Is Blogging on ActiveRain Making Your Business Grow? Read This to Optomize Your Experience - 07/31/07 08:05 PM
With all the great advise we put out here on ActiveRain for consumers, when it is time for them to Buy or Sell their Real Estate, will they remember you?
For the serious Blogger, this is a paramount question.
Is what you are investing, your time and efforts in creating and writing for their benefit, really paying off?
Here are a few suggestions to help!
If your are for instance not making a full written journal of all your posts, that would surely be a loss. Categorizing your articles and even re-writing them better is also very important.
Collect all your old posts for … (119 comments)

What do Homeowners Coming to Market Really Care About.... - 07/31/07 04:29 PM
What do Homeowners really care about when we market their properties? The Answer is Results. Short of the expected results, what strategies are in place to make the property stand out and beat the competition to the closing? Why would a Buyer select  their home over the competition and where is the Buyer for the property likely to come from?
These are questions that a good marketing plan will answer with a strategy to make sure the results are as expected. Most of the time in my interviews with the Sellers, I get them to help me answer these questions.
Teaching the … (6 comments)

The Top 10 Stupid Questions ....... That Apparently Have no Answer! - 07/31/07 11:50 AM
Ever wonder about things that just have no answer. You know the ones like you asked your Mom when you a were a kid andshe said, "Just Because". She didn't actually answer you and"Just Because" became your answer. Ever wonder why?
The Top 10 Questions still with No Answer are: Drum Roll Please
10. If every person on earth held their breath for 30 seconds could it help Global Warming by reducing the total amount of Carbon Dioxide emissions. If we did it often?
9. Are there toilets in Heaven?
8. Why do flocks of Birds fly in a V pattern?
7. Where have you been all my … (46 comments)

SmartPhones for.......Dummies - 07/31/07 10:05 AM
What is a SmartPhone? In short, it is a mobile phone that provides easy to operate functionality for mobile communications and computingin one small package. These new SmartPhones were made with REALTORS in mind. Ok that is a slight exaggeration but they work great for Real Estate. With Real Estate programs designed to deliver to the phone all the listings in an area, they are a handy tool for everyone looking for properties and getting directions to them. Software applications like Microsoft Streets and Trips and Pocket Real Estate fulfill most of the extra needs of the REALTOR.
What makes the cell phone … (9 comments)

3 Questions A Buyer Should Seek to Answer When Buying a New Home - 07/31/07 02:52 AM
Buying a new home has some great advantages but also some serious pitfalls if due diligence is not exercised carefully.
1. What is the reputation of the Builder?   Places to check: Contractors State License Board                                  Better Business Bureau                                  County Court for any lawsuits against the Builder                                  Other Homeowners who have purchased from Builder                                  Material Supply Houses
            *Be sure to secure a lien waiver from the Builder, in the event any workman, sub-contractor or            supplier files a lien against the Builder, the lien will not be secured against your new home.
    2.  Check with your legal Advisers on Warranties of the new home. How good … (3 comments)

Aunt Fannie and Uncle Freddie are coming to the Rescue ..... Yee Haa ! - 07/29/07 08:47 AM
Aunt Fannie  Mae and Uncle Freddie  Mac are coming to the rescue of the sub-prime lending fiasco. The sub-prime lending market saw a huge escalation in its business and market share  that coincided with the housing boom of the last 5 or 6 years.
With So many Adjustable Rate loans generated, the proverbial "stuff" hit the fan" when borrowers were faced with adjustments in their adjustable interest rate loans.
With a slowing Buyer's market and many of the housing markets facing at least some decrease in home values, it left little or no room for converting many of these adjustable rate loan to fixed … (76 comments)

3 Essentail Concerns to Answer for Lender Approval of "Short Sale" - 07/29/07 02:00 AM
Lenders today are well aware of the situation some homeowners find themselves in and they will work with the Homeowner as long as certain criteria is obtained and presented showing the proper due diligence by both the Homeowner and the Agent.
The lenders concerns are three fold.
1. The Lender wants to see what the Homeowner has agreed to with the purchaser.
This can be a difficult negotiation but the Lender wants to see that the homeowner is not walking away with any cash and that the Buyer has agreed to pay all costs associated with the transaction. The net cash to seller in … (4 comments)

Chief Economist with Moody's Makes Today's Headlines...... - 07/27/07 03:55 PM
I wrote about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Titled "Aunt Fannie and Uncle Freddie are Coming To The Rescue...", yesterday getting more involved in trying to help with the sub prime crisis. It was as most of my writing is, a positive news item. Late yesterday after I posted that piece, I received notice and an article written at MarketWatch that included Mark Zandi's comments. Mark Zandi is the chief economist with Moody's .com, a consulting firm in Pennsylvannia. The article was titled" Subprime could create global crisis"
This mornings headlines in Business news around the country contain his projections for the bottoming out … (3 comments)

$11,000 fix for re-lining My Home's Copper Plumbing. - 07/25/07 11:32 PM
I wrote a post a few weeks back about my neighbors house flooding while they were on vacation. This has happened to a great many neighbors and the fix is pretty costly. As far as I can tell, the choice is either  re-route the plumbing from under the slab to the overhead through the walls and ceilings or re-lining the copper pipes with a silicone based epoxy.
For many homeowners in our area, this fix is just too costly to consider and they will take their chance that they will not become the next to suffer a breakdown. Many home owners insurance policies … (25 comments)

My Life ...My Passion ....My Legacy - 07/24/07 10:56 PM
I have always had a passion for excellence in all that I have ever sought out and experienced in life.
I probably didn't attain nearly as much as I could have I suppose but given that I also suffer from a bit of impatience now and then, I did OK.
But I have always had a passion and always sought to be the best in whatever I attempted. I didn't always reach those goals but the striving made me a better person for the effort.
As I reflect on what my legacy would be, it would no doubt be my passion. What is left … (38 comments)

Your Mortgage is Never Too Small.................Don't become a Victim! - 07/24/07 03:02 PM
With all of today's multimedia advertising encouraging homeowners to maximize their loans so they can use their equity for any number of  tempting reasons, puts many homeowners in peril.
In my estimation, this sort of marketing is creating more home debt than should ever be considered by most homeowners.
The ads contention that you should always have the largest mortgage possible is so risky, many homeowners in the recent past and those tempted to cash out their equity are making foolish decisions that could haunt them for a very long time.
These marketing ads are very tempting, suggesting that these refinance loans free up … (8 comments)

Deal or ....No Deal? - 07/24/07 03:13 AM
Whatever is on the minds of real estate buyers these days, flashy perks are not getting their attention.
Serious Buyers are looking for a home, a place to live, not a trip to Mexican Riviera or a new plasma tv.
Effective incentives addresses the behind the scenes thinking of todays buyers. Costs associated with the purchase,the cost of the home, the property tax bite and what all this adds up to as a pay out each and every month.
Some incentives that interest Buyers today would be lowering the interest rate in a possible Seller-Buy down,contributing by the Seller in the down payment and assisting in … (24 comments)

San Diego County Water Rates to Increase Again. - 07/24/07 01:13 AM
Wholesale water prices are on the rise and to help defray the purchasing costs, San Diegans will be facing another 2.9% ($1.40) jump in the average water bill.
The city says that these prices are pass through charges for the increased cost of water and this rate increase does not include any upcoming proposals for new construction to replace and repair much of the 100 year old + piping found through out the city.
San Diego water comes from a variety of sources, the most expensive of which is the Metropolitan Water District in LA. The least expensive is from the Colorado River.
The … (4 comments)

Dear Active Rain, I would like to propose.... - 07/22/07 10:06 PM
Dear Active Rain,
As a loyal and active member of Active Rain I would like to request that the Active Rain home page provide for a Calendar of Local Active Rain Events or "Get Togethers". Members of local areas could check what activities that might be close for them to travel to or if on vacation, as successful people tend to take now and then, it would be wonderful if there happened to be an event near where we were traveling to. We could then make contact with the person handing the event and it could give us an opportunity to meet other Active Rain … (28 comments)

How To Optomize Your ActiveRain Experience.... - 07/22/07 02:23 PM
Dear ActiveRainers, if you are not already part of your local group or haven't organized one as yet, do it! I was recently invited to join  Brian Brady's, ( world renound blogger and friend to all AciveRainers ), San Diego group. Joining Brian's group has really opened my eyes of the wonderful experience ActiveRainers have networking and building friendships. Do this for yourself ! Now! If you need help, I am sure Brian would be to happy to give you some great ideas.
Just a little over 5 weeks ago, I attended Brian's 1st San Diego soiree and I met some of … (9 comments)

San Diego and Orange County AR members Meet at Old Del Mar ! - 07/22/07 12:28 PM
A Glorious Magical Day here in Old Del Mar. Back in the 1940's Bing Crosby penned the Famous words to the "Where the Turf Meets the Surf " music and it remains the theme song today for the Del Mar Race Track, Thoroughbred Club.
Brian Brady our own world renowned ActiveRain blogger,friend and inspiration to all in ActiveRain, organized what tuned out to be a Magical Day at Old Del Mar Race Track for the first Friday late day races of the season. We were honored with our guests and wonderful new friends Rudy Bachraty and Joe Ferrara owners of Sellsius on their "Blog Tour USA … (21 comments)

The Post I Wrote for AR about My New Seller...Well, I Sold the Property Full Price in 7 Days - 07/20/07 01:26 AM
I wrote a post last week and put my client's marketing interview here on Active Rain. I entered this into the Carnival Of Events contest and received  an honorable mention. Yesterday, I received and negotiated multiple offers and the property went into escrow today. Full Price. I think my clients are quite pleased. I will referring my seller's to an agent here from Active Rain to help them buy their new home in their chosen city.
Here is the post I did, check it out. " Conversation with my New Seller on How to capitalize on the current Market". The Seller's obviously bought into … (20 comments)

If we lived in perfect world, what would your REALTOR world look like? - 07/19/07 10:20 PM
Would your life be materially different if your business life were different? Would being a REALTOR and working an 8 hour days ( instead of 12 to 14) and 5 day weeks ( instead of 6 or 7) provide you with all the success you want and need? It can!  But it will require a major paradigm shift in your thinking.
One of our biggest mistakes as REALTORS is to believe that working harder is always more productive. It can be to a point. But when you reach your threshold , that's it.
Working smarter is more productive and the smarter you work, … (61 comments)

Merry Christmas to all of my ActiveRain Associates! Let's Celebrate ! - 07/19/07 04:25 PM
Christmas in July (July 26th,2007 ) is but a week away and I wanted to be the first to wish you all a Merry Christmas in July, From My Home too Yours!
Did you know there is an actual basis for this holiday in the middle of summer  to exist and be celebrated? I wanted to give a little historical point of view to bring all of us Americans who mostly celebrate our Christmas in December.
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne's Day is celebrated in some parts of the world on July 26th. The significance of these two people which many of us hadn't heard of … (21 comments)

Ok, Mr. Smart Guy....What does it mean..... Location,Location,Location? - 07/17/07 07:39 PM
If you were asked this question, How would answer it? You have said it often enough but do you even know how to explain it? Is the best house on the block, the best part of town, the best residential area in the community? Who determines that ,exactly? If you had to list something that wasn't meeting those definitions, would you still try to sell it?
A buyer not long ago asked me that question and I stammered a bit in trying to answer it professionally. If a home doesn't have the 3 most important tenets of real estate ,Location, Location Location, should … (17 comments)

New Trend In Condo Development Will Soon Appear Around the US - 07/17/07 01:14 AM
Condominium Developers across the country are realizing a new trend for developing the Live-Work type of  units and are seeing a new level of demand for this type of specialty housing.
With more and more Americans wanting to work from home and avoid the hassle of freeways and traffic for at least part of the work week, there is a real need emerging for a new type of hybrid housing from the urban cores outreaching to the more spacious and less dense suburban areas.
This new niche market is gaining in popularity but creates a new challenge in the zoning codes.
There are well … (37 comments)

If You are Planning to Die........You might Consider Waiting Untill 2010 :-) - 07/16/07 01:46 PM
In 2010, the Federal Estate Tax is scheduled to disappear and re-appear in 2011.
This may be be a moot question by then if congress has its way ( they usually do), They are always looking for revenue streams and this one has not escaped their radar. They may actually re-instate the disappearance before 2010, so dying may just have to be postponed for a while longer.
There is always a chance for a compromise though. They could  just raise the exemption level from the 2 million is is currently set at and reduce the top rate down from its current rate of 45% tax.
Congress … (19 comments)

This market is GREAT! New Owner Pays $59,000 a Month for Mortgage - 07/16/07 01:38 AM
At an exclusive project in San Diego County, the developer finds a wealthy market for the Resort Home Buyer. He is offering completley furnished mansions ( up to 23,000 sq ft) that will set you back up to a cool 20 million.
The developer's plans include 8 homes on a 24 acre tract in the most exclusive part of San Diego County. One house has been sold and closed escrow and another in escrow. So much for the all the gloomy reports of a market slump. Not here and not now at least!
The LEASTexpensive home is going for 11.9 million and with a 20% … (19 comments)

9 Sure Ways To Get Rid of Your Houseguest. - 07/16/07 12:48 AM
We have all had the houseguest that loves our house better than their's . On day, two, three at most and if they are not leaving, try these sure to tick-off methods to get them to leave.
Remove the sheets from the bed and put the bedspread back on.Empty out the refrigerator, or pad lock it with a chain and lock through the handles.Remove all the toilet paper from the bathrooms.Put a mouse trap with bait on each of the night stands on either side of their bed.Install a coin operated laundry that only takes silver dollars.You and your spouse get up very … (55 comments)

Reve Up your Mortgage .........and Reverse It ! - 07/16/07 12:11 AM
High on the public radar these days are the Reverse Mortgages for cash strapped seniors ( including many Baby Bloomers). They are being advertised on TV and the public awareness for Reverse Mortgages is dramatically increasing.
 
Here are some useful guidelines and things to watch out for.
To Qualify you must be:
Age 62 or olderYou must own a single family residenceIf you home is a condo it must be a HUD approved complexIf repairs are need form inspection, proceeds may be used for repairsYou must attend a counseling sessionPlaces to shop for Reverse mortgages would include :
HECM ( Home Equity Conversion Mortgage) issued  by … (8 comments)

What's In Your...........Homeowner's Insurance Policy? - 07/11/07 01:07 PM
Have you reviewed your Homeowner's Insurance Policy of late? Probably not. After closing on the purchase of your home, (how many years has it been now ? ), you put the policy away feeling all nice and secure that you have it and are going on about your life. Do you think you are fully covered against most of the even more common perils that might befall you and your home?
I hate to break the bad news to you but you probably are not as well covered as when you purchased your home. And since you haven't even looked at … (30 comments)

Agency, What Is It and Why Is It Important to you ? - 07/10/07 03:46 PM
Agency is in a state of flux at this moment in many parts of the country. Suffice it say, unless you have signed a contract delineating your agency relationship, the agent you are working with may not owe his primary fiduciary responsibility to you. You will be provided very early in our property discussions with an Agency Relationships Disclosure. It will provide a brief discussion about Agency Relationships for each of the ways you may be represented.
Read the rest of the story »
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New Possible Resurection for FHA Home Loans. - 07/09/07 05:53 PM
There is legislation pending in Congress to increase the loan limits for FHA in costly areas around the US.
Bill HR1852 " The Expanding Homeownership Act of 2007, will have a profound effect on the underutilized FHA home loans for high cost areas around the country. Major city areas where median priced housing costs far exceeded the FHA loan limits may get some need relief.
The bill pending approval control 7 major features that will have a positive effect on Housing availability and sales.
*Raise the loan limits to $417,000 in costly housing areas.*Permit " 0" % Down, instead of the 3% from the past … (29 comments)

6 Questions Every Homeowner Should ask About Pest Inspections Before Selling - 07/09/07 05:12 PM
Consumers need to know about wood-destroying organisms and the inspection reports issued for real estate transactions.
Why inspect? 
Every year, thousands of homes are attacked by termites or other wood-destroying pests. Home purchasers usually want to know if these pests are present before investing their money. Therefore, it is wise to have the property inspected by a representative of a licensed pest control company who can detect the presence of wood-destroying pests and can provide a report on his findings. 
Who orders an inspection? 
A pest control firm is usually selected by the seller or the Homeowners Association if they are … (11 comments)

9 Costly Mistakes Sellers Can Make When Selling Their Home - 07/09/07 04:22 PM
MISTAKE #1. USING A REAL ESTATE AGENT INSTEAD OF A REALTOR
When you're looking for help buying or selling property, it's important to remember that the terms "real estate agent" and "REALTOR" are not synonymous.
I am a REALTOR. As a REALTOR, I  provide an extra level of service and to be a REALTOR you must be a member of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). NAR is non-profit trade organizations that promotes real estate information, education and professional standards.
The National Association of REALTORS also has earned a strong reputation for actively championing private property rights and working to make … (6 comments)

Should There Be a Limit On What Type of Services a Real Estate Licensee May Provide? - 07/08/07 01:13 PM
I was asked a question from a fellow ActiveRainer if real estate agents should be able to discuss credit scores and give advise on ways to improve credit scores. It originated with the context of discussing FICO scores. This question opens up an even bigger question. Should there be a limit on what types of services may be provided with a real estate license?
As we get more and more into the core of the real estate service business and try to justify our existence , it might not be a bad idea to be providing agents that have an interest ,an opportunity to … (35 comments)

There is a Conflict Brewing in the Mortgage Industry over a Proposed National Registry - 07/06/07 01:24 AM
There's a conflict brewing in the mortgage and lending industry.  For those of us, not directly involved in loan origination or funding, it would be helpful to understand the identities of the disputing parties  and what their respective positions are.
In no particular order allow me to name them for you and identify each party in the dispute.
NAMB-National Association of Mortgage Brokers   
CSBS-Conference of State Bank Supervisors  
AARMR-American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators 
MBA-Mortgage Bankers Association
The mortgage industry business of originating loans is about equally split between the mortgage brokers and the rest of the lending players. The sides feel differently on how to solve … (27 comments)

Vacation Cancelled to the Mediteranean, bought something else instead. - 07/05/07 03:29 PM
I was all set to have some great photos and journey info to share from my upcoming Mediterranean cruise I had planned for August. I have spent so much money this year and wanted a new custom site so I decided that the vacation is off and bogging is on. The custom site is my new blog site designed by Jim Cronin of the Real Estate Tomato.com. I was reminiscing on my cruise last year to Alaska and I knew the Mediterranean Cruise would be fabulous. Oh well, no biggie. Next Year.
If you want to see something wonderful, watch the 60 second … (50 comments)

Advice You CAN'T Take to the Bank...... - 07/03/07 11:50 AM

When you are just to Poor to Pay Attention:
1. Buy the biggest and best things you can afford- 
If you are anywhere near retirement age-Stop buying stuff, Period! You can't afford anything-so stop thinking that your ship will come in, it already left port for destinations unknown.
2. Treat yourself to that vacation you so badly need.  You earned it!
Think again. Your vacations are over, if you haven't saved and invested every single penny you ever earned.  Yes, even the ones you so carelessly drop in the street or leave at the cash register so they don't pollute your pockets. Remember leaving those pennies … (52 comments)

Out With The Old FICO Scoring System and In the With The New - 07/02/07 04:27 PM
Just about the time when everyone was on the same page with the old FICO scoring system, Fair Isaac's Corp. is making some needed changes in the the way the formulas will be calculated. A glimpse of the new model will be available in Sept 2007. This change will only affect one reporting agency in 2007 and the others will implement it in 2008. Fair Isaacs says the new system is not that much different. The major change in the new system is in the way it looks at those that receive credit points who are authorized  users on someone else's credit card.
People with little … (106 comments)

What Part Of NO Don't They Understand? - 07/01/07 03:35 PM
What part of no don't they understand?  Sellers today, with all the news about this slumping home sales and declining prices, the foreclosures and difficulties created in the sub-prime market, still don't get it. Or do they?
 In a survey conduced by the Boston Consulting Group, the survey indicates that home sellers, 55% of them anyway,  still believe their individual home will still fetch them top dollar , for even more than a year ago. Three Quarters of them believe that they could sell within a 6 month period for a value that they determine. And the survey suggested that the … (13 comments)

 
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San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE

San Diego, CA

More about me…

RE/MAX Associates

Address: 4747 Morena Blvd. Ste 200, San Diego, CA, 92117

Office Phone: (858) 487-6975

Cell Phone: (858) 487-6975

Email Me


: The information contained in any post written by William Johnson is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and the opinions expressed in these are writings are my own. I disclaim any liability for any damages or loses direct or indirect that may result from use of, or reliance upon any information contained in this blog or for the accuracy of comments or opinions expressed by others. You are advised not to rely any information contained herein without your  own verification of the information.  Get the Walk Score widget and many other great free widgets at Widgetbox!



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