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Business in Hickory, NC

Justin & Katie Keisler (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:28:05 -0500

Planning a Meeting or Convention is as easy as 1...2...3

1. Big City Amenities!
The Hickory Metro area is the ideal full-service meeting destination in North Carolina. We offer more than 1950 hotel rooms, the 75,000 square foot Hickory Metro Convention Centers and a variety of other meeting sites. An abundance of local attractions, a large selection of restaurants and cultural sites and events will help to complement the activities you have planned for your group. The ease and accessiblity of Hickory is also very attractive. Located on Interstate 40 in western North Carolina, the ease and accessibility of Hickory means your function should be well attended. They offer the finest in full and limited-service hotels, which means there are accommodations to fit every budget.

2. Tailor-Made events!
The Hickory Metro CVB is here to help YOU. They help planners design a meeting to fit individual needs and requests. They listen carefully to our clients needs, accommodate budgets and match each client with the place that is most suited and desired for their event. They will be there every step of the way!

3. "One-Stop Shop."
Give them your specifications and we will take the work off of you from there. They will submit your needs to all area facilities and have a nice, neat proposal for you in a timely manner. No calling around, no individual proposal just a concise, simple package at your fingertips. The package will include hotel room bids, meeting facility bids, spousal activities, and any other information you request.

At the Hickory Metro CVB, YOU are important...your meeting success is important to us. Please consider them for your next event and see why Hickory sets itself apart from all the others. Come see why Hickory is famous for its BIG City Amenities...Small Town Charms .

Hickory Metro Convention Center 1960 13th Ave. Dr. SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-324-8600 828-345-0700 fax www.hickoryconventions.com	JE Broyhill Civic Center 1913 Hickory Blvd PO Box 600 Lenoir, NC 28645 828-726-2401 828-726-2405 fax www.broyhillcenter.com
Catawba Valley Community College 2550 Hwy. 70 SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-327-7000 828-327-7276 fax www.cvcc.edu	Catholic Conference Center 1551 Trinity Lane Hickory, NC 28602 828-327-7441 828-327-0872 fax www.catholicconference.org
Lenoir-Rhyne College 7th Ave & 8th St Hickory, NC 28603 828-328-1741 828-328-7329 fax www.lrc.edu	Catawba Valley Arts & Science Center 243 3rd Avenue NE Hickory, NC 28601 828-324-4906 828-324-4910 fax www.hickorymuseumofart.org
CoMMA 401 South College St. Morganton, NC 28655 828-433-7469 828-438-5246 fax www.ci.morganton.nc.us	Hickory Community Theatre 30 3rd St. NW Hickory, NC 28601 828-327-3855 828-328-2284 fax www.hct.org
Hollifield Leadership Center 6692 Valwood Road Conover, NC 28613 828-256-2126 828-256-4989 fax www.hollifield.org	Newton-Conover Civic & Performance Place 60 West 6th St. Newton, NC 28658 828-464-8100 www.nccpp.org
Park Inn Gateway Conference Center 909 Hwy. 70 SW Hickory, NC 28602 828-328-5101 828-328-5101 fax www.parkinn.com/hickorync	Green Room 60 West 6th St. Newton, NC 28658 828-464-6128 Rob Miller www.the-green-room.org
Hickory Metro Higher Education Center 2760 Hwy 70 SE Hickory, NC 28602 828-324-6966 ext 2008 www.hmhec.org

About the Keisler Team

Where is Hickory, NC?

The History of Hickory, NC

Prestigious Communities in the Hickory Metro

Hickory, NC School Information

Business in Hickory, NC

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Wailea Maui Offers Elegance, Beauty and Awesome Beaches

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:28:01 -0500

What I love about Wailea Maui is the variety it offers from the rest of the island. You will discover a variety of tropical flowers and manicure gardens. I have a listing in kanani Wailea that is very much a zen design Hawaiiana home.

It has great flo with the decor and the furnishing that really set it off.

This is an elegant four bedroom home with quality upgrades.

Like so many places in Wailea, Kanani private neighborhood offers beauty and a peaceful place to call home.

Hoolei Wailea Town homes across from the Grand Wailea Hotel is another quality project. There are a 120 units which offer 3br/3.5Ba for luxury living.

This elegant European designed Kitchen will be a joy to cook in.

If elegance is what you are looking for check my site at www.nickensmaui.com/wailea_condos.htm for current listing. I would be glad to help you find that right property. I work on four different projects in Wailea and can really help you with any information you may need from the developer. I also work in general real estate with 14 years licensed and 36 years on Maui to better serve you.

Aloha,

Steven Nickens R(S) GRI ABR

The Wailea Group LLC.

3750 Wailea Alanui,suite 5WE

The Shops at Wailea

www.nickensmaui.com

Cell: 808-280-2208

email: nickens@maui.net

501 Pacific Street, The 501 Outdoor Sand Volleyball Court and Garden by Mike Stewart Downtown Real Estate Specialist

Mike Stewart Freesia Vancouver (Century 21 In Town Realty) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:23:02 -0500

This is the Outdoor Sand Volleyball Court and Garden at 501 Pacific Street, The 501 presented by Mike Stewart, The Downtown Vancouver Condo Specialist

501 Pacific Street, The 501 Outdoor Sand Volleyball Court and Garden by Mike Stewart Yaletown Specia By Mike Stewart
View in HD Download 480p Version Visit Mike Stewart's ExposureRoom Videos Page

What Is A Real Estate Agent?

Rhonda Duffy (Duffy Realty ) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:22:47 -0500

A real estate agent is a person that is used as an expert to facilitate the selling of real estate. In my opinion, a real estate agent should be open to new things, including innovative marketing ideas and cutting-edge changes that impact buyers and sellers. A real estate agent should be someone who listens to buyers, sellers and renters to figure out what the public hates about agents and proactively make changes in their own business plan accordingly. A real estate agent should have business hours that are applicable to other professionals that are paid thousands of dollars per transaction.

A real estate agent should practice their skills by using them everyday. A real estate agent should not be part-time in the business. This means they should not have a full-time job and sell real estate when they need some extra money. A real estate agent should be skilled at keeping their cool when something goes wrong. A real estate agent should be professional and never hang up on a client or another real estate agent, no matter what was said or done.

A real estate agent should be responsible to learn, understand and keep up with all marketing tools that could and probably should be employed in selling or buying a home. The fact that a real estate agent is "not comfortable with the Internet" when most homes are now sold via the viewing on the Internet by a buyer is no longer an excuse. A real estate agent should be diligent about understanding modes of communication and marketing via every type of media from which a buyer can search and ultimately buy a home.

A real estate agent should not have to turn on their fax machine when they return from the store. They should be in business, full-time, and be set up to do business anytime inside their business hours. A real estate agent should not leave town without backup and just leave a deal hanging as a result. No one cares that the real estate agent is on vacation other than the agent himself. A real estate agent should never tell a seller that open houses don't work, when in fact, open houses sell properties, everyday. A real estate agent should never be so in-the-box that they laugh at someone for discussing the use of a St. Joseph's statute. They shouldn't scoff at the fact that apple pie scent may or may not sell a house just because they don't want to go to the trouble to explain what may or may not work to the seller.

A real estate agent should not cry when a seller tells them that they no longer want to sell their home or that they are not going to use them to sell the home. A real estate agent should not steal yard signs from lawns or directional signs from subdivisions just because someone did not choose to list the house with them but a competitor. A real estate agent should not bash other business models. They should simply point out the things that they bring to the table and why they feel their business model works better.

A real estate agent should not open the house for a buyer and let them stay in there alone, just because the buyer looks nice. A real estate agent should always look at the identification of a buyer because they recognize that they are responsible for the seller's property. A real estate agent should always be grateful that someone is willing to pay them thousands of dollars for a job that has never been fully explained to the public as to how little knowledge an agent needs and how little you're trained when getting your license.

America is unfortunately the only place where all of these standards, or should I say the lack of standards, are applauded everyday as good and acceptable behavior. The public needs to be reminded that an overwhelming number of inexperienced, part-time real estate agents hold in their hands the fate of most people's largest asset. When will we put our foot down and say enough is enough... real estate is a real profession that requires skill, knowledge and a constant reach to perform strategies and results for clients.

The clients deserve better.

Livermore Marketing Meeting - Panel Discussion, Home Staging in Today's Market

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:22:16 -0500

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion for the Livermore Marketing Association on the; "Value of Home Staging in today's Market"

This weekly marketing meeting is held on Thursday's at the Round House Grill, 2300 First St. in Livermore, CA.

Gertha Davis of Windermere Welcome Home, Member of Communications for the Board put the panel together and organized the event.

The panel consisted of; Myself, Amber Arias, Accredited Home Staging Professional of Visions Home Staging & Design, Sharron Moore, Interior Designer of Creative Design Group, and Sharon Costello Muralist and Faux Artist, of Sharon C Costello.

Opening the discussion, Gertha Davis commented on the importance of "creating the experience for the buyer" and how this is so important in the success of a business. "People want the experience"

Starting the panel off, I open with statistics within the staging industry; ‘with a 343% Return on Investment - the buyer telling you it makes a difference in their buying decision - and that they are willing to pay more for a house that is move in ready; I'm confident, that when you have a full understanding of what an experienced, educated and qualified, Home Stager can do as a part of your team, you will agree, home staging is very viable and necessary in today's market."

I also referenced today's "High Speed DSL Buyer" and how today's buyers are using the internet to sift the market; they're selecting their "must see" properties BEFORE they're contacting the Realtor.

In 1995 only 2% of buyers did research on the internet prior to contacting a Realtor. In 2007 that number jumped to 84%.

This "high speed DSL" buyer is not lingering, they're not wasting their time looking at properties that "just don't feel right", they're in & they're out!

As an industry, we've got a very short time to catch their interest. Therefore, a more sophisticated approach to preparing a home for market is in demand. And the Home Staging industry is in demand more that ever!

Sharron Moore spoke about learning from New Home Builders and how they create a team of experts, how they have a plan to best market the model and the importance of how they stage the home to their target market. She also, gave pointers of how to make sure the home is presented in a clean, and fresh and stylish way.

Lastly, Sharon Costello spoke on the importance of impact walls and how entryways are critical to visually pulling in the buyer.

As a faux artist, Sharon can "fix" and repair tiles, wooden floors and window frames, outdated kitchen and bath cabinets so they don't need to be replaced all by faux painting.

After the discussion the panel was open to receive questions. Some of the questions were regarding the seller who didn't have the money to Stage, or how do you get your sellers to understand the importance of Staging.

All these questions were answered by the panel in the same way; by having a Professional Home Stager on your team! It's our job to educate the seller on what we can do to maximize the return on their investment.

Hickory, NC Hotel Information

Justin & Katie Keisler (Realty Executives of Hickory) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:21:47 -0500

Holiday Inn Select Hickory-I-40, Nc
1385 Lenoir Rhyne Blvd. SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($95.00 - $141.00)
3 Star
Holiday Inn Select Hotel of Hickory is by far the most prestigious hotel property in the thriving Hickory area of North Carolina. As both a lodging and a meeting facility, the award-winning hotel sta... Click for More Info

Comfort Suites Hickory
1125 13th Ave Dr SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($103.49 - $103.49)
2 Star
An all suite property, each with a microwave, coffee maker, hairdryer, refrigerator, sleeper sofa, and iron and ironing board. A FREE hot buffet breakfast is served each day. Hotel is adjacent to the ... Click for More Info

Fairfield Inn By Marriott Hickory
1950 13th Avenue Drive Southeast
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($84.00 - $104.00)
3 Star
A beautiful Hotel offering Superior Value at a price that cannot be beat. Nestled in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains, we are only a few minutes away from the world-famous Hickory Furnitu... Click for More Info

Jameson Inn Hickory
1120 13th Avenue Drive SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($87.49 - $87.49)
2 Star
At Jameson Inn Hickory, guests experience the conveniences of a contemporary hotel with the charm of a country inn. Along with our Legendary Service, guests also can enjoy acomplimentary breakfast wit... Click for More Info

Courtyard By Marriott Hickory
1946 13th Avenue Drive South East
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($123.00 - $145.00)
3 Star
The Hickory Courtyard surrounds travelers with the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. Just minutes from the Hickory Furniture Mart, Valley Hills Mall, Commscope and Corning C... Click for More Info

Holiday Inn Express Hickory-Hickory Mart,Nc
2250 Hwy. 70 SE
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($76.50 - $109.00)
3 Star
The Holiday Inn Express Hickory Hotel is a 60 exterior room hotel located on site of the Hickory Furniture Mart. The Mart is the nations largest home furnishings resource and offers 100 galleries, out... Click for More Info

Quality Inn & Suites
1725 13th Ave. Dr., N.W.
Hickory, NC 28601
Nightly Rates: ($68.78 - $109.99)
2 Star
The Quality Inn & Suites hotel is conveniently located on U.S. 321 off Interstate 40, less than two miles from the Hickory Regional Airport. This Hickory hotel is close to the Hickory Museum of Art, t... Click for More Info

Park Inn Hickory
909 HWY 70 SW
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($76.00 - $149.00)
2 Star
In the Heart of Furniture Country. Downtown - This hotel is located near downtown....
Click for More Info

Sleep Inn Hickory
1179 13th Ave. Dr. S.E.
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($64.79 - $119.99)
2 Star
1995 Sleep Inn of the Year! One queen bed in each room,oversize shower in each room. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast . Hotel adjacent to Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Guest can request twin-... Click for More Info

Red Roof Inn Hickory
1184 Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard
Hickory, NC 28602
Nightly Rates: ($50.99 - $55.99)
2 Star
The city of Hickory is the center for furniture outlet stores! The Hickory Red Roof Inn features select rooms with microwave/refrigerator units and semi-truck parking, and are within 1 mile of the Hi... Click for More Info

The "Breathtaking" Views of Lake Hickory

Lake Hickory is a fully recreational lake for countless activities including jet skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, and even swimming! Unlike other lakes in the Carolinas , Lake Hickory has a constant water level, so homeowners can enjoy the lake at it's constant water level, along with the beautiful shoreline, and amazing crystal blue clear water. The waters of Lake Hickory feature countless species of fish, that can be seen through Lake Hickory's lovely clear waters. Lake Hickory's shorelines a...

Lake Hickory Info

The Lovely City of Conover, NC

Conover, NC is a great place to live, whether you are raising a family, or enjoying your retirement! Real Estate in Conover, NC is a great investment and is both diverse and widely affordable ! Click here to learn a little more about Conover, NC and why it is such a great place to live !

Conover, NC Info

Small Town Charm in Newton, NC

Living in Newton, NC is like living in a world with both "small town charm" and modern conveniences! Just minutes outside of Hickory , Newton is an excellent place to call home! The diversity of real estate in Newton, NC is exemplar! Here you will find everything from modest, affordable home s, to grand estates ! Check it out!

Newton, NC Info

Gorgeous Granite Falls, NC

Granite Falls is known for their lovely real estate and community! Their strong community support of business makes this a great place to move your business, or find a new job! Granite Falls, NC has an undying commitment to small town quality of life - and to this they credit their economic success.

Granite Falls, NC Info

Quiet Living in Hudson, NC

Hudson, NC is a quiet town outside of the Hickory Metro area , located in the City of Lenoir. Real Estate in Hudson, NC ranges from modest homes to extravagant estates! It is an excellent place for both young working adults, and retired individuals alike!

Hudson, NC Info

Where the High County Begins - Lenoir, NC

Whether you are looking for a new place to locate a business, a great place to visit for entertainment, or a place to call home for you and your family, Lenoir, NC is a place that "has it all!"

Lenoir, NC Info

Morganton, NC - City of Change and Opportunity!

The City of Morganton offers the unique charms of a small city yet embraces technology, new development and progressive thinking. Whether you are a visitor, a retiree, a small family, or a business person looking for a new home, Morganton invites you to enjoy the wonderful amenities and services of our City.

Morganton, NC Info

The Friendly People of Statesville, NC

The City of Statesville, NC is located in Iredell County near the foothills of North Carolina at the intersections of interstates 40 and 77. Historic neighborhoods, friendly people and small-town charm will greet you at every corner!

Statesville, NC Info

Hildebran, NC - Burke County

Hildebran, NC is located in Burke County - which is one of the most vibrant areas in Western North Carolina! Those who visit Burke County are amazed by what this dynamic county, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has to offer!

Hildebran, NC Info

Connelly Springs , NC A Beautiful Community!

Connelly Springs is located in eastern Burke County between Hickory, NC to the East and Morganton, NC to the West. The natural beauty surrounding Burke County and the small community of Connelly Springs includes the South Mountains , The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina , Table Rock , Lake James , and The Catawba River Valley .

Connelly Springs, NC...

Missing Text Books Cost Big Money

Gene Allen Realtor Hampton Roads Real Estate (Resh Realty Group) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:21:17 -0500

Suffolk school officials are trying to crack down on students who don't turn in text books. So far the missing text books are worth over $180k and the cost may go higher as more inventory is counted as missing. Officials are looking at using collection agencies, barring student parking and other measures. Some books cost as little as $15 and some as much as $120. Thats a lot of missing books.

http://www.geneallen.com/ Come and see ALL the Homes for Sale in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, as well as the rest of Hampton Roads. This site is updated daily with new real estate listings, pictures and other information vital to your home search.

Google gene allen

Westlake Village or Thousand Oaks

Carol Simonson (ReMax) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:21:16 -0500

Is it Westlake Village

Or...is it actually Thousand Oaks?

Settled snugly on the western edge of Los Angeles County, the city of Westlake Village is 9 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean and 45 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. Occupying only 5.4 square miles, averaging 900 feet above sea level, the community is framed by the Simi Hills to the north and the Santa Monica Mountains to the south.

About 3,000 years ago, Chumash Indians moved into the region and lived by hunting rabbits and other game, and gathering grains and acorns. On-going excavations, archaeological sites, and polychrome rock paintings in the area provide a glimpse into the social and economic complexity of the ancient Chumash world. In 1770, Captain Gaspar de Portola led a party of Spanish explorers and missionaries, traveling north on the route that became known as the El Camino Real. The party camped near a Chumash village, believed to be the site of present-day Westlake Village. Father Juan Crespi, chaplain and diarist of the expedition wrote: "We are on a plain of considerable extent and much beauty, forested on all parts by live oaks and oak trees, with much pasturage and water." When the Spanish finally did settle the area, they were given huge land grants, the largest of which was Rancho Simi, given to the Pico family. When Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, California became a territory of Mexico, and a few more land grants were given. When California was admitted to the union in 1850, most of the land that later became Ventura County was divided among only 19 families. The picturesque future Westlake Village site among rising knolls, arroyos, barrancas and ancient oaks was recognized as the central part of two Mexican land grants: Rancho El Conejo and Rancho Las Virgenes. In 1881, the Russell brothers purchased a large portion of the land for cattle ranching. According to Patricia Allen, historian and family descendant, Andrew Russell beat the competition in buying the land by racing across 6,000 acres on a fifteen-minute trip in a buckboard, and sealed the deal with a $20 gold piece. The price per acre was $2.50! The area continued to be known as the Russell Ranch although it was sold in 1925 to William Randolph Hearst and again in 1943 to Fred Albertson. The Russell family leased back part of the land to continue their successful cattle ranch operation while the Albertson Company used the vast acreage as a movie ranch. Many movies and television shows were filmed here, including "Robin Hood", "King Rat", "Laredo", and various episodes of "Tarzan", "Buck Rodgers", "Gunsmoke", and "Bonanza".

In 1963, the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company bought the 12,000-acre ranch for $32 million and, commissioned the preparation of a master plan for a "city in the country". Prominent architects, engineers, and land planners participated in designing a unique, integrated community that has become a nationally acclaimed model for the planned community concept. "The city in the country" was named Westlake Village and soon became recognized as one of America's most successful suburbs and finest areas to live, work and raise a family.

Today, a population of 28,600 resides within this beautiful, natural environment of award-winning neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and enviable lifestyles. The original master-planned community of Westlake Village is transected diagonally by the Los Angeles and Ventura County line. The Los Angeles County side, consisting of 3,456 acres, was incorporated in 1981 and became the 82nd municipality in Los Angeles County. The Ventura County side, comprised of the remaining 8,544 acres (The larger portion of Westlake Village) of the original Russell Ranch, was annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks in two portions in 1968 and 1972. Today, both sides of Westlake Village identify as a single community inspite of the fact that the county boundary separates Westlake Village between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. The wisdom of the master planners in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment of the area is evident today in the consistent growth and vitality of Westlake Village. Residents and businesses receive high quality community services operated on a contract basis with private and public agencies and overseen by a 5-member elected City Council and an appointed City Manager. Under the protection of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the city consistently maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the nation. Although the city is almost built-out, (99%), with it's new city hall and library complex completed, residents look forward to the possibility of a new resort hotel and health spa in the next few years.

Nobody knows more about the Townhouse and Condo market than The Original Condo Queen ...

Carol Simonson

Call Carol's Cell Anytime (805)390-8875

PS: Don't keep me a secret!

Guess Whatzit?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:21:00 -0500

Ok, Charles Buell had so much fun with his whatzit blog, that I decided to challenge your knowledge with this. First one to tell me what it is with the correct name(s) and I will give you a free Send Out Cards account to send two free greeting cards to anyone you like.

Happy guessing!

How many homes are you showing? Tell us, we won’t tell.

David Jones Staging101.com (Staging101.com) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:15:59 -0500

With the cost of gas so high it has become necessary to be more selective in how many homes we show. In many offices I know, only half as many homes are being shown as were 2 years ago. Funny, buyers know there is a large inventory and some expect to see "all of it" and sellers just don't get why their property is not being shown more.

Only two types of properties appear to be getting most of the showings. They are:

The lowest priced homes, and
The well staged homes, the ones that show well and excite buyers

The rest of the homes, those that don't stand out due to price or staging are taking a beating. It is more important than ever, that agents educate their sellers that they basically have only two choices if they want to sell their home.

When educating a seller about staging, have them go to Staging Facts.com and read about the study done in Orange County, CA. where homes that were staged by a professional stager sold 30.4 % faster. If you have a Do-it-Yourselfer, have them pick up a good "how to" repair book at the local library or one of the home improvement centers and also get a book on staging.

For staging information they can call a couple of local home stagers and discuss their services or go to websites like Sexy Staging.com or Staging101.com for staging ideas and tips.

The bottom line is that sellers need to really spruce up their home or cut their price. They need to know the gas issues, sad as they are, and what you have seen in the reduction of property showings.

I guess we all would like to know how much of a reduction in showings has taken place.

New Low Price & Up To $1500 Closing Cost Assistance!!!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:13:29 -0500

Tammy Anderson-Owens | RE/MAX Preferred | 618-581-8729

827 E. Rosedale, Rosewood Heights, IL

NEW PRICE!!! Seller is also adding up to $1500 in closing cost assistance.

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $105,000

Year Built	Unspecified
Sq Footage	Unspecified
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	1 Covered spaces
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

An absolutely charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home in a wonderful neighborhood. You'll enjoy all of the windows and natural light, finished lower level with office space and woodburning fireplace, warm and cozy living room with gas fireplace and much more. Vaulted ceilings, neutral decor' and more make this a perfect fit for anyone. Call today for your personal tour.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Family room	Living room
Office/Den	Dining room	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Basement	Laundry area - inside
Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Well cared for with lots of natural light.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Tammy Anderson-Owens

RE/MAX Preferred

618-581-8729

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 25, 2008, 3:11pm PDT

Diversify your skills Learn a new language!

Larry Story (Coldwell Banker Triad of Greensboro) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:10:58 -0500

I guess I fell into the language skills by my past careers. I use to own my own restaurants and when I first started out I was working for others. Way back when I worked for a Japanese family in a tourist location. Now in order to communicate with many of the staff I had to start learning Japanese. In order to call the owner's home (which the elderly mother lived in) you had to speak Japanese since the matriarch of the family the mother spoke no English. Well a little; when you called the house if you spoke English she would say "no English call restaurant" and hang up. Then since many of our chefs were young men straight from Tokyo I had to teach them English. You know the basics; chicken, fish, steak, or knife, fork, and spoon. Anyway it was the best way to learn being almost completely emerged. Needless to say I did not have much of a chance to practice that skill for many years.

Then I worked in corporate America! I moved up through a company and I became the divisional purchasing manager for a national company and my division bought heavily overseas. Well needless to say I dabbled in Hebrew and that was a lost cause. I could not get my head around that one. But, then I started with Mandarin Chinese. I was surprised and the similarities in the sentence structure and some words. I guess somewhat like the romance languages we all took in high school; french, Spanish, Italian. So while I was not immersed like before I did have one person on my staff from Taiwan so I did get to practice quite a bit. Never told my vendors I knew any it is just good to sometimes know what they are saying when then start conversing between themselves and they think you don't understand.

Well anyway yesterday I met with a Japanese couple and we were talking and small world we know some of the same people in connection with that restaurant I worked at over 22 years ago.

So just broaden your horizons and take on something new you never know where it might take you.

By the way a few years ago my good friend James got married to his now wife Aiko and they now live in Japan. James is of Scottish decent and yes I was in the wedding party so the men wore kilts and the women in traditional kimono's.

You May Have Already Missed the Boat

Michelle Fradella (Pinnacle Real Estate Services, LLC) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:08:50 -0500

Are you one of those buyers that keeps waiting for interest rates to drop and housing prices to plumbit? Do you keep listening to the media's "gloom and doom" about the real estate market, and think that this is the truth in ALL markets?

I'm sorry to tell you that you may have already missed the boat. In reality, interest rates, for our area, hit their lowest back in January, and have been climbing progressively every since. If you take a look at the chart to the left (provided by Bankrate.com), you can see the progress rates have made in the past year.

Last week, it was announced that FreddieMac and FannieMae (the two largest lenders in the U.S. secondary mortgage market, which help to replenish the supply money for mortgages and enable money to be available for housing purchases) are in financial trouble. What does this mean for the average home buyer? It means that in order to balance out the weight of the sub-prime lending fiasco and years of historicly low interest rates, the rates are going to have to go up.

To show you a good example, on Monday (July 14th) the interest rate for a local lender here in Picayune, MS, on a $200,000 loan was 6.00%. On Tuesday it went up to 6.125%, and by Friday (July 18th) it was 6.375%. That may not sound like much, but the difference of these rates means almost $50 more per month in a mortgage payment.

Now how does that affect our market? Buyers are going to be more active because of the fear of higher rates, and will make a move on the houses that meet their needs and fit their budget. More houses will be sold, and the available inventory will start to dwindle.

There are many buyers in the market that have been slow to make decisions because they felt they could get a better deal, or wait for house prices to drop further. If you are one of those buyers, you might want to reconsider this stance and look for the right home in your price range now, before that home is either gone or the price increases because of demand.

105 Embarcadero, Crescent City, CA 95531

Fran Gatti - Crescent City CA Real Estate (RE/MAX Coastal Redwoods) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:08:25 -0500

1 acre in rural setting AND close to town

105 Embarcadero, Crescent City, CA 95531 View Map

Lovely acre parcel in rural setting but close to medical, shopping restuarants and other services in area of new homes. Crescent City's average summer temperature is 65-70 degrees, no water rationing, no smog, and no traffic. Come check us out. Del Norte County...Where the Redwoods Meet the Sea.

Details

Asking Price:

$99,000

MLS:

61679

Lot Size:

1 acre

Contact Info

Fran Gatti
Realtor

Main 707-464-5400
Cell 707-218-8162
Dir 707-218-8162
Email | Website

Rich Jacobson wuz Everywhere at Blogger Connect.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:08:22 -0500

Where in the world was Rich Jacobson... well, he seemed to be everywhere!

One of the great things about Inman Connect, and Blogger Connect that was central to it, was there were so man Don Rich sightings. There were plenty enough of them, and Brad too, to give us that nice AR glow.

Seems we real estate bloggers are becoming known as a "cult" in our industry, leading the edge so to speak. Donno 'bout that, but do now we're not lead poor, not by a long shot. And when this market swings back around, whenever it does, well, it's going to be fun being that busy. (Yep, the assistants will be coming back then!)

Now back to the business at hand. Here's 3 Rich sightings at once. That's both of us with our "Rich Tags", and the real Rich himself. Here at the AR do on Wednesday night. That's Tom Plant in the far bg.)

Here's the real Rich, aka the real thing, plus twin Rich's on our name tags. Some even asked why he was on our name tags, obviously not knowing the goal was father-time photos to make each of us feel younger.

Here's Rich, and one of us, and one of our owners, Nancy Fennell (in kinda Missy glasses). It was Nancy who heard the cult comment. As for us, we like to keep it nondescript about who does what on our blogs. My brother does the verbs and prepositions, and I do the other words. (nouns, articles, adverbs, dangling participles... you know.)

But what about that smile? Have you ever seen a Rich Don so carefree before?

Wuz way cool, the whole thing. We gotta tell' ya.

And as soon as we get out desk cleared, there will be more.

My Thought for the Day....

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:07:46 -0500

Earlier today I was in a meeting with some real estate management folks...and the topic of agents and good agents came up. One of the factors that we all deal with with Realtors in general are the ego's of our peers, including mine. No one wants to think of themselves as having a "big ego," but having a strong ego can be a good thing.

How strong is our ego? Many people think that the term "ego" has something to do with being a braggart or totally self-interested, but is this right?

I have read, and I am told psychologists tell us, that the ego is that part of our personality that directs our activities, so we can get our needs met and survive. It's a normal and necessary part of who we are.

It is said, having good ego strength means you perceive things accurately and have the ability to make wise decisions. It also generally means that you have self-confidence, self-esteem, and poise under pressure. Ego strength has nothing whatever to do with people we think of as having "big egos"- those macho folks who like to push other people around and blow their own horns. On the contrary, it often shows up as "resiliency - the ability to bounce back from adversity - and the flexibility to take advantage of change".

In this market, with deals coming and going, succeeding and failing....our ego's are effected. I hope my ego will allow me to have the "resiliency" needed in this tough market situation. Your thoughts on this subject would be appreciated.

Best Wishes to all,

Ron Largent Keller Williams Realty of Redding, CA

www.ronlargent.com

Las Vegas Ranked 3rd Highest Metro Area for Foreclosure Filings

Tony Sena (North American Realty of Nevada) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:07:27 -0500

Las Vegas ranked as the 3rd highest Metro area for foreclosure filingsin the second quarter of 2008. 1 in every 35 households received a foreclosure filing! There were 21,742 reported foreclosures filed in the second quarter of 2008. That's an increase of 25% from the first quarter and a whopping 144% from the second quarter of 2007!

These numbers seem unbeliveable. You would think with this many foreclosures the Las Vegas Real Estate Market would still be in a downward spiral. But I can assure you that it is not. We have had 6 straight months of increased home sales as well as a decrease in the standing inventory. The standing inventory has dropped from an 18 month supply to a 13.7 month supply. We are experiencing multiple offer situations with homes priced below $200K.

With prices finally affordable, interests still at an all time low you can't afford to wait to purchase a home in Las Vegas. If you would like more information on the Las Vegas Real Estate Market you can visit our website at www.SenaSellsVegas.com or you can visit our Las Vegas Real Estate Blog at www.SenaSellsVegas.com/blog. We can be reached 7 days a week @ 702.376.0088!

Foreclosure - The Freight Train Effect

Dominick Dina (Christian Realty San Antonio) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:06:12 -0500

The media this evening again made my blood pressure go up. This time they were "reporting" the number of foreclosure notices were double from last year. Good grief!

While it is true bad news sells newspapers, with the plethora of news outlets and reporters stepping all over themselves trying to get the story, the story (foreclosures) is getting lost. By getting lost, the misinformation out there is making our consumers more worried than they should be. Rembember the priceless piece of wisdon "We have nothing to fear except fear itself?"

The news media is one of my favorite targets, well actully "journalism majors" who pontificate at every possible opportunity on every possible subject. They try and sound like they know what they are talking about. To be fair, some do. The majority do not. We all know bad news sells, which is the only thing keeping PR types in Hollywood in business.

The on-going slug fest with foreclosures is a good, bad example of the trouble with the media and how it is impacting our profession. They have told us almost all there is to tell and now are almost inventing new angles to keep reporting on the same tired information. Foreclosure notices?

The point of this is, the foreclosure problems impacting the nation are going through the freight train effect. The engine starts moving, first moving the first car then the second and so on. The last car is the last to start moving. Stopping is the opposite effect. Get the picture?

The foreslosure scenario is the same. It will get worse before it is better. Up and down. Economists track this too when they make forecasts. So the legions of journalism majors need to stop with all the doom and gloom and trying to make the headlines. We know already.

There is more to come and we, as a profession, need to make sure our clients are aware of how this is going to play out. Some say 2010 before things start to rebound. While my hopes are more for mid-2009, we shall see. And if your child is a journalism major, make 'em read this. And accept my condolences.

Short Sales & Bank Owned Homes-How Do I Get My Offer Accepted?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:05:53 -0500

The lure of a short sale or bank owned home can be quite attractive to buyers nowadays. Everyone wants to believe that they are getting the best bargain out there. The looming question that I am constantly asked is, "How do I get my offer accepted?"

Here are a few simple suggestions to get your offer accepted:

1. Write an offer that is clean with no contingencies. By this, we mean to make a straight forward offer with a fair and reasonable purchase price and make it where your offer is nt contingent upon anything else.

2. Align yourself with an agent who understands the process. If it is the listing agent, be sure that they have a great relationship with the lender and can advocate on your behalf.

3. Understand that the biggest discounts will come from properties that need repair.

4. Expect that the bank will receive multiple offers, therefore, if you are given the opportunity to submit a FINAL and BEST OFFER, truly make it your best Aand then be willing to walk away. If it is truly the home that you want from the outset, then make your BEST OFFER up front. You can then make that same offer when it comes time to subit a FINAL and BEST.

Follow these tips and you just may find that you have a better chance of securing the home of your choice.

Natural Market Forces are Not Even Allowing DPA in Some Parts of Vegas!

Renee Burrows - Las Vegas NV Real Estate (Nevada Realty Solutions) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:04:28 -0500

I think we need to hold the phone in regards to property values falling because of lack of Down Payment Assistance (will be referred to as DPA from now on) for FHA Loans.

Average sold prices declined June 2007-June 2008: -37.4% for SFR and -32.8 for Condo/Townhomes.

With ever changing underwriting guidelines and a huge avalanche of foreclosures happening and in the future, I cannot predict that we are at the bottom. If there isn't money to be lent, then there are no houses to be sold, right?

Let me get back to the story at hand.

Let me present to you:

Exhibit A Valley Wide: November 2007, 22.5 months inventory, SFR median at $273,500. June 2008, 8 month's inventory, SFR median $225,000. Inventory is a little over 1/3 of what it was. This is still a buyer's market, barely.

Exhibit B 2008 REO (Foreclosure) Listings: November 2007, 9.5 months inventory. June 2008, 2.8 months inventory. Inventory is down to 1/3 of what it was. This is a seller's market.

Let's go even more local!

Exhibit C Rhodes Ranch Area: November 2007, 28.3 months inventory with a median price of $285000. July 2008, 5.1 month's inventory with a median price of $220,000. Inventory is down to 1/5 of what it was. This is a neutral (almost seller's) market.

RE 101 with submitting and negotiating offers is all about knowing what your market will and will not bear. Back in November do you think incentives were being thrown to buyers left and right to reduce inventory? Heck yea!! You could ask for a lower price, DPA, Closing Costs (will be referred to as cc's from now on.) What do you think has happened in June? We have a seller's market in some areas which is resulting in bidding wars (drawing the price 10-20% higher in some cases,) seller's not willing to pay cc's (or dpa for that matter,) etc.

Here is what I am getting at: the loss of DPA in the LV area will NOT be what hinders values because DPA doesn't EXIST in some of the hotter sub-markets.

Let's take one Rhodes Ranch Area Subdivision. Nine sales since January 1, 2008:

Sale 1: REO; List Price at Sale: 244,900; Sale Price: 220000; Conventional Loan, $8840 Closing Costs; Close Date 1/22/2008
Sale 2: REO; List Price at Sale: 249,900; Sale Price: 225000; Conventional Loan, $0 Closing Costs; Close Date: 2/26/2008
Sale 3: REO, List Price at Sale: 175,000; Sale Price: 180,000; Conventional Loan; $0 Closing Costs; Close Date 4/4/2008
Sale 4: REO; List Price at Sale: 170,000; Sale Price: 176,000; Conventional Loan; $0 Closing Costs; Close Date 6/11/2008
Sale 5: REO; List Price at Sale: 209,500; Sale Price: 205000, Conventional Loan; $7000 Closing Costs; Close Date 6/12/2008
Sale 6: Non Distressed Seller Sale; List Price at Sale: 265,000; Sale Price: 262,500, Conventional Loan, $0 Closing Costs, Close Date: 6/16/2008
Sale 7: REO, List Price at Sale: 186,900; Sale Price: 190000, Conventional Loan; $0 Closing Costs, Close Date 6/30/2008
Sale 8: REO; List Price at Sale: 206,900; Sale Price: 221,900; All Cash, $0 Closing Costs, Close Date 6/30/2008
Sale 9: Non Distressed Seller Sale; List Price at Sale: 289,000; Sale Price: 255,000, Cash, $0 Closing Costs, Close Date: 7/16/2008

Now I picked this subdivision because it there were a ton of REO (seller's market) in the Rhodes Ranch area (neutral market). I categorized it by date. Notice how only ONE loan out of 7 received closing costs and it was conventional? Notice how the later the dates we have more all cash transactions? Notice how REO prices are being bid up? Notice how non distressed sales have increased and they were pressured into lowering their prices to reasonable prices?

Now areas where there is more inventory, yes, buyers are getting some DPA and closing costs. In areas that are pressured, not so much.

I don't think we need to worry about lack of non-profit DPA killing our market. If our market moves backwards it will be from careless speculators letting their so called "investments" go back to the bank producing more inventory pressure. It will be from economic conditions where people cannot afford homes due to energy prices or tourism drops.

That's what we need to get all worked up about. DPA is just a small factor.

Open House in Smyrna GA Sunday July 27, 2008 1-4 A "Best Value" Townhome

Donald J Lantier Realty — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:04:12 -0500

420 Tioram Lane Se, Smyrna, GA 30082
MLS: 3698842 | Price: $269900

SPECIAL FINANACING AVAILABLE...CALL 770-309-5297 FOR DETAILS

Come Home to the best value in Highlands View

420 Tioram Lane Se, Smyrna, GA 30082
MLS: 3698842 | Price: $269900

Best landscaped Townhome community in Atlanta Metro area...
Come see for yourself!
Come discover what a "MUST SEE" home truly means
Home is Nestled into wooded hill
Very private all brick end unit and at end of street
Pristine home ~ meticulously maintained
Gated pool with pool house nestled in wooded hill and very private
Very quiet neighborhood
Just outside the perimeter
Walking distance to Silver Comet Trail~a Cobb County treasure
Monthly Association fees ~ $158
Cobb County property taxes ~ $1952
Hardwoods on main and stairwells
Dual sided fireplace with barreled arches above
Granite countertops, tiled backsplash & stainless steel appliances
REFRIGERATOR, WASHER & DRYER remain
Seller will pay Homeowners Association Fees through December 2008

Click HERE to Compare location and pricing to another Beazer community that is nearby
with the same floorplan, not all brick , with far less landscaping and lacking in privacy.
Call Don Lantier for additional information
or to see this home today!
770-309-5297
or click below and I will call you

Compare to other HOMES and you will discover this home as a "BEST VALUE"
Call me, Don Lantier at 770-309-5297 or click on 'CALL AGENT", type in your phone #... I will call you and I can provide the facts and you will discover for yourself what makes this a "BEST VALUE"

Compare to The Oaks by Beazer located in Marietta with same floorplan
After you do your homework call me and come see what VALUE, LOCATION AND PRIVACY really mean!

Donald J Lantier Realty
Don Lantier, Broker~Owner
427 Iona Abbey court Se
Smyrna, GA 30082
770-434-7302
Click To Email Me
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