Steven's Blog

30 Thousand dollar crown molding

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:56:22 -0500

Today my suspicions that there are still some really strange Realtors left out there, roaming the streets seeking to over price houses to get a listing. A broker friend and I were brain storming last night and he asked my advice on a house that he was pursuing for one of his buyers.

My broker friend engages the listing agent to ask a few questions about how her and the seller came to the listed price. He tells the broker that he has pulled all the sold comps in the area and that he could find any comps in the area that sold for what they are listing for based on the listing in questions square footage. To top it off the few houses in the neighborhood that did sell for a little bit higher were 500 plus more square feel larger. The house in question is around 2400 square feet.

The buyer's agent starts digging a bit deeper to see what justifies a price around $25,000.00 more than like listings in the area and more expensive than homes with a lot more square footage. When he asks the question again, "What is it about this house, that justifies such a steep increase in the listing price?" the listing agent tells him that it is because the house has "crown molding".

Don't get me wrong, I like a nice house and I have heard of sellers and agents justifying price by adding new cabinets, solid surface counter tops, wood floors, new paint to come to a total of 25 thousand dollars. But just crown molding? Yeah, that is probably not going to fly in the eyes of the appraiser.

Do you have a good story about a over priced house with a silly justification? Mabye the seller replaced all of the wall plates for the electrical outlets in the house and tacked on 5 thousand dollars for good measure.

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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An unfortunate situation and now this client needs a good Realtor fast

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 10:21:34 -0500

I was trying to take in some Real Estate news as is my morning ritual and I run into this article about a man who came back from vacation to find a house that he just bough was demolished because the city inspector neglected to take the most appropriate action and stop the demolition.

Andre Hall (The new home owner) buys a foreclosed home, takes a holiday vacation and comes back to find his home in a pile of rubble. It appears that the demolition company not only destroyed the wrong house, the city only saw fit to leave them a message to not destroy the house. It seems reasonable to me that you would get verbal confirmation and acknowledgment from the demolition company that they can cancel the request.

How does the chief of the city's Bureau of building inspection respond you ask? In his infinite wisdom he say "A couple things went awry, the house next door was to be demolished, and the contractor in error, took this house down as well." WoW! That makes it all better. My suggestion is that Mr. Hall find a good attorney and a great Realtor to help him find a new house that the city will be purchasing for him. Mr or Mrs. Realtor, find him a good one.

Unbelievable,

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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Do you have what it takes to make it in Real Estate for the long haul?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:05:16 -0500

I have hopes and plans to make 2011 the best year yet. I have committed to focusing on the positive and the things that are working for me. I have founded that a negative perspective is very easy to have.

I have taken several steps to avoid this negative perspective:

Not going to worry about things that I don't have control over.
Stop listening to negative political talk radio.
Stay away from "doomsday" type people, especially Realtors.
Listening to more music.
Reading and watching alot less negative news.
Focus on the things that are going well for me.
Freely give knowledge and help to others.
Try and build others business, with the hope that it will be returned.

It is beginning to work so far, especially the Listening to music and avoiding the political talk radio. It probably didn't help that I was obsessed with it during the election, but I feel better now.

What are you doing to help you stay in the Real Estate game and keep a positive perspective? I can use all the help I can get.

If you have a moment, check out my Facebook Page and My Website

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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If asked where the "Gay" neighborhoods are, do yourself a favor and don't answer

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:35:34 -0500

Some of us subscribe to Trulia questions and sometimes we post answers, which is fine. There are a number of questions that if we answer them can get us into a lot of trouble. I have been asked questions like, can you tell me what neighborhoods don't have any minorities. After I get over my shock that a person who doesn't know me very well, would ask that question in a serious manner. I simply reply, there are a number of great neighborhoods in this city, I cannot speak to the specifics when it comes to demographics.

Today I received a notification from Trulia that there were new questions. What was the question you ask? Here is it is: "My Partner and I are moving to Denver. Are there any cool areas that are more gay centric?"

Here are some of the agents responses:

Bill, The Cheesman Park neighborhood is great for gay couples. I have quite a few friends that live in that area, as well as the Capitol Park neighborhood. There are some great bars and restaurants that are gay-focused. If you'd like some help looking for a home purchase when you move to Denver- please let m know. Thanks, April --------------------

Stephen's answer below is right on: "pretty much any part of SE Denver or the Highlands and Sunnyside neighborhoods in NE Denver" Although I'm straight (not narrow) I'd love to help you! Leah Kelley Real Estate - Your Way -------------------

Here is an idea, encourage people to Google their request, but never answer questions like that. You really can get into a whole lot of trouble. Work with the client, but be honest with them about the fact that legally you can't answer certain questions. There are many neighborhoods where home owners happen to be "gay" if you will, but is there a "gay" neighborhood?

This is fundamental stuff here, and troubling that agents would potentially get themselves into trouble by answering this question in the incorrect way. Let's not start the New Year off by being investigated by the Real Estate commission or any other government agency.

Follow me on Facebook, remember to click "Like"

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Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Does Social Networking overwhelm you? Check out this Video on Hootsuite to boost your Real Estate Career.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 09:04:33 -0500

Let's face it, the Social Networking craze is overwhelming at best and can be all consuming at times with little return. I found a "Free" website that will allow you to connect all of your Social Networking websites into one location in a very nice presentation that will not give you sensory overload.

Below is a short video presentation of the product for your viewing pleasure. If it looks appealing to you then go to www.hootsuite.com and sign up for free. If you have any questions on the site, don't hesitate to ask me by e-mail or just leaving a comment.

Remember to Follow me on Facebook for more Helpful tutorials, always remember to click on the "Like" button for my Page.

Steven Wright Realtor

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Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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A visual step by step in video format on how to add your Facebook Page Badge to your Active Rain profile.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:26:35 -0500

Here is a step by step visual video on how to add your Facebook Page Badge to your Active Rain account. Any questions or comments would be greatly appreciated. There will be more instructional videos to follow.

If you have any Technical requests that you think others in our community would benefit from, let me know in the comments section or through e-mail and I will do my best to create and answer them for you.

Click on the Facebook link below and select "Like" on my page. I will be sure to do the same for you if you give me a link to your Page.

Steven Wright Realtor

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Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Promote yourself through video for Free or you could be featured on the News Like I was

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 15:18:31 -0500

I was recently featured on Realty Times by a professional broadcaster and it has done wonders for my business. Watch the embedded video and tell me what you think. Video promotion for your business is the wave of the future and is easier than you think. Steven Wright introduction

Follow me on Facebook, click on the link and select like. Steven Wright Realtor

Promote Your Page Too Your thoughts are appreciated, more information to follow on video production.

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Starting off the New Year Right how to create a Facebook badge for Active Rain Step by Step

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 14:12:02 -0500

I wanted to start the New Year off right by helping you create a Facebook badge for your Facebook profile or Fan Page. Let me know if you need additional help. Please take the time to click on my Fan Page and seclect Like. Send me your link and I will do the same.

Steven Wright Realtor

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More information to follow. If you have any questions, post a comment.

Thank you,

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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100 dollar down HUD program TERMINATED in Colorado, what other states are effected.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 12:11:22 -0500

My broker learned some disturbing news yesterday about HUD's 100 dollar down loan program when she submited her buyer's package, What she learned it was no longer availbable to anyone in the US. My broker was initially in disbelief untill she called HUD herself and found out verbally and in a e-mail that it was no longer available.

Just in case you are suspicious, below you will find the e-mail response from the HUD director in Colorado:

From: Taylor, Larry W [mailto:Larry.W.Taylor@hud.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2010 11:49 AM
To: (Intentionally left blank)
Subject: RE: (intentionally left blank)
I apologize for the confusion. The $100 down incentive (not program) is no longer available in the Denver REO jurisdiction. There are appearances of the incentive appearing on HUD's website and it is being removed as soon as possible.

Now, if the property was advertised under the old M&M 2 contract---in this case MCBREO with the $100.00 down and on their site-we will honor the incentive to the date the bid was acknowledged as the winning bid.

We will be considering a need for future incentives based on market driven needs. Please watch the current AM website, MLS, and hudhomestore for any future offerings.

L.W. Taylor, Branch Chief
Real Estate Owned Division
Denver Homeownership Center

If anyone has had the pleasure of visiting HUD homes, you are aware that they are usually the worst of the worst when it comes to condition of the house. Some may have had different experiences, but most would agree with me regarding the conditon.

This house was a dandy, not only were they hoarders in the worst way, but the house reaked so bad of cat urine, that I had a urine headache.

Why would the government take away one of the only incentives that people had to buy these houses. To top it off we are in a down market with the housing inventory increasing to record levels and unemployment at a all time high. Our government ceases to amaze me with this type of nonsense. I wonder if it would be better sometimes if they did nothing at all instead of stupid stuff like this.

I mostly focus on the Denver Short Sale process for Denver Short Sales buy I have a lot of exposure to the HUD dealings in the Denver Metro area. Please contact your HUD state office and find out if the program is still available in your state. Here is the link http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/states

If you have the time, Check out the newest revisions to my website Denver Short Sales and let me know what you think

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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I made the front cover of a National Magazine The Residential Specialist. Now What?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:02:16 -0500

I wanted to share with the community an amazing opportunity that I was blessed with. I made the front cover of the Residential Specialist, an honor that I never imagined I could ever achieve as a Realtor. It was an article about a 100 percent financing, 30 year fixed, no money down, no closing cost loan that is available to everyone (owner occupied only) nationally.

Personally, my hope is that all Realtors nationally can lead their clients to this product and utilize it. This program can most definitely revolutionize your business. I am happy to share with any and all that may have interest.

My question for the group, what would you do to best use this opportunity that I have been given to better market myself. Personally, I am still in shock that I even am on the cover of a magazine. What would you tell me to do if you were my mentor?

Steven Wright
Aspen Real Estate
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

www.stevensellsco.com

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Are you having trouble signing up as a BPO agent? Here is the information I promised

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:41:15 -0400

As promised here is the information that allows you to send 1 single application to all BPO service providers. I have used these guys since they started business and they are the real deal. They provide a service that submits your application to either be a BPO or REO agent to all available companies in the US. I have all of the e-mail verifications from these companies to prove it. It is a revolutionary service for Realtors who do not have the time to find all of these companies ourselves. I also want to clarify that I do not receive any compensation for promoting them. I am just trying to help fellow Realtors get through hard times and that is it.

Here is the link REOlister

Steven Wright
Realtor/Consultant
CRS, GRI, CDPE
My Website Take a look at my newly designed website for more information.
720-989-5283

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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I can lead a Realtor/BPO Agent to water, but I can't make them drink

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:39:49 -0400

I am hoping that my posts about BPO's today will prove to be helpful. But you can't get something for nothing. I am always happy to share information with my fellow agents, but nothing is free. I am not looking for money in this circumstance, but I do require comments at record breading levels. If you have a desire to make some extra income and generate some additional leads. Then you must read the following posts and stay tuned for some earth shattering tips on how to register with all the REO and BPO providers in the US with one application.

Article About this BPO registration service

Post about BPOs and whether or not they can make you money

Sincerely,

Steven Wright
Realtor/Consultant
CRS, GRI, CDPE
My Website Take a look at my newly designed website for more information.
720-989-5283

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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To BPO or not to BPO, that is the question? Do you think BPO's are worth it?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 14:24:02 -0400

I was of the mindset that BPO's were a complete waste of time until things started getting slow on the Real Estate front. Now, I do not share that opinion and I wonder if you still do?

I usually get about 40 to 50 dollars per BPO depending on whether or not it was a exterior or interior inspection. Here are the companies that I do most of the work for:

ProTek
Old Republic
Broker Price Opinion.com

I use to think that the BPO's were really time consuming till I discovered a software called BPO Automation. It is hands down the finest piece of software that I have ever purchased. I can now do a BPO with my system in less than an hour after taking pictures. I do have a system that I will share in another post that should aid in your completion of BPO's with little frustration.

Think about it this way, BPO's could give you a additional 500 to 1000 dollars of income per month without burning you out to quickly. It could also aid you in getting in front of new clients.

Here is a post that I wrote today about how to sign up for several BPO providers at once I will be posting the answer later on today and give you the details of how to look into this service. I want to clarify that I am not a salesperson for any of these companies, I just use their service. I do not get any monetary benefit from them for promoting their product.

Sincerely,

Steven Wright
Realtor/Consultant
CRS, GRI, CDPE
My Website Take a look at my newly designed website for more information.
720-989-5283

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Are BPO's Keeping you a float in the business? I can send you a resource that will increase business

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:53:01 -0400

It would be a huge understatement to say that most of the Realtors in the US are struggling to make ends meat. Those of us that are still in the business have a system in place to make sure we have a steady supply of leads from our referral sources of those in our sphere of influence. Those who do not have this seek after things such as lead generation from places like Market Leader, Reply Real Estate and Getmyhomesvalue.

I have learned my lesson from dealing with lead generation. Some find success with these companies, but others like myself have seen little to no results. The companies would quickly tell you that we did not do everything we were suppose to do to be successful. I would argue that the majority of the leads they sent were not quality leads. I am not speaking poorly about all of the lead generation sites, just clarifying my experience.

I want to share with you how I was able to successfully enter the BPO world with the 100 plus companies in the US by registering with one site. There is a company out there of former Real Estate agents who created a system that is one of a kind. Their service allows you to fill out 1 application and then be signed up with every legitimate BPO and REO company in business. There is a monthly service fee, but I paid that in full with the many BPO assignments that I have received over the past few months.

How many of you have looked for each of these sites and spent an hour plus at a time registering with them in order to become a service provider? It is time consuming and brain damaging to say the least. Why not get the whole thing done in one fell swoop? I can tell you that this company is very reputable and to tell you the truth has high integrity. I am in contact with the president of the company on a monthly basis, because she e-mails or calls me to see how things are going. I am honestly extremely impressed with them and hope that everyone will look into the services they provide.

Remember that even though BPO's can be a pain, I will be posting a software solution that I use that will allow you to input the BPO in a fifth of the time that it normally takes you. The technology available today is unbelievable and it will pay itself off in a very short time. I have become somewhat of an expert in this area and I am happy to share knowledge with my fellow colleagues in the industry. Remember to think big picutre when it comes to BPO's. Don't think about how time consuming it may be. Think about the opportunity it affords you to have an excuse to knock on a door and possibly obtain a listing.

There is a catch though, I am more than happy to post this information for those that are interested, but I have a simple request. I want 100 plus comments in the next 24 hours and then I will post the information for you. You will not be disappointed.

Sincerely,

Steven Wright
Realtor/Consultant
CRS, GRI, CDPE
My Website Take a look at my newly designed website for more information.
720-989-5283

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Family unaware that their dream home belonged to a horrible serial killer. Broker knew.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 09:47:40 -0400

I was driving into the office this morning listening to the Peter Boyle's show and low and behold some lease purchase owners were on the show telling their story. It appears they were from California and they had no idea who Scott Lee Kimball was. Colorado law does not require the Real Estate agent to disclose that a serial killer or murderer for that matter lived there. This is clearly a case of the letter of the law and the spirit of the law.

The Realtor involved in the transaction denies knowing anything about the murders after the fact. As far as we know she was the only broker involved in the lease purchase transaction. The people living there now have younger daughters and there is good reason to believe that Scott Kimball sexually tortured, mutilated and then murdered in the house. There is still an ongoing investigation for additional murders that Kimball is suspected of.

What would you advise the owner of this home to do? Would you want to live in a home where horrible things like that happened there? As a broker and a Realtor I believe we have certain ethical and moral obligations when conducting business. I personally do not know this broker and don't know if she knew what happened or not. Interestingly enough, the homeowner she represents definitely knew what happened, which leads me to believe that the real estate agent knew. Frankly, I don't believe the Real Estate agent and personally think she should have told the prospective lease purchase buyers.

Legally the folks in the lease purchase agreement are obligated to some degree. But as Realtors is it really just a transaction. As a Realtor do you care personally about your clients? Their children and whether or not they are comfortable? I know the law is trying to protect the owners of real estate, but the people should at least have a choice to know what happened there so they can make the choice to live there beforehand.

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Here is the news story

Who is Scott Kimball?

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Having trouble getting financed?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:57:03 -0400

Buying A Home With Past Credit Problems

Buying a home can be both exciting and stressful but, for those with past credit problems, the process may also seem intimidating. The good news is that many lenders have adapted to the idea that many hopeful homeowners simply need a second chance, which means that past credit problems no longer have to define your future.

Credit Blemishes

When life unexpectedly takes a turn for the worst, it's not always possible to come out without a few bumps and bruises. Every day, people are faced with late or missed credit card payments, mortgage foreclosures, bankruptcy proceedings, auto repossessions and even civil judgments that will affect their credit reports for years to come. Whether it's from a job loss, injury or just a simple case of temporary hardship, credit blemishes are often a part of life. The good news is that they no longer have to prevent you from becoming a homeowner.

Give Yourself A Little Credit

After experiencing a credit problem, most lenders will want to see an attempt to rebuild your credit through a steady payment history with a new account. This can be accomplished by applying for a credit card and maintaining a responsible use of the account. If you aren't approved for an unsecured card, you can always apply for a secured credit card. Either will rebuild your credit over time and will help to show lenders that your past credit problems are just that - in the past.

Clean Up Your Credit Report

Before applying for a home loan, make sure that you check your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Every 12 months, consumers can request a free copy of their credit report from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. If anything is incorrect or found to be inaccurate, filing a dispute with the credit reporting agency can help to get the information corrected before speaking with a lender.

When you apply for a home loan, the lender will access your credit report for the purpose of determining your creditworthiness. In an effort to ensure that you have the best possible chance at being approved for the loan at the best possible interest rates, making sure that your credit report is accurate is a must.

Save Up For A Down Payment

Some homebuyers often qualify for a mortgage with down payments as low as five percent (3.5 percent for FHA loans), but those with past credit problems may be required to shell out up to 35 percent or more for a down payment on their new home. A buyer who pays a larger down payment obviously has more vested interest in the home and may, thereby, be less likely to default on a loan. If you have past credit problems, check with your lender about specific down payment requirements and start saving!

Creative Financing Options

If you've exhausted all of your conventional efforts and are still turning up empty, don't give up just yet. Alternative financing is an option that many homebuyers use to purchase a home. Your REALTOR® can provide you with details regarding any lease purchase and/or owner financing properties, which may require no credit check, no bank qualifying, a low down payment and competitive interest rate options.

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Realtors, I am proud to be an American. I trust you are also.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 09:45:38 -0400

Good Morning, I hope and pray that all of my fellow Active Rainer's and Americans have a fantastic 4th of July weekend. There are a number of people suffering all around us and it would be nice to see everyone stop and reflect on how wonderful it is to live in this country. We live in a country where our poorest of poor have higher standards of living than 85 percent of the rest of the world. I do not want to seem like I am not sympathetic to the suffering of fellow Americans, I just want to redirect our focus this weekend to the things we do have.

We live in a country where you still have the right to speak out against our government and where we can hold our elected officials accountable for the things they say or do. Most countries do not give their citizens this right and when they do it is a farce and corrupt in nature.

We live in a country where we can disagree with one another and still live as neighbors and countrymen without fear of harm or for our safety.

We live in a country that is by far the most generous and giving country in the world. When a country experiences a tragedy, who is the first to show up to help? Whether the country is Muslim, catholic, Hindu or any other religion. We as Americans look past all of that and come to aid those that are in need. No other countries do this consistently.

We live in a country that pulls together and puts aside political disagreements or racial divides to unite against a common enemy.

I can go on and on, but I will keep this short. When you think things are bad for you right now, just remember that it could be a whole lot worse. Imagine if you were in countries like Iran, North Korea, Syria, China, Afghanistan, Iraq, Cuba, Venezuela I can go on and on.

I hope and pray that this weekend is a blessed one for all of you.

God Bless this great country this 4th of July and Thank the Lord that there were brave and courageous men and women who risked their lives for our Independence and deliverance from tyranny over 200 years ago.

Steven Wright

www.stevensellsco.com I just revamped my website, let me know what you think?

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Who needs the Real Estate Firm 800 pound gorillas anyway?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:39:46 -0400

Today was a great day and now I have 4 new listings, 1 of them is minutes away from downtown Denver, Colorado. 3 of these clients were refered to my by past clients and I must say that it is very satisfying when that happens.

I do not mean to stir anything up with the other brokerages whom I have a great respect for. I believe they are great companies. But I am a numbers guy and like most evil capitalists, I like to keep as much money as I can, without giving it away to another entity. This is not to say that I do not give in a charitible way, it just means that I choose who I give my money to and not someone else choosing for me.

Getting back on track, I work for Home Real Estate,a brokerage that charges a transaction fee of 395.00 and then 150.00 for each additional transaction in the same month depending on what plan you are on. We currently have about 900 agents in Denver, Colorado and growing. We are a full service brokerage without the overhead of many other struggling brokerages.We provide desks, work areas and conference rooms for our agents, we don't provide office space. This allows are company to not have to struggle with huge lease payment in hard times like we are in today.

Here is my question to the big guys and please don't take offense. Why would I give more of my commission or pay a hefty monthly fee, just to have the name of a big company? What does this do for me that I can't do for myself? Once again, I am not slamming any company, I am genuinely asking the question in hopes of enabling dialog. These are very difficult times that we are in and Realtors are dropping like flies and brokerages are folding left and right. Why is this the case? Is it just because we are in a bad economy? Or is it possible that some of these organizations have a failing business model?

I wanted to ask the Realtor that I am working with on one of my listings if Keller Williams passed Remax up as the largest National Brokerage because of the unbelievable growth they are experiencing or is it the fact that Realtors can't afford to work for Remax in some cases. It is very difficult for most of us to pay a hefty monthly fee, when you are not making money or is you are not selling more than 1 house a month. I personally only go into my office to pick up my commission check or to close out a file. I work out of my home and have all the technology I could ever need to conduct business. I am not a brick and mortar guy and I love working out of my home. I meet my clients where it is most convenient for them when doing business. It seems to me that the current business model of having beautiful big buildings, where agents pay for office space is falling by the wayside. We live in a day and age where this is no longer practical in my opinion. I don't even have to use paper for my contracts when meeting with my clients, I have them sign their name electronically with a mouse and then e-mail a pdf file of their contract to them. This is all done in the comfort of their home.

So without stirring the pot too much, I ask this question. Why would I pay large sums of many to have a brand or a name? I do not mean to insult anyone or step on any toes, this is your opportunity to agree or disagree with me on this topic. As always, please be civil about it and present your argument for or against the opinion I have.

Steven Wright
Broker
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com I recently did a lot of work to my website, tell me what you think.
www.stevensellsco.com

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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Steven Wright Realtor

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Real Estate is Stressful, Here are some ideas to make it more interesting for you and your clients

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:20:52 -0400

To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity
1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point a Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice!
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks . Once Everyone has Gotten Over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch to Espresso.
5. In the Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write ' For Marijuana.
6. Skip down the hall Rather Than Walk and see how many looks you get.
7. Order a Diet Water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.
8. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is 'To Go'.
9. Sing Along At The Opera.
10. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You have a headache.
11. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream 'I Won! I Won!'
12. When Leaving the Zoo, Start Running towards the Parking lot, Yelling 'Run For Your Lives! They're Loose!'

And The Final Way To Keep A Healthy Level Of Insanity

13. Tell Your Children Over Dinner, 'Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go.'

Steven Wright
Broker
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com
www.stevensellsco.com

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Who knows what the opposite of progress is??? Some humor for you.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:00:30 -0400

NASA was celebrating, they had just made the scientific breakthrough of a lifetime.

As they were uncorking a bottle of champagne, the head scientist at NASA, asked everyone to be quiet as he had received a congratulatory phone call from the President of the United States.

He picked up a special red phone, and spoke into it.

"Mr. President," he said, grinning broadly, "after fifteen years of hard research costing billions of dollars, we have finally found intelligent life on Mars."

He listened for a second, and his smile gradually disappeared, replaced by a frown.

He said, "But that's impossible ... we could never do it. ... yes Mr. President," and hung up the phone. He addressed the crowd of scientists staring at him curiously.

"I have some bad news," he said, "the President said that now that we've found intelligent life on Mars ... he wants us to try to find it in Congress."

Steven

Steven Wright
Broker
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com I just made some new changes to my site, check it out if you have a sec.
www.stevensellsco.com

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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Steven Wright Realtor

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You can read this if you promise not to laugh.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:42:30 -0400

Here is a story that will give you a chuckle:

This is the true story of George Phillips of Meridian, Mississippi, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he'd left the light on in the shed. George opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things. He immediately phoned the police, who asked "Is someone in your house?" and George said no and explained the situation. Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available. George said, "Okay," hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again. "Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don't have to worry about them now because I've just shot them all." Then he hung up. Within five minutes three squad cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up. Of course, the police caught the burglars red-handed. One of the policemen said to George: "I thought you said that you'd shot them!" George said, "I thought you said there was nobody available!"

Steven Wright
Broker
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com
www.stevensellsco.com

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Is anybody out there closing on properties? Who has their Certified Residential Specialist designation?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:32:05 -0400

In recent days I have been talking to Realtors in my area and the consensus is that things have really tapered off for them since the tax credit expired. I am wondering if this is the same experience you are having in your area? I work in the Denver Metro Area of Colorado and things were supposedly much better here than in other places in the U.S. If that is the case, things could be really bad all the way around.

I could always be busier, but things are going ok for me at the present time. I recently achieved the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation and I have to say that felt really good. Not sure what the opinion is of most Realtors regarding the CRS designation, but supposedly only 4 percent of us have it. Do you think that more Realtors do not get the designation because they do not have the production needed to achieve the designation?

Do you value certifications or designations? Do you think the public sees them as something that is important? I can honestly say that before I became a CRS, none of my clients asked me if I had it. Although, other Realtors in other states did. I can remember losing a couple of leads from Realtors because I was not a CRS.

I would be interested in knowing if you have seen business increase because of your designations? If so, which designations were the cause of your business increasing?

We would all be curious to know if you value education and why?

Steven Wright - CRS, GRI, CDPE, RCC and CNHS

Home Real Estate

720-989-5283

www.stevensellsco.com I recently revamped my website and would like to know what you think.

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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Did anyone think that business would be like this?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 10:50:28 -0400

Hello Active Rainer's,

It seems that housing starts are low as reported by the media yesterday. Of course, if they would have asked those of us in the Real Estate industry, we could have told them that this would happen.

I am of the opinion that we haven't seen the worst yet. The tax credit basically motivated buyers who would have waited a little while to buy sooner than expected. Even though this seems like a really good idea to most people, I believe that this will have adverse effects for the next year or so. To top it off, the housing market may be in worse shape because of the government intervention than we would have if they would have done nothing. I think that most people understand that we you start meddling in any market that the potential of bad things happening increases exponentially. We observed this with the almost trillion dollars that was given to the banks to help bail them out. This was suppose to have the effect of freeing the flow of money with the hopes that lenders would be lending again. The actual result was that the banks for the most part kept the money and made acquisitions of other assets at tax payers expense to help with their bottom line. I am a capitalist to the core, but I do not support the abuse of taxpayer's money for the benefit of private companies. That is in no way capitalism, that is Socialism.

But I digress, so back to the housing topic that I was discussing earlier. The housing market is in worse shape now for this reason. First, instead of a gradual upturn in the housing market we had a artificial increase in housing purchases of those who would have bought a little bit later, but because of the tax credit bought sooner. The tax credit did not motivate any new buyers, to think that is the case would be unrealistic. To think that an 8,000.00 dollar incentive would be worth acquiring a 300,000.00 dollar liability (a house) is completely insane. It only gives incentive to someone who would have bought anyway.

The housing problem is complicated further because the road blocks the government put in the way of the banks to delay the foreclosure process. Now instead of a gradual release of foreclosures into the market, we will see a tidal wave. This will further diminish property values in the United States.

To further magnify this problem, it is expected that unemployment is going to rise higher which will adversely effect the housing market and diminish our buyer pool in the U.S. Economist are already saying that we are experiencing a double dip recession and that things are expected to get worse.

When will the government learn that in spite of their best efforts, when they get involved and meddle in the economy things only get worse. They have an amazing ability to make things much worse than they are.

I would be interested in knowing your take on this and whether or not you agree or disagree with my assessment.

Steven Wright

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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Steven Wright Realtor

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At what point does all of the information on Active Rain Become "Information Overload"?

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:48:01 -0500

I appreciate many of the posts that I read on Active Rain. So many people have so many great things to contribute. If I took the time to read all of the posts I would definitely be in the poor house. There is just way to much to read. How do you decide what you want to read? Do you click on the Blog link in the top right hand corner of your browser and look at the latest posts? What is it about a post that grabs your attention? Do you just log-in to Active Rain because you are a Internet Addict and you figure since you are on the Internet, you may as well look at something Real Estate related?

Active Rain is a very good thing and I cannot stop singing their praises. But man, there is a lot of stuff to wade through, it is a virtual ocean of information and it is extremely overwhelming at times. When you login to Active Rain, do you have a particular subject of interest that you are investigating? Or is is a technological question that has stumped you?

What is your MO when you are on Active Rain? How does this wealth of knowledge benefit you on a daily or even weekly basis? If I was a brand new agent with limited computer skills, would you send me to Active Rain? Are you more likely to read short blogs are wordy blogs? Do you like opinion? Or are you mostly a facts and number person? Do you like it when people throw their political ideas into the mix?

If you were to judge the perfect blog post on Active Rain, what qualities would it have? Do you judge a blog post simply by the title?

I would definitely appreciate your opinion on this subject. I believe that it will make many of us better bloggers.

All the best,

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

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Steven Wright Realtor

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I made 100,000 dollars a month with Short Sales.

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:53:26 -0500

Have you ever received those e-mails or seen those adds where non real estate people are supposedly making 100k a month working with Short Sales. Besides the fact that I believe they are lying and are generally full of crap, I wonder how many people fall for this stuff? Where do these people get the money to advertise on the google banner on such a frequent basis. Most of the time they are trying to sell some sort of ebook or training classes to teach us what they do. It seems to me that if they were really doing that much business, they wouldn't have the time to be doing much of anything else. have you ever made a 150k or more in your career in one year? I bet you busted your hump to make every bit of that and you have a lot going for you. I guess if people didn't fall for these sort of antics then they wouldn't be able to swindle anybody.

These folks sure do put on a heck of an e-mail campaign, sometimes I will get 3 or 4 pieces of e-mail a week from them. Why have I not blocked them or put their e-mail address in my spam filter you ask? Because I only get a few hundred e-mails a day and I need more :-).

Honestly, I guess I want to see if they say anything profound in their e-mails, something that may be useful. Unfortunately it is never all that useful and it is usually far fetched stories of people they have trained who are doing the same thing and even better.

I would be interested if anybody here has seen those e-mails and if they have ever been to one of the seminars touting these sort of results? Leave a comment and let us know.

Steven Wright
Realtor
Home Real Estate- Denver, CO
720-989-5283
stevensellsco@gmail.com

Go to my website for helpful How To videos
www.stevensellsco.com

Follow me on Facebook (Lots of helpful video ideas)

Steven Wright Realtor

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