Trade Shows versus Reality - 10/31/06 09:51 AM
OK - a small "rant" about VisualTours. The demo looked great at the trade show - quick, easy to integrate "poor" photos, and simple to use. Well, it hasn't quite worked out that way. Three of the team each tried taking photos and creating the tours. Hours of frustration later we scheduled … (1 comments)
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About the Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree, Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate Market - 10/27/06 11:48 AM
About the Anthem, Cave Creek, Carefree, Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Real Estate Market
Phoenix is a great place to raise a family. Neighborhoods are quiet, with tree-lined streets. The many parks are kept to a very high standard, and the housing costs are some of the lowest of all the major cities. … (0 comments)
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Get the Straight Facts About What Can Make or Break the Sale of Your Home. - 10/27/06 11:46 AM
Get the Straight Facts About What Can Make or Break the Sale of Your Home.
Selling your home is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. How much is it REALLY worth? How long will it take to sell? How do you handle buyers making undesirable … (0 comments)
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FSBO or Realtor Wanted - 10/27/06 11:39 AM
I keep hearing statistics about the percentage of FSBOs that eventually list their home with a Realtor in order to get it sold. Depending on the source of the information, it ranges from 60 to 80 percent! That means on average that of every 10 FSBO signs you see, 6 or … (3 comments)
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Relocation Transactions - 10/26/06 09:31 PM
I've been reading some of the blogs on this topic and thought I would throw in my 35 cents....
We have had good experiences with both Relocation companies we have dealt with. I don't know if the laws in AZ make the process more straightforward than elsewhere, but we always hear from … (3 comments)
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Builder Warranty - Part 2 - 10/26/06 03:45 PM
One of the repairs on the list mentioned in the previous Blog is "East Side Porch Light not working". The builder's response was "must be a light bulb". Since there are two lights (East and West) on the same circuit, we switched the bulbs. Result - East Side Porch Light not … (3 comments)
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Joys of Builder Warranty work - 10/26/06 03:41 PM
One of our listings is closing in about 10 days, and the Builder is not scheduled to complete the repairs until three days prior to close of escrow - same day that repairs must be completed by per contract and same day the buyer is supposed to sign docs so we … (2 comments)
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Real Estate on EBay - 10/25/06 08:56 AM
We have contemplated exploring the benefits of marketing real estate on EBay, but have yet to take the plunge. Our perception is that it would be one more billboard out there in cyberspace, but the viewers would not necessarily be our target audience. As with most marketing efforts - it only takes … (5 comments)
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CRS Enhanced Profiles - 10/22/06 07:44 PM
For those of you wondering whether paying the additional amount to be searchable in additional cities on the CRS website - I think my husband is very happy he did this year. For a mere $1,250 to add many more cities, he now has a referral for one of the additions … (3 comments)
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CLHMS on the horizon - 10/22/06 07:41 PM
We have adopted a process of fulfilling specific production requirements prior to getting really focused in on adding another designation to the growing list.
Next up is the CLHMS which we will both attend the required 2 day class in Atlanta at the beginning of next month. We're gearing up for the … (1 comments)
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Designations DO make a difference - 10/22/06 07:38 PM
I was just reading one of the featured posts today - which in essence confirms the position that houses sell houses and we sell our expertise. What better way to educate, demonstrate and confirm that added expertise than by getting designations? True - you have to educate the public as to their … (2 comments)
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Is anybody reading? - 10/21/06 11:26 AM
I blog merrily away on different topics that have caught my attention - but comments are few and far between. Perhaps no one is reading, or perhaps they are reading but have nothing to say about my musings. Oh - the feeling of rejection.... Perhaps a little door-knocking would cheer me … (4 comments)
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UK Real Estate License - 10/21/06 11:17 AM
OK - so today I'm on a UK Real Estate kick for some reason. Did you know that in the UK there is no requirement for a license or any educational curriculum to follow? NAR published an article that comments on this as well as the large difference in commission structures … (0 comments)
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Gazumping - 10/21/06 11:11 AM
How many of you have heard of the term Gazumping? I had heard of this going on in the UK, and the word itself is fascinating! I see that there is another term which is essentially the opposite of Gazumping, called Gazundering "Gazundering - on the other hand - is where … (1 comments)
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Value of a good title company - 10/20/06 10:18 AM
Which of the following would you classify as a "good" title company, given the following scenario. The lender is 4 days late with the loan docs, the Seller has issued a cure notice, and if the docs are not generated by the lender and signed by the Buyer today, the deal … (3 comments)
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Value of a good Realtor - 10/20/06 10:14 AM
The value of a good Realtor (regardless of their fee structure) lies in their ability to screen and select other key players in the transaction for their client to work with - lenders, inspectors, title agencies, etc. I just posted a blog on a situation where our Buyer client insisted on … (0 comments)
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What do Realtors look for in a lender? - 10/20/06 10:10 AM
I just came across a blog on this topic and commented that Realtors look for lenders that GUARANTEE on time performance to avoid delaying Close of Escrow.One of our Buyers, scheduled to close yesterday, has yet to sign docs because the lender failed to ensure they were at title to be … (0 comments)
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Family Reunion - 10/19/06 10:35 PM
As newcomers to Keller Williams, we're wondering about attending Family Reunion in February. We got a lot out of the recent 5 day MegaCamp in Austin, TX, but the Agenda for Family Reunion seems more "fun" and less "learning".
Any of you out there attended a Family Reunion, and if so, … (1 comments)
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Off to Atlanta - 10/19/06 10:32 PM
So we're off to Atlanta to take the class and earn our CLHMS designations. Wish we didn't have to travel so far to take the class, but we will have a full weekend day to spend in Atlanta / Sandy Springs, and we will have a car.Any suggestions for things "not … (1 comments)
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A new era - postponed - 10/19/06 10:30 PM
So I noticed that Thursday changed to Sunday, and we can still go wild with posts for points for a few more points. Wonder what the point of changing when the points would change was? I'll have to keep a close eye on things to make sure I avoid any "false … (0 comments)
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Technology and efficiencies - 10/18/06 10:51 AM
Back in the old corporate America days, we were faced with customers who wanted us to find ways to reduce our costs to them by 5% per year. They didn't care whether that eroded our profit margin or not, they were interested in the bottom line to them. I hear a … (1 comments)
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It's a great market! - 10/18/06 10:47 AM
Ever get tired of hearing how bad the market is out there? For us, it has been an even better year than last year. People still by and sell homes, and even though transactions are off about 25% overall compared to last year, they compare favorably to the years prior to … (0 comments)
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A new era - 10/18/06 10:44 AM
So today is the last day to get points for 3 Blogs. Tomorrow marks the dawn of a new era - 10 blogs for points per week - less than half the points currently available. The same went into effect for blog comments earlier this week. Are we on a trend … (1 comments)
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Technology and me - 10/17/06 12:06 PM
How has technology impacted your business? Made it far more efficient, accurate and accessible from anywhere I can get online.
What do you see as a benefit, and what are some of the costs? We use every ASP based tool that we can to be able to "work" even if we don't … (1 comments)
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Questions from Caleb - 10/17/06 12:02 PM
As a social network for professionals, how have you enjoyed being a part of the ActiveRain Community? It's been an excellent training ground for blogging, and very informative about the goings on in the industry in other areas.
What things are you learning?
Different people have different views on the same things. … (0 comments)
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Who found me? - 10/17/06 11:59 AM
I came across this suggested topic while searching for ideas on what to blog about today. How did I get to Active Rain? My husband invited me.
How did he find Active Rain? He was googling EcoBroker and up popped a series of Active Rain results!
Why was he googling Eco Broker? He … (0 comments)
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Ethics and Websites - 10/16/06 02:27 PM
I was reading the blog by Paul Sullins about the upcoming changes to the Code of Ethics. The first item
"Websites of REALTORS® and non-member licensees affiliated with a REALTOR® firm shall disclose the firm’s name and that REALTOR®’s or non-member licensee’s state(s) of licensure in a reasonable and readily apparent … (1 comments)
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All Eggs in one basket? - 10/16/06 01:59 PM
Some of the agents encountering tough times this year seem to have something in common. They all did a lot of work for a limited number of investors last year - mostly purchase transactions. They had all their eggs in one basket, and paid little attention to the other aspects of … (1 comments)
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Let me tell you how I work..... - 10/16/06 01:53 PM
One of the more difficult struggles agents encounter is with themselves over how assertive to be when interacting with a new client. Every client comes to the table with their own ideas of how their real estate experience should work, and that doesn't always match with how you would do your best … (0 comments)
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Don't be the expert if you aren't! - 10/15/06 11:01 AM
If a Buyer asks me - what do you think about that stain on the ceiling - the answer has to be - I think it should be professionally inspected and evaluated if it is of concern to you. Here is a complete list of licensed Home Inspectors.
If a Buyer asks … (2 comments)
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Table of Contents - Buyer Advisory - 10/15/06 10:53 AM
The Buyer Advisory in Arizona is so detailed that the Table of Contents is two pages long! A few of the more important but often overlooked items are:
Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) which detail the obligations of the Buyer to other homeowners in the community. Reading and being willing to abide by these … (0 comments)
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Buyer Advisory - 10/15/06 10:46 AM
In Arizona we have a great tool for Buyers to use called the Buyer Advisory. Published in both English and Spanish, it's updated monthly and if you email the PDF to your client they can click the links rather than having to type in lengthy and complex URLs.
I haven't seen a … (0 comments)
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Home Warranty - 10/14/06 11:58 AM
In this day and age of everyone suing everyone for everything, investing in a Home Warranty on behalf of the Buyer if they are unwilling to foot the $400 is excellent protection for a small price. Comprehensive plans with low cost service calls are readily available - but most need to … (0 comments)
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It's Brand New...Why do I need a Home Inspection? - 10/14/06 11:55 AM
Just because it's new, it doesn't mean everything was done correctly. A recent pre-listing inspection on a 900K home discovered so many issues the home inspector got writer's cramp. How about the gas not being connected to the furnace in the attic, or for that matter, the vent pipes not being … (1 comments)
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JAG Home Inspections - 10/14/06 11:51 AM
A warm welcome to Gary Edwards, Home Inspector Extraordinaire! Gary is a licensed, bonded and insured Home Inspector who we've known for longer then we have been in the real estate business! We have him do a "pre-listing" inspection on every one of our listings, even if recent or new construction. … (0 comments)
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Luxury Homes - Referral Networking - 10/13/06 10:33 AM
Once we have the CLHMS designation (November 2006) we plan to network heavily with fellow designees both national and international. I would be interested in hearing of effective marketing strategies fellow CLHMS designees have used to garner referrals in their markets.We typically send an announcement email with a link to details … (0 comments)
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Luxury Homes - 10/13/06 10:29 AM
Well, we're off to Atlanta in November to attend the CLHMS class needed to secure the CLHMS designation. We have plenty of transactions for both my husband and I to meet the designation criteria - the hurdle has been the availability (or lack thereof) of the class that must be taken … (1 comments)
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High Tech Real Estate Practitioners - 10/13/06 10:26 AM
I think what I like most about Active Rain so far is the willingness of people to share their good and not so good experiences with various tech products and services on the market. With so many to choose from, networking as a group with other like minded folks enables me … (0 comments)
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Top Producer 7i and ZipForms - 10/12/06 03:05 PM
While creating my previous blog re: DocuSign I noticed that Top Producer 7i and ZipForms apparently integrate as well!
TP7i
I quote from the link above
"ZipForm® is integrated with Top Producer™. This integration will make the creation of electronic contracts fast and simple and eliminate duplicate data entry. Real estate professionals will now … (0 comments)
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Docusign and ZipForms - 10/12/06 03:02 PM
OK - we are about to embark on our first transaction using the DocuSign electronic signatures integrated with ZipForms. Luckily, our test client is an IT guy, so they are looking forward to it.
DocuSign
Even if it goes as smoothly as possible, I don't know how easy it will be for the … (4 comments)
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Rules, Rules and hidden Rules - 10/12/06 02:58 PM
I learn more every day about blogging. Yesterday I learned that there appear to be some unwritten rules of AR that can be applied retroactively if someone squawks loudly enough - likely motivated by seeing their points total surpassed, or their lead dwindle.
Come on folks, are you still stuck in corporate … (0 comments)
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ZipForms - Templates - 10/11/06 09:14 AM
Ever tire of filling in the same information, contract after contract, and occasionally missing something? The template function in ZipForms allows you to create packages of forms (templates) to use for Buyers, Listings, etc. AND allows you to have the "standard" information pre-populate the forms when you begin a new transaction, saving time … (0 comments)
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ZipForms - I can actually read it! - 10/11/06 09:11 AM
ZipForms makes legibility so much easier for all involved. Filling in the blanks using typed text instead of the agent's scrawl ensures a consistency of appearance, and if we are lucky enough to be working with an agent to is really up to speed, then we also receive the files in … (0 comments)
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VisualTours.com - 10/11/06 09:07 AM
We use virtual tours on all our listings, regardless of price point. Until recently we outsourced this to the best in our local market, however, it was always a struggle to get the timing right - having a photographer available AFTER the property was ready to shoot, and getting the tour … (0 comments)
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Designations - Niche Markets - 10/10/06 11:30 AM
Some designations are designed for niche markets. One such designation is the SRES offered at http://www.seniorsrealestate.com/sarec/ .
For those specializing in the Seniors market (55 and up) this can be the edge you need when competing with another agent for the client.
A niche market certification becoming more popular is EcoBroker - see … (0 comments)
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Designations - which first and why? - 10/10/06 11:25 AM
Which designation first, and why?
I suggest taking the CRS classes as soon as you can - they will help you attain the production requirements needed for the ABR and the CRS more quickly than if you wait to take the CRS classes once you have fulfilled the production requirement.
ABR - 5 … (1 comments)
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Designations - 10/10/06 11:20 AM
To me, designations serve several purposes.
1. Unlike Real Estate licensing school, designation classes teach how to successfully conduct the business of real estate.
2. The classes provide excellent networking opportunities, which translates into referrals.
3. The designation itself is a differentiator that can be promoted to your database to help convert a prospect … (0 comments)
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HomeFeedback.com - 10/09/06 05:45 PM
We have found HomeFeedback.com to be an excellent automated showing feedback tool. Our assistant pulls the lockbox showing reports and emails the brief survey to each showing agent through the HomeFeedback.com system.
When the showing agent responds, the feedback goes to us and to the Seller. Quick, easy and powerful. Anyone … (5 comments)
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Termite Inspections - 10/09/06 05:35 PM
Here in Arizona homes are subject to Termite Inspections aka Wood Infestation Reports almost without exception. The saying in AZ is you've had them, you've got them, or you're gonna get them! While true, it's not that big a deal, except for squeamish Buyers who can't stand the thought of it … (1 comments)
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Home Warranty - 10/09/06 05:32 PM
Many Buyers want a Home Warranty on a resale property, however, many Sellers are unaware that they can have warranty protection during the listing period, for FREE! Many Home Warranty companies offer a free Seller Home Warranty in the hope that they will be selected for the Buyer Home Warranty at … (0 comments)
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SettlementRoom.com - 10/08/06 11:25 AM
We now use settlementroom.com for online transaction management. Prior to that we used gurunet - however - found SR to be much more intuitive and user friendly. What other online transaction management solutions are out there that offer as much or more than settlementroom.com?
The only hurdle we have encountered with … (7 comments)
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Top Producer 7i - 10/08/06 11:22 AM
We have used Top Producer 7i with great success for a couple of years as a contact management database. I hear from time to time people mentioning other products out there that are even better, but have yet to come across one.
Do any of you have insight into any better … (0 comments)
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Designations - 10/08/06 11:20 AM
ABR is a great designation if you represent Buyers, and can be achieved fairly quickly even with the production requirement. CRS is a great one to have, however has higher production requirements and several classes that are mandatory. Both provide marketing pieces to explain the value of the designation to the … (0 comments)
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The Advantages of Having Your Own Agent - 10/07/06 12:38 PM
Did you know that a listing agent represents the seller and works to get them the most money for their home? They must supply the seller with any and all information that may affect the decision to sell their property. You should have your own real estate agent to represent your … (1 comments)
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A Buyer Agent is Free to You - 10/07/06 12:36 PM
A Buyer Agent is a real estate professional who works exclusively for buyers, representing their best interests throughout a real estate transaction. There are many benefits of using a buyer agent and, just to let you know right from the beginning, all these benefits don't cost you anything. Customarily buyer agent … (1 comments)
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Do You Have a Home to Sell Before Relocating? - 10/07/06 12:32 PM
The last thing you need to worry about when you're about to make a long-distance move is a home that won't sell. We have developed an extensive network of high-quality agent contacts throughout the country in order to provide better service to our clients relocating to our area who need to … (0 comments)
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KEEPING YOUR HOUSE SAFE - 10/06/06 08:33 PM
KEEPING YOUR HOUSE SAFE
Home safety precautions are always important, but it is especially important to make your home "accident-proof" while it is on the market. Many strangers will be coming through your home who won't be aware of the minor hazards that you and your family instinctively avoid.
Go through … (0 comments)
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CHILDREN AND MOVES - 10/06/06 08:32 PM
CHILDREN AND MOVES
When you have to make a housing move, it is important to engage your children in the process. Moving can create concern and anxiety for children that their parents may not be aware of right away. It usually means leaving favorite playmates, going to a new school, and feeling … (1 comments)
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PREPARING YOUR HOUSE FOR THE WALK-THROUGH - 10/06/06 08:31 PM
PREPARING YOUR HOUSE FOR THE WALK-THROUGH
The movers have just pulled away from your house, leaving it totally empty--except for years' worth of grime and dust. If you don't have the time or energy to clean your house for the new owners, you should consider paying a professional to do the … (1 comments)
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e-PRO Certification - 10/05/06 10:55 AM
One of the best basic certifications a REALTOR new in the industry can obtain is the e-PRO Certification offered by Internet Crusade at http://www.epronar.com/
This introduces the REALTOR to the integration of technology in the real estate industry. One thing I wish they offered was the option to review the class … (2 comments)
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ASP Certification - 10/05/06 10:52 AM
In the current market, with homes having more competition, any competitive edge to make your listings shine in comparison to others helps maximize the number of interested Buyers (providing it's priced right!). The ASP certification for REALTORS - see http://www.stagedhomes.com/ for information - is a 2 day class that offers excellent … (1 comments)
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Introduction - 10/05/06 10:43 AM
OK - My husband joined ActiveRain and insisted I did too! This blogging thing is interesting - especially the number of words ending in "ing". I guess my first stop after reading so many blogs this morning will be the local Barnes and Noble to pick up a book on blogging! … (3 comments)
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