commentary: Found Money - What Do You Do? - 08/21/08 07:07 AM
DO YOU PICK IT UP?
For whatever reson, I have always been a person who picks up wayward coins that I find. Much of that probably has to do with my upbringing. You see, I grew up in a middle class working family. We were not poor, but we not upper … (15 comments)
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commentary: Doing the money dance! - 08/19/08 10:04 PM
Do not get me wrong. I am not some wealthy Realtor who is doing some type of dance with my fortunes I have amassed. I have a business I am trying to run and financial decisions to make.
This is about that time of the year everyone goes through when they have not made all … (4 comments)
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commentary: My Facebook Dilemma! - 08/15/08 01:04 PM
I recently read a blog by Jason Tolley on Active Rain stating the values of Facebook and its great tools such as Cribfinder. I loved it and I joined that night as I am trying to get as much internet exposure as possible.
However, I had no idea that all of … (8 comments)
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commentary: Crowder Park - Apex, NC Another family favorite! - 08/12/08 12:27 PM
My family and I have gone to this park since we moved to the area and in fact we have rented a shelter for all 3 of my son, Blake's birthdays!
It is a great park for walking or riding your bike on their circular trail. It has a … (0 comments)
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commentary: Doggone funny memories & to enjoying life! - 08/11/08 05:48 PM
I have to include a picture of my dogs Ty and Cassie, and my son Blake. I do not have a picture anywhere on my business card or my web site but my dogs do come up quite regularly. I thought now would be a good time to put them on my web site … (6 comments)
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commentary: Which Realtor Are You? - 08/10/08 08:20 PM
Need a taxi? Call a Realtor! Leave it to Jon Shibley to stir the pot once again.
In case you don't know to whom I am referring, Jon is the founder, CEO and President of Lenox Financial. Furthermore, he is the voice behind the tagline "It's the biggest ‘no brainer' in the … (6 comments)
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commentary: One of many things I like about Active Rain! - 08/10/08 12:34 PM
Network, Grow & Learn on your time! What a concept!
As a real estate agent I am a very social guy and I like to see how everyone is doing in the industry!
But when I am in the office I am there to work not talk about this or that … (8 comments)
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commentary: Looking for a Ride...Call a Realtor! - 08/09/08 11:11 PM
Leave it to Jon Shibley to stir the pot once again.
In case you don't know to whom I am referring, Jon is the founder, CEO and President of Lenox Financial. Furthermore, he is the voice behind the tagline "It's the biggest ‘no brainer' in the history of earth!"TM
I guess … (4 comments)
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commentary: Do clients really want one stop shopping? (Is it really in their best interest) - 08/08/08 08:44 PM
Coming from a couple of big firms who kept telling me about all of the studies that show that buyers and sellers wanted one stop shopping I had to ask myself is that what my clients want or the companies I am working for want?
They kept pushing the mortgage companies (they … (6 comments)
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commentary: Referral Groups...What's the Point? - 08/08/08 02:10 PM
Recently, I have been invited to join several referral groups such as BNI, Leads Group, etc...as more and more of my business counterparts have exited the industry.
I cordially attended the introductory meetings to be introduced to these groups and to be put up for a vote. I soon came to … (0 comments)
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commentary: Family First - Or at least that is my goal! - 08/07/08 08:00 PM
As a father of a 7 month old & 3 year old it should be easy right!
I am 38 years old myself, so believe me I do not take them and my life with them for granted. My family is everything to me!
But why then am I so easily … (11 comments)
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commentary: Transparent. Frankly, I'm sick of the word... - 07/18/08 07:27 PM
Catch phrases are being overused, don't you think?
They're like a good song that gets played so much you're afraid to turn on the radio for fear of having to hear it played once more.
It's Friday and call it "fried-day" if you've had as hectic of a week as I-and … (1 comments)
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commentary: Why should you care if other people lose their homes? - 07/02/08 10:34 AM
There's been a lot of discussion on whether or not the government should help people during the current mortgage crises. On one side of the debate there's a growing tide of people who feel that greedy speculators get whatever they deserve-on the other, a more compassionate sense of helping victims of … (3 comments)
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commentary: There's greener grass down the Peninsula - 06/11/08 01:04 PM
Getting tired of the media reporting the ill fate of the housing market? We're not saying it's not big news. The rate of foreclosures is staggering and until the existing level of homes for sale diminishes (i.e. buyers start buying) it will only get worse. But an interesting story could be … (0 comments)
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commentary: What's Happening in Houston Real Estate - 06/05/08 12:07 PM
This is great information, especially for those of you not living in the Houston Area and wondering what is going on around the country. We have a good market, it has been really slow since our gas prices have hit all time highs. We have never seen gas prices at $3.75 … (0 comments)
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commentary: Going Green--all about image and no substance - 05/30/08 01:57 PM
It’s pretty exciting this time of year. Don’t you just love coming home to a full answering machine with voice mail messages from your representatives in government? I don’t know about you, but I feel pretty darn important when Bill Clinton calls and asks me to vote for his wife; or … (1 comments)
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commentary: And just one more reason real estate sales are down… - 05/04/08 02:52 PM
After reading Kenneth Harney's article titled "Tight credit hitting specialized areas of mortgage market" in the May 3, 2008 Real Estate section of the San Francisco Chronicle, it struck me how far we have to go to return to a more normal housing market. Mr. Harney discusses the multitude of new … (2 comments)
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commentary: OK back to and more on the Mortgage Crisis - 05/01/08 05:49 PM
OK back to and more on the Current Mortgage Crisis
A lot of this "local" referenced commentary and examples may be just as pertinent in almost any area. Just one opinion to consider.
If you purchased a residence anywhere in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs to Thermal within the past 2 years, it … (0 comments)
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commentary: Not easy..."by referral only" - 04/29/08 10:29 AM
Most of us understand that we are in the referral business.
Most of us work really hard for our clients (when we have them)...most of us work hard if we are just given direction.
I just finished the CRS "by referral only" course. WOW I have truly gained direction from those instructors. Its … (25 comments)
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commentary: Junk Mail - 04/28/08 08:14 AM
With no fear of heights, I'm not worried about climbing up on a soapbox for a good rant. Here goes:
I've written previously about the struggles of my aging parents. If we're fortunate to have our parents around for much of our adult lives, it's something that we all have to go … (5 comments)
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commentary: Belmont Buyers, Now's Your Chance - 04/21/08 04:40 PM
Lots of large homes … (2 comments)
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commentary: If Politicians Were Paid For Their Work - 04/17/08 11:12 AM
I had this thought today, after tax day. I am tired grumpy, and have to work through a convoluted and confusing system, in order to fund the lavish lifestyles of people who live in fancy houses, drive fine cars, and who get lifetime healthcare.
These are our so-called public servants in various … (2 comments)
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commentary: The Role of Government - 04/11/08 09:39 AM
click here for original post
Well, as Tax time approaches, I began to think about the role of government in our lives. Especially this year. The governments role in the economy has been in the forefront through this “housing crisis” or “mortgage meltdown” - which ever scary phrase works best.
I’m not … (6 comments)
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commentary: IF WE AREN'T ALREADY IN A RECESSION, WE COULD BE SOON - 04/07/08 08:40 PM
A front page article in the Sunday edition of the San Francisco Chronicle titled "Lenders Retreat as Market Plummets" (Sam Zukerman-staff writer April 6, 2008) may frighten some people into cashing their home equity line checks fast.
The article states that many banks such as Bank of America, Country Wide Financial and Washington … (11 comments)
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commentary: Recession: To Be or Not To Be...That's the Question!!! - 04/02/08 09:41 PM
Well...well...well... we've all heard the old saying, "what goes up, must come down", right? Well this holds true for real estate too and finally after many years of screaming "It will never happen here", Manhattan experienced a 34% decline in sales in the first quarter as compared to the same time last … (0 comments)
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commentary: Who Are We All Talking To? - 03/24/08 08:35 AM
When you drive down the road these days, here's what you'll see the most:
Two out of three drivers are talking on a cell phone!
Who are we all talking to?
Is it my neighbors in Saline, Michigan all talking about the Real Estate market in their neighborhood? Is it an excited buyer talking … (5 comments)
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commentary: Market Commentary for March 20, 2008 - 03/20/08 02:36 PM
The Daily Market Commentary for
March 20, 2008
MVP of the Day:
Our Pride
Capitalize on diversity.
Click on the link below to take you to the market news of the day!
http://www.cnnmoney.com/
What have rates done today?
Quote of the Day:
"The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success."
-Irving Berlin
Our Mission
We promise … (0 comments)
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commentary: Mortgage Commentary March 20, 2008 - 03/20/08 11:08 AM
The Daily Market Commentary for
March 20, 2008
MVP of the Day:
Our Pride
Capitalize on diversity.
Click on the link below to take you to the market news of the day!
http://www.cnnmoney.com/
What have rates done today?
Quote of the Day:
"The toughest thing about success is that you've got to keep on being a success."
-Irving Berlin
Our Mission
We … (0 comments)
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commentary: Market Commentary March 19, 2008 - 03/19/08 01:49 PM
The Daily Market Commentary for
March 19, 2008
MVP of the Day:
Our Pride
Be a roots expert!
Click on the link below to take you to the market news of the day!
https://www.mailphh.com/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.cnnmoney.com/
What have rates done today?
Quote of the Day:
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the … (4 comments)
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commentary: Allow Me To Think Out Loud... - 03/15/08 05:47 PM
The San Francisco Chronicle just splashed more bad news about the housing industry all over the front page of the Friday (March 14th) issue. Sales are down-way down. Part of the explanation seems to be that tightening lending standards have made it hard to afford a home since qualifying at artificially … (2 comments)
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commentary: Preparing for the Introduction - 02/19/08 02:06 PM
I have become a firm believer that there is no such thing as luck in business. Many have told me that luck is the convergence of preparation and opportunity. I never fully understood that until recently. I was being introduced to a new potential referral partner and was 100% prepared to … (2 comments)
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commentary: Microwave Society - 02/02/08 11:41 AM
Everyday it is more evident that we live in a microwave society of consumers looking for instant gratification. I recently spoke with a consumer that wanted to accomplish the following: 1) buy a home with no money out of pocket; 2) show her how to save money for retirement; 3) provide … (2 comments)
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commentary: We Hold These Truths - 02/01/08 09:35 AM
OK, I have to get something off my chest!
We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Lately, though, it seems that we want less of each - less freedom, and certainly less bravery. For example, we are willing accomplices as we allow our local, state, … (0 comments)
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commentary: Fed Makes it's move.... - 01/31/08 08:47 PM
Well....as expected the fed made it's move today. It met today at 2:15 eastern time and announced that the Fed was cutting the fed rate. Analysts have been split as to how much of a fed cut it would do. Many thought the the cut was to be 50 bps or … (0 comments)
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commentary: On Sale...FREE Advice! - 01/29/08 09:33 PM
There are great deals to be had on appliances right now. Everyone knows that the U.S. economy is driven to a large degree by consumer spending. Tighter post Christmas spending patterns create a need for stores to offer up sales and financing deals to lure consumers back to the stores. Check … (1 comments)
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commentary: What's the deal on this economic stimulus??? Good, bad or indifferent... - 01/29/08 08:46 PM
One of my great friends, Ken Webster, or Sir Kenneth to the common man, called me today to B.S. and talk about life, love (married people having babies), and our economic stimulus. After sharing with me a brief overview, I told Ken that I'd love to hear his rant and rave. … (3 comments)
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commentary: Zero Down is Risky for Who? - 01/26/08 10:47 AM
Listening to the banks, zero down from a buyer is extremely risky. Upon further analysis of this mindset, who really is at the most risk? The banks claim that 100% financing leads to consumers with no real monetary interest into a home. Therefore, the banks holds all the risk. If that … (1 comments)
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commentary: Who Really Benefits by the Emergency FOMC Rate Cut? - 01/25/08 02:51 PM
Here is fact that will go overlooked by many simply because they don't know. Do you really think that the FOMC cut the Fed Fund Rate and the Discount Rate by 0.750% on Monday night for the benefit of you and I? Not exactly.
They actually did it for the big financial … (0 comments)
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commentary: Bad News...Rates are Down - 01/25/08 02:45 PM
Did you hear the horrible news this week?
Rates were down once again at the early part of the week. How could lower rates be bad news?
Because of the publicity, consumers are going to run to the unqualified loan officers that got them into the mess to begin with on the hopes … (1 comments)
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commentary: Butter or Bacon. How Do You Know What's Good For You?... - 01/24/08 04:17 PM
Let's point fingers. It's the American way-when things go awry, we want to know who to blame. There's got to be somebody out there whose hands are dirty? And if we can't find them we'll pick an easy target.
So who's is to blame for the mortgage fiasco? Might there be enough … (3 comments)
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commentary: Philanthropy is the Ultimate Wealth - 01/24/08 01:54 PM
Bill Gates made it official at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that money doesn't mean much if not properly utilized. Upon stepping down from the helm of Microsoft come early summer 2008, Bill & Melinda Gates will tackle with all of their ferocity the good that can be provided … (0 comments)
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commentary: Fear Inflation, Not Recession - 01/22/08 09:45 AM
I am sure that everyone has heard about the 0.750% surprise cut to the Fed Funds Rate and Discount Rate by the FOMC this morning. Although the reduction in the both key rates will have impact on short-term financing, will it really eliminate the big "R" word. Based on the actions … (2 comments)
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commentary: RECESSION NOW - 01/22/08 09:33 AM
Mention the word recession and people frantically run. Unfortunately, recession is a natural part of the economic cycle. It is inevitable. The FOMC's attempt to eliminate a recession is like environmentalists attempt to stop natural disasters.
What defines a recession? Textbook definition would define recession as a two consecutive, negative growth quarters. Although the overall economy … (1 comments)
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commentary: Transaction Driven - 01/21/08 10:16 AM
In my attempt to capture new strategic partnerships, I inevitably am asked how many transactions did my office complete last year? Then, I am asked, how many transactions will you complete this year, this month, this week?
Early on in my career I would provide the numbers and enthusiastically list all the … (0 comments)
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commentary: Doing It For The Right Reason - 01/21/08 09:48 AM
As we reflect on the impact that Martin Luther King, Jr has had on society, we must ask ourselves why are we in this emotional roller coaster of an industry called real estate? I have been given many answers and excuses such as the money is good, flexible schedule, etc... Let's … (1 comments)
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commentary: Tax Incentive is Only a Band-Aid Solution - 01/19/08 10:32 AM
The broad-based tax relief package proposed by the Bush Administration is another feeble attempt treat the effects instead treating the source. $500 - $800 tax rebate check may sound enticing; however, will everyone spend it. Those who need it will. For others it will simply be swept into a savings account.
If … (10 comments)
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commentary: What Is Your Rate & Fees? - 01/18/08 06:02 PM
Scenario: $300,000 purchase; 5% down; 30 Year Mortgage. What is your rate and fees? I guarantee that I will get a variety of answers from loan officers all across the country. I also guarantee that you would receive up to 4 qualified quotes within minutes if you offered that information online. … (1 comments)
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commentary: We Are the Professionals - 01/18/08 05:56 PM
I had a conversation with a consumer today that reinforces the fact that they have no clue what is going on in the real estate industry. The conversation went like this for the consumer...I hear that the Fed is going to reduce the rate by 50 bps; therefore, I am going … (2 comments)
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commentary: Delinquencies, Defaults and Foreclosures...What Does It Mean? - 01/18/08 05:50 PM
Once again the media is make a big deal about the record high rate for delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures. When looking at a rate near 5% what does it really mean. What I see in the number is that 95% of homeowners is doing there due diligence and making their payments … (1 comments)
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commentary: New Year...Time for Reflection - 01/18/08 05:43 PM
Although we are in one of the most volatile times in the real estate industry, we all need to take time in this New Year and reflect on the people who we engage with on a continuous basis. We need to ensure that the people that we do business with are … (0 comments)
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commentary: Relationships - 01/18/08 05:38 PM
In an industry being forced and prodded to change, relationships are being put to the test. The current market environment will weed out true partners for success as those driven by a transactional mindset will fade like many of the sub prime lenders. Moving forward, make sure that you want to … (0 comments)
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commentary: Historic Low Housing Starts and Building Permits...FANTASTIC!!! - 01/17/08 11:38 AM
For those of you didn't hear the fantastic news this morning, here it is in a nutshell. Housing starts are at a 16 year low and building permits are at a 12 year low. Strip the negativity that the media would like you to believe and this is fantastic news … (0 comments)
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commentary: Right Here...Right Now - 01/16/08 09:02 AM
I would like to pass on a mindset that can be liberating for those who follow. If you are like one of the 3.5 billion humans on the earth, you probably enjoy the receipt of a gift. I would like for you to incorporate the following into your lives.
Yesterday is called … (0 comments)
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commentary: Society of Entitlement - 01/15/08 04:08 PM
Entitlement is defined as follows: A guarantee of access to benefits because of rights, or by agreement through law. It can also refer, in a more casual sense to someone's belief that they are deserving of some particular reward or benefit. Not only do I hear this from clients, but I … (0 comments)
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commentary: Bay Area Median Values are Worthless - 01/10/08 11:06 AM
What You Hear About Median Home Values May Be Completely Wrong
The Multiple Listing Service for the Bay Area peninsula has launched the December sales stats and there is some compelling evidence that Bay Area homes values dropped slightly over 2006.
The median home price is the midpoint at which half of the … (0 comments)
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commentary: Wills, POAs and Trusts...Oh My! - 01/08/08 08:46 PM
It fascinates me that famailies blindly go through life without an estate plan considering how much certainty they demand during the home purchase process. For instance, famalies want a home in a good school district, a stable neighborhood, area of appreciating home values, a 30 year fixed mortgage, etc... And they want us … (0 comments)
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commentary: How Bad Is the Real Estate Market? - 01/08/08 08:30 PM
If you believe the headlines, we are in a horrific market that still has yet to reach the bottom. The outsiders looking in are quick to point out high inventory, long market times and devaluation. Most of the hype comes from national statistics. As we all know, real estate is all about … (4 comments)
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commentary: How to Protect Yourself from the Credit Crisis - 01/08/08 10:29 AM
The liquidity crisis has definitely put a strangle hold on the real estate industry. It has even had a butterfly effect on revolving credit, commercial financing, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pensions and insurance. In the first half of this decade, credit was deemphasized as a component of the qualifying process. Presently, it is … (0 comments)
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commentary: Credit Crunch...Now It Is Getting Personal - 01/08/08 10:19 AM
As all of us know in the real estate business, this past summer was a whirlwind of chaos stemming from the subprime mortgage debacle. If you fell into the category of a subprime and/or Alt-A borrower you felt the impact immediately. For those of us who are historically A credit grade … (0 comments)
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commentary: Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRs) - 01/07/08 06:58 PM
I was recently reminded how difficult it can be to speak with an actual person over the telephone with the implementation of big corporates' interactive voice response systems (IVRs). Like many consumers, I attempted to speak with a human by pressing through the prompts for nearly 15 minutes to only be … (2 comments)
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commentary: Out to Change the World? - 01/07/08 04:30 PM
Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric. - Bertrand Russell
How are you challenging the system? Or are you? Do you simply conform to what others say you should do, or are you changing the world?
Earlier today I had a conversation with someone. … (3 comments)
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commentary: Pink Slips and the Holiday - 01/07/08 09:23 AM
Every year during the holidays, we inevitably hear of a heart-breaking story about an individual who has been terminated from their employment. This year is no different. As last Friday's Jobs Report illustrated, more and more Americans are unemployed. The economy is on shaky ground and the financial markets have yet … (0 comments)
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commentary: New Year's Day. Why January 1st? - 12/29/07 07:56 PM
Why do we celebrate New Year's Day on January 1st? For the same reason the sun never came up in Brittan for 12 days back in 1784-calendars.
On September 2, 1752 the good people of England went to bed and when they awoke it was 12 days later. The sun never came … (1 comments)
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commentary: December 14th-Mark you Calendars for the year's best asteroid show! - 12/04/07 03:22 AM
My Brother and I have a long history of watching asteroid showers from our roof top as children. Today, they still excite us as we enjoy the "fireworks" that the heavens offer us so many time a year. This particular show appears to be a good one--though they have promised such … (2 comments)
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commentary: It's not all Doom and Gloom like the news says - 11/30/07 10:31 AM
Sure the real eatate and mortage industries are in the midst of a unique season. Things are either alot or a little slower for some. But not all. Most of the difficulties have been centered in just a few areas of the country, but because all of the media are blanketing … (2 comments)
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commentary: The Dual Income Trap - 11/19/07 12:19 PM
The Dual Income Trap
Elizabeth Warren, A Harvard Financial Law Professor writes in a very revealing article titled "The Middle Class on the Precipice" wherein she examines the dilemma now facing dual income families as spouses no longer have the added ability to enter the work force if even to temporarily buoy … (0 comments)
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commentary: Buyers--Should I Stay or Let it Go? - 11/18/07 10:40 PM
Much of the current real estate media attention has been focused on foreclosures and sub-prime lending practices. The media's relentless impending doom stories have certainly rattled the nerves of the many would-be buyers. The question is should a buyer stay in the housing market hunt or let it go?
Buyers tend … (2 comments)
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commentary: Our hearts and prayers go out to California - 10/30/07 10:57 PM
With all the news coming out of California, we, here in South Florida are very grateful and lucky for an (so far) easy hurricane season. Natural disasters are so hard to imagine much less live through. Having to evacuate from your home while smelling fire must be horrifying. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Southern … (2 comments)
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commentary: High Noon in Tombstone-October 26th 1881 - 10/26/07 07:21 PM
Well almost, actually it was 1:52 pm.
Today marks the 126th anniversary of the famous "Gunfight at the OK Corral" in Tombstone Arizona-then called the Arizona Territory.
Here are some quick trivia facts about Wyatt Earp and the shootout at the OK Corral:
Wyatt Earp was first and foremost a simple … (1 comments)
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commentary: Hunter's Moon-October 26th-The Biggest of Them All! - 10/26/07 02:13 PM
Today marks the occasion of the "Hunter's Moon". A full moon which occurs each October but this year is special. Tonight's full Moon is the biggest full Moon of 2007. It's no illusion. The Moon's orbit is an ellipse with one side 30,000 miles closer to Earth than the other. The … (2 comments)
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commentary: 3 Young Boys And A Lot Of Chocolate Milk: Men's Room Marketing - 10/23/07 01:23 PM
Last Wednesday, Jeff Turner, three of his sons and I were having lunch at Jerry's Deli in Marina Del Rey, CA. Jeff's boys were slurping down multiple chocolate milks and that meant multiple trips to the Men's Room. If not for that, this story could not have been written.
On his third … (8 comments)
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commentary: Did the DOJ Get It Right? - 10/11/07 06:54 PM
One DOJ web page provides this insightful comment in a subtitle:
"B. The Internet's Effect on the Real Estate Industry"
"With individuals assuming more of the responsibility to gather and assess information, less time and effort is required by real estate agents in assessing market conditions (for sellers) and in identifying and showing … (3 comments)
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commentary: What's Eating Your Home's Equity? - 10/11/07 04:01 PM
This time of year after a heavy rain-followed by a sunny day-we see these long-winged creatures flittering about. If you aren't familiar with a damp-wood termite, you might think it's just another fly-by-night pest. But in fact these little buggers are responsible for BILLIONS of dollars in damage to property each … (0 comments)
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commentary: Belmont's View Ordinance--Only a Vision? - 10/08/07 08:50 PM
Belmont View Ordinance-Only a Vision?
Belmont-or beautiful mountain (beau mont)-is one of the most unique and charming cities on the peninsula. It's heavily forested hillsides and undulating hills make for a delightful backdrop against the busy peninsula transportation arteries.
Belmont offers impressive views of San Francisco and the open space around Sugarloaf Mountain, … (2 comments)
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commentary: Belmont School Wins Coveted Distinguished School Award - 10/07/07 07:56 PM
The schools in Belmont continue to receive accolades as Carlmont High School wins another distinguished school award as reported by the district.
The Sequoia Union High School district won a total of three Distinguished School awards. On their site they say:
"Carlmont, Menlo-Atherton, and Sequoia high schools have all been named Distinguished Schools … (0 comments)
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commentary: Professional Advertising & Print Materials - 10/07/07 07:50 PM
Not all agents are as adept at others when it comes to advertising. That's why it's critical for a seller to understand the capabilities of their agent. The seller should ask to see examples of an agent's work prior to enlisting their services.
Virtual agents are quick to denounce any advertising which … (0 comments)
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commentary: Intimate Local Market Knowledge - 10/02/07 06:37 PM
Intimate Local Market Knowledge
By their own admission, virtual companies cannot compete on a local level against agents specializing in a particular market. Instead they have to rely on volume in an expansive market area. This is problematic for a virtual company who does not have agents working in a specific … (0 comments)
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commentary: Knowing The Competition & The Comparables - 10/02/07 06:18 PM
It's essential to price a home properly. Failing to do so could cost a seller thousands of dollars as they attempt to chase the market.
Knowing a local real estate market can only come with experience-gained by visiting homes first-hand. Weekly real estate tours are designed to allow agents to view new … (0 comments)
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commentary: Enhancing A Home's Appeal - 10/02/07 06:16 PM
Enhancing A Home's Appeal
A full-service professional agent can offer tips and advice on preparing your home for sale. Since each home is unique, a boiler plate list of recommendations is nice to have and easy to put on-line, but it can hardly replace an agent's first hand look at your … (0 comments)
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commentary: Looking After a Seller - 10/02/07 06:13 PM
The success of a full service professional real estate agent relies on repeat business and referrals from satisfied customers. In order to achieve this, agents are constantly enhancing their services. Caring about the client and their needs are of the utmost importance.
Being a local agent allows for a more hands-on approach to … (0 comments)
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commentary: Hosting Broker Tours - 10/02/07 06:11 PM
Hosting a special tour for brokers should be part of every agent's marketing plan. That is of course if your broker knows why they are there and if of course it's a traditional part for the particular market. Sure it's fun to meet colleagues and chat about your weekend, but there … (0 comments)
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commentary: Hosting Open Houses-Part of a series - 10/02/07 05:29 PM
Everyone knows open houses don't sell homes, right? Isn't that what virtual brokers want you to believe? In fact they need you to believe that because they won't hold open houses; yet as matter of course they send their buyers to view open houses since they also don't show property. How … (3 comments)
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commentary: Gaining Exposure For Your Home - 10/02/07 04:57 PM
As the real estate market enters a new phase where homes will take longer to sell and sell for less, sellers will need to have an edge over their competition. Absent just having the lowest price in the neighborhood what else can a seller do?
While pricing your home correctly is fundamental … (0 comments)
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commentary: Examing The Real Estate Model-Part two in a series - 10/02/07 04:51 PM
Examining the Real Estate Model-Part 2
In a strong seller's market it's much easier to sell a home. In recent years many Bay Area homes have been selling over the asking price in a week or two and with multiple offers. With record high median prices, it's not surprising that many … (0 comments)
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commentary: Meeting Buyers At The Property - 09/29/07 08:27 PM
One of the big complaints from the buyers of on-line virtual agents they represent is they can't get in to see a home since their agent does not show property. A virtual agent's buyer's only recourse is to go to open houses or call the listing agent directly to show the … (1 comments)
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commentary: Full Service vs. Limited Service or Virtual Agents—Is There Room for Everyone? - 09/29/07 08:02 PM
The short answer is of course yes. Different sellers have different needs and abilities and some may choose a full service model and others limited or no service at all-the choices have been there all along. Yet the arrival of virtual Internet brokers has spawned a new ideology of it's either … (4 comments)
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commentary: When it Rains, MOVE out of the way? - 09/27/07 09:16 PM
Anyone commenting on the news of Active Rain's lawsuit against MOVE? I read this on Inmann News todayand knew nothing about it. Did NAR (MOVE) do an end-run around a competitor or just add competition? This lawsuit was filed in August and it's just now hitting the news?
Active Rain is a … (2 comments)
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commentary: Bay Area Market Watch--September 24,2007 - 09/24/07 03:34 PM
Many of the real estate stories you may be hearing are dealing with national or statewide issues and do not reflect our local market. That doesn't mean that the overall housing picture doesn't affect our market-it does. The perception of a declining market is all it takes to create one. As … (0 comments)
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commentary: A One, Two Punch - 09/23/07 06:55 PM
The real estate market has been acting a like a heavy weight boxer backed into the corner of the ring and taking heavy body shots in the last seconds of the round; finally, the bell rings and the boxer stumbles back to his corner and collapses onto his stool. His trainer … (0 comments)
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commentary: Are You Prepared? - 09/23/07 06:47 PM
Are you prepared for a changing market?
It's no secret that home sales are down and inventories increasing. What does this mean for sellers? For the first time in years selling their home will take longer and pricing it will be critical; sellers will also be more discerning on who they hire.
Experienced agents-ones who have … (2 comments)
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commentary: Which end is up? or Understanding Our Housing Market - 09/21/07 05:45 PM
Which end is up? or Understanding Our Housing Market
Part 1 of a 2 part series
"Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated"-- Mark Twain quotation after hearing that his obituary had been published in the New York Journal.
The same might be true for the real estate market in the Bay Area. While … (1 comments)
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commentary: Is it safe to go back in the water yet? Agent Exodus begins. - 09/20/07 03:09 AM
Agent Exodus in Real Estate
This is an interesting article from the New York Times about agents getting out of the real estate business. Sorry, but I got in the business in 1990 when it was waning and made it through the tough times for the next five years. If these agents … (2 comments)
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commentary: Where Did All The Buyers Go...Long Time Passing... - 09/13/07 06:15 PM
We hear it all the time, the media reporting this or that about the housing market. Of course being in the industry makes us keenly aware of our markets-regardless of what the media puts forth. Notice how slow the mainstream media were to get a hold of the rise in mortgage … (4 comments)
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commentary: Widgets for Sale anyone? - 09/13/07 06:01 PM
Most real estate agents at one time or another wonder what planet their local news media is reporting from when it comes to home values in their area. Often time prices are rising when the media is seemingly reporting waning sales; and other times the media appears to be Johnny-come-lately in … (0 comments)
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commentary: In order to SELL real estate, you have to SHOW real estate - 01/30/07 01:59 PM
It's Tuesday and I'm finally getting around to catching up from the weekend. The past two weeks have been SLOW (Bears in the playoffs and few people doing real estate.) Next weekend the Bears are in the Super Bowl - so nothing will be happeing in Chicago. Given all that - … (1 comments)
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commentary: Stick to business when conducting Real Estate showings - 01/28/07 10:11 PM
I had an unproductive real estate showing today, and my first draft of this post came off more like a rant than anything useful to our readers. Here's the second try with some helpful hints to keep you focused on the business at hand - namely: finding a new home for … (2 comments)
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commentary: Scheduling your Real Estate Showings - 01/24/07 09:54 AM
I've been caught a couple times this weekend by prospective buyers and Realtors from outside Chicago looking to see properties very quickly.Here are a few pointers to help you get into the properties you want to see, or to help your Realtor plan his or her weekend:
Realtors in Chicago don't use … (1 comments)
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commentary: Commentary by Diane Colombi - 10/05/06 05:07 PM
Buying or selling real estate is one of the most significant investments an individual will make. Homeownership is not only a matter of pride, but it's an essential factor in planning for financial security in the retirement years. The real estate market is ever changing. Staying informed about local issues and … (0 comments)
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commentary: Sunshine! - 09/20/06 09:41 AM
Today the sun shines. Woke up to near frost conditions! Rumour has it that we shall have our first snow in about 4-5 weeks. Crikey, hobgoblins, eleves and withches out trick or treating in the snow. I can't wait.
Good day ahead. I have a showing this evening.Contacting some customers who have … (4 comments)
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commentary: Monday 18th - 09/18/06 06:57 AM
Good morning Shoreview,Blaine and all of the Metro. It sure is cool this morning, as they say in England "it's brass monkey weather" or getting close. Ask me to explain that in private.
I hope that the interest rates follow the temperature and tempt more buyers off the couch and out into one … (0 comments)
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