brian block: My First Ever Real Estate Related Injury! - 07/06/08 06:36 PM
This wasn't supposed to happen to me.
I've run a marathon.
I practice martial arts (Israeli combat Krav Maga) several times a week.
Maybe, I'm just getting old... after all I celebrated my 35th birthday just 4 days ago.
Today, I experienced … (46 comments)
|
brian block: Desperate REALTOR -- Episode 3 "You Gotta Drop the Price" - 07/01/08 08:21 PM
Here's Episode 3 of Desperate REALTOR(s).
If you have not yet watched Episode 1 or 2, please click to view:
Episode 1: Desperate REALTOR Begging for a Listing
Episode 2: Desperate REALTOR -- Episode 2 "Please Buy a House"
I hope you enjoy Episode 3.
As usual, I've never spoken … (41 comments)
|
brian block: When They Tell You Their Company is #1, Ask for the Proof! - 06/27/08 05:15 PM
Numerous agents and companies go around touting:
"We're #1"
"Top Company in Sales"
"Highest Sales Volume in the Region"
"We Sell More"
"Highest Number of Sales"
Anybody can say it, but can they all prove it?
That's what's important.
Next time an agent says that their company is the … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Free Information - Are you using it ????? - 06/22/08 03:52 PM
With the competition plugging along I have to say I hope the rest of you are following along and learning with the rest of us.
Come on Guys and Gals this information that we are providing to you all is FREE and comes with a proven track record.
I … (4 comments)
|
brian block: Now Taking Requests - 06/17/08 10:27 AM
As a Northern Virginia and D.C. REALTOR (and blogger), I see it as part of my job and duty to provide you (my readers) with valuable information about the area real estate market and I've been doing that for over a year, since March 2007. If you're new to this blog, … (6 comments)
|
brian block: Desperate REALTOR -- Episode 2 "Please Buy a House" - 06/14/08 05:06 PM
Here's Episode 2 of Desperate REALTOR(s).
If you have not yet watched Episode 1, please click to view: Desperate REALTOR Begging for a Listing
I hope you enjoy Episode 2.
Trust me, I've never spoken to a client like this, nor should you (even if you may feel this … (96 comments)
|
brian block: Racing for the Cure with RE/MAX - 06/06/08 07:52 AM
Tomorrow, Saturday June 7th, I'll be hitting the streets, running in the road, and racing with RE/MAX for the annual Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure. This annual event raises awareness and money for finding a cure for breast cancer which unfortunately afflicts so many women in this country.
… (27 comments)
|
brian block: Desperate REALTOR Begging for a Listing - 06/02/08 01:34 PM
Desperate Housewives is over for this season.
How about Desperate REALTORS? Do you know anybody in your market like the REALTOR in the video below?
This week's Makeover2Takeover Contest Challenge was to create a digital Pre-Listing Package.
I created a video as a portion of my entry for this week's … (164 comments)
|
brian block: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Super MEME! - 06/01/08 07:02 PM
Okay, so there's people out there who want to know more about me. A fan club, if you will...
I thought through previous MEME posts and my comprehensive Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Next REALTOR But Were Afraid to Ask I'd pretty much told you everything.
… (26 comments)
|
brian block: Pre-Summer Active Rain Success Stories - 06/01/08 04:18 PM
Summer & Success -- two words that go together well in the real estate business.
THINGS ARE HEATING UP!
For many, Memorial Day weekend officially kicks off the Summer season. Of course according to the Earth's orbit around the sun, the Summer Solstice is still 3 weeks off.
However, let's not … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Change is good.......The Makeover has Taken over!!! - 05/29/08 10:03 PM
A big sigh comes at the beginning of this post. I have to admit I have said to myself more than once recently "whatever were you thinking" getting involved in another activity.
It's 10:45 pm on a Thursday night and I haven't been this excited about real estate in awhile. … (7 comments)
|
brian block: Ask Yourself One Question: Are You Ready? - 05/29/08 07:16 AM
You've prepared yourself for your home search and think you know what you want. You've been watching the market for some time now and following prices, trends, and available homes. You've done your research by reading Blog Articles for Buyers.
Taking the next step, you've outlined your criteria … (18 comments)
|
brian block: Turning Point of the Year -- 2,468 More Homes on the Market! - 05/27/08 10:58 PM
Memorial Day typically represents a turning point in the year for most people. According to traditional fashion etiquette, you are now allowed to wear white clothing, shorts, and linen. I've never followed these rules to the letter, but then again I've also been known to order a glass of Cabernet or … (11 comments)
|
brian block: The heart Beat to your real estate success and making millions!!!! - 05/27/08 12:47 PM
With round one of the Makeover to takeover challenge and the winning team announced HERE I wanted to go back and talk about the importance of a data base.
YOUR DATA BASE IS THE KEY TO LONGEVITY AND REAL ESTATE SUCCESS
You don't believe me? Well I can tell you that more … (53 comments)
|
brian block: Make Over To Take Over the World!!!!!!!.....The Birth of Team Manna..... - 05/21/08 08:55 PM
Okay so we don't wanna take over the world. Just take over the real estate market in "our" worlds.
I just wanted to say how thrilled I am to be a part of this competition . In case anyone missed the background on Team Manna let me explain.
Brian came … (25 comments)
|
brian block: Need More than a Notepad - 05/20/08 04:36 PM
From Brian Block, Apprentice, M2T Team Manna
When I first got started in real estate almost 6.5 years ago, I worked with a small, but successful brokerage (owned by a friend of mine) for a year and a half before moving to RE/MAX where I've been for almost five years.
On … (7 comments)
|
brian block: Alexandria Virginia April 2008 Home Sale Hot Spots - 05/07/08 06:33 AM
HOT SPOTS IN A COOLER MARKETALEXANDRIA HOME SALESAPRIL 2008 In April 2008, there were 150 home sales in the City of Alexandria. This was a precipitous drop from the 204 sales made during the same month of 2007. Sales prices ranged from $131,500 up to $1,650,000. The good news for … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Your Next REALTOR But Were Afraid to Ask - 05/03/08 08:58 PM
In real estate, negotiating skills, market knowledge, and transactional expertise, education and experience matter a lot.How about personality?If you are working with a REALTOR to help you purchase a home or to sell your current home (or both), chances are that you'll be spending a lot of time meeting and talking … (22 comments)
|
brian block: Blog Articles for Sellers - 05/03/08 07:53 PM
If you've found my blog while searching around the internet, you may have come to a particular article that I wrote about some aspect of real estate. Perhaps you read a market report about sales in Northern Virginia or information about available inventory in a particular Alexandria neighborhood. You may have … (20 comments)
|
brian block: Blog Articles for Buyers - 05/03/08 07:16 PM
If you've found my blog while searching around the internet, you may have come to a particular article that I wrote about some aspect of real estate. Perhaps you read a market report about sales in Northern Virginia or information about available inventory in a particular Alexandria neighborhood. You may … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Abbreviations & Acronyms: The New Language of Real Estate - 04/27/08 01:06 PM
If you're just getting in the market for real estate, chances are you're hearing a lot of unfamiliar terms these days, especially on the mortgage side of things. Real estate introduces you to entirely new language. One filled with lots of words that are thrown around by your mortgage lender, REALTOR, … (52 comments)
|
brian block: Bring Your Checkbook With You on Your Househunt - 04/25/08 05:37 PM
With the advent of online payments, credit card transactions, wire transfers and Paypal, very few carry checkbooks with them any more. However, in the world of real estate, I suggest that you bring your checkbook with you on your house hunt. As much as you'd like to receive miles, hotel points, … (14 comments)
|
brian block: From a Pad to a Nest -- Guys, I'm Talking to You - 04/24/08 08:05 AM
Congratulations! You're getting married. From the day you popped the big question and changed your status from boyfriend to fiancé, you've no doubt been receiving lots of unsolicited advice from friends, family, and strangers about planning the wedding and about marriage. So here comes your friendly Northern Virginia & D.C. REALTOR with … (48 comments)
|
brian block: Own a Small Piece of the Smallest City in the USA -- Condos in Falls Church, Virginia - 04/23/08 08:44 PM
Smallest city in the USA? Not by population, but by area... It's right here in Virginia. Falls Church City. Charming Falls Church City is but 2.2 square miles of land bordered by Arlington and Fairfax County. Yet it boasts The State Theatre which features local and national music headliners, a drive-through espresso … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Flashlight Required - 04/21/08 07:40 PM
Whether you are a homebuyer looking to buy a home or a REALTOR going to show homes to potential purchasers, you may just want to add a new tool alongside your cell phone, lockbox key, and digital camera on your ever-present Batman style utility belt. That new tool is the flashlight! Once … (72 comments)
|
brian block: You can buy a home for $109,000, for $8,850,000, or anywhere in between in Arlington Virginia - 04/20/08 03:18 PM
Are you looking for an inexpensive condo? A luxury condo within walking distance of the Orange Metro line providing an easy commute to D.C.? How about a fashionable townhouse or a modern single family home? Historic homes, new construction condominiums, coops, starter homes, and mega-mansions complete the mix of available inventory … (18 comments)
|
brian block: Alexandria, Virginia: Alexandria Knolls West 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Condo -- Just Listed for $288,999 - 04/18/08 04:00 PM
Alexandria Knolls West is a great place to live -- take it from a REALTOR who actually lives in the building.
One of the greatest features (especially with the warm weather finally here) is the large balconies, some of the largest around in Northern Virginia. To learn more about the building … (8 comments)
|
brian block: It Could Be Much, Much Worse! - 04/17/08 06:41 PM
Forbes Magazine just issued its list of America's Worst-Selling Housing Markets. To compile its list, the magazine editors used sales rate to show "how quickly homes have been leaving the market from its most saturated point, the most straightforward indicator for measuring sedentary vs. active sales."The Ten Worst-Selling Housing Markets according … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Video Driving Tour of Cameron Station in Alexandria Virginia - 04/16/08 05:24 PM
You've heard about the Alexandria community of Cameron Station. Perhaps you've seen pictures online. Or even read about it right here on my blog:Northern Virginia Neighborhoods: An Introduction to Cameron Station, AlexandriaCameron Station Market Update: Summer Sales in Premier Alexandria Community Sales in Cameron Station, AlexandriaCatch a Cool Cameron Station Condo … (18 comments)
|
brian block: Is the Northern Virginia Housing Market Ramping Up? - 04/15/08 08:04 AM
There's no doubt that home sales in Northern Virginia have slowed significantly in the early part of 2008 compared to sales for the same time period in 2007. The first quarter of 2008 saw far fewer sales than first quarter 2007 -- approximately a 36% decrease in the number of sales … (12 comments)
|
brian block: So...Where do You Sell Homes? - 04/14/08 08:09 PM
When you choose a REALTOR to help you buy or sell a home, the most important criteria is finding someone with the necessary education, marketing expertise, and negotiating skills to help represent you in the best manner possible. You also want someone whose personality jives with your own. Are you analytical … (34 comments)
|
brian block: Need an Angle for Your Real Estate News Story? Give Brian a Call - 04/12/08 01:37 PM
I don't let success go to my head. My wife won't let me. Are you a member of the press? T.V., newspaper, radio, or online media? Perhaps you scour the internet and the blogosphere for tidbits and news to help you with your news stories. In the area of real estate, whether … (19 comments)
|
brian block: Does Your REALTOR Association Do This? - 04/05/08 01:21 PM
What has your REALTOR Association done for you lately? As REALTORS, we belong to the National Association of REALTORS, our State Associations, and our Local Associations. Some people even list these memberships on their websites and their business cards (as if there was room). Membership takes little more than paying yearly dues … (34 comments)
|
brian block: See it Before You Sign It -- The Sales Contract - 04/02/08 09:09 PM
Remember walking up to the counter to rent a car while you are on vacation? You know that before they hand you the keys and walk you out to the lot to inspect the car you'll be driving around in for the weekend, the clerk behind the desk presents you with a … (28 comments)
|
brian block: Real Estate is a Process of Elimination - 04/01/08 08:01 AM
Do you select the home that you like or do you eliminate the ones that you don't?People often ask me "How many homes will we have to look at to find the right one?" There's no standard answer to this question since it varies from client to client. I've had several … (44 comments)
|
brian block: Numbers Tell a Story about the Market in Northern Virginia - 03/31/08 01:28 PM
What a difference a year can make... sometimes.Examining some numbers for the month of February in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, make it exceedingly clear that Northern Virginia's real estate market has indeed changed. For sellers wondering why their home has not yet sold, there is one number that explains the frustration. … (2 comments)
|
brian block: A March Towards Success: March 2008 Blogging Success - 03/31/08 10:10 AM
As the month of March comes to a close, many in the real estate industry are finding that there schedules are getting busier with more buyers coming out to look for homes, realizing that there are some good deals out there. Many sellers are also preparing to put their homes on … (19 comments)
|
brian block: My 8 Seconds of Fame on CBS National News This Morning - 03/29/08 03:32 PM
Since I got interviewed a week ago by CBS News, I've been highly anticipating watching the segment on national t.v. which kept getting pushed back. I watched The Early Show on CBS every day this past week. Well, today, I finally made my debut. The story about foreclosures and foreclosure bus … (87 comments)
|
brian block: Bright and Early on Saturday Morning: Brian Block will be on CBS National News - 03/28/08 05:55 PM
Thank you to the legions of people who watched The Early Show on CBS all this week looking for me. I'm sorry to have disappointed you. Trust me, even though I recorded it every morning and I spent all week waking up early and watching in anticipation of my national T.V. … (21 comments)
|
brian block: Take Me Out to the Ballgame! - 03/28/08 04:24 PM
Sunday March 30th is Opening Day for the Washington Nationals baseball team. While opening day for baseball is exciting enough (and who doesn't enjoy sitting in the stands during beautiful springtime weather?), this time around it is really special because it marks Opening Day for the newly constructed $700 Million Nationals … (12 comments)
|
brian block: Brian Block - "Look Who's Buying a House in Alexandria, Virginia!" (3:00 min) - 03/27/08 10:17 PM
… (11 comments)
|
brian block: Look Who's Buying a Home! (3 Minute Video) - 03/27/08 08:44 AM
Presenting a brand new video: A surprise VIP visitor wants to buy a home in Northern Virginia. Alexandria was his hometown and he returns in 2008 to find his home is no longer his.
Who else to help him in his quest but Northern Virginia REALTOR and Associate Broker with RE/MAX … (104 comments)
|
brian block: Talking to Activerainer's..Do You Ever Get Star Struck? C'mon Admit It.. Sometimes I do! - 03/23/08 01:49 PM
I remember meeting a bunch of rainers...I was actually nervous...hey alot of talent in one room...sometimes on the phone I feel the same way.
This year I have the privilege of co-moderating the Blogger's Choice Selection Group..sometimes it causes me to make a phone call and sometimes when I do...
I get star … (31 comments)
|
brian block: Good Buy for the "Regular Guy" -- Median Priced Homes in Northern Virginia - 03/20/08 07:57 PM
Welcome to Good Buy for the "Regular Guy" -- hey, it rhymes and it's a direct ripoff from the once popular Bravo! series "Straight Eye for the Queer Guy." In this post we'll be taking a look at some of the more affordable options for residential living in Northern Virginia. This morning … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Fear - 03/18/08 01:43 PM
One of my martial arts instructors sent me the following quote a while back: "Fear is your friend, panic is your enemy. Fear will help you get to your goal faster. Panic will either shut you down or send you down an inappropriate course of action for the situation. Unfortunately … (32 comments)
|
brian block: Kicking You While You're Down: More Taxes in Alexandria Virginia - 03/17/08 10:06 AM
Death and taxes...You've heard that one before. How's this for adding insult to injury?Alexandria Virginia homeowners are still trying to digest the news that their homes have slipped in value. Well, unless you've been ignoring the national, regional, and local news, or haven't crawled out of your shell in a while, … (17 comments)
|
brian block: 8.5 Lies about Real Estate - 03/13/08 05:15 PM
Truth, Justice & The American Way.That's what real estate is all about. If you read the REALTOR Code of Ethics to which all REALTORS subscribe (and hopefully adhere), you'll find our mission right in the preamble:"Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival … (64 comments)
|
brian block: Your Homebuying Horoscope - 03/11/08 02:41 PM
For some it is a daily habit or guilty pleasure -- turning in the newspaper to the comics and finding the daily horoscope. Maybe not every day, but admit it, you glance a peek at your fortune and see what the stars have to say from time to time.Here's today's Homebuying … (28 comments)
|
brian block: Please Help Me Dance into the Sweet Sixteen - 03/09/08 04:24 PM
Thank you for your support in helping me get this far. I hope you'll continue to help as I pursue success in the First Annual Blog Brawl hosted by the Virginia Association of REALTORS on their blog VARBuzz. In college basketball, the Sweet Sixteen is the elite group of 16 teams that … (26 comments)
|
brian block: A bottle of white, a bottle of red - 03/06/08 07:18 AM
Are you an Oenophile? You'd know it if you were. That's just a fancy word for a wine lover.If you're moving to Virginia, you are in luck. Over 130 wineries operate throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, and most are open for tours and tastings. You might think about California when you … (50 comments)
|
brian block: I've Officially Run Out of Room on My Business Card - 03/05/08 02:08 PM
First things first. A big announcement (cue drumroll):Yesterday, I passed the Virginia Real Estate Broker's Exam! 180 hours of education in Real Estate Finance, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Broker Law, and Real Estate Brokerage Management -- a full day of class every Thursday since August now completed. Volumes and volumes … (60 comments)
|
brian block: Top 6.5 Reasons to Attend Our Free Homebuyer Seminar on March 8th - 03/01/08 03:11 PM
Are you thinking about buying a home? Perhaps a townhouse, a condo, or a single family home. You've been watching the market for a while and think now might be the right time. Tired of writing that rent check each month, with nothing to show for it and not even being … (37 comments)
|
brian block: Are You Ready for March Madness?: First Annual Real Estate Blog Brawl - 02/28/08 07:03 AM
March marks the beginning of Spring. To many, March means basketball. College basketball and lots of it. The time honored tradition of office pools, brackets, sweet sixteen, Final Four. Even the uninitiated get involved and everyone supports their local college team.Get ready for something a little different. In the spirit of … (26 comments)
|
brian block: Summer in the City: What You Need to Know About the Weather - 02/26/08 09:37 AM
If you are considering a move to the Washington D.C. area, you might be interested in learning a little bit about our climate. The D.C. area has four distinct seasons and its climate is classified as humid subtropical.Brian's Quick & Easy Reference Guide to the D.C. Area Seasons (you really don't … (39 comments)
|
brian block: 811 Homes that Could be Yours -- What's on the Market in Arlington Virginia? - 02/25/08 10:17 AM
There are more choices available than there are flavors of Jelly Belly jellybeans. It's true! That's the case for the homes currently on the market in Arlington Virginia. Single family homes, townhouses, high-rise condominiums, duplexes, semi-detached homes, garden style condos -- each has its own unique style and are available through … (10 comments)
|
brian block: Swing Open the Closet Door - 02/23/08 07:11 PM
What's behind door #1? What's on the bookshelves? In the washing machine? In the fridge? Inquiring minds certainly want to know. When viewing potential homes to purchase, buyers want to explore every inch of the home that may become theirs. Some clients will uncertainly, feebly, and politely ask me whether they can open … (74 comments)
|
brian block: The World Can Be Your Oyster -- Marketing Your Home Across the Seven Seas - 02/21/08 04:30 PM
Ring Microsoft customer service and you will be speaking with someone in India. Unwrap the Power Rangers action figures in the box under the Christmas tree and you'll likely find that it was made in China. So was your iPhone. The homegrown Ford that you drive may have been assembled in … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Blogger's Block due to Writing!!!!!!!!!!!! - 02/19/08 12:28 AM
I'm so thrilled to be working on a collaborative book on real estate technology with these fellow Active Rain Members! While most of them, if not all, have been satisfying their readers with blogs, I've been limited to just commenting. My quest to finish my chapter resulted in 1 casualty - 1 lost subscriber (Sorry, … (7 comments)
|
brian block: Will the Sellers Come Down on the Price? - 02/18/08 09:40 AM
People who are selling their homes need be cognizant of the questions that buyers ask when viewing homes. The first question on every buyer's mind is invariably: How Long Has That House Been on the Market? A close second and closely linked with the first question is the ever present query: … (32 comments)
|
brian block: Sliced in Half -- January 2008 Home Sales - 02/16/08 12:18 PM
Imagine for a moment that you own a pizza shop. In January 2007, sales were slow, but you still managed to sell a respectable 1,322 pizza pies. Some were plain cheese, others pepperoni, a few vegetarian's delight, and assorted other pizzas with various toppings. Expecting that January 2008 would reflect similar … (36 comments)
|
brian block: Alexandria is Cool -- That's What the Sierra Club Said - 02/15/08 05:40 PM
Hot of the heels of finding out that Alexandria, Virginia was ranked as the Most Romantic City in the United States (just in time for Valentine's Day), I've now learned that Alexandria is a "Cool City!" Yes, I've known for a while that Alexandria is a cool place to live with … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Drive Home a Different Way, Today - 02/14/08 03:39 PM
Interested in the real estate market? If you are thinking about looking for a home, or considering putting your current home on the market, chances are that you tend to notice real estate signs and homes for sale around your area of town, or in those areas where you are considering purchasing.Homes … (32 comments)
|
brian block: Blogger's Choice Selections -- Giving Some Love on Valentine's Day - 02/14/08 07:11 AM
Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you haven't forgotten to pick up some flowers, chocolates, a Vermont Teddy Bear, or at least a card for your sweetheart.
Valentine's Day is a time for love and today it's time to spread some love to some posts in the Blogger's Choice Selections group. This … (49 comments)
|
brian block: Take Your Home for a Test Drive: The Importance of Home Inspections - 02/13/08 08:05 AM
You wouldn't buy that new or used car without taking it for a spin would you?Everyone test drives a car before purchasing it. Whether you are buying it from a dealer, a neighbor, a friend, or an advertisement on Craigslist, you'd be silly not to spend a little time taking a … (36 comments)
|
brian block: Live Long & Prosper - 02/07/08 05:44 PM
Live Long & Prosper!Come to Northern Virginia and you just may be greeted by that famous Vulcan blessing and hand salute. The Northern Virginia area comprises Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun and Prince William Counties, as well as the independent cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, and Manassas.Today's Washington Post reported … (26 comments)
|
brian block: Tough Market? Don't Knock Down Your Competitor's Signs! - 02/06/08 04:23 PM
For some real estate professionals around the country, times are tough. There's no question about it. At a presentation in Northern Virginia this morning, Dave Liniger, Chairman of RE/MAX International announced the statistic that of the 1.4 million members of the National Association of REALTORS at the start of 2007, an astonishing … (68 comments)
|
brian block: First Member Spotlight for 2008....Real Estate Professional Brian Block... - 02/06/08 03:43 PM
Brian Block Steps into the Member Spotlight...Brian has made many contributions on the rain, currently he is ranked 44 as the most subscribed bloggers on the network..... Brian Block is quite a unique individual. One of the many writer's here that I really enjoy!A former attorney, he practiced law in D.C. Not a bad previous … (32 comments)
|
brian block: It's About Time - 01/30/08 08:13 AM
It's about time. And it's about timing.The clock ticks off the seconds. You watch 60 go by and you've got a minute. Minutes become hours, and hours turn into a day. Such is the passing of time.Over thousands of years, man's measurement of time has become ever more precise. From sunrises … (34 comments)
|
brian block: Proud to Be the Most Romantic City in the U.S.A. - 01/29/08 03:02 PM
Love is in the air! Literally.
Valentine's Day lurks around the corner in just over 2 weeks. Amazon.com just announced the Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in the U.S.A. Guess what? It's no surprise that the Commonwealth of Virginia tops the list with 3 cities. After all, people around the country and … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Around the World? Where Are You Going? - 01/26/08 09:11 AM
This past week, I wrote two personal posts that inspired many comments and discussion:(You've Got) Personality -- In this post, I detailed "100 Interesting, Exciting and Fun Things That You May Not Have Known About Brian." After posting it here, I posted the same list on my Virginia Real Estate News … (37 comments)
|
brian block: Looking for Some Fun? Upcoming Events in the D.C. Area - 01/26/08 08:23 AM
Museums, movies, monuments, memorials, music -- D.C.'s got it all (and that's just the 'm's). If you live in the area or you are visiting and looking for some fun, here's a short list of upcoming events that might interest you. Should you be considering a move to the D.C. or … (18 comments)
|
brian block: Foreclosures and Bank-Owned Properties in Alexandria Virginia - 01/25/08 01:27 PM
Foreclosures can be very rough on an owner of a home. There's lots of blame to spread around. Some of the blame falls on unscrupulous and/or greedy lenders, some on unwise borrowers, some on the frenzy of the recent real estate boom, and yes, even some of it on the bad … (22 comments)
|
brian block: Skip the Bookstore -- Skip on Over to Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Alexandria Library - 01/24/08 05:03 PM
Despite our fast-paced internet and television culture, Americans and Northern Virginians still enjoy cracking open a good book from time to time. The book industry is a mega-billion dollar industry with giants like Barnes & Noble, Borders Books, and online behemoth Amazon.com leading the pack. Small independent bookstores have increasingly been … (26 comments)
|
brian block: Bucket List -- Things Still to Do - 01/23/08 09:26 AM
Just a couple of days ago, I posted (You've Got) Personality where I detailed some of the "100+ Interesting, Exciting and Fun Things That You May Not Have Known About Brian." I appreciate the wonderful response and many glowing comments that I received. This list of experiences and achievements certainly makes … (70 comments)
|
brian block: (You've Got) Personality - 01/21/08 06:42 PM
Unlike standard real estate websites and print advertising, real estate blogging really allows your personality to shine through to potential clients, current clients, and others within the real estate community. The things that we write, the information that we share, and the stories that we tell all give readers a little … (76 comments)
|
brian block: Come on Down! You're the Next Contestant on The Price is Right - 01/14/08 07:00 PM
Are you thinking about selling your house?Well, Come on Down! You're the Next Contestant on The Price is Right!If you're like me, you might have spent your formative years of your childhood in front of the television listening to the late Johnny Olson or Rod Roddy bellowing that famous line before … (32 comments)
|
brian block: Authors Wanted Now: From the Blogosphere to the Bookshelf - 01/05/08 01:51 PM
You can do it! Yes, YOU! Imagine yourself as a published author. Okay, so you already are -- you write a blog after all and that's published online. Now imagine yourself as a published co-author of a book on real estate technology. There are some very fine Active Rain members who have … (35 comments)
|
brian block: Where to go When it's Time to Retire - 12/24/07 08:17 AM
Ah... retirement. It may conjure up visions of trips around the world, time with the grandkids, relaxing on a beach with umbrella drinks, buying a dream house, settling in a warm climate. Millions of Americans retire each year and as the first of the Baby Boomers reach retirement age, we're getting … (46 comments)
|
brian block: Buy a Home or Find a Date for Saturday Night! - 12/22/07 10:21 PM
Homebuyers should carefully consider and research different neighborhoods and select those that they prefer before setting out to find the right home. Many factors are weighed in choosing the right neighborhood for your lifestyle, including the school system, commuting time, parks, pricing, etc. Do you want to be close to public … (30 comments)
|
brian block: My Friend is in Real Estate: Might Not be the Best Choice - 12/22/07 11:00 AM
When it becomes time to purchase or sell your primary residence or to make an investment in real estate, the first part of the process involves choosing a professional real estate agent to represent your best interests. With over 10,000 Realtors in Northern Virginia, there are plenty of choices. These numbers … (52 comments)
|
brian block: Need a Job in Information Technology? Relocate to Northern Virginia - 12/21/07 07:16 PM
While the Northern Virginia and D.C. markets have slowed alongside much of the country's real estate markets, the shining star of Northern Virginia has been the continued phenomenal job growth. More than 40,000 new jobs are expected to be created in Northern Virginia in 2008.The Greater Washington area has the most … (12 comments)
|
brian block: What Do These Homes Have in Common? - 12/16/07 06:44 PM
Take a look at these homes and see if you can tell what they have in common...Can you guess it?Take a closer look... Yes, you got it!All of these lovely Northern Virginia homes were sold by Brian Block, a REALTOR with RE/MAX Allegiance in Alexandria, Virginia. If you're thinking … (32 comments)
|
brian block: Selling Your Home -- Know the Broker's Duties - 12/15/07 10:30 AM
When it's time to sell your home, chances are that you'll hire a real estate broker to help list and sell your property. You may try to sell your home yourself, but statistics show that over 80% of homeowners trying to sell on their own eventually retain the services of a … (40 comments)
|
brian block: Tysons Corner Condominiums: How Much Do They Cost? - 12/11/07 11:38 PM
Tysons Corner, Virginia is home to numerous big-name companies, the highest concentration of office and retail space on the East Coast after New York City, some wonderful restaurants, large shopping malls, world-class hotels, and lots of traffic. Some of this traffic should be alleviated over the next 5-10 years with the … (20 comments)
|
brian block: A Simple Theory Tested: Distance to D.C. Correlates to Time on Market - 12/09/07 11:07 AM
As more and more people from around the country and around the world move to the D.C. metropolitan area, purchasing an affordable home close in to D.C. becomes a greater challenge. Job growth remains the major impetus for population growth in D.C. and Northern Virginia. See Not Just "Office Space" -- … (24 comments)
|
brian block: Another Reason to Lower Your Price and Get Your Home Sold Now: Taxes Going Up - 12/08/07 10:05 AM
Consumer Alert: In 24 days, you will net less money when you sell your Northern Virginia home. If your house is currently on the market, it may be the time to lower your price and get your home sold now before January 1, 2008. Why? The answer: Taxes, more specifically the grantor's tax. It's … (30 comments)
|
brian block: Yes, Virginia -- Winter's Coming. Do You Want to Move Someplace Warm? - 12/04/07 08:40 AM
The leaves have fallen off the trees, the mercury's plummeting, the wind chill factor is increasing. You might have felt yesterday as if you were walking through an Arctic tundra.
Yes, Virginia, you can tell, Winter's right around the corner.
Dreams of moving somewhere warm or buying a vacation property in a … (45 comments)
|
brian block: Foreclosures Rise, Auctions increase, but do Sales Follow? - 12/03/07 01:25 AM
First I want to say that after posting on Jeff Belonger's clever post pitting the Realtor vs. The Loan Officer; http://activerain.com/blogsview/292076/Which-one-is-better , I was thinking of a post regarding auctions that I'd put off for a while. I guess its because I somehow alluded that the lender played a greater role than … (10 comments)
|
brian block: Books Overflowing from My Shelves -- A Book MeMe - 12/02/07 10:07 AM
While I'm not a Feng Shui expert, I'm more than well aware that my bookshelves need some help. You see, the problem is that I buy books faster than I can read them. And I'm an avid reader.
These days with blogging, business, and broker classes taking up the lion's share … (24 comments)
|
brian block: How long does it take to Sell a Home in Alexandria, Virginia? - 12/01/07 06:35 AM
If you are considering selling your home in Alexandria, Virginia, it is important for you to understand the timing of the current real estate market. Despite media reports, properties are still selling in Northern Virginia, albeit slower than in years past.As of December 1st, 2007, the average amount of time on … (14 comments)
|
brian block: Meeting Brian Block In Sunny Florida, Active Rain Connections! - 11/25/07 01:02 AM
I received an email from Brian Block a few weeks ago letting me know that he and his wife would be in Boca Raton visiting his parents for the week of Thanksgiving. He invited me and Nestor to lunch with him and his wife. We chose a top notch sidewalk restaurant in … (72 comments)
|
brian block: Elevator Speech -- Hire Me! Hire Me Please! - 11/15/07 06:14 PM
It's your turn at the Chamber of Commerce meeting or cocktail party. Time to make an impression on everyone in attendance. You want these people to do business with you and to send you their clients who trust them. They need to know who you are. You only have 30 seconds or … (30 comments)
|
brian block: No Day Trading in the Real Estate Market - 11/13/07 06:09 PM
Constantly looking at home prices in your area? Time to give it a rest.
There's no day trading in the real estate market.
Remember the day traders? During the height of the technology boom on Wall Street, these were the folks buying and selling hundreds or thousands of shares of tech … (42 comments)
|
brian block: Is it Live or is it Memorex? How do you learn real estate? - 11/11/07 08:25 AM
When it comes to education these days, there are many options. You can go the traditional route by attending a classYou can listen to recorded lectures on tape or CDYou can take an online course at your own paceYou can read a book and study on your own How do you learn … (38 comments)
|
brian block: Northern Virginia Real Estate -- Townhouses you can purchase for Under $500,000 - 11/06/07 04:41 PM
In Northern Virginia, single family homes can be prohibitively expensive especially for many buyers. The median price of a detached single family home exceeds $600,000. The biggest concentration of area jobs are in D.C. and the Tysons Corner area of Fairfax County. If you don't mind a longer commute, single family … (12 comments)
|
brian block: Please Check Your Ego at the Door - 10/28/07 02:57 PM
Some people call it image advertising -- those giant highway billboards with 2 story photos of your neighborhood Realtor. Or those bus-stop benches where commuters plop themselves down on another Realtor's smiling face! You may call it image advertising, crazy, or whatever else you like, but what it really amounts to is … (117 comments)
|
brian block: Northern Virginia Real Estate -- Available Single Family Homes for $500,000 or Less - 10/27/07 02:52 PM
People relocating to Northern Virginia often ask what type of home they can purchase in different price ranges. Other people who ask about this include current D.C. and Northern Virginia residents who have not been in the housing market for a while and potential investors from other parts of the country. Northern … (12 comments)
|
brian block: Support the Marine Corps Marathon - 10/25/07 06:05 PM
For those who live in the Greater Washington D.C. area or are just visiting, this weekend brings the excitement of the Marine Corps Marathon, otherwise known as "The People's Marathon." Runners will line up in Arlington just north of the Pentagon to wait for the starting gun which will be fired … (10 comments)
|
brian block: Network, Learn, and See the Stars: Real Estate Conventions - 10/23/07 10:59 PM
Gathering together with hundreds or thousands of other real estate professionals, donning a name badge, gulping down some morning coffee, and carrying around stacks of business cards becomes a way of life when you start attending real estate conventions. Conventions can be company-wide, local, regional, or national. Real estate conventions are sponsored … (68 comments)
|
brian block: All Inclusive Lifestyle at Watergate at Landmark in Alexandria - 10/17/07 09:50 PM
You can live the resort lifestyle without heading down to the Caribbean or out to Hawaii -- right here in Alexandria, Virginia within an easy commute to Washington, D.C.
Watergate at Landmark condos are situated less than 8 miles away from downtown D.C. in the West End of Alexandria in "Condo Canyon" … (17 comments)
|
