Lonely Front Porch Seeks New Rocking Chair-Please Call To See if We Are Made For Each Other - 06/30/10 11:15 PM
This home is begging for the right buyer. It could be you!
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
I'm a  lonely front porch in the Port Potomac neighborhood in Prince William County VA.  I'm seeking a new rocking chair and buyer to enjoy summer evenings with me.  Seeking long term committment with someone who can appreciate me as much as my last owner did.  They didn't want to leave but the military sent them packing to a far away location.  Now my 4 BR's and 3.5 BA's wait for someone new.
… (1 comments)

Things to know if you are visiting Williamsburg this summer. - 06/27/10 12:13 AM

Things to know if you are visiting Williamsburg this summer.

 
There are many things to know if you are visiting Williamsburg this summer. Last summer I posted a blog about the best time to visit Busch Gardens and water country. I noted that there were less people at the two Williamsburg theme parks because the it was cool and overcast.
 
This list of things you need to know if you are visiting Williamsburg may help you deal with the heat:
 
Freeze water bottles and carry them in a tote or backpack. If your schedule … (3 comments)

How do I use my Facebook page to generate leads? - 06/26/10 11:20 PM
How do I use my Facebook page to generate leads?
I just saw an article about 8 apps for a Facebook Page.
I am not totally comfortable using my Facebook page, and would like to add apps but I'm not sure how to do that. 
Also how to I out get more fans my Facebook page. 
Last night I was trying to link my listings to my Facebook page and I could not get it to work either.  I have been really busy which is a good thing, so I may just be brain dead!
Please leave comments with any good … (11 comments)

Do You "Have" a Listing if You Don't Have a SIGNED Listing Agreement? - 06/26/10 10:29 PM
Sometimes REALTORS who have a reputation of being very successful have stepped on other people and REALTORS to get to the top!
Via Michael Bergin, Northern Virginia Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES ):
My question - Do you "have" a listing if you don't have a SIGNED listing agreement?  Several weeks ago a friend approached me to say that her daughter and son-in-law were putting their townhouse on the market and if I had any buyers to please let her know. I contacted a couple I've been working with and over the weekend they called to say that … (8 comments)

Safety Steps for Women Realtors - Don't Make Yourself a Target! - 06/23/10 02:17 PM
These are great tips and women can never be too careful in this business.  I have felt uncomfortable in a few situations during my career.  I would advise anyone who feels uncomfortable to listen to that intuition.  There is no commission worth your life, or your health.
An alternative to pepper spray is wasp and hornet spray which sprays much further and will disable an attacker before he can get close enough to you to harm you.
Be cautious and always trust your instincts.
Via Tami Vroma-Realtor Grand Rapids Rapids Homes for Sale (West Michigan Real Estate Specialist-Five Star Real Estate):
                                                Safety … (3 comments)

I need help with my Facebook Page - 06/18/10 12:30 PM
I need help with my Facebook Page.
I need help with my Facebook Page; I just read a blog by Ken Cook entitled limited social media = limited opportunity. 
After I read it, I went to Facebook and searched for Williamsburg Real Estate.  A REALTOR® associate in our Long and Foster office showed up, but my Facebook page did not come up at all.  Can anyone tell me how to position my Facebook page so that it will show up when someone is searching for Real Estate in my area?
Thank you in advance for your help with my Facebook Page.
… (3 comments)

Limited social media = limited opportunity - 06/18/10 12:20 PM
OK, like Ken said I went to Facebook and did a search for Williamsburg Real Estate.  The only REALTOR that came up was an associate.  So how do I set it up so that my Facebook page will show up?
Via Ken Cook, 678-439-8683:
Recently I had the opportunity to sit in with and co-moderate a panel of local business professionals who want to know how to be prepared for business tactics in the immediate future - at least over the next 5 years. It was amazing to me how many of them still reject or at least avoid social media as a … (0 comments)

Admin Fee or just More for Me? - 06/18/10 09:59 AM
All of the companies in our area charge an admin fee as far as I know.  Most of the time the buyers and sellers do not balk at it, but if they do, I gladly pay it for them.
Via Randy Ostrander-Real Estate Broker, Serving Big Rapids and West Central MI (Lake and Lodge Realty LLC ):
Does your company charge an Admin Fee at closing to your seller? I have not nor likely will ever charge an Admin Fee. I have however ran across many companies that do and more than once at a closing table had the seller get very angry … (0 comments)

Chinese drywall in your home - 06/17/10 10:59 AM
Chinese drywall in your home:
If you live in the Williamsburg area and have Chinese drywall in your home, James City County now has a dedicated web page that you can visit.  This web page provides information, advice and updates to affected residents in the Williamsburg area.
Furthermore, the county tax assessor's office has agreed to drop the tax assessment to $100 for every homeowner in James City County who has a home with Chinese drywall. 
                                         
Isn't it nice to get good news from local government?
Click here to read another blog I posted about Chinese drywall.
This is another informative blog about Chinese … (0 comments)

What a difference three months can make! - 06/16/10 11:51 PM
What a difference three months can make!
On March 6, 2010 I posted a blog entitled I've been having a pity party lately and I realized tonight what a difference three months can make!
The pity party I was having that day was partially due to my business being slower than what I would like it to be.  On May 15, 2010 a friend and neighbor called me saying that she and her husband wanted to see a house for sale in our neighborhood, Landfall at Jamestown.  The house was listed for $1,760,000.  I made arrangements to show them the house a couple of … (9 comments)

Alan's List of Internetiquette Rules - 06/16/10 03:22 PM
Alan is right on about internet etiquette rules:
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Evanston Realtor, Evanston Real Estate (Evanston Condos, Evanston Homes, North Shore Homes):
Here on Active Brain we are fairly civil to one another, but on many other sites, (such as those that rhyme with Pillow, & Foolya as well as others), they seem to be a little bit of the Wild Wild West, with little, ineffective or no moderation at all.
Commenters and questioners are often subjected to, how shall we say, colourful language, sarcasm and outright attacks by semi-anonymous posters, with little else to do but hang around waiting … (1 comments)

My Bright Idea -- To Be SHARED With My Colleagues on Active Rain - 06/16/10 03:10 PM
Is our government really by the people and for the people?  If so we should give serious thought to this blog by Carla:
Via Carla Muss-Jacobs Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland LLC | www.EBAPortland.com | (Exclusive Buyers Agent Beaverton Portland):
Several months ago, I had an idea.  I ran it by Bob Stewart, and he said he'd feature it once it was done.  Then I talked with my web guy -- because I am NOT A COMPUTER PROGRAMMER.
My web guy was ALL for it . . . he even had a few suggestions.  And then . . .
{Sounds of Crickets Chirping} 
NOTHING!!  I … (2 comments)

Got a Share Button? You should get one for your websites. Seriously... - 06/14/10 02:40 PM
Sounds like AR needs to definitely consider adding a share button to out blogs!
Via C Tann-Starr (CarolynTannStarr.com TannStarr.net REMAX People Realty):
Got a Share Button? You should get one for your websites. Seriously...
http://sharethis.com/
Sitting on the dock fooling around with my website coding. I started adding a "Share This" button on the end of some of my posts at CarolynTannStarr.com and even tossed one on my sidebar over here at ActiveRain.com to share the Wordy C blog... I am going to have to manually do this 256 times over there to share each individual post before I take a crack … (3 comments)

The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will affect tourism. - 06/14/10 11:32 AM
The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will affect tourism.
 
The fact that the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will affect tourism is a huge problem for businesses and individual property owners in resort communities along the Gulf of Mexico.  The first thought that entered my mind when I heard about the massive problem was that the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will affect tourism and property values in resort communities along the Gulf of Mexico.
 
A few questions came to my mind in regard to this dilemna:
 
Are … (0 comments)

10 Tips for Phone Skills that Kill - 06/14/10 10:10 AM
This blog, written by a home stager, lists telephone skills that are vital to many careers including real estate, so it is deserving of a re-blog!
Via Karen Otto, Home Stager, Plano, TX 469)964-0516 www.homestarstaging.com (Home Star Staging):
Our job as Real Estate Professionals, whether you are a Realtor, home stager or other industry professional involves first impressions and being prepared for your daily dealings with anyone you come in contact with.  After all, anyone who owns a home, knows someone who does or is in the market to sell or purchase a home is a prospective client. So regardless of what you're doing or … (3 comments)

Please Remove My Home From the Internet - 06/13/10 10:17 AM
I use the fact that I blog about my listings in my listing presentation.  I never really thought about how the new owner of the property might be affected after the house has sold!  This may become an ethical dilemna.
Via Norma Toering Rolling Hills & Palos Verdes Property (REMAX Palos Verdes Realty Lic# 01147470):
I sold a property last fall and last week I received a request from the buyer, now the homeowner of record, asking me to remove his home from all my marketing blogs, videos and ads on the Internet. 
Who knew Internet Sleuth was a new facet of an … (3 comments)

TWO KEYS TO MAKING EVERY OPEN HOUSE A SUCCESS - 06/13/10 08:19 AM
Open houses are a great source of potential business here in Williamsburg, Va.  I have had success with them and have sold a home as a result of an open house!
To learn more about how to sell your home in Williamsburg, Virginia contact Sybil Campbell REALTOR® at 757-897-5889.
 
Via Ken Tracy Naperville Illinois Real Estate (Keller Williams Naperville):
Open houses. 
Do they work?  Do they really sell houses?
Or are they a waste of time?  Just an opportunity for nosy neighbors to snoop...
I read a post on Active Rain this morning.  It was an agent's post about her disappointing Sunday spent at a … (4 comments)

"30 Under 30" Award from REALTOR Magazine - 06/12/10 01:26 PM
Congratulations to all of the winners of this year's 30 uner 30 contest!
Via Christine Lee (Christine Lee Team, Keller Williams):
This year I was honored to be named as one of the top “30 Under 30” agents for 2010 by REALTOR Magazine. To top it off I was chosen as one of only five “30 Under 30” agents to be featured on the June 2010 cover of the magazine ….This has truly been an exciting year for me and my team!!
Check out the full article by clicking the link below!
http://www.realtor.org/rmonews_and_commentary/30under30/30u30_2010/lee

 
 
 
… (0 comments)

How to Recognize and Overcome Objections in Real Estate - 06/12/10 12:27 PM
 
Overcoming objections is a major factor in being successful in anything and real estate is no exception!
 
Via Coach Patti Kouri (Accelerated Performance Coaching):
When a prospective seller says, "I need to interview other agents," do you know how to turn that objection into a signed listing agreement?
Overcoming client objections is a major challenge for many agents. There are two factors at work here, and one of them will be very familiar to you. It's our old enemy, the psychic vampire. This time we are taking on fear. Fear of not having the right answers, fear of losing a … (2 comments)

Home Staging DOES NOT mean Deceiving the Buyer! - 06/12/10 12:14 PM
It is so important to realize that staging shows off a home in its best light.  If there are things that are wrong they should definitely be fixed not hidden. 
Via Shar Sitter; Home Staging in Minneapolis, MN (Rooms With Style; Home Staging in Minneapolis, St. Paul ):
Home Staging does not mean deceiving the buyer. There are times during a home staging consultation that I have been asked how to hide something. Don't hide it, fix it!!
Home Staging can get a bad rap as many buyers, as well as Realtors, think things have been covered up, painted over, or a chair … (2 comments)

SO..... You Want To Rent Your House Out, Eh? - 06/11/10 10:45 PM
My husband and I own property in another state and use a property management company.  To me it is well worth the fee that they charge and I would still use a property management company even if we owned a rental house close by.  It is so much better to have a professional company handle your rental property than to try and deal with all of the problems that arise by yourself!
Via Diane Rice, Rice Prprty Mgmnt & Rlty, LLC, South Holland, IL:
WHAT?  You want to RENT OUT YOUR HOME?  Really?
You have come to this conclusion because your home SAT … (8 comments)

Home Price Index Rises 0.3% in March 2010 - 06/10/10 01:54 PM
It is nice to have some good news about home values.
Via David Kosmecki (Guaranteed Rate, Inc.):
Home values rose in March, according to the Federal Home Finance Agency's most recent Home Price Index. Values were reported higher by 0.3 percent, on average, from February.
We use the phrase "on average" because the Home Price Index is broad-reaching, national housing statistic. It ignores the dynamics of neighborhood real estate markets as well as citywide markets like Minneapolis , too.
Instead, the Home Price Index focuses on state and regional statistics.
For example, in March 2010 as compared to February:
Values in the East … (0 comments)

Home sales in Williamsburg Va. - 06/09/10 12:08 PM
Home sales in Williamsburg Va.
I have good news for Williamsburg and James City County residents: Home sales in Williamsburg Va. were higher in May 2010 than they have been for most of the last two years!
 
The increase is home sales is no doubt related to the extension of the first time home buyer credit that was in effect for homes that were under contract by April 30, 2010 and will close no later than June 30, 2010.
 
The following bar chart shows the active listings, sold listings and months of inventory for the past 24 months.  According … (0 comments)

Website makeover woes! - 06/09/10 11:32 AM
I spent literally months trying to find someone to help me customize my website and increase my SEO.  A year later and having spent $1100 to $1200 for the service, I have not seen any major increase in my rankings nor have I have any leads that I can directly trace to my website having been customized.  Live and learn!
Via Wendy Smith Real Estate:
A simple decision for a website makeover has turned into a daunting task!  One of the biggest challenges for a new website or revisions to an existing website is to reduce your thoughts, your visions to words - … (3 comments)

Real Estate Marketing Strategies - How To Stay Positive In Today's Market - 06/08/10 12:54 PM
 
I try to stay positive about the Real Estate market in Williamsburg Va.  It is also important to be realistic especially when explaining to sellers what has happened to the property values in Williamsburg, Va. during the last several years.
I am excited and extremel postive about my last sale. It was for a house that was listed at $1,760,000 when I showed it.  Now we have a ratified contract and it should be closing within 4 to 6 weeks!
Now when people ask me about the Real Estate market in Williamsburg Va, I can tell them with all honesty … (1 comments)

4 Tips for Working with Investors on your Short Sale - 06/08/10 12:42 PM
With so many foreclosures, REO's and short sales on the market, we can all use helpful advice like this!
Via Tara Phelps (Impact2 Recovery Properties):
As an investor in short sale properties, I work with agents and brokers every day and I get a lot of questions about my criteria is for a great investment property.  While it is important that the deal has potential profit, I find that there are four issues that truly drive the best investment deals.  These are primarily matters of business that tend to be overlooked in the rush to put together a deal.   We all recognize that … (0 comments)

Holding An Effective Open House - 06/05/10 12:58 AM
I have had some great success with open houses I feel that this post deserves a re-blog!
Via Mike Bearden (HouseHunt.com):
“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” - Milton Berle
If you want to close more sales, you need more customers.
To get more customers, you must introduce your product, yourself, to more people.
A successful real estate career is that simple.
You don’t have to be an Einstein to thrive in our industry. If your career isn’t turning out as well as you would like, product introduction is most likely the source of the problem.
In today’s real … (0 comments)

Florida First In The Nation to Approve State Action Lawsuit For Chinese Drywall - 06/05/10 12:50 AM
I have posted several blogs during the last several months about Chinese Drywall.  I am very happy to see that Florida which was my home for 26 years is the first state in the nation to approve a state action Lawsuit for Chinese Drywall!
Via Jay Lloyd (AllPro Home Inspection):
In Florida today, a Miami Judge certified and approved the first chinese drywall class action lawsuit, making Florida the first state in the country to file such a suit. The class action lawsuit includes 152 homes in the Miami-Dade County area.
Although this is the first state class action approved in the U.S., there … (2 comments)

Beautiful waterfront home in Landfall at Jamestown - 06/05/10 12:36 AM
The beautiful waterfront home in Landfall at Jamestown is under contract!
 
I recently posted a blog: Great buy: Waterfront home in Landfall at Jamestown.
 
No I was not the listing agent, I brought the buyer for the beautiful waterfront home in Landfall at Jamestown and since the home was part of a relocation the price was great but it has been a rather painstaking few weeks to get everything necessary in place so that the relocation company would sign the contract. On Friday afternoon (June 4th) I got the message from my broker that the contract was ratified!!  … (0 comments)

Be nice to your fellow realtors....it always comes back around - 06/02/10 01:33 PM
It is so important to have good relationships with other REALTORS® as well as with our clients and prospects.  The REALTORS® who do not strive to build good relationships with their fellow agents quickly get a bad reputation and end up hurting themselves as well as their clients, because other agents are hesitant to work with them.  I have seen it happen over and over in my REAL ESTATE career.
Via Jane Jensen (Century 21 New Millennium):
I've blogged before about thinking of our fellow realtors as partners not just as adversaries.
It definitely comes around. Perfect example.......I am working with a client … (4 comments)

Need Help Getting Buyers Off of the Fence? - 06/02/10 01:26 PM
The information in thi blog is invaluable to REAL ESTATE agents, so I decided to re-blog it in case anyone missed it the first time!
Via Ed Gillespie - The Honest Mortgage Guy (First Priority Financial, Inc.):
One comment I hear regularly from agents is that they have clients who are able to buy a home but are afraid to do it.  The agents remind their clients that this is a great time to buy-that rates and home prices are both low, there are tax benefits or even that tax credits are available (here in California at least).  But these buyers are securely perched … (1 comments)

Which is better Parralels or Boot Camp for running Windows on a MAC? - 06/02/10 01:13 PM
Which is better Parralels or Boot Camp for running Windows on a MAC?

Hey there all you MAC enthusiasts:  Which is better Parralels or Boot Camp for running Windows on a MAC? 
 

 
I purchased a MAC Book Pro in December of 08 and need to run Windows for certain programs that I need in my Real Estate business.  I purchased Parallels with the computer but rarely use it because it slows the computer down way too much. 
 
 
 
I keep receiving emails about purchasing the newer version of Parallels but I don't want … (0 comments)