of online media.
I have posted before on permission marketing vs. interruption marketing, and the trends indicated in the chart courtersy of Marketing Sherpa, support a more permission based approach as we see a significant reduction of traditional interruption techniques: direct mail, radio/tv, spam email, and print advertising. Some … (1 comments)
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