opinion: Even the President Said it.. - 07/23/08 10:26 AM
I have been keeping up with several recent posts about whos fault it is with the mortgage and financial mess were in. I came across an interesting piece on Yahoo video that was meant as a slam piece on our current president. Leaving politics out of it, I think what they … (2 comments)
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opinion: Any recommendations on video editing software? - 07/18/08 10:34 AM
I am planning on making video's of my listings, I like them much better than the picture tours. Videos also give me another chance to talk about the attributes of the property. I have several products that I can edit them with but if anyone has one they really love please let … (2 comments)
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opinion: Pelosi Call Bush A Total Failure. - 07/18/08 10:18 AM
Nancy Pelosi calls President George Bush a total failure.
I usually do not comment about political statements and current news but I could not resist this one. It's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black. The people of the United States give congress even lower ratings than they … (2 comments)
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opinion: Spreading The Word In Asheville, North Carolina - 07/16/08 09:32 AM
As a new member of Active Rain, I can already attest to it's value. Making connections is the most powerful tool a sales person has, education is another.Many people in the Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina region are not very familiar with the Weichert Realtors name and what it stands for … (0 comments)
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opinion: An Old Name Is New, For Some - 07/15/08 05:37 PM
As a new member of Active Rain, I can already attest to it's value. Making connections is the most powerful tool a sales person has, education is another.Many people in the Asheville, NC and Western North Carolina region are not very familiar with the Weichert Realtors name and what it stands for in … (0 comments)
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opinion: Good News - So Far - 07/15/08 01:33 PM
Bernanke, the Fed Chairman, did not make any statements about inflationary concerns this morning in his statement...Although this is good news, hold your breath for the release of the minutes from the FOMC meeting that will happen tomorrow. There aren't any reports that say anything about what might be released, but … (0 comments)
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opinion: State of Oregon Economic Forecast - 07/07/08 12:03 PM
Last week I attended the monthly CCIM Commercial brokers marketing session and the luncheon speaker was the State of Oregon economist.
My take on the report was that Nationally we are in a recession but in Oregon the majority of our business sectors are still in year over year and … (0 comments)
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opinion: Selling and Failing in Poinciana FL Real Estate!! - 07/05/08 02:00 PM
Hi folks, earlier this week there was a discussion over at Agent Genius about REALTORS® only selling about 20% of their listings. The post was actually about Real Estate Shows but, as blog posts tend to do, the discussion got off topic. Anyway, I'm not sure where this percentage came from … (38 comments)
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opinion: Shoot, I was Just Sayin'!!! - 07/02/08 12:40 AM
As the Metro Vancouver market becomes more buyer-centric, I find my inbox filling up more and more with professionally composed listing ads from 'no longer only ‘tech-savvy' Realtors®' from all corners of our beautiful Metropolis.
On one hand, this bombardment has allowed me to experience several different brands of email marketing … (0 comments)
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opinion: As a listing broker....how do you justify your high commission? - 07/01/08 08:25 PM
OK, here I go again, jumping into the Lion's Den. In today's post I want to take another shot at answering the question "As a listing broker, how do you justify your high commission?" My goal is to answer this question in a way that will satisfy, "the Sultan's of Short … (98 comments)
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opinion: Todays Blogs are tomorrows Clients? - 07/01/08 12:49 PM
Really?
I am still very new to Activerain and have written a few blogs. Some of them were heart felt blogs that I really needed to write and some of them were brief points that I wanted to make. Either way, though I am sure that I have ruffled some feathers … (9 comments)
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opinion: Is the Downward Spiral in the Housing Market Cause By Just a Few Cities or States? - 06/27/08 05:46 PM
I received a blog called Thoughts by Frank Schulte-Ladbeck, Professional Real Estate Inspector in Houston Texas today. One of the benefits of blogging is that you learn about what others are thinking and you have a chance to react.
I won't speak for the rest of the cities across the country, … (2 comments)
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opinion: Short Sale Negotiators. Needed or not? - 06/23/08 04:14 PM
Hi folks, today, I'm writing to pick your collective brains a little. With the huge amounts of distressed property owners in this current real estate environment a "new" business opportunity seems to have been born, The Short Sale Negotiator.
If you are like me, I'm sure you get numerous emails from these … (31 comments)
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opinion: FHA The Make Sense Loan - 06/18/08 10:50 PM
When you are comparing financing options for your new or existing home purchase and want a loan product that will take into consideration how long you have lived at your current residence, how long you have been on your job, and how you pay your rent, cell, electric and insurance bills. Consider an FHA loan,lenders can … (0 comments)
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opinion: Graphical Proof that I benefit from Active Rain membership (sort of) - 06/18/08 02:10 PM
Do you all realize what a fantastic resource Active Rain is? I was pondering the concepts of supply and demand this morning (I know, real exciting way to start my day) and how the concepts relate to the real estate industry right now.
Of course, there’s the pretty basic interpretation that … (0 comments)
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opinion: Survey SAYS! - 06/14/08 06:52 PM
The bad news of the residential market over the last few months begs the question of what will happen to the commercial real estate market in the coming year. In order to gauge investors' expectations for 2008 in this market segment, a group of leading research companies recently surveyed more … (0 comments)
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opinion: Not everybody thinks green shag is bad! - 06/11/08 07:55 PM
Careful with that axe, Eugene!
When I was a new agent, my former team leader told me a story about a great buyer she was working with. They had a natural rapport and seemed to really be communicating well -- becoming more like friends! Don't you love that?
While touring homes, … (9 comments)
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opinion: Tuesdays: Let's Hear from our Studio Audience! - 06/10/08 10:47 AM
I'm tired of telling you what I think. It's time for you to tell me what you think!
A couple weeks ago I started a weekly, Friday post called "Get to Know Me Fridays" to make sure I add a personal touch to my posting. I liked the idea of a … (0 comments)
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opinion: A List of Good Reasons to Sell Real Estate and NOT be a REALTOR - 06/07/08 08:20 PM
Here is the definative list of reasons why you should sell real estate and not pay your REALTOR dues. Buckle Up!
1.
There's your list. It took me hours, hundreds of hours of research and interviews, to come up with that list. I did not intentionally set out to ask people why … (3 comments)
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opinion: Tenants beware. Your cash may be nothing but trash!!! - 06/07/08 04:14 PM
Hi folks. I was on the phone early today speaking with a Legal Process Server, you know, the people that serve foreclosure papers. This server, Tammy, was talking to me about her job and how busy she has been, swamped, was the word she used. According to her she has … (36 comments)
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opinion: FORECLOSURES ARE RELEASED BY LENDERS. BUYERS ARE RESPONDING... - 06/07/08 07:42 AM
AR PROFESSIONALS. Several agents in central Florida have communicated to me that there has been a steep increase in the number of fully-foreclosed properties available in our market.
In the past we waited weeks and months to get an answer from a lender. Last week I received an approval the same week and … (5 comments)
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opinion: 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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opinion: Las Vegas Foreclosures...An Interesting Process for Learning - 06/02/08 04:01 PM
It was quite and April and May for Las Vegas Valley Real Estate. So far June doesn’t seem to be slowing down. It’s a GREAT market for buyers! Homes currently in escrow that are scheduled to close have doubled over the past 2 months. That’s the good news! The … (0 comments)
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opinion: Economic or Psychologic? - 06/02/08 09:51 AM
photo credit: joshua m. neff
I blame the housing downturn on Election Year politics. OK, I’ve said it! I think the housing “crisis” has less to do with economic factors and more to do with the psychologic state of our great nation.
I concede that the sub-prime mortgage mess was … (1 comments)
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opinion: Meat, Chicken and Fish….(I'm sorry I offended you) - 05/31/08 06:23 PM
Recently we have had a lot of talk about offending others in the rain and I do my best to not offend others. I don't get in to political or religious debates, but time to time, I do get stuck in the middle of a debate about a real estate issue … (17 comments)
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opinion: 5 EASY WAYS TO GET SMOKE OUT OF YOUR LISTING! Share your tips here... - 05/31/08 03:18 PM
HERE ARE 5 INEXPENSIVE AND EASY YOU CAN TO DO REMOVE CIGARETTE ODOR. What ideas can you share with our AR Friends?
1.) Cover cloth furniture with baking soda for a day or two then vacuum.
2.) Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 3 cups of warm water. Use this to clean floors, walls, … (5 comments)
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opinion: Lease Purchase... Do they work or are they a waste of time? - 05/24/08 02:02 PM
A number of sellers in Central Florida have asked about selling their home on a Lease Purchase agreement.
AR Real estate professionals, What has worked or not worked for you. What percentage actually close at the originally agreed price / terms.
A lease purchse is really just a sale of … (15 comments)
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opinion: Memorial - 05/24/08 10:39 AM
Memorial Day heralds the start of summer. Frankly it could not have happened too soon. Spring weather has taken a toll in mudslides, floods, hail and tornadoes across our beloved country. My family and I watched in horror at the devastation-that hollow look of our neighbors across the country as the media … (0 comments)
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opinion: What do YOU want? - 05/17/08 05:36 PM
Buying a house can be very scary. It's a big purchase. Most buyers will, rightfully so, ask the opinions of friends, family or colleagues. This can be extremely helpful and help point you in the right direction.
However, just because someone else loves an area or a house, doesn't mean you will. … (8 comments)
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opinion: Is Cyberhomes the 800 pound Gorilla? - 05/17/08 02:30 PM
Hi folks. Today I want to talk a little bit about Cyberhomes. Have you heard of them? I hope so. Cyberhomes.com is the real estate portal owned by Fidelity National Financial(FNF). FNF is(from their website):
Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE: FNF), number 248 on the Fortune 500, is a leading … (37 comments)
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opinion: You can't have it both ways - 05/09/08 02:36 PM
I almost threw the phone out my car window...
I placed a call the other day. It was a social call to another agent. We are friends and I hadn't talked to her in a while. So we're chatting it up and as always our conversation turned to business.
Now this agent … (61 comments)
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opinion: Received This Article from Fidelity Title, What do You Think! - 05/08/08 11:14 AM
I just received this information from Fidelity Title Company in Alameda! I tend to believe it is true as I am experiencing it in my area. I feel the prices will not drop any lower than what they are now! How do you feel about it?
Opinion
The Housing Crisis Is Over
By CYRIL … (4 comments)
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opinion: Trulia Widgets. Are they stealing your Google juice? - 05/07/08 11:22 PM
Hi folks. I'm writing this post to send you guys over to Eric Bramlet's post over at http://www.bloodhoundrealty.com/BloodhoundBlog/ titled Trulia Widgets: Truliamazing Trojan Horse(s) . Now folks.....I am far from being a techie and most of this stuff is over my head BUT from what I'm reading it looks like all … (132 comments)
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opinion: Decorating your home - 05/06/08 01:23 PM
I was somewhat taken aback in the early years of our new century to discover that tastes in home decor were changing to exclude wallpaper and that the business that had supported my family would soon no longer be. Don't get me wrong I understand that the only constant in this … (4 comments)
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opinion: Short sales, 1099s, promissory notes and.......DUH!!! - 05/05/08 03:25 PM
Hi folks. Richard Zaretsky wrote a great post yesterday titled "Back to Basics...a Review on Short Sales". If you haven't read it please take a few minutes to do so. It is a very good perspective on Short Sales from an Attorney.
Richard's post brought up two very good points for … (29 comments)
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opinion: I am a believer - 05/02/08 06:23 PM
How oftern do you see a business oppurtunity that seems to put all your dreams and goals in a one stop shop? I think I am a believer of Nouveau Riche Univesrtiy and I was once the most skeptical critic of it.
When I first visited the briefing on the program, … (3 comments)
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opinion: HomeGain, FSBOs, Idiots and "going it alone"! - 04/30/08 07:57 PM
Hi folks, you may have already read about HomeGain's new "Personal blooging network for real estate professionals" If not read this post by Brian Brady and this one by Greg Swann over at Bloodhoundblog.
This post is NOT about Homegain's new blogging platform. This post is about REALTORS® and their attitudes … (104 comments)
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opinion: Urban scale in a rural setting... - 04/29/08 05:13 PM
There is a growing trend to try to locate urban-scale churches and schools in rural areas of Spokane County. Institutions, especially churches and schools, are driven to find locations outside city limits. How does this affect decades of smart regional planning, and what can be done about it? Are cities … (0 comments)
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opinion: Is This Complete INJUSTICE?! - 04/28/08 08:44 PM
Does this sound like a nightmare or what?!?! Imagine you buy a new house and your title agent, or attorney, explains that the only lien against your property will be the expected mortgage. Then a few months later you start to hear rumors in your neighborhood about the builder who didn't … (9 comments)
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opinion: How about some fish, a show and some land? - 04/23/08 03:23 PM
OK, you'll like this one. I've recently been communicating with a Seller that wants to list and sell a couple of vacant building lots in Poinciana. The lot market in Poinciana has pretty much dried up since most of the builders moved out of the area last year.
During the peak of … (39 comments)
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opinion: Is syndicating our listings unethcial? Illegal? Or neither? - 04/22/08 01:24 AM
Yesterday, I read a very good post by Dan Homan titled "Ethics in Advertising". If you haven't read his post please take a minute to do so. Dan brought up an excellent point about the way our listings are distributed around the Internet.
It seems like some of the "listing" sites … (50 comments)
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opinion: Are you doing all you can, with what you have, from where you're at? - 04/16/08 05:38 PM
I want to share a story with everyone:
Ever since I could remember, my mentality has been that everything will end up fine, no matter where I am in the world. For instance, my trip to the 2004 olympics in greece. I do not want to drag out a super long … (3 comments)
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opinion: The sky is falling, the sky is falling. - 04/16/08 04:40 PM
Well ok maybe not, but here in Southern California seems like a lot of the news would have you believe otherwise. Yesterday the Los Angeles Times reported that prices are down, sales while up compared to February are lower than normal seasonal increases, blah,blah, blah, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-fi-homes16apr16,1,5279643.story
What isn’t being talked about:
Well in … (5 comments)
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opinion: Divorcing Your House - 04/15/08 01:46 PM
It's over. The love is gone. We've drifted apart. Sure, there was a time when everything seemed wonderful. How crazy were we having our first lien right away? Remember when we'd spend the weekends together, you, me, a paintbrush, some power tools? You gave me worth and value and it felt … (11 comments)
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opinion: Is Foreclosure A Fad? - 04/12/08 10:56 AM
It's getting interesting out there. The foreclosure rate is increasing exponentially and the media is eating it up like a Chinese buffet. You can't turn on the tube without a well-polished reporter spewing forth another factoid about the topic, and rue the day that an evening news broadcast doesn't mention the … (11 comments)
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opinion: Real Estate Investing, and why I am going to succeed. - 04/10/08 02:37 PM
Greetings everyone, enjoy my first blog.
So here I am, sitting at my desk, thinking how badly I want it to be June or July already. I do not hate any part of my life, in fact, completely the opposite. I just started working for RealNet USA, as a wholesaler, "bird dog", … (5 comments)
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opinion: Signs of Life... - 04/09/08 12:48 PM
So, this is my first post on this blog, even though I've been wanting to start one for a few months now. Until now, I kept thinking I know "how" to start my blog about Downers Grove and real estate , but couldn't quite wrap my head around the purpose of … (1 comments)
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opinion: The Greater Depression? - 04/08/08 07:19 PM
Front page headline of the British publication, The Independent projects a bleak future for the United States. Published April 1, one quickly realizes while reading this article this is no April Fools Day joke.
A very well written and engaging article, that has drawn a lot of heat from US agencies … (0 comments)
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opinion: It is Improving - 04/08/08 03:56 PM
I read a blog post the other day on "positive signs in the real estate market". While that post focused on the market numbers improving on a national level, I'd like to focus here on the local one. I live and work in Prince William County, Va.
In the last month there … (5 comments)
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opinion: Designations - What's the most value added? - 04/07/08 03:15 PM
I'm looking at picking up a designation or two. Of course I want to get my GRI, and I'm working on it. I'm also looking at picking up my ePro and SRES. What designations do you hold? What has been the most value added for your business and your education as a … (10 comments)
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opinion: Does "Staging" a home in Poinciana FL make sense? - 04/05/08 01:16 PM
OK, all you Stagers out there....this post is for you. My friend, Craig Schiller, wrote this post earlier this week. First, thanks Craig. I feel honored that my opinion means so much to you. As promised, this is my post on Staging.
Folks, if you have never read the posts in the … (77 comments)
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opinion: The Client Shares -- "I Hate Realtors" - 04/05/08 07:55 AM
After an hour long conversation, this is the core issue for this particular consumer. He's been trying to sell his property for well over 2 years now with no success. That's not what's bothering him though. He's a smart man, and understands the market. What's bothering him is lack of communication.
He … (5 comments)
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opinion: Hope on the Horizon? - 04/03/08 07:20 PM
The Senate is debating a housing stimulus plan that includes some of the following proposed legislation:
$4 billion in community block grants for states and local governments to buy and refurbish foreclosed propertiesNew bond authority for states that can be used to refinance subprime mortgagesTax credits for people who buy and occupy homes … (2 comments)
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opinion: Are They Leads or Bleeds? - 04/03/08 09:02 AM
I just hired a new loan officer that has been successfully working Internet leads for the past few years and he has requested that I look into purchasing a batch of these things. I've never bought a lead and it feels kind of weird to me. All of my business is … (18 comments)
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opinion: Gainesville in USAToday - 04/01/08 10:41 PM
I just wanted to bring to your attention that Gainesville was featured in a USAToday article on April 1st. it's not every day that Gainesville makes the national news (although it's not exactly a secret anymore either). It just so happens that we're featured on April Fool's Day, but I'm … (3 comments)
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opinion: 10 Great Reasons to Buy in Atlanta - 04/01/08 02:22 PM
Right now is a wonderful time to buy a home in Atlanta! Whether you are venturing into home-ownership for the first time, or you are looking to move into a nicer home, Atlanta is where it's at! Here's why:
Atlanta continues to be a hot market, ranking 4th in national home sales. With … (1 comments)
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opinion: Sneaky is as Sneaky does! - 03/31/08 04:47 PM
OK you're going to like this one. Several years ago I wrote a deal. It was one of those rare occasions where I was on both sides of the transaction. Now remember in Florida we do not have dual agency so in this case I was acting as a Transaction Broker. … (53 comments)
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opinion: What does that even mean? - 03/28/08 02:32 PM
Yesterday I was talking with (emailing actually) the processor for a mortgage broker. I represent the seller in this particular transaction which is 120 days into a 45 day escrow, yes way over due, and trying desperately to finish funding conditions. One last item remaining was a buyer's affidavit that needed … (4 comments)
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opinion: OgdenRealtor FAQs - 03/25/08 05:21 PM
What is the most popular update in older homes?
Well the Bathroom in my opinion. Older homes generally had 1 bath for the whole house and adding another and updating the existing bath with an extra sink and more counter space is a win-win situation for everone! Besides you get to enjoy … (4 comments)
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opinion: Wrong to expect professional courtesy??? Showing call on EASTER! - 03/24/08 08:35 AM
Wrong to EXPECT professional courtesy?? Showing call on
EASTER!
Yesterday
was Easter and we spent the day with our 15 month
old daughter Reagan. I
want to let all
of you know that neither Cadey or I is afraid to answer the phone at
just about
any time. We
realize … (6 comments)
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opinion: Are you a toolman or a salesman? - 03/20/08 03:43 PM
OK, I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment, here I am again addressing Brett Wilson and the Barries over at Real Estate Radio USA. By the way, if you haven't listened to their show or read their blog, please pay them a visit. It's interesting and entertaining. I don't have to … (57 comments)
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opinion: Creative Home Offer: "750 words and $100" - 03/19/08 10:26 PM
Did you see this one?
"An essay contest about 'Why I Believe In Miracles', charging an entry fee, with the award being the home and land located at..."
This caught my attention yesterday in my local newspaper, which is about ten states away! I did a Google search and found … (4 comments)
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opinion: Real Estate Radio USA and Broker Bryant Solve World Peace. Or not!!! - 03/19/08 01:39 PM
Yesterday....I took a walk into the lion's den! I agreed to be interviewed by.... "The Sultan's of Short Sales, the Crusaders of Capitalism, and the Prophet's of Profit...Barry Cunningham and Barry Johnson", over at Real Estate Radio USA.
You may have had some encounters with their producer, Brett Wilson on ActiveRain. … (127 comments)
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opinion: What To Do if You Don't Like What Your Stager Did - 03/19/08 12:41 PM
It's happened before and it will again. A Realtor has a vacant home to stage, doesn't know who to contact, panics and chooses the first stager on-line they find. Then when they go by the finished staged house and don't like one thing or everything in the house.
If this happens to … (2 comments)
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opinion: Your opinion on my website? - 03/17/08 05:06 PM
Can I ask a quick favor? Can you take a look at my website at www.oceanliving.com and give me your input on how to improve it? I am very happy with it but maybe some of you have a different out look and can make it even more user friendly. I … (6 comments)
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opinion: Short Sales Disclosures in MLS - 03/17/08 09:48 AM
I've had several inquiries regarding short sales so I thought I would share what our Mid Florida MLS has commented on with short sales and disclosures.
The National Association of REALTORS® has approved a new permissive MFR rule regarding the advertising of "short sale" listings in the MLS. At this time … (1 comments)
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opinion: Being responsive in a reactive world. - 03/16/08 01:56 PM
OK, WooHoo Sally this one's for you. I know you like this stuff and you popped into my head as soon as I started writing. Check out this link on the Bowen Theory.
This post was inspired by some recent conversations I have been having with another ActiveRain member. I will … (41 comments)
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opinion: Fraud v. Creative Financing - 03/16/08 10:59 AM
Commentary: I frequently see blog posts written by ignorant whistle blowers that don't know the difference between 'creative' and 'fraudulent'. If too many people don't learn the difference, then the real estate industry risks becoming paranoid and defensive. This could translate into regulations that restrict the ability for many people to … (1 comments)
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opinion: It's not what we do that creates value....it's how we do it! - 03/15/08 04:11 PM
Hi folks. This post is an edited version of an article I wrote back in November of 2006. The comment thread on the original post is, in my opinion, one of the best in ActiveRain history. The comment thread involves consumers and members of AR heavily debating "What do you do … (67 comments)
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opinion: Do you protest Realtor.com? - 03/15/08 03:46 PM
Can anybody explain to me why some Realtors want their listings to be less public? I just read another article (titled, 'Break Down MLS Walls and Consumers Still Value Realtors') discussing the future of the MLS. One guy made a comment to the article protesting websites like Realtor.com. Apparently, he thinks … (14 comments)
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opinion: Mortgages in today's market - 03/14/08 11:53 AM
I had someone ask me the other day what I thought was going to happen to the Mortgage industry as a whole. My answer to them was simple. If I knew what was going to happen, I would not be sitting here today. With that said, no one really knows what … (18 comments)
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opinion: Confused about the market ... - 03/12/08 12:40 AM
Don't know what to do about your home .... You DO have options!
We have many sources for advertisement, a streamline of buyers and contacts, and a team of professionals in the office to assist with clientele and follow up. We prefer to deal with professionals and vendors who treat real estate as … (0 comments)
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opinion: Hey Mozilo....Your cash ain't nothin' but trash!! - 03/10/08 01:45 PM
Here we go again! As most of you may have heard, according to The Wall Street Journal, Countrywide (CW) is now being investigated by the FBI and the Department of Justice for securities fraud.
According to the Associated Press.
"Investigators are looking at evidence that may suggest that company executives knew their mortgage securities … (37 comments)
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opinion: Why No AR Points For Photos? - 03/09/08 12:40 PM
Does anybody know: why did Activerain stop giving points for uploading photos to Localism? Earning points is fun and good incentive for adding new material. One of my hobbies is taking photos, so I am admittedly a little bummed out that they aren't worth anything now. It's my understanding that … (5 comments)
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opinion: The Home Valuation Code of Conduct – will not help! - 03/05/08 06:55 AM
The Home Valuation Code of Conduct – will not help!
It has missed the mark.
The N.Y. Attorney General made Fannie and Freddie roll over and agree to sweeping changes in the way mortgage appraisals are ordered. The agreement completely isolates the appraiser form the real estate agent and the … (14 comments)
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opinion: Professionalism in Real Estate? - 03/04/08 10:41 PM
Why does the real estate industry get a bad rap. National statistics show that buyers and sellers do not perceive their agent or the industry as being professional. Could it be that it only takes 45 hours to get a real estate license? It takes 1200-1800 hours to learn how to … (5 comments)
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opinion: Countrywide's Portfolio of Loans is the Ugly Duckling... - 03/03/08 08:52 PM
...with little hope of becoming a beautiful swan. While companies like AmNet (American Mortgage Network) were busy originating 100% loans in the form of 80/20s and Pick-a-Pays, it was Countrywide who was buying and servicing the loans.
That portfolio, a beautiful swan in 2005, has become the industry's biggest ugly duckling. Late payments on option … (24 comments)
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opinion: Signs that (could) kill - 03/02/08 03:10 PM
Is it just me, or is something seriously wrong with this sign? I've been in Gainesville almost 15 years and the round-a-bout phenomenon has really started spreading throughout certain residential areas in the last few years. So, if we are going to continue with this trend, maybe we should reconsider how … (9 comments)
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opinion: Deceptive Foreclosure 'Rescuers' - 03/01/08 01:19 PM
Beware of the famous GUARANTEE! Here is a group in the news for making false statements to homeowners in foreclosure. According to the FTC they were advertising, “We have all the funds available to pay your bills and save your home from foreclosure. GUARANTEED!” The Federal Trade Commission is charging … (2 comments)
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opinion: How secure is Showing Times? - 02/28/08 04:38 PM
Hi there. Do you guys have a service on your MLS called Showing Times? We do. Our MLS, MLXchange, has had this for awhile but now it is included in our dues and is available on all our listings. I've always been a little hesitant to use it but finally broke … (40 comments)
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opinion: An observation - Why I love the real estate profession - 02/25/08 11:56 AM
Over the weekend I was thinking ...
Why I love being a real estate professional.
Every person, every transaction, every showing, every house, every inspection ... is different. As realtors, we never do the same thing twice. It is like snowflakes - each one unique.
Many professions are repetitive. Even in my previous sales experience … (0 comments)
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opinion: Austin Housing Market & Staging Picking Up - 02/25/08 09:47 AM
I'm not a Realtor or an economist but from my standpoint the housing market here is picking up. Many of my staged homes have sold recently and I have three homes this week to stage. I am doing a sales office for a major builder here in Austin as well.
I … (4 comments)
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opinion: Great Mexican food in Lynchburg VA - 02/24/08 01:20 PM
Friday I went to La Carretta, located on Wards Road in front of Kohls. It was at lunch time so we had a small wait, but once we sat down we were served very quickly. I was in and out in less than 45 minutes and that was with the wait! … (0 comments)
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opinion: The Mortgage market has been volatile, do you agree? - 02/22/08 04:34 PM
There were no economic reports scheduled for release today, however at 1:30pm ET, Dallas Fed President and voting Fed member Richard Fisher was scheduled to speak. I kept an eye on him, because the last time he made comments concerning inflation, he shook the markets sending mortgage Bonds to a -200bp decline. … (2 comments)
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opinion: RE/MAX A Brand for the Ages - 02/22/08 02:03 PM
I attended a RE/MAX meeting last week at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, where Dave Liniger, RE/MAX International Chairman and Margaret Kelly, RE/MAX International spoke to about 300 RE/MAX Realtors and I want to share some good news about the RE/MAX Brand.
It is clear that the International RE/MAX … (0 comments)
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opinion: (Gainesville, FL) Real Estate Group - 02/20/08 07:07 PM
Gainesville unite!
I'd like to say that I am happy to be a new member to AR. I made this Group with the idea that Gainesville members could have a place for ALL their posts, collectively. It's not like Localism because that site is primarily for posting blogs that relate … (2 comments)
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opinion: Fed Cuts = lower mortgage rates, right? - 02/19/08 06:40 PM
Is a Fed rate cut really good news for mortgage rates? The facts may be surprising. The Fed can only control the Discount Rate and the Fed Funds Rate. This is very different from mortgage rates. A mortgage rate can be in effect for 30-years while a rate set by … (2 comments)
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opinion: What's all this? - 02/15/08 04:29 PM
I usually don't do weekly reports, however as I was getting organized after a busy week, I've noticed some things that I'll like to share.
On February 13, the highlight was last month's Retail Sales report with an unexpected +0.3% The surprise was due to the fact that traders were almost counting on a -0.3%. Excluding … (0 comments)
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opinion: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything - 02/13/08 05:49 PM
Has anybody read WIKINOMICS, by Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams? I found their perspective about social networking online and the future to be very interesting. Don't worry, they didn't put the 'Network Age' term into my head. A quote from Noel Tichy (a professor and author) on the back cover … (0 comments)
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opinion: Get Connected - 02/12/08 06:07 PM
This is my first blog entry. I'm plugging into the new era of internet networking! I think we're entering a new AGE - The Network Age. People around the world are organizing themselves online - joining groups, sharing info and ideas, collaborating. New developments will grow easier and faster than ever … (7 comments)
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opinion: My Comments to Liz Pulliam Weston - MSN Investor Writer - 02/10/08 08:26 PM
MSN Journalist
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/3BadReasonsToBuyAHome.aspx
My comments to Liz Pulliam Weston of MSN regarding her article. I emailed this to her today.
To Liz Pulliam Weston, I believe the media has caused much of the current "scare" with relation to home buying and selling. Granted, places like New York, Florida, and California (states I have family that own … (0 comments)
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opinion: Being flexible is a necessity for success! - 02/10/08 07:42 PM
A couple of weeks ago I called one of our fellow ActiveRainers. I did this because I had received an email and could tell this person was struggling a little in their business and needed some words of encouragement. So I called.
Anyway, it seems discouragement was setting in because she was … (93 comments)
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opinion: SOAP BOX TIME! - 02/09/08 12:16 PM
Music was fun to listen to before it became BIG business. I use to vote for politicians that represented me because they were civic minded and things needed fixing (D) or (R) but they turned their civic duty into a career with full "bennies".
The record labels got what they asked for and that … (5 comments)
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opinion: Staying Focused - 02/07/08 10:47 AM
Stay Focused - Thats the tricky part isn't it? We'll all work in a self motivated field. And I have to tell you ............. sometimes it's hard. I mean how can I pass up that 3,789th time TBS has shown "Ferris Buellers' Day Off"? I mean come on, it's one of … (0 comments)
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opinion: So now what do I do? - 02/07/08 05:00 AM
Got a call yesterday from our corporate relo saying they need a BMA (broker market analysis) on a home for a relo client moving from our area. The home is 30 minutes from me and I am the closest. They are sending 2 agents, me and the people that sold them … (3 comments)
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opinion: Sacramento Real Market Commentary - 2008 01 - 02/07/08 02:07 AM
Are you waiting for the "rock bottom"? Did you know that the majority of this down cycle is behind us? According to smart economists, the press has been exaggerating the issues. Sure, there are some good people in a bad situation but the market is correcting itself and some areas are … (1 comments)
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opinion: comment on Super Tuesday - 02/06/08 05:31 AM
Yay, Super Tuesday!
Poll results are in, and of course, Mr McCain comes out on top on one side, and the other is pretty equally divided between Mr. Obama and Mrs. Clinton. While I am a bit suprised at Mr. McCain's clear win, I am absolutely not suprised about the tie between … (4 comments)
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opinion: It is not what you say, but how you say it! - 02/05/08 01:51 PM
The early release of the ISM Report caught traders by surprise. How problematic is that?
First, the 44.6 reading was waaay below expectations, considering that Economists were expecting a 53.0. This data indicates that the service sector is shrinking for the first time in almost five years, implying economic slow down.
Second,the … (2 comments)
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opinion: Steps to Responsible Lending - How to figure them out - 02/04/08 01:09 AM
In slower markets, some loan officers may feel pressured to close deals that aren't in the homeowner's best interest. In order to avoid getting into difficult and financially compromised positions with their mortgages, borrowers are well advised to be acutely aware of the signs of a responsible loan officer when selecting … (0 comments)
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opinion: The Time is Right for the Las Vegas Real Estate Market - 02/03/08 08:09 PM
I’m going to change from my traditional newsletter format this month to focus more on the some information I would like to share about the Las Vegas real estate market.
During the month of December, 40% of sales in all of the Las Vegas Valley were bank owned properties. The … (0 comments)
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