YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO TELL SOMEONE OFF - 07/31/12 12:20 PM
I feel this is well said and well aritten. Most of the time, it is better to take the high road and not say a thing. What is right and how we think and feel will not change most people or situations. Many times, a situation can get worse byt telling someone off, particularly in real estate.
Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:
But why would you want too? How will your speaking up make a difference to the situation? Will it help or hinder?  Most of the time, we have selfish driven motives. Beware too of foot in mouth dis-ease. … (3 comments)

A Country Club in La Quinta in the Country - 07/31/12 12:15 PM
Trilogy La Quinta is a country club in La Quinta, California that is in the country. It has all the amenities of a 55+ gated community -golf, tennis, fitness, pool, and social activities. The area is lush, quiet, safe. It is only 5 miles from the town center of La Quinta.
On the other had, where can you go and live in a gated community next to the mountain with a gorgeous championship golf course and be in the country too. Trilogy La Quinta is next to the mountains and very close to date palm orchards and produce farms and horse … (0 comments)

Maximum exposure for selling your home - 07/30/12 11:30 AM
1. Have a comparative market analysis with the flyer in your home
2. Have your home in the MLS
3. Allow the agent to do open houses
4. Allow agent caravans and tours
5. Be sure your agent advertises in specialty publications and other media
6. Use signage and flyers
7. Expose your home through lots of websites
8. Make sure your agent is emailing and calling other agents on your property
9. Take flyers to neighbors
10. Have your agent email past clients
11. Have a group open house with other homes for sale in the neighborhood
… (2 comments)

Benefits of doing office home tours - 07/29/12 08:41 AM
Each Monday morning, my team and I meet for a meeting and then we tour 5-7 homes. We take turns picking the area to view and the homes to view.
These tours help us in many ways:
1. Knowing the inventory helps to take buyers right to the perfect home for them
2. We know the home values in different nearby areas
3. We get a chance to interact with other team members
4. We learn what other team members feel and think about the homes and areas
5. The listing agents are impressed and happy for our viewings and feedback
6. This … (6 comments)

La Quinta, Ca. real estate market continues to improve in June 2012 - 07/28/12 07:48 AM
For June 2012 there were 156 homes sales in La Quinta, Ca. This is a 2.5% drop in number of sales from June 2011, but the median price rose 11% to $303,000.
The highest priced home sold was $3,340,000.
The median price per square foot roose 13% to $152 per square foot.
Inventory for homes sale is low, As home inventories have dropped, competition has increased for quality, well-priced homes, and that is driving up prices.
Also, many sales are for regular sale homes - not distressed properties such as foreclosures and short sales.
There are still many homes where the … (1 comments)

Week End, Time For Reflection - 07/27/12 03:18 PM
I sure hope we all some time this weekend for reflection. Like more real estate agents and brokers, the weekends are our busiest time with showings and open houses too. Maybe at the open houses, a time for reflection will bring some anxious buyers and a fast sale for the sellers too.
Via Al & Peggy Cunningham Brokers Brampton Ontario 905-450-5500 Houses For Sale (We have a home for you! Call Us! RE/MAX Realty Services Inc.):
Week End, Time For Reflection Another week closes out.  One thing about the end of the week, it makes you think. It makes you think over the … (0 comments)

Tips to make your home less vulnerable to break ins - 07/26/12 12:04 PM
Trim up bushes and tress.
Do not leave keys under the door mat
Always have your locks rekeyed when moving into a new house or apartment
Install an alarm system
Use timers on lamps, tv, radios when you are away
Use circular padlocks on gates as they are harder to cut and break into
Exterior doorway , yards, and windows, should be lighted from dusk to dawn. Motion sensors work well too.
Plants like cactus and bouganvilla along fences can keep thieves from jumping fences.
Deadbolts should have at least a 1 inch throw bolt
This tips will make you home … (3 comments)

Making your home the talk of the town - 07/25/12 11:11 AM
We all want our home to look its best and be the talk of the neighborhood. Here are some tips to make your home extra special with little money.
1. Make a good first impression - Update outdoor lighting. Spray paint outdated or rusty outdoor lanterns and add solar pathway lights.
2. Quick color - update the front door color. Add plastic colored shutters for an uplift and custom look.
3. A tidy and neat yard - A well manicured yard makes a huge difference - edging, trimming bushes, and removing unsightly weeds can make a big difference without alot of work … (2 comments)

Easy kitchen updates that won't break the bank - 07/25/12 11:04 AM
1. Paint the cabinets
2. Update fixtures
3. Clean the appliances
4. Create shelving - remove some cabinet doors. Fill the holes and paint a nice color for a new look and more room too
5. Introduce now fabric to cushions. Frame the space with new curtains
6. Find your green thumb -Plant fresh herbs in  your kitchen. This will add freshness and fragrance and food too.
Consider these affordable updates, Your kitchen will look updated and also be more usable and enjoyable.
… (0 comments)

Why clear your clutter? - 07/24/12 10:07 AM
To get a sense of peace - Uncluttered rooms make breathing easier. You will feel lighter and more comfortable.
To manage finances - If you are in a state of financial overwhelm and your environment creates the same energy. clear up your clutter to help you gain financial flow and control.
To enhance your health - Dirty and cluttered homes create negative energy and add to body fatigue. Clutter clogs the bidy's energetic flow.
To gain control of your life - when you choose to declutter at home, the hidden order of the universe magically brings long lost order of the … (4 comments)

How does a cluttered home negatively affect you? - 07/24/12 09:58 AM
It makes you lethargic - Clutter creates physically and emotionally draining energy and can make you feel fatigued and uninspired.
It drags you down -Clutter can put you into a state of overwhelm, stress, and hopelessness.
It makes you feel poor - When people struggle financially, they tend to hang onto things unnecessarily. Keep only what has meaning and use.
It makes you feel out of control - When clutter controls you, you feel out of control. Take control of your stuff and gain control of your life.
… (4 comments)

Detach, relax, rebuild - 07/23/12 12:17 PM
I have been on vacation in Hawaii for 5 days. I was very sick the first few days and was so happy to be at my son's home to recover. It is so healing to me to be in Hawaii for may vacation. The laid back lifestyle and easy flow slower paced life is exactly what I needed to detach, relax, and rebuild.
Now my husband and I are in Waikiki for 3 days. We are so lucky to have a room at the Moana Surfrider overlooking the Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head with a small balcony. We sleep with the … (2 comments)

Why clear your clutter - 07/22/12 10:44 AM
To gain a sense of peace - you will breathe easier, feel lighter, more comfortable
To manage your finances - If you are in a state of financial overwhelm, your environment creates the same energy. Clear your clutter to help regain financial flow and control.
To enhance your health - Dirty and cluttered homes create a negative energy and add to fatigue, body pain.
To gain control of your life - In a decluttered home, the hidden order of the universe brings order to your life. Your energy increases, things fall into place. You become more productive and smile more.
… (1 comments)

Diving deeper into clutter - 07/22/12 10:40 AM
Here are tips to keep clutter at bay:
Put back whatever you take out
Throw away one item a day
Never leave dirty dishes in the sink
Make your bed every morning
This may sound simple but breaking away from old clutter habits can be a challenge and this is a good start.
Pick a date to start the declutter process. It is more likely to happen whne it is scheduled.
Give yourself permission to rid of old expensive clothes ( purchase mistakes) and old papers.
You will feel better is all aspects of your life.
… (1 comments)

Happy clients are a great reward - 07/21/12 10:22 AM
I was referred some very nice people from an out of area agent who I have known for many years. They were specific on what they wanted in a house and the price too. It was of course challenging to find what they want and also in their price range. After a few days of viewing, they returned home and I told them when I found their prefect house, I would let them know.
Within a few eeks, I did find them a perfect house and a bargain price too. They made an offer and when the offer was accepted came to … (6 comments)

La Quinta, California real estate market heats up !!!!!!! - 07/21/12 10:11 AM
Are you interested in purchasing ahome in La Quinta, California? Now is the time to buy. Prices are low, Interest rates are low. There is limited inventory and prices are starting to rise.
Whether you want to move to La Quinta, California, fulltime or are looking for an investment property or 2nd home, now is the time to buy.
With temperatures hitting 100+ daily, the number of buyers is dwindling, but still higher than for many years. Call me now for great homes at unbelievably low prices.
Enjoy the warm dry heat and abundant sunshine all year round in La Quinta, … (3 comments)

Write down what you really want in a house - 07/21/12 10:02 AM
Years ago I was at a Tom Ferry Real Estate Seminar. Tom had all the single people write down what they really wanted in a mate. He went up to one lady he knew well and said, " Does your boyfriend match this list?" She said," not all of the items on the list." He said," What are you going to do about it? " She said, " Break up with him."  He said, "Good. When you are clear of what you want, it will come." A few months later were we at a another seminar and guess what, she had … (3 comments)

Doing real estate on the road - 07/20/12 11:42 AM
Whether you are a buyer, seller, agent, or broker, isn't it amazing how we can do alot of real estate on the road from anywhere in the world? Technology has changed the way to do real estate.
With that said, it still seems that agents who show up at the office regularly an dhave systems in place, are usually the top producers year after year.
Many times clients have gone to local real estate offices to have paperwork scanned or faxed to our office as an accommodation. It is so wonderful that real estate agents throughout the world will accomodate buyers, … (2 comments)

Keys to finding a home in La Quinta - 07/14/12 06:54 AM
Here are some tips to finding a home in La Quinta,California
1. Use a real estate agent who knows the inventory, the pricing, and is connected with other agents
2. Take a tour through all areas in your price range to make sure you are buying in the area best suited to you and your lifestyle
3. Talk to the neighbors before making an offer. This can help you feel comfortable in the area and comfortable with the history of the house.
4. Review the homes for sale and comparable sales on recently sold.
5. Check the MLS daily for the … (1 comments)

Are you present for home inspections? - 07/14/12 06:46 AM
I suggest agents and buyers and sellers too be present for home inspections. It helps to clarify issues the inspector notes. It also allows buyers to point out their concerns and get explanations or have those items noted on the report too.
Also being present during ahome inspection shows that as an agent you care about your cient and the home inspection. It helps you to know no damage done to the home during the inspection.
Being present also helps me to understand the report more clearly when I receive it.
I suggest agents and buyers and sellers be present during … (8 comments)

Customer service counts in real estate - 07/12/12 08:19 AM
People like good customer service anywhere they go, but in real estate customer service really helps the transaction flow with happy clients.
Answering the phone, texts, and emails promptly and following through with documents and answering questions and concerns makes a difference for most people. Peole like the attention. People expect to be answered by their realtor within 5-15 minutes.
Letting people know when you are unavailable also eases frustrations for them when they are not able to reach you.
Also, answering questions and concerns does make  a big difference for clients.
… (3 comments)

Reasons escrows do not close - 07/10/12 03:00 PM
There are many reasons escrows do not close. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Issues with the home inspection
2. HOA legal issues
3. Loan issues
4. Buyer's remorse
5. Title issues and liens
6. Home does not appraise
7. Dogs barking near home
8. Murder or crimes near home
9. Buyer is ill or dies
10. Buyer loses job
11. Buyer finds a home they like better
 
… (3 comments)

What is your closing percentage? - 07/10/12 02:55 PM
I recently heard that close to 50% of escrows opened, never close. I started to analyze my accepted offers and the ones that close. I feel lucky to know that over 90% of the accepted offers I put into escrow close. Sometimes it just does not work out that they close.
I feel that careful attention and constant and consistent communication with the buyer or seller, other agent, escrow officer, and lender are crucial to a successful close. Getting paperwork processed quickly and correctly is also helpful.
I work hard to get the home inspection completed within a few days of … (3 comments)

First Impressions When Selling Your Home - 07/09/12 08:38 AM
Let the front of your home greet guests with a clean, maintained yard by fertilizing lawns, planting fresh seasonal flowers, and trimming overgrown shrubbery.
Painting can be expensive, but alittle touch up goes a long way.
Make sure your front door is solid, fresh, and welcoming.
Inspect the roof for necessary repairs and any visible broken tiles or shingles.
Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks, Clean up oil stains.
Mend or paint neighboring fences or walls.
… (0 comments)

10 Transaction Documents You Must keep - 07/09/12 08:31 AM
The listing agreement
The signed or acknowledged agency disclosure form
The comparative market analysis
All marketing materials, including newspaper ads and printouts
All correspondence and phone logs with buyers, sellers, or other parties to the transactions
Inspection reports nad co[pies of all invoices for repair work required to be completed before the sale
The lead-based paint and other hazardous material disclosure forms, if applicable
A copy of the contract and addenda
A copy of the settlement statement ( HUD-1 form)
Escrow account records relating to the transaction
… (2 comments)

Ways to manage your time more efficiently - 07/06/12 12:51 PM
Spend the first 15 minutes of each day and the last 15 minutes of each day making a to do list.
Schedule your most challenging tasks during your most productive part of your day.
Build flexibility so you can adapt when things don't go according to schedule.
Spend most time on the job that produces the most income.
Don't consume time with non - productive tasks.
Prioitize tasks.
Delegate routine chores.
Value your time and ask others to do the same.
… (1 comments)

Do like real estate agent referrals? - 07/06/12 07:33 AM
I love real estate agent referrals. Referrals from other real estate agents are the backbone of my business. I have sold many homes to real estate agents and also really like the client referrals.
These agents and clients are savvy buyers and sellers. They understand pricing, the process, the loans, the closing. Many are connected for property rehabilitation and leasing as well.
I know alot of agents who do not consider this market of selling to other agent and also representing them as listing agents. To me, these are my favorite clients and the backbone of my business.
Who do you … (3 comments)

I made it to 500,000 thanks to all of you! - 07/05/12 12:00 PM
Thank you all so much for all of your comments and support that helped me to reach my milestone of 500,000 points.
I love Active Rain and all of the support an dgodd energy I receive daily.
I wish all of you a wonderful day!
 
 
… (6 comments)

499,406 points - It's time to break through 500,000 - please help! - 07/04/12 05:55 AM
I do not check my points often. I just blog and comment and enjoy my time on active rain. Today I noticed I am almost to 500,00 points, a major milestone for me.
I have so many good memories of these points - what I learned, friends I made, clients too. Active Rain is a vital part of my real estate life. Thank you all and Happy July 4th !
… (25 comments)

Ways to save 20%+ on your home energy bill - 07/03/12 08:44 AM
Caulk around windows and doors where the seal is cracked or a seam is exposed
Caulk or insulate areas where plumbing fixtures or electrical wiring extend to exterior of home
Insulate attic stairway or attic access door
Add insulation behind electrical outlets, particularly on exterior walls
Use high efficiency bulbs
Turn off lights
Use dimmers
… (4 comments)

Home maintenace that counts - 07/03/12 08:40 AM
door lock replacement
screen repairs
locate utility shut offs
window pane replacement
faucet repairs
faucet replacement
caulking and grouting
drain cleaning and trap replacement
labeling electrical outlets
cooling system maintenance
thermostat installation
drywall patching
furnace maintenance
humidifier servicing
water heater insulation
… (5 comments)

Buyer market niches to consider - 07/02/12 09:03 AM
Focusing on a targeted market segment  helps you develop expertise in a particular property type.Choose a niche that targets your interests andyour market. Here are a few ideas:
Pet owners
Golfers
College students' parents
Retirees
Boaters
School activities
Church groups
Co - employees of family members
… (3 comments)

What buyers want to see in an ad on a home for sale - 07/02/12 08:57 AM
location and neighborhood
price
appearance(include a picture)
layout or floor plan
total number of rooms
number of bedrooms and bathrooms
size of lot and square footage of home
details about the community
amenities and features
clear and complete contact information
 
… (3 comments)

3.8% real estate tax to generate funds for Obamacare - 07/01/12 01:08 PM
I sure hope the NAR and all real estate work hard to stop this tax. The real estate market has been on edge for several years and more taxes will not help the real estate market or the economy.
Via Pacita Dimacali - ePRO, SRES, CDPE, MBA Alain Pinel in Alameda County CA (Alain Pinel):
The 3.8% real estate tax to generate funds for ObamacareReal Estate Sales TaxThere are emails going around claiming that all real state sales will be be taxed an additional 3.8%. But is it true?The National Association of Realtors prepared this document that provides real estate scenarios and examples. … (1 comments)

New Homes in Sun City Shadow Hills - Coachella Valley, Ca. - 07/01/12 08:57 AM
Sun City Shadow Hills is a 55+ age qualified luxury gated community. Sun City Shadow Hills  has hundreds of new homes available which range in size from just over 1300 square feet to 3000 square feet. Home prices start in the high $100,000's.
There are homes on and off the golf course with many special features - solar, pass through master closet to laundry room, open great room floor plans, and bedroom separation floor plans.
The amenities at Sun City Shadow Hills are amazing - golf, tennis, fitness, pools, clubs, and more. It like being on a cruise ship everyday.
Now is the … (0 comments)

Bargains at Villa Portofino in Palm Desert, Ca. - 07/01/12 08:50 AM
At Villa Portofino, a luxury 55+ community at a prime location in Palm Desert, 32 of the one and two bedroom Cortona 1 and 2 villas priced at $149,000 and $219,000 have been sold in recent months leaving 16 units to be sold. There are over 300 homes in the Villa Portofino development on Country Club Avenue near Bristol Farms grocery store.
Some buyers at Villa Portofino were attracted to a new incentive offering $1202 fixed monthly payment over 30 years. The $1202 includes everything- principal, interest, taxes, insurance, water, cable, HOA, and clubhouse fees.  With 30 year fixed rates as … (0 comments)

New Homes Sales Gain Momentum in Coachella Valley, California - 07/01/12 08:42 AM
In May 2012, 45 new homes sold in the Coachella Valley, up from 32 homes sold in April 2012. The median price was $236,250.
The rise in new home sales is seen by many economists as the bellwether of consumer confidence and job creation, as well as an indication that the housing market is gradually returning to normalcy.
The shortage of homes for sale could spark a surge for construction of new homes next year and push up prices.
There are plans to open new home communities in La Quinta, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage.
… (0 comments)