advice: Too Little (Time) ~ Too Late - 12/08/07 03:50 PM
My husband and I have been involved mentoring and ministering to youth kidlets (Jr. High through College) for many years. We love it because we love the "kids". We hate it because there are too many of them that are hurt and lash out. This is a very quick note to
(14 comments)
|
advice: important information when buying a new home! - 12/07/07 03:28 PM
I was just involved in a new home purchase that tried to go bad! Here is how we saved out client from going through a bad experience. We were given a closing date for the end of last month. I had dealt with the builder before and knew they were good, but
(4 comments)
|
advice: Two And A half Weeks Until Christmas!!! - 12/07/07 09:56 AM
If your mind is anything like mine it is beginning to experience a bee hive of activity and ideas parading through in rapid succession. Part of it can be attributed to the flurry of busyness, and the lack of business! Our minds have defocused from the 'job at hand' to the
(27 comments)
|
advice: Remodeling by the Numbers - 12/07/07 09:43 AM
So you’ve decided to hunker down for the winter, and you’re only going outside for work, groceries and trips to your favorite hardware store. That’s right – you’ve decided, “To heck with trying to sell our house right now. Let’s fix it up and sell it when the market
(2 comments)
|
advice: pricing your home - 12/07/07 07:27 AM
Are you getting your home ready to sell in the new year? Maybe a remodeled bathroom, updated kitchen or even an addition? You need to visit this website... costvsvalue.com A lot of homeowners think that they can just add the cost of repairs to the sales price of the home down
(0 comments)
|
advice: HELP!!How do you overcome rumors??? - 12/07/07 07:24 AM
I have a listing in Warwick, NY for a 47 lot subdivision called Pelton Crossing www.peltoncrossing.com. This development borders a 100 acre nature preserve and has the most spectacular views of the Warwick Valley. After 2 years with an inside sales team, the developer decided to enlist the help of a local
(6 comments)
|
advice: Why Do I Need A HOME? - 12/06/07 03:54 PM
Have you ever stopped to reflect on why you have or want a home? As a Real Estate agent, it is my priviledge to help others through the process of selling and finding their perfect home. Some people are selling their current home in order to find another home in a
(0 comments)
|
advice: Homestead Declaration - 12/06/07 10:46 AM
This is a great piece of information that all Florida homeowners should consider. Homestead Exemption has nothing at all to do with Homestead Declaration. Homestead Exemption is basically a tax break. A reduction of your tax bill that provides the homeowner with very little legal protection. This does not shield your home
(0 comments)
|
advice: Understanding Your Financing Needs - 12/06/07 08:31 AM
With the right information and support, you can move past credit issues and onto solid, home-based financial footing. CREDIT FAQ'S 1. Will my credit history prevent me from getting a mortgage? Most mortgage companies offer a variety of programs that are designed to help people who have experienced financial difficulties get
(2 comments)
|
advice: Facing Foreclosure? We have options for you - 12/05/07 11:16 PM
If you are facing foreclosure, we may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction of someone who will be able to help you. Our primary goal is to assist you, the homeowner avoid foreclosure. This can be a very stressful time and we understand that; we are here to
(0 comments)
|
advice: FSBO's, I pay you 3%, fax me your customers info...huh? - 12/05/07 11:05 PM
What would you do? They want the name, They want to know the buyer so they know that I brought them a buyer... Smells bad to me...or am I wrong? Should I say or should I wait? Should I agree....what do you do? The buyer recently emailed me and told me her plans have changed... How
(11 comments)
|
advice: Facing Foreclosure? We have options for you. - 12/05/07 10:47 PM
If you are facing foreclosure, we may be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction of someone who will be able to help you. Our primary goal is to assist you, the homeowner avoid foreclosure. This can be a very stressful time and we understand that; we are here to
(0 comments)
|
advice: Losing National Exposure - 12/05/07 01:12 AM
Recently the Northwest MLS made the decision to cease uploading listings to Realtor.com. When I spoke to our local representative I was told the decision was made in order to "drive" clients to the regional providers. This is a short-sighted approach for a number of reasons: The state of Washington has a
(9 comments)
|
advice: Home Buying Seminar - 12/04/07 12:07 AM
Free Sacramento Home Buying Seminar December 6 & 11, 2007 Free! For more information: http://www.CentralCityDigs.com/CustomContent.aspx?ID=11123&fp=2026
(0 comments)
|
advice: Buying Vs. Renting - 12/03/07 02:34 PM
Should You Buy or Rent a Home? Is home ownership the right path for you? Should you rent instead? If you rent will you be jeopardizing the possibility of home ownership in the future due to rising real estate values? How fast will your family grow and how much space is
(3 comments)
|
advice: Palm Beach County Florida Real Estate Market Conditions and Information - 12/03/07 09:41 AM
Here are the latest statistics for properties located in Palm Beach County. Properties Closed in October 712 Properties Placed under Contract in October 859 Months of inventory 48.1 Average Days on the Market 150 Sold/List Price Ratio 90% Current Market Advantage- Buyer Current Price Trend - Depreciating These numbers really indicate that it's a great time to buy. Now is the
(0 comments)
|
advice: Why are there still pennies? - 12/02/07 11:02 PM
When I was a child, I was glad to have a penny to put in my piggy bank. When I was a teenager, I was glad for a nickle or a dime. After all Minimum wage was $1.75 an hour and I was making $2.50 in 11th grade managing an appartment
(28 comments)
|
advice: Free for Real Estate Folk - 12/02/07 02:18 PM
I know that there is a great blog that relates to freebies to share. What I would like this blog to have is a few more specifics. If you have a freebie to share, let's give the exact url as well as a brief description about the site. I am sure
(5 comments)
|
advice: Start Packin’! - 12/02/07 08:58 AM
Selling your home? Start Packin'! The woes of the Real Estate Market reverberate in homeowner's minds, specially those homeowners who are trying to sell their homes. There are many first steps to take when you are in the process of selling your home. Yes, you did read correctly, many first steps. It
(2 comments)
|
advice: 12/2/07 Some NYC Apartment Updates - 12/02/07 08:29 AM
The first of the month is here and the inventory is starting to fill up. There are some great deals in Inwood New York right now like a gut rehabbed Studio, 1 and 2 bedroom unit close to the train and great local atmosphere for $1000 to $1300 a month. If
(1 comments)
|
advice: Holiday Food Drive-Pearland, TX - 12/02/07 02:07 AM
Pearland Neighborhood Center will again be participating in the KPRC-TV (Channel 13) Share Your Holiday's food drive. The Pearland Neighborhood Center is Pearland's only multiservice facility. Established in 1987, its mission statement is "to provide a foundation of effective services and responsive programs to facilitate the development of individuals and
(0 comments)
|
advice: 7526 Dowdy St, Gilroy CA 95020 - 12/01/07 08:42 PM
Gilroy Charmer- 2 Homes on one lot! 2 bedrooms/1 bathrooms in main house, 1 bedroom/bathroom in guest house. Year Built= 1923. Sq Ft= 1,014. $479,000 Beautiful tree lined street, front house features hardwood flooring throughout, upgraded kitchen w/granite counter tops, family room with fireplace and crown molding. Guest home needs TLC but
(0 comments)
|
advice: Buyer's Get a home inspection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 11/30/07 12:40 PM
I closed on a deal this week where the client was reluctant in getting a home inspection. Their main concern was the $200 - $300 extra cost. I explained to them in a very calm and professional manner that they were nuts! I think that this is on of the most important
(5 comments)
|
advice: Information You MUST Know About Declining Market Areas - 11/29/07 12:47 PM
Per Fannie Mae Part XI of the Selling Guide, Lenders are responsible for the accuracy of the appraisal, and the assesment of the marketability of the property. Take some time to click on the link below download the latest release and see if any of the declining areas are in an area
(0 comments)
|
advice: Information You MUST know about Decling Market Areas - 11/29/07 12:45 PM
Per Fannie Mae Part XI of the Selling Guide, Lenders are responsible for the accuracy of the appraisal, and the assesment of the marketability of the property. Take some time to click on the link below download the latest release and see if any of the declining areas are in your area.
(0 comments)
|
advice: WHAT ARE YOU DOING DIFFERENT TODAY? - 11/29/07 09:26 AM
I suggest you change things up a bit. Do a "George Costanza" and do the opposite of what you are doing now! I often found that just a simple change in how I went about my day made all the difference in the world. Change your opening comment, listen in the
(1 comments)
|
advice: I'm so LAME!!?? - 11/28/07 08:22 PM
Atleast that's what my 15 year old son tells me. :) Of course, I know I'm the coolest Mom around. :) Haven't you heard? I was thinking about Christmas recess plans for my son and I. It was so easy when he was 5 years old, even 10. Everything I did impressed
(10 comments)
|
advice: Linda Slocum: Advice For New Realtors® - 11/28/07 05:15 PM
After staring at Linda Slocum's face for a year on the Santa Clarita profiles page, I decided it was time we met. Of course, I didn't decide this until after I saw her again over at Naymz. How wrong is that? Luckily Linda agreed and we decided to have lunch together
(22 comments)
|
advice: Assessment Time - 11/28/07 04:14 PM
Well, it's that time again...property reassessment. My taxes, like yours, are probably going up. In fact, I know mine are going up. I can't say I disagree with my new assessment but I know there are plenty of you out there that may be over-assessed. It is not that uncommon an
(2 comments)
|
advice: Preparing Your Home For Winter - 11/28/07 01:32 PM
The fall Equinox is a good time of year to start thinking about preparing your home for winter, because as temperatures begin to dip, your home will require maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape through the winter. Autumn is invariably a prelude to falling winter temperatures, regardless of where you
(0 comments)
|
advice: Active Rain Success Story!....(sorta) - 11/28/07 11:52 AM
It happened! A client was searching high and low on the interenet for a Minnesota mortgage and BAM!, he came upon my Active Rain Profile. Out of nowhere my phone rang to hear a familiar voice. It was a past client and was he ever happy to stumble into me
(2 comments)
|
advice: What's Your Favorite Holiday Movie? - 11/28/07 09:20 AM
The Denver Daily News asked if I could write a quick column on the best holiday movies. What's missing? Any good unheralded gems? The Five Best Holiday Movies EverIt's a Wonderful LifeSure it's a holiday cliché, but if you don't watch this, your wife will hound you until you do. If
(5 comments)
|
advice: Dear Justin Tomato / Coach Smith, This is a comment on... - 11/27/07 10:30 PM
Dear Justin Tomato / Coach Smith, This is a comment on "Crazy Myth #4: Posting Listings is too hard, time consuming and pointless". You're brilliant, Hello there Justin, I have been agonizing over the very same problem. First of all, we want our listings on Localism. Yes, we do. I placed a
(6 comments)
|
advice: Real Estate Networking and Seminars catching YOUR EYE! - 11/27/07 10:25 PM
Hello My fellow Activerainer's... I have a couple simple questions for you trying to get some constructive feedback and advice! - I host a few Busines Networking Events and Groups, simply - when invtited - what intices you or catches your eye that interests you in attending a Networking event or
(1 comments)
|
advice: Real Estate Networking and Seminars catching YOUR EYE! - 11/27/07 10:25 PM
Hello My fellow Activerainer's... I have a couple simple questions for you trying to get some constructive feedback and advice! - I host a few Busines Networking Events and Groups, simply - when invtited - what intices you or catches your eye that interests you in attending a Networking event or
(0 comments)
|
advice: Selling A Home 101 - 11/27/07 04:19 PM
(4 comments)
|
advice: LIFE is like an Old Brick Building - 11/27/07 12:05 PM
Yesterday I was showing an old stand alone brick building located in the part of Atlanta known as Reynoldstown. The building is only about 1200 sq. ft. and sits on a pie shaped plot that is surrounded by 3 intersecting streets. It was originally built in the early 1900's and has functioned as
(9 comments)
|
advice: I'm new to Active Rain! Any advice for me? - 11/27/07 11:59 AM
Hi! Thanks for reading! How has being on this site helped you? What have you done to make your page stand out? I was advised at Keller Williams to start blogging on this website in order to generate internet leads and network. So, I'm just wondering how it's been going for some Active
(10 comments)
|
advice: What kind of agent are you dealing with ? - 11/26/07 11:28 PM
Only a few real estate agents have worked out how to use internet technology to their advantage, many agents still operate in the pre internet mode or they just touch on the basics. Things are slowly changing but it is taking some time to catch on. There is more than one way
(5 comments)
|
advice: Marketing to Realtors - 11/25/07 06:27 PM
Since I have just gotten my certification and started to market myself, I need to get some hints on what has worked ( or not worked ) for others. I am in Tennessee and so far I have done marketing to local realtors and to manufactured home dealers. I have an
(13 comments)
|
advice: What is a Real Estate Consultant? - 11/25/07 06:14 PM
I make it a point to let everyone of my clients know that I am their 'Real Estate Consultant' and not just another agent out their. But what does that mean? The first part seems pretty clear as you can get the idea that I am not here to provide technical
(1 comments)
|
advice: A good book for these slow/cold days & develop effective real estate work habits - 11/24/07 08:24 PM
21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me covers a broad range of topics--teaching you how to hit the ground running, develop effective real estate work habits, and balance work and family.introduces you to the importance of setting a realistic budget. Your broker should have a copy for you to
(0 comments)
|
advice: The Greater Baltimore Garden Club - Gardening & Business the Importance of Routines - 11/23/07 04:43 PM
Three years ago we purchased a home that has the most amazing garden. After taking care of the garden for the last three years I have learned the importance of a routine. This has mirrored to my business as well. If you are consistent with your marketing, customer service, education, the list goes
(0 comments)
|
advice: ATTEND MEETINGS, PRESENTATIONS, & CLOSINGS WITH LIVE VIDEO PHONES - 11/23/07 04:02 PM
DOES ANYONE THINK THIS IS A GREAT IDEA FOR THE FUTURE? HAVING A LIVE VIDEO PHONE WHERE YOU CAN SEE WHO YOUR TALKING TO ON THE OTHER END. WHAT ABOUT ATTENDING A MEETING WITHOUT HAVING TO PHYSICALLY BE PRESENT BUT CAN STILL GET THE JOB DONE. YOU CAN EASLY DO A
(4 comments)
|
advice: Happy Thanksgiving... I AM BLESSED AND THANKFUL - 11/22/07 06:39 PM
Today being Thanksgiving.. I am so thankful. Great friends.. great family.. a great and wonderful husband... A fantastic church family... I have a great real estate job... a great real estate company.. a great real estate partner(Meta Poole Ginn) the greatest agents and employees... my health is good...we have more than
(4 comments)
|
advice: Thanksgiving: 2007, Good bye, Good riddance !! - 11/22/07 11:00 AM
Today is Thanksgiving 2007 and, of course, there are many things to be thankful for. Family, friends, faith and health as well as many things to hope and wish for, peace, compassion and prosperity. Among those things I am both thankful and hoping for is the end of this year 2007. The uncertainty and
(0 comments)
|
advice: Pumpkin Pie Martini anyone? - 11/21/07 03:52 PM
I just ran across this recipe and it sounds delicious. It also goes with my other post about Thanksgiving Hangover Cures because if you have one too many of these, you will need a cure! So spice up your day tomorrow whether you like your Martinis shaken and not stirred! :) Pumpkin
(7 comments)
|
advice: Password Affirmation Magic - 11/20/07 12:13 PM
We all have a bunch of passwords in our life. More passwords than the normal brain can remember. You know the most common one - your pet's name. Easy to remember is key when creating a password. But how about making your password a positive affirmation as well? Instead of Fluffy42
(28 comments)
|
advice: Techy Tool 1 - 11/19/07 10:37 PM
When your typing your blogs, e-mails ect... Is it me or does your mouse pointer always seem to be in your way. Might be a pet peeve to some and some of you might say.."who cares, I just move my mouse". But if you would like to type cursor free here is a
(6 comments)
|
advice: WELCOME TO THE INTERNET..... - 11/19/07 10:32 PM
DAYS OF SELL REALTY THE OLD FASHIONED WAY IS ALMOST OBSOLETE... PLEASE FEEL FREE TO POST YOU THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS...
(5 comments)
|
advice: Are You Ready for the Great American Dream? - 11/19/07 06:26 PM
From our newsletter: Renting vs. Owning Your Home Homeownership has long been called the Great American Dream, and more people own homes today than ever before—about 70 percent of all Americans. A changing market can open new opportunities if you’re thinking of making a change to your living situation. Here are
(0 comments)
|
advice: Make Your Money On Your Las Vegas Real Estate - 11/19/07 11:39 AM
Don't forget to left click on my blog link at my web site. The link is right next to my great looking picture. I continue to post new information and opinion about the Las Vegas Real Estate Market as it becomes available to me. If I can be of any help,
(0 comments)
|
advice: Choosing Your REALTOR - 11/19/07 11:32 AM
The most important decision you will make in the sale of your home is the REALTOR® you choose. Be sure to find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel you can ask questions or go to your REALTOR®, you have the wrong person. Your REALTOR® should show you research
(0 comments)
|
advice: Thanksgiving week...Work or Play? Showing more homes? - 11/19/07 07:35 AM
I don't know about the rest of you but I have been amazed how many people want to lookat homes around the holidays! My schedule this week is full except for Thanksgiving Day!As we approach the end of the year I think we will be totally astonished how many people will
(5 comments)
|
advice: Breaking Through the Glass Ceiling at SIF - 11/19/07 03:31 AM
I was reflecting back on my participation on Active Rain and the SIF Group - nine months have gone by since I posted my first blog and began to read what others were sharing. I know we don't always agree, but I was thinking about where I am today versus back
(34 comments)
|
advice: My Biggest Hurdle! - 11/19/07 12:36 AM
Being 21 in a business of professionals of all ages (mostly older than me) I found can be a good or bad thing. From the time I started in the business my mentor Brian Manaois has taught me how if I let my age affect me it will and if I
(26 comments)
|
advice: Increase property values with landscaping - Winter is the time for planning. - 11/18/07 05:05 PM
Landscaping is much more than a creative outlet and pretty plants, a good landscape design can add 20% to the value of a property. There have been many published reports stating landscaping is a good place to invest; that with proper planning and maintenance a property can expect a 100-200% return
(1 comments)
|
advice: GREAT NAR CONVENTION!!!! A GREAT PLACE TO LEARN AND MEET GREAT REAL ESTATE AGENTS!!!! HONEST WITH OUR SELLERS!!! - 11/18/07 04:30 PM
Save your money and next year if you did NOT go to the NAR convention go!!!! The expo was wonderful.. in fact I was never able to make it to the whole expo!!! Learning about our economy, about ways to market in a buyers market, hearing great speakers from all over
(3 comments)
|
advice: Tricky Layouts - 11/18/07 09:59 AM
There are some things you can change about a home and some things that you can't. One of the things you can't really change is the layout of the home. A comment I have heard a lot recently from buyers looking at homes is "I don't really like the layout of
(11 comments)
|
advice: At what portion do we quit complaining and start REACTING? - 11/17/07 10:19 PM
I read a blog written by Andrew J. Lenza, ABR GRI MBA today entitled When Realtors Attack or What's NEW on Active Whine! and it got me started thinking. First things first, that is dangerous because then I start writing about what I think about. Which, brings me to this blog. I have to
(22 comments)
|
advice: Why should I replace my old pool drain cover? - 11/16/07 06:32 PM
A common item I call out on older pools is the old drain covers. People don't realize just how strong the suction can be at a pool drain. It is enough that if someone touches it they may not be able to move their hand, or if someone with long hair
(9 comments)
|
advice: Photo Tips for Everyone - 11/16/07 04:17 PM
How many times have you gone to see a listing only to hear your Buyer say - "Wow looks lots better than the picture!" Sometimes I wonder if real estate agents even got out of the car before taking the photo. You know the ones I mean - where you can see the edge of
(16 comments)
|
advice: Top 9 Reasons Why Homeowners Tank - 11/16/07 03:45 PM
Divorce, death, job loss and medical expenses are commonly cited as reasons for losing a home. But many of today's record number of foreclosures happen to happy, healthy, gainfully employed (and living) people blindsided by the changing housing market.You can avoid foreclosure by steering clear of our Top 9 Reasons why
(0 comments)
|
advice: NEW STAGERS - WORK FOR FREE AND FOR HOW LONG? - 11/16/07 03:21 PM
New Stagers frequently email or call me asking to "shadow" me for jobs. I get calls from interior design students as well that would like to complete hours towards their education and internship - and ask to tag along. My policy is that I use only Stagers (not decorators or designers) -
(6 comments)
|
advice: SO - DO YOU THINK EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT HOME STAGING? - 11/15/07 10:53 PM
When it seems so commmon sense to us - those that work in this field - isn't amazing when you come across people that STILL do not know what Home Staging is? If you ask some Stagers they might tell you or me that "the market is saturated" - and the
(15 comments)
|
advice: BPO's - 11/15/07 07:16 PM
I am interested to know if there are any BPO scams to look out for. It seems like companies ask for some very private information when a realtor signs up to do these. I have signed up with one company that came personally recommended, so I know it's legitimate, but I'm
(11 comments)
|
advice: Can the real estate market possibly get any better??? - 11/15/07 06:29 PM
I've been in real estate now for 16 years and I have never seen a market where there are so many knowledgeable people and yet so needy. Sellers who know all there is to know about prices and neighborhoods etc and yet they can't sell. Buyers who want to buy but
(0 comments)
|
advice: Home Prices Continue to Slide, Sales Even Out and Interest Rates Put On the Breaks - 11/14/07 11:06 PM
Current Price Trends October market statistics just released by NWMLS show a developing trend in small decreases for median prices in Pierce County. The price index dropped from $284,364 to $283,431, the second such decline in the past two months. Buyers waiting for a general price collapse are likely to remain
(2 comments)
|
advice: 8 steps to managing debt - 11/14/07 04:40 PM
8 steps to managing debt
1) Know your credit report and evaluate your debt: The stepping stone to be debt free is to admit that you have debt, and are willing to be a free of it. Take a carefull look at your credit report and calculate the amount of
(0 comments)
|
advice: Reflections on the inefficiency of the Open House... - 11/14/07 01:23 AM
Ok, So, technically I know that there are some people out there (even some at my own office) who make a fairly decent living from the leads they generate using Open Houses. I can not claim that Open Houses can't be effective if done correctly. I just don't see them
(3 comments)
|
advice: Orange County Tax Appeal Process - What is everyone waiting for? - 11/14/07 12:18 AM
I recently attented an Assessment Appeals Overview Meeting titled "How to Prepare For A Hearing" The following eight diagrams cover some of the more important issues regarding the Assessment Appeals Hearing. Values are falling in many areas, so what is everyone waiting for? I guess some people like being overtaxed? If you're not one of those folks,
(21 comments)
|
advice: The Importance of Continuing Education in the Real Estate Profession - 11/13/07 01:09 PM
It is so important to stay up to date and accurate in the ever changing profession of real estate. Not only must we as real estate professionals be updated on current market trends, we must also be aware of technological advances, state license law amendments, updated MLS rules and regs, changes to
(0 comments)
|
advice: Should I Buy Now or Should I Wait Until Spring? - 11/13/07 12:01 PM
That question is on a lot of people's minds. It certainly is for a friend of mine looking to buy his first home. We met over drinks last night at Ticoz (a Phoenix restaurant with fantastic Martini's btw) to discuss what he should do. The first thing he said was, "My
(0 comments)
|
advice: Shopping: Your right as a consumer to get a Good Faith Estimate - 11/13/07 10:15 AM
I can't tell you how many customers are referred to me, that have already been working with a lender, but do not have a Good Faith Estimate(GFE). This important document gives an estimate of what the charges are in terms of rate, and closing costs. Without that piece of paper customers
(3 comments)
|
advice: AN EXERCISE IN FUTILITY? BID FOR JOBS WHERE YOU ARE "USED" - 11/13/07 01:37 AM
Chalk it up to experience . . . I should know better considering how long I have doing this. . . but even I jump at the chance to bid on jobs with the trust that my information will be considered with the same care and consideration that I have put
(23 comments)
|
advice: The best time to prospect? - 11/13/07 12:29 AM
I am sort of torn up between which is the most productive time to prospect during the day. I have worked both in the morning and in the evening on prospecting. I find that in the morning I am full of energy and ready to take on the world yet nobody seems
(42 comments)
|
advice: RENTAL COMPANIES - FRIEND OR FOE? LET'S BUY A CAKE WITH NO FROSTING! - 11/12/07 11:45 PM
I know there have been other posts on this topic, but recently I have had to do battle with some rental companies in my region and elsewhere to help dispel the myth that renting furniture is "Staging." I have had "discussions" with large national companies on behalf of Stagers, sticking my neck out to
(27 comments)
|
advice: DO YOU GROUP NEGOTIATE? - 11/12/07 11:18 PM
Do you know how to GROUP NEGOTIATE or do you keep any great deal to yourself - hoping your "competition" will not figure out what you found? Do you understand there is power in numbers? When you go to stores or to wholesalers - do you ask about discounts for yourself? Most
(2 comments)
|
advice: How Much for That Christmas Spirit in the Window? - 11/12/07 10:58 PM
Well, it is that time of year again where the lights go up on the houses and the trees make there way into living rooms across America. Credit cards are being stretched and the stress levels are up. I see people around me running here and there trying to get
(5 comments)
|
advice: Give a surprise Staging as a Gift to someone or a group this holiday season - 11/12/07 07:03 PM
I have been off the blog for a while - busy with kids, school, training and Staging - as many of you are. One of my most recent projects though gave me pause because it made me realize how much people need us and how we can be such a GIFT
(7 comments)
|
advice: Best time to upsize - 11/12/07 05:42 PM
Now is a great time to upsize! I recently had a client who sold a 1500 square foot home for $244,000. The little home had no pool and had mostly all original 1975 fixtures. I managed to get them a 3,000 square foot home on a lot twice its size, with a
(8 comments)
|
advice: No Excuses, Just Ask! - 11/12/07 12:38 AM
I have read so much here on Active Rain about thinking and acting outside of the box and how we need be so careful that we do not assume or perceive what others are thinking. I got to learn this lesson first hand and fortunately it worked out great for me.
(11 comments)
|
advice: Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for Active Rain, and my friends here. - 11/11/07 11:37 AM
This special community of Active Rainers has made me feel right at home. I'm a visitor, as I've written a book on marketing for real estate people, like you. I'm not an agent, or an inspector..or even a mortgage person. I'm an outsider who knows a whole lot about marketing
(6 comments)
|
advice: Market Heads Up - November 2007 - 11/10/07 09:00 PM
Slight change in format for the show this week. To keep the focus on the subjects I know the most about, I am going to spend more time on local market influences, including the hottest and least hot areas of Santa Clara Count. While I will still give info on what
(0 comments)
|
advice: Connecticut Real Estate Market - 11/10/07 04:01 PM
THE CT. REAL ESTATE MARKET ISN'T CHANGING, IT HAS CHANGED!!! Many sellers are thinking that it's better to hold out for their price. They better be prepared to stay in their home for the next 5-7 years. Let's look at history: In the Greater Waterbury area, homes increased in price dramatically in the
(1 comments)
|
advice: Postive Affirmations - 3 Ways - 11/10/07 01:27 PM
Postive affirmations are great tools to keeping you in the right mind frame to work in the ever changing field of sales. From Zig Ziglar to Tony Robbins there are so many ways to bring this into your life. One of the things I noticed is that I rarely speak negatively
(11 comments)
|
advice: Looking for a good database management system - 11/10/07 12:03 PM
I have been using Top Producer and excel spreadsheets to manage my contacts in the past, and I am currently in the works of creating my own web based database management system simply because I have not been impressed with any other system. I've found that for all of the things
(5 comments)
|
advice: Lower tax bill while thinking green. - 11/10/07 10:48 AM
Record-high gasoline prices earlier this year and concerns about heating fuel costs this winter may have you thinking about outfitting your home with new storm doors and windows or buying a gas-efficient hybrid car. If you install qualified home improvements by December 31, you can claim an energy tax credit for
(1 comments)
|
advice: The Top 16 Question A Realtor Hopes You Never Ask…Part 2 - 11/09/07 07:53 PM
...because their answers will eliminate them from YOUR consideration!!! This is the second set of questions. You may read the first 8 questions by clicking on this link. The Top 16 Questions Part 1 •9 Do you do this full-time or part-time? How many homes do you sell on a yearly basis? •10 Are
(0 comments)
|
advice: SEVEN DEADLY SINS WHY YOUR HOME AIN'T SELLING ! - 11/08/07 09:51 PM
Seven reasons why your home isn't selling is: If you have had your home on the market for several months and haven’t seen much activity or any offers, chances are that one of the following seven reasons maybe the blame... Reason #1 Your price maybe too high No doubt about
(1 comments)
|
advice: Assistant?? - 11/08/07 01:25 PM
We are thinking of hiring an assistant. We are getting busier and feel that we could really use some extra help. How do you know when it is the right time? Any hiring suggestions?
(2 comments)
|
advice: The #1 problem with real-estate photos? (Not having any...) - 11/08/07 10:42 AM
Welcome and thanks for reading my first blog posting! I'm looking forward to sharing my photographic and technological knowledge and experience with everyone in future postings. I find it amazing that when it seems like every cell phone, laptop, and PDA is equipped with a camera, there are still some real-estate agents
(2 comments)
|
advice: Newflash: Local Realtor is Abducted by Alien Home Buyers - 11/08/07 01:46 AM
Caution: It may be possible that the "people" that you are showing property to are actually alien beings in disguise. This can be dangerous in that: A). You may be exposed to high levels of radiation. B). You may be infected with foreign biological matter (ala invasion of the body snatchers). C) You could
(5 comments)
|
advice: Why I Learned to Say "NO" and Became a Better Me - 11/07/07 11:07 PM
Joeann Fossland wrote a blog today about conserving your energy and practicing the word "no".I have gotten much, much better at saying no over the past several years. By learning how to say no I can pick and choose that activities I truly want to do and stop feeling resentful about doing
(18 comments)
|
advice: Brockton area market update!! - 11/07/07 10:08 PM
Everyone is wondering weather it is a good time to buy or sell a home in today's market? My answer to you is YES! You heard me correctly yes. The market as gone into the correction mode. Especially in Brockton, Ma, located less than 20 miles from Boston. The city of
(1 comments)
|
advice: You can't win them all - 11/07/07 07:23 PM
I am a big fan of ESPN's "The Contender" and last night's final was not only a great show, it was one of the most incredible fights that I have seen in a loooong time. A ten round fight that ended in TKO in the eighth after both fighter knocked each
(2 comments)
|
advice: Printers , Printers, everywhere,,But not a drop of ink!!! - 11/07/07 07:35 AM
O.k I am trying to figure out my next printer. All I want is quality brochure fronts with full color pictures and inexpensive day to day black and white printing. Am I asking too much? What do you guys have? Or suggest!!
(0 comments)
|
advice: The Top 16 Question A Realtor Hopes You Never Ask...Part 1 - 11/06/07 08:45 PM
...because their answers will eliminate them from YOUR consideration!!! In a recent random survey, statistics revealed 82% of people who bought or sold real estate has a miserable experience , blaming it mainly on their real estate agent. Is your agent looking out for your best interest or are they just trying
(3 comments)
|
advice: Review your building type to save insurance $$$$. - 11/06/07 03:27 PM
A review of a friends' homowner policy this week opened my eyes. He had a policy with another good company. He liked the company, but a renewal of just over $5,000.00 was a hardship. He would change if it would make his policy affordable. I first called for a wind MIT
(0 comments)
|
advice: Making the right Turkey Choice............... - 11/06/07 02:09 PM
Sure, you could refer to the package on the back of the frozen turkey at the store to figure what size bird to buy...but I have found a site that not only has great information during this time of year, but throughout. They have a 3 week plan going, where they
(4 comments)
|