Darin's Blog

Need Help With Merry Christmas!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:50:23 -0600

Okay, a good friend of mine told me that I should not use the Phase ''Merry Christmas!'' Instead I should use Happy Holidays. because in this land of many people there are many different celebration's. I am like are ''You are kidding me Right! Have we even went political correct on SANTA CLAUS? just a little warning this holiday season If I see you on the street please don't be offended if I wish you a Merry Christmas. Only a few things I still believe in... God, The U.S.A. and Christmas! I'm trying to believe in a housing market turn around in Florida, But I will have to get back to you on that one in 2009. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!

Remember when you could just buy Something?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:49:30 -0600

I was in the store shopping yesterday and went to pay for my purchases.... the salesman started asking me a handful of questions. Do I have their credit card, would I like to receive the store specials, my E-mail address, my Zip code, do I need a gift Card? If I apply for this I can save 20%. Does anybody remember when you walked up and gave them you items, handed them the cash and got your stuff? I believe these days are gone? Well, Merry Christmas to All and a Happy New Year!

Need a Laugh? things agents write on the MLS ( please add if you must)!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:47:28 -0600

THINGS AGENT'S WRITE FOR THEIR LISTING OR WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

I am amazed how the real estate industry keeps coming up with new phases every day. We sit around reading some of the broker's remarks and try to find the true meanings.

Cozy = Stick the key in the door and break out the back window

Won't last long = this one is made of Ice Cream

Must See = or you will go blind?

Bigger than it looks = How could that be?

Handyman Special = Oh my favorite, A total dump ready to fall down

This house needs a new owner = what happen to the old ones?

One of a kind = did they make only one?

Fixer upper = Means you have to gut the whole place

Motivated seller = Isn't everyone motivated they are trying to sell aren't they?

Make offer! = Okay some jacks 25 cents and half a pack of gum!

Priced to sell = Sorry I am only looking for the one that is not priced to sell.

Real charmer! = confusing the agent or the house?

Don't miss this one! = will there be others?

24 hour notice to show? = Does it take that long to clean it and remove the chalk lines off the floor?

No reasonable price refused! = What is reasonable? How about 100 bucks

Needs Paint? = what happen to the old stuff?

Walking closets? Where do they walk to (old enough to buy beer?)

Easy commute to downtown? 1,2,3 hours?

Bright and shiny! Is it a penny or a house?

Light and breezy = no roof or windows?

I could go on and on but what about 1# agent! Where? I meet 10 different 1# agents a week, where am I in all this? Did I miss the boat?

Hey waterfront property = when it rains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Up and coming neighorhood! Crack house just got shut down!

NAR or FAR go get Realtors some Bail out Money!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:57:53 -0600

We were all talking about the big General Motors saga, and wonder if they were going to get bailed out? Another agent suggested that NAR should get Realtors some bail out money. I thought it funny but I think she was serious about it? She has a plan all laid out! These are crazy times, but I don't think NAR is coming to your Rescue. My friend had a small business that failed and nobody came to his rescue. It is easy for me to say let GM go under because We do not have a plant in Florida. I know a lot of people will lose their jobs, but I read the leader Wagoneer gave himself a 67% pay raise in 06-07? Failing company pay raise sounds like Wall street to me. What they are doing is not working, I believe they need NEW leadership.

Will Banks start Renting out thier Foreclosures?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:48:40 -0600

Are banks really thinking of renting out the inventory to lighten their loses? Okay it is illegal for a bank to Rent property. LOOP hole? Of course they form a holding company which allows them to do it? Will Realtors be involved with the process? Will this help the Market or is it just a new can of worms to deal with? It will reduce inventories and allow prices to stabilize?Or is Time the only real answer for today's market problems?

It is not your Grandfathers Foreclosure!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 07:52:39 -0600

Remember what a foreclosure looked like to your Grandfather? These were beat up run down houses ready to fall over. I went to a couple foreclosure yesterday that were move in ready. Cut the grass and change the name on the Mail box ready! Somebody even had the carpet cleaned! Then the funniest thing happened,I went to a listing presentation just 4 blocks away. I explained that the foreclosure around the corner was selling for 80k less than what they thought their home was worth. They piped up yes! but that is a foreclosure! I showed them the pictures of it and I saw reality smack them like a moving freight train. So is your home worth only what the foreclosure down the street is selling for?

WAITING FOR THE BANK TO PICK UP, 74 MINUTES LATER?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:10:53 -0500

I was in the office working on a listing and decided to call the bank on one of my short sale listings. I put the phone on speaker and listened to the music as I waited and waited. My phone has a timer, so I went about my business listening and waiting. After 74 minutes SOMEONE with a PULSE picked up the phone and asked me if they could help me? I forgot who I called at this point? What really amazed me was after I got it together and asked if they received my Documents they told me no they didn't see them in the computer. I needed to re-Fax the Docs and wait 5 days to call them. (Some one scans them into the computer, you cannot E-fax them to this company).

Recap- fax docs wait 5-7 days and call and wait over 1 hour to be told to re Fax docs again?

This is crazy, I am trying to learn as much as I can with these Short Sales but every bank seems to have a different system? Am I the only one feeling this type of pain?

WASHINGTON MUTUAL BANK FALLS TO THE FEDS!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 07:31:52 -0500

Ailing Washington Mutual bank the sixth largest in America fell yesterday as it was seized by the Feds. This was not a big surprise because they were looking to sell the bank for the last couple months. JP Morgan stepped in and bought 1.9 billion dollars of the company and will now run the branches.

Mr Alan Fishman the new top Dog was hired just 3 weeks ago to find a buyer is reportedly going to keep his 7.5 million dollar signing bonus? Not bad for 3 weeks work. But unbelievable to this stock holder who now holds worthless paper?

THE GREATEST AMERICAN BUSINESS, DISNEY WORLD WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:03:18 -0500

What do you know about the Mouse House? The Rat Trap? Walt's Wonder...or as most tourists know it as the most magical place on earth. Okay I have been over say... 300 times. I love it what's not to love but the prices? Here are some Real Estate facts (this is a real estate blog right?) Walt bought the land just 15 miles OUTSIDE Orlando (not really in the limits) under different companies so there wouldn't be a land rush. It was worthless swamp back then(1965). 30,000 acres or 47 square miles for 1.5 million dollars. Hey DID YOU KNOW it is the size of San Francisco. Walt died before the dream came true. But Brother Roy! okay this is the real reason we have Disney World Walt dreamed it and Roy got the financing and made it happen! It was supposed to be named Disney World after the brother, but Roy changed it on the opening Oct. 1^st 1971 to Walt Disney as a memory to his brother. Roy died just 3 months after the opening.

Back to some facts... when you walk down Main Street you are REALLY on the second floor (yesthere is a whole 1^st floor under you with golf carts buzzing about.)

The Castle does not have a single brick...It is all stucco.

The Streets are steam cleaned Every night...It received over 47 million guests last year...It sometimes closes because too many guests are in the park FULL!

There are 32 Resort hotels, 22 on the property 10 run by other companies...try to name them all...

There are over 500 buses operating in Disney, they have their own electric company and fuel farm.

Part of the parking lot use to be a runway.

What is the ONLY thing you can NEVER buy in Disney World properties.......GUM!!

It cost over 100 million dollars to run and operate the Mouse House a year with over 63,000 Employees!

My famous Disney Joke! Do you know the Real Disney Magic? They make your money disappear!

I truly love it there and have had some great times with my family over and over again!

ARE POST SIGNS GOING TO BE A THING OF THE PAST?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:53:39 -0500

I have noticed that a lot of companies are going away from the standard post signs. I see more of the new metal frame ones, you know the old jump out of the car and stick it in! I know this is a easy way out but most get knocked over by the wind or moved by the lawn guy? I feel if you take the easy way with the sign, what about the rest of your services as a Realtor? I even saw a cheap paper version with a wire on it today? What do you think Realtors?

GOOD MORNING AR! ARE YOU UP AND FULL OF HOPE?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:41:41 -0500

Okay it may be to much coffee! but I am up and around ready to go. Monday is behind me and Friday seems to far away? Why does everybody look forward to Friday? They must not be in real estate? the weekend is the busiest time. I try to take a day off during the week to regroup and breathe for the short sale, low ball offers, crazy sellers, even crazier buyers! Other agents! being on hold with the bank, wondering where the inspector could be, why isn't the Internet working?

So here I come Miami ready or not! Hey how about some decaf?

MORE, MORE, MORE DO WE REALLY NEED MORE STUFF?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:07:34 -0500

Why do we always want more? Remember when you were a kid and your brother or sister got the bigger half of the peanut butter sandwich and you blew and gasket? Remember when you got that first pay check and wanted more? Went to look for your first house and wished you could afford more? Is it in our nature to want more or do we expect it as Americans? Don't we all just have too much stuff? I show houses everyday and one comment I always hear is there is not enough closet space? More, more, more we want it! Do we really need it.

Are we just trying to keep up with the Jones? I see a lot of Realtors scaling back in these slow times. Maybe the trend is heading the other way? Smaller cars, smaller houses, is less better? Are we all just spoiled Americans?

I was taking inventory today, two boats a pair of jet skies, a camper, the BMW, A house way too big for the four of us. Rentals all over the state of Florida I got a lot of stuff and how much do we really need?

America represents 4% of the world and we use 25% of the oil? The US borrows 22 cents for every dollar we spend (www.IOUSA.COM )

Is anything made in the USA anymore? GMC told the news it cannot make a profit paying labor in US plants. Toyota and Nissan opened 4 more plants in the US last year?

Makes you wonder the direction America is heading?

THE GOVERMENT FORECLOSURE BAIL OUT LOAN? WILL IT HELP?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:07:14 -0500

I went to a class on the Government Bailout Program today, if you don't know about it here are some hightlights.

Starting Oct. 1st 2008 it takes effect.

If your bank agrees, they give you a loan based on 90% of the CURRENT value of your home and forgive the rest.

Owner Occupied of course but here's the deal breaker ( I think) your DTI can only be 31% say what? yes 31% who in foreclosure has a 31% DTI?

Catch...is if you sell the house in the first year the bank gets 100% of any profit on the loan, year 2 they get 90% of profit and so on until year 5 where as you split any profit with the bank 50/50.

IF banks agree to this loan and the DTI could be adjusted up ( remember most sub pime loans had up to a 50% DTI) this program could work. But I don't think to many Americans are going to qualify for this deal making it another smoke and mirror show by the government

SOME NEIGHBORS GET IT AND SOME DON'T?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:10:05 -0500

Standing around the BBQ grill last weekend, my neighbors and I started talking about work. One of my neighbors stated Darin you got it made! you sell one house and you are set for the year. Say what on HBO? It is funny how some neighbors think because I leave the house at all different hours I am hanging out watching the TV or swimming in the pool? I have a home office so they really don't know what I am up to?

Neighbors here's the reality check on Darin's job.

I drive people around wasting time and gas and they decide not to buy at this time.

I drive across town to meet a customer who never shows.

I go weeks without getting paid.

I work on deals for months only to have them fall thru (no pay)

I spent my own money to market houses that never sell due to unrealistic sellers.

I spend weekends working while you are boating.

I give a large amount of the money I earn to my broker.

STILL want to be Darin?

WHY WOULD YOU ENTER THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS NOW?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:54:42 -0500

I met a new agent today, full of hope and promise. Another agent asked her why she decided to sell real estate? She replied that she loves meeting new people and always wanted to try her hand at selling homes. She also needed a little extra money for her household.

The other agent asked her if she was aware of Florida's real estate issues? She replied she was, but older agents need to be more positive about the market and stop complaining about buyers and sellers. I was thinking if she was driving down the street what sign was she heading for?

THINGS AGENT'S WRITE FOR THEIR LISTING OR WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:44:35 -0500

I am amazed how the real estate industry keeps coming up with new phases every day. We sit around reading some of the broker's remarks and try to find the true meanings.

Cozy = Stick the key in the door and break out the back window

Won't last long = this one is made of Ice Cream

Must See = or you will go blind?

Bigger than it looks = How could that be?

Handyman Special = Oh my favorite, A total dump ready to fall down

This house needs a new owner = what happen to the old ones?

One of a kind = did they make only one?

Fixer upper = Means you have to gut the whole place

Motivated seller = Isn't everyone motivated they are trying to sell aren't they?

Make offer! = Okay some jacks 25 cents and half a pack of gum!

Priced to sell = Sorry I am only looking for the one that is not priced to sell.

Real charmer! = confusing the agent or the house?

Don't miss this one! = will there be others?

24 hour notice to show? = Does it take that long to clean it and remove the chalk lines off the floor?

No reasonable price refused! = What is reasonable? How about 100 bucks

Needs Paint? = what happen to the old stuff?

Walking closets? Where do they walk to (old enough to buy beer?)

Easy commute to downtown? 1,2,3 hours?

Bright and shiny! Is it a penny or a house?

Light and breezy = no roof or windows?

I could go on and on but what about 1# agent! Where? I meet 10 different 1# agents a week, where am I in all this? Did I miss the boat?

Hey waterfront property = when it rains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THINGS AGENT'S WRITE FOR THEIR LISTING OR WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:13:29 -0500

I am amazed how the real estate industry keeps coming up with new phases every day. We sit around reading some of the broker's remarks and try to find the true meanings.

Cozy = Stick the key in the door and break out the back window

Won't last long = this one is made of Ice Cream

Must See = or you will go blind?

Bigger than it looks = How could that be?

Handyman Special = Oh my favorite, A total dump ready to fall down

This house needs a new owner = what happen to the old ones?

One of a kind = did they make only one?

Fixer upper = Means you have to gut the whole place

Motivated seller = Isn't everyone motivated they are trying to sell aren't they?

Make offer! = Okay some jacks 25 cents and half a pack of gum!

Priced to sell = Sorry I am only looking for the one that is not priced to sell.

Real charmer! = confusing the agent or the house?

Don't miss this one! = will there be others?

24 hour notice to show? = Does it take that long to clean it and remove the chalk lines off the floor?

No reasonable price refused! = What is reasonable? How about 100 bucks

Needs Paint? = what happen to the old stuff?

Walking closets? Where do they walk to (old enough to buy beer?)

Easy commute to downtown? 1,2,3 hours?

Bright and shiny! Is it a penny or a house?

Light and breezy = no roof or windows?

I could go on and on but what about 1# agent! Where? I meet 10 different 1# agents a week, where am I in all this? Did I miss the boat?

Hey waterfront property = when it rains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Come on join in, what have you got?

ARE YOU A POP TART AGENT OR SEASONED STEAK?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:47:23 -0500

First I must explain the difference; a Pop Tart agent jumps up to meet a potential client without getting the important information. Are they pre-qualified, have a job, are looking to buy in this century? A seasoned steak agent knows what to ask on the phone. I do not like it when an agent brings a customer to a listing and they can't even answer my basic questions? I'm thinking fine, waste your time but now you guys are wasting mine. The bottom line is find out if your buyer can finance a Hot Dog before you waste every body's time.

One of Miami's landmarks FREE! this weekend! Vizcaya Museum!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 06:45:55 -0500

Vizcaya opens the doors for free this Sunday August 31^st. If you are visiting Miami Florida come see Vizcaya it is a National Historic Landmark; it is also a museum owned by Miami-Dade County and accredited by the American Association of Museums. Vizcaya is open to the public 364 days each year (closed Christmas Day); I invite you to visit this serene and stunningly beautiful retreat in the heart of Miami.

Built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens features a main house, ten acres of formal gardens, a hardwood hammock, and soon-to-be-restored historic village.

ONE OF A KIND IN PINECREST, FLORIDA

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 09:35:10 -0500

One of A Kind Pinecrest Florida Beauty! (south Miami) (edit/delete)

6131 SW 128 ST, Pinecrest, FL	send this to a friend
One of a kind Pinecrest beauty! A home that will meet more than your expections! Elaborage crown moldings, impact doors!	print this page

7BR/7.5BA Single Family House

offered at $3,900,000

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	7,934
Bedrooms	7
Bathrooms	7 full, 2 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	38,768 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

You will not be disappointed with this Pinecrest beauty! Plenty of room for entertaining even a outside Cabana! No detail spared!

Photo 1

click on thumbnail to enlarge

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Swimming pool	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Swimming pool(s)

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Nearby

Local schools

Mortgage calculator

Seller contact info:

Darin Haughie

Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell

(305) 496-0674

For sale by agent/broker

MILLION DOLLAR LISTING AGENT OFF THE HOOK!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:43:11 -0500

If you have seen the show on Bravo million dollar listing most know this guy got busted for allegedly stealing some high end paintings from his client. Well old Josh boy's case was dismissed on grounds there wasn't enough evidence. Free again to list your house, help you with hair tips, and how to spend 7 grand on clothes in one shopping trip. If you have not seen the show don't bother, it is truly a train wreck. Such a bad rap for Realtors everywhere. I don't think this whole ordeal will help his career, but hey look at Britney. Bad news is still news?

GOOD MORNING A.R. THANK YOU, COFFE AND SOME LOVE?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 06:56:05 -0500

I would just like to say thank you to all of you on active Rain, why? Did you ever think that you are the only one weird stuff happens to? Then you post it to AR and realize that it has happen to others in this crazy real estate business? Did you ever get kicked in the teeth all day and come home and read a good AR blog and think, I'm going to try that tomorrow? This is a great group to share things with and bounce off ideas, pirate formats and sometimes just vent. My mom use to tell me manners never go out of style so a big thank you to my AR community!

WHY DON'T AGENTS ASK SELLER'S FOR PRICE REDUCTIONS?

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:11:51 -0500

I see homes listed on the market here in South Florida for 180 days and more with no price reduction? Is the magical buyer fairy coming to purchase it? We all know that going to the seller to get a price reduction is like a dentist trying to pull teeth. This happen to me the other day at a price reduction of mine. I listed the home for the seller at 459,000 even after I told them in the CMA it was only worth 429,000. My first mistake, because I feared I was losing the listing over the price, I agreed to list it at their price. Of course I spent my money marketing it and no offers. I got a reduction on it as the market has continued to fall, and after a lot of work I have gotten it down to a realistic price.

My question is how can an Agent expect to get an offer on a home that has sat on the market for 180 days? Are realtors afraid to ask the sellers for price reductions or is their sign hanging there for advertisement?

One of A Kind Pinecrest Florida Beauty! (south Miami)

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:04:05 -0500

6131 SW 128 ST, Pinecrest, FL	send this to a friend
One of a kind Pinecrest beauty! A home that will meet more than your expections! Elaborage crown moldings, impact doors!	print this page

7BR/7.5BA Single Family House

offered at $3,900,000

Year Built	2003
Sq Footage	7,934
Bedrooms	7
Bathrooms	7 full, 2 partial
Floors	2
Parking	3 Car garage
Lot Size	38,768 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

You will not be disappointed with this Pinecrest beauty! Plenty of room for entertaining even a outside Cabana! No detail spared!

Photo 1

click on thumbnail to enlarge

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	Fireplace
High/Vaulted ceiling	Walk-in closet	Hardwood floor
Tile floor	Family room	Living room
Bonus/Rec room	Office/Den	Dining room
Breakfast nook	Dishwasher	Refrigerator
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Granite countertop
Stainless steel appliances	Washer	Dryer
Laundry area - inside	Laundry area - garage	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard	Swimming pool	Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Swimming pool(s)

ADDITIONAL LINKS

Nearby

Local schools

Mortgage calculator

Seller contact info:

Darin Haughie

Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell

(305) 496-0674

For sale by agent/broker

WHERE THE HELL IS THE KEY? I'M SWEATING TO DEATH!

Darin Haughie (Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc. (EWM)) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:59:32 -0500

Okay have you been there! Finally get the lock box combo and finally get your customer over to the house. Then struggle with the 1960s rusted box only to find there is NO key inside, Yes! no look like a real dummy to your customer don't you? What do you say? well since it what 96 degrees today and I was at the end of my rope what I said wasn't to professional. We all have these days right? that's why they make tomorrows. Lucky I had a few others to show ( with the A/C on)