New Listing Located Between Greenville & Spartanburg, SC - 04/29/09 07:42 AM
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Built with Every Detail in Mind, Boiling Springs, SC - 04/25/09 04:56 PM
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Mountain, Lake and Golf Course views from this Gorgeous Home - 04/25/09 04:54 PM
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Gorgeous Views from this Golf Course Home, Duncan, SC - 04/25/09 04:49 PM
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Spacious Ranch Located on the East side of Spartanburg, SC - 04/25/09 04:45 PM
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Great Home Located in River Falls Plantation Golf Community, Duncan, SC - 04/25/09 04:43 PM
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All Brick Ranch in Duncan, SC - 04/25/09 04:40 PM
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Lovely Home in Boiling Springs, SC - 04/25/09 04:38 PM
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New Construction Ranch in Duncan, SC - 04/25/09 04:35 PM
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Parade of Homes 2009 in Spartanburg, SC - 04/24/09 08:15 AM
This Saturday and Sunday (April 25 & 26) from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. is The 2009 Parade of Homes sponsored by the Spartanburg Association of Realtors.  This is a great opportunity to showcase your listings and hopefully generate some traffic for your clients.  If you would like to find details on which houses are participating you can look in the local Herald Journal or you'll be able to follow the directional signs that will direct you to all the open houses.  Please check out our open house at 215 River Falls Drive in River Falls Plantation.  This house is located on one … (1 comments)

Why Would You Use a Realtor? - 04/19/09 07:45 AM
According to the National Association of Realtors, 83% of home buyers and sellers used a Realtor.  Based on their survey here are the benefits provided by the Real Estate Agent during the purchase:
Home buyers:  57% benefited by helping the buyer understand the process, 47% helped point out unnoticed features/faults with the property, 40% improved buyer's knowledge of search areas, 38% to negotiate better sales contract terms, 35% to shorten the buyers home search and 32% to negotiate a better price.
Home Sellers:  91% to list and market  their home on the Internet, 75% to provide a broad range of services … (0 comments)

Charming Bungalow in Lyman, SC on Almost an Acre Lot - 04/18/09 07:29 PM
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You Could Be Eligible for an $8,000 Tax Credit - 04/18/09 07:26 PM
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Can Updating and Remodeling Shorten Your Days on Market and Add Value to Your Home? - 04/18/09 06:34 AM
If you plan on selling your home in the near future, there are a number of things you can do to "Spruce" up the home and make it more inviting to potential buyers.  Most of these projects are not very expensive and can add a lot of "WOW!" to your home.  New paint, updated light fixtures and bathroom fixtures as well as an inviting entrance and curb appeal can all help get potential buyers into your home. 
As for additions and remodeling; they too will help position your home so it competes much better in today's market.  However, don't expect to … (2 comments)

Why Buy a Home Warranty when Selling Your Home - 04/18/09 06:27 AM
When buyers look at purchasing a re-sale home they are always concerned about the condition of the appliances, plumbing, heating, air conditioning and other systems.  And although the home has been inspected there is no assurance that something will not fail after the buyer moves in.
The Home Warranty covers most of these systems for the first year after the buyer moves in and is renewable from year to year.  The warranty also covers the seller during the listing period, so if something does go wrong, you're covered too.  Not only could this save you thousands of dollars, a home warranty … (0 comments)

Should you have your home pre-inspected prior to putting it on the market?? - 04/18/09 06:23 AM
Pre-Inspection can save you money and heartbreak.  Imagine getting an acceptable offer on your home and then having thousands of $$$$$ worth of unknown repairs that are needed, or worse yet, the potential buyer gets scared and backs out.  You may think your home is in good shape, but hidden defects behind the walls and under the house can cost thousands to repair.  You could be left with renegotiating your price or spending unplanned money at the last minute to make repairs.
Experience shows that Pre-inspections help you get things in order ahead of time, for the least cost, while preserving … (0 comments)

Absorption Rate is Key to Positioning Your Home - 04/18/09 06:17 AM
Absorption rate is about supply and demand.  It should be used to help the sellers understand where their home is positioned relative to competitive offerings in terms of anticipated days on market.  The formula is not complex, but you must have data representative of the specific market your home is in (i.e. size, age, location, features).
If you need to move in 6 months, but the absorption rate is 12 months, you will have to reposition your home such that it will sell in less time.  In our area Appraisers typically do not use absorption rate as part of valuing your home, but … (0 comments)

How Can You Sell Your Home in a Buyer's Market?? - 04/18/09 05:48 AM
Although the Upstate of South Carolina has not been exposed to the same fate as many other parts of the country, we are in a Buyer's Market.  There's a surplus of new and existing homes and there are fewer potential purchasers for the homes that are available.  It is indeed a great time to purchase.
Unlike a Seller's Market, with low inventories and lots of potential buyers, you have to do more than place a sign in the front yard.  You have to properly position your home based on the competitive offerings with the right price and the right product.
For … (2 comments)

Price Has Been Reduced to $449,900!!! - 04/17/09 06:44 PM
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Affordability is at its Highest in Recent History - 04/15/09 07:04 PM
With the lower interest rates, homes are more affordable than ever.  Interest rates are reasonably stable at around 5% for qualified buyers and as low as 4.25%.  When compared to 7.5% rates just a few years ago purchasers have a lot more buying power.  Today home buyers can purchase a very nice three bedroom, two bath single family home for $120,000 and pay $626 per month*.  This is much less than rent for a similar property.  For First Time Home Buyers, who qualify for the Tax Credit of $8,000, it's like living free for the first year.
Move-up buyers with a … (2 comments)

How will the Economic Stimulus Package Help You?? - 04/15/09 07:01 PM
Economics wizard we are not!  As Realtors® we take a different view of how the Economic Stimulus Package will impact those looking to purchase a new home or sell their existing home.
The key point of the plan is to stimulate the market from the bottom up.  Give first time home buyers an incentive to purchase a home ($8,000.00 Tax Credit!).  Many of these will be existing homes and those selling their home have the opportunity to move up to a more expensive home.  As they enter the market place they too stimulate the market by moving up to a more … (0 comments)

MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE - DEFEATED! AND HOW I DID IT - 04/15/09 07:33 AM

Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. ):
Today I used a new technical defense to successfully defeat a motion for summary judgment for foreclosure and I wanted to pass it on to other attorneys (or those who know attorneys) helping homeowners in foreclosure.
This happened in Florida, but other states' rules could provide the same type of relief.
The bank filed its foreclosure some months ago and the homeowner tried to represent himself and did a poor job of it because there were several deficiencies in the pleadings filed by the bank.  Then I came into the picture just … (0 comments)

Making a Name for Yourself - Part II - 04/15/09 07:31 AM

Via Julie Escobar (ProspectsPLUS!):
Smart Agent Branding Strategies for Today's Top Agents
By Julie Escobar, Director of Corporate Marketing, ProspectsPLUS!
You may recall, in last month's article we started to dive into some of the unique ways top agents "Make a Name for Themselves." We shared the story of Kathy Casarin, one of real estate's Top 50 Realtors on the Rise in 2008, who shared terrific strategies for marketing to FSBOs and Expireds. If you missed the February edition of our newsletter you can read Kathy's solutions in the Newsletter section of the Resources area on our site, www.prospectsplus.com. Enjoy!
This month, … (0 comments)

Making a Name For Yourself-Part III - 04/15/09 07:30 AM

Via Julie Escobar (ProspectsPLUS!):
Smart Agent Branding Strategies from Some of Today's Top Agents
By Julie Escobar, Director of Corporate Marketing, ProspectsPLUS!
You may recall, in last month's article we started to dive into some of the unique ways top agents "Make a Name for Themselves." We shared the story of Short Sale Specialist Bob Daniel and his powerful approach to building and owning that niche in his market area. Before that, we learned from one of real estate's Top 50 REALTORS® on the Rise in 2008, Kathy Casarin, who shared her terrific strategies for marketing to FSBOs and Expireds. If you … (0 comments)

Making a Name for Yourself... - 04/15/09 07:29 AM

Via Julie Escobar (ProspectsPLUS!):
Smart Agent Branding Strategies from Some of Today's Top Agents
By Julie Escobar, Director of Corporate Marketing, ProspectsPLUS!
It's not always easy to make a name for yourself in today's market. With both marketing dollars and hours in the day in short supply and competition fierce, learning the best branding practices in the business for creating your own niche is a "must-do."
Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down with three top real estate professionals, all in different markets, with different niche interests to find out what THEY do to ensure they are ALWAYS making a name … (0 comments)

The Squeeze Play...In Baseball Or Real Estate...!!! - 04/15/09 07:28 AM

Via Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.):
There's a play in baseball they call the 'squeeze play'...rather than explain it with Xs and Os...Let me just say that it contains elements of surprise, bunting, quickness, timing, and a whole lot of luck...  
When it works (about half the times it's tried) it looks impressive and ingenious and results in a run scored...when it doesn't work, however, it looks awful, stupid, too risky, bush league, and desperate...  
Now, let's look at real estate...  
Real estate is often like that...there are many 'squeeze plays' … (0 comments)

Fair Housing Lawsuit Settled Today for $280,000 + Retrofitting Costs - 04/15/09 07:26 AM

Via Jason Rose (123 ConEd LLC (www.123ConEd.com)):
Here is another example of a recent settlement of a Fair Housing Act lawsuit brought by the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”). I try to post case summaries in order to provide timely updates to real estate agents and brokers about the "dos and don'ts" under the Fair Housing Act, since fair housing is such an important issue.
This afternoon (April 14, 2009), the DOJ settled a Fair Housing Act lawsuit that was brought against twenty-five defendants (individuals involved in the design and construction of various multi-family housing complexes) for failing to provide … (0 comments)

Big Prize: Win A Trip to Seattle and VIP treatment For A Special ActiveRain Event - 04/15/09 07:25 AM

Via Jeremy Blanton (ActiveRain Corp.):
As many of you saw last night, I shared that I had heard a rumor that ActiveRain was going to be giving stuff away. 
What do we want from you? ActiveRain has a Rainmaker Membership Program. This gives new members an all-access pass to the most popular component of ActiveRain, our 2 million monthly consumer visitors.  
Rainmakers can post content directly to the public on ActiveRain & Localism, have those posts indexed by the search engines, and utilize an Outside ActiveBlog with a unique domain name. So we want our current members thinking about how to engage … (0 comments)

Negotiating Multiple Offers. A Tutorial. - 04/15/09 07:24 AM

Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:
Hi Folks, If your market is saturated with REOs, as mine is, you may be incountering multiple offers quite frequently. This article, I wrote a couple of years ago. may help you deal with them.
Negotiating multiple offers. 
I don't know about you but I love things in multiple. Multiple zeros on my bank balance, multiple listings, multiple closings and of course, multiple offers. Multiple offers, are one of my favorite things. It really places my Seller in the driver's seat when it comes to negotiating and normally means we will be able to get a … (0 comments)

At Least We Don't Eat The Drywall - 04/15/09 07:23 AM

Via Jay Markanich (Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC):
This is another difficult post to write.  Because of its content.  It is frightful, for which I apologize.
The beat goes on and on regarding the 500 million pounds or so of poisonous Chinese drywall.  It is affecting more and more homes, now estimated at over 100,000, and more and more people, and was apparently used for over four years.  Its damage continues.  If you missed my first two posts on it you can catch up here:
January 29 -- http://activerain.com/blogsview/895160/I-Think-We-Need-To-Recall-China
March 21 -- http://activerain.com/blogsview/994937/Update-Chinese-Drywall-The-Lawyers-Have-Landed
It is a very serious problem.  It has … (0 comments)

What are the REWARDS of Working from your Virtual Office at Home? - 04/14/09 06:35 AM

Via Regina P. Brown Real Estate on the California Coast:
Thinking of working from home? 
Already have a Virtual Office?
More and more business pros are saving the overhead expense and working from home.  In the real estate industry, that includes real estate agents, mortgage lenders, home stagers, inspectors, appraisers, transaction coordinators, virtual assistants, and more.
I just started a new blog "Virtual Office Biz Pro" for those business professionals who work from their home office, or work while traveling on the road.  http://virtualofficebizpro.wordpress.com
Take a peek and answer my POLL:
http://virtualofficebizpro.wordpress.com/2009/04/14/survey-says-why-do-you-work-from-your-virtual-office
I've been working exclusively from my home office for 7+ … (0 comments)

The Cottages at Turtle Creek, Boiling Springs, SC - 04/11/09 05:05 PM
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New Construction All Brick Ranch In Duncan, SC - 04/11/09 05:03 PM
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Great All Brick Ranch - 04/11/09 05:00 PM
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Great Home in Golf Course Community - 04/11/09 04:58 PM
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Lovely Ranch on the Eastside of Spartanburg, SC - 04/11/09 04:55 PM
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Located on the Golf Course at River Falls Plantation - 04/11/09 04:53 PM
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River Falls Plantation - On The Golf Course - 04/11/09 04:50 PM
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Charming Bungalow in Lyman, SC - 04/11/09 04:47 PM
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You May Qualify for $8000 First Time Home Buyer Credit - 04/11/09 04:44 PM
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River Falls Plantation, Duncan, SC - New Listing - 04/11/09 08:50 AM
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A Lesson From A Car Salesman - Provide More Service And You Will Win! - 04/11/09 08:47 AM

Via Paddy Pizappi PineBush & Hudson Valley NY Real Estate (RJ Smith Realty Real Estate Solutions):
There was an ad on the radio yesterday that made me think about the real estate community and our response to the downturn in the economy and more specifically, the real estate market. So many Brokers are cutting service to the bare minimum in order to stay afloat in this sea of trouble.The ad I heard was for a car dealership and they were doing what I believe needs to happen in all service industries and actually, in all business period.  We all have seen many … (0 comments)

Who are some of your favorite AR Bloggers? (A list of famous, infamous and fun to read little known bloggers) - 04/11/09 08:46 AM

Via Brian Brumpton, Boise Idaho Real Estate (Keller Williams Boise):
Okay, we see the big boys and girls on the featured pages all the time.  They're the "MEGA" contributors to AR what they write we all like to read.  They're well known and well respected for their talents. I've been fortuante enough to grace the featured pages twice but these people have been there hundereds of times.
What I wanted to do is compile a list of little known favorites of ours.  The people yet to hit the big time here on AR.  I know it's not proper to post links … (0 comments)

How I Learned... Work Hard, Play Hard. - 04/11/09 08:45 AM

Via Sally Dunbar Fair Oaks Realtor (916) 535-0356 (Lyon Real Estate, Fair Oaks ('burb of Sacramento) CA):
Life as a realtor is pretty wild and crazy... no two half hour blocks are the same.  There's a never ending To Do list, and someone always would like more of your time.  It's easy to get so engrossed in details that you forget there is a fun life out there.  To me real estate is WAY FUN.  But I'm talkin bonkers fun.  Get your groove on fun.  Wild and crazy fun.  That means putting on my goofy hat on occasion, and getting a little stupid.
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Encourage A Young Writer (Blogger!) Day - 04/11/09 08:45 AM

Via Gabrielle (Kamahele) Rhind (Tucson Arizona Real Estate Tierra Antigua Realty):
 Today is Encourage A Young Writer Day. 
Looking for any opportunity to encourage children to read, write or simply use the creative sides of their minds, I asked my daughter to write a post for my blog today.  Along with an illustration, here are her thoughts for the day (with the exception of misspellings, it is unedited)!
Hi!  My name is Cassandra G. Rhind. I'm 8. As you might now, this is my Mommy's blog.  She use to work at the March of Dimes and the M.S. Societyfor the longest time. But now … (0 comments)

Learning from Other Successful Bloggers - Watch Listen and Observe ! - 04/11/09 08:44 AM

Via Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate (RE/MAX Affiliates):
 Learning from Other Successful Bloggers - Watch, Listen and Observe !
When I first started on Active Rain less than a year ago, I had no idea what I was doing in terms of blogging and setting up a blog.  Today I have more of a good idea thanks to the Active Rain community.  In addition, I paid attention and subscribed to many blogs where it was obvious that they were top bloggers and had a lot of information to share.  Further, what I found is that many bloggers here … (0 comments)

BUYERS/SELLERS: ARE YOU TURNED "OFF or ON" by BOASTING & BRAGGING Realtors/Brokers? ~ Let US Know! - 04/11/09 08:44 AM

Via Kat DeLong, REALTOR LAKE ARROWHEAD, CA (909)-273-4542 (WINDERMERE FINE PROPERTIES/LAKE ARROWHEAD):
I've often wondered what exactly makes a buyer or seller choose a particular person or company when they're searching for someone to represent them in the sell or purchase of a home.  I'm hoping, with this post, to get responses from consumers, as well as Realtors/Brokers. INQUIRY MINDS WANT TO KNOW. (This will NOT be a Member's Only post).
ALL Consumers: How do you feel when you read an ADVERTISEMENT (be it on-line, magazine or newspaper) from a Realtor/Broker who is rattling on and on about HOW WONDERFUL THEY ARE? HOW THEY … (0 comments)

Goldman Chief Proposes Revamping Wall St. Pay - 04/11/09 08:37 AM

Via Bendjamin Stokson:
The chief executive of Goldman Sachs, Lloyd C. Blankfein, says Wall Street compensation needs to be overhauled. On Tuesday, he suggested some guidelines, including having an individual’s performance evaluated over time.
He also called for hedge funds to be subjected to government oversight to reduce the kind of excessive risk-taking that stoked the global financial crisis.
Mr. Blankfein, who received compensation valued at nearly $43 million in 2008, said Tuesday that lessons from the crisis included the need to “apply basic standards to how we compensate people in our industry.”
Mr. Blankfein spoke at a meeting of the … (0 comments)

Positive Roll Call!! List positive things that has happened the week of 4/6/09 to keep our spirits high! - 04/10/09 10:49 AM

Via Mike Sher (Real Estate One):
Let's get positive!! We read, see and hear such negative stories during the week which chips at our morale and is just depressing. That is why I am dedicating another post just to allow all of us the opportunity to read a positive story or two. I will start!!:
Sold 2 houses this week Have 7 pending sales on the books Took on 2 new short clients. I calculate that my volume for last year at this time is the same as this year. Picked up 2 new buyers I am having a nice holiday week … (0 comments)

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CHICAGO HOME - Should He Refinance Its Mortgage? - 04/10/09 10:47 AM

Via Dean Moss - Dean's Team Chicago Real Estate Team (Dean's Team - Keller Williams Lincoln Square Chicago):
President Obama has lauded the recent fall of average mortgage interest rates due, in part, to Federal Reserve Board actions.  Lower rates, he feels, could help generate more home buyers, and, hopefully, a turnaround to the housing market, both here in Chicago, and nationally.
But a re-fi on the President's own Chicago home - would it save him and Michelle much money?  Likely not, according to many mortgage experts.
President Obama's family home, at the corner of Hyde Park Boulevard and Greenwood Avenue in … (0 comments)

FHA / HUD sets standards for Mortgagee Monitoring - 04/10/09 10:42 AM

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):
For many that don’t know, FHA was created by the National Housing Act of 1934. What people need to understand is that FHA doesn’t make the loans, but that they insure the mortgages for the lenders sake.  The investors/lenders are the entities that make loans to borrowers. HUD, which stands for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is a government agency that was started in 1965 to help homeowners achieve that American Dream. They help borrowers with HUD approved programs, approves lenders to … (0 comments)

You Never Forget Your First Time: Has The Romance Gone Out of Being a First Time Buyer? - 04/10/09 10:41 AM

Via Janet Guilbault California Mortgage Banker/Broker:
I was a brand new real estate agent, and must have looked pretty ridiculous in my miniskirt, long blond ponytail, driving an over-sized and totally inappropriate white Chevrolet Impala (which was dubbed the "tuna boat" by my husband).
But hey, it was the seventies, the real estate market was rotten, and I was more than a little clueless. It is truly amazing what enthusiasm can overcome when you are a complete green pea.
The very last thing on my mind that balmy Sunday afternoon was BUYING a house. My entire focus was on SELLING a house (to some of my first clients).
When the little red cottage … (0 comments)

The Confident Rookie Series - Secret Five - Cheerfully Waste Your Time - 04/10/09 10:40 AM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
Regular readers of my blog know how I feel about wasting time. I'm all for it! Especially for rookies. This is one of the main reasons I'm opposed to rookies jumping into the biz only half-way (that is, part time) - when you have to carefully guard your time, you can't risk wasting any of it... and that's a shame.
Even as an almost-thirteen year agent, I still cheerfully "waste my time" every chance I get.
What do I mean by that?
I mean that you should take every opportunity to be … (0 comments)

New Listing Located on the Golf Course at River Falls Plantation - 04/09/09 08:45 AM
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How To Add Google Maps To Your Blog and Posts. - 04/09/09 08:38 AM

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
One of the questions I get asked is, " How do you add the Google maps to your blog posts?" Here is the tutorial on how to add the Google maps to your articles, website pages, blogs, etc. In just a few steps; you are ready to go. First set up your own Free Google account. Go to Google.com and set up your Free Google Gmail account. This way you can save all your maps on your igoogle page. I wrote this post about a small … (1 comments)

Getting a Thorough Education - Attending the University of ActiveRain! - 04/09/09 08:36 AM

Via Gene Mundt (Chicago Bancorp):
Ever since joining ActiveRain, I've been amazed at the amount of great information and exciting content there is to read, enjoy, and learn from within it.  It truly has become an online university which I attend daily.
The number of many and varied professionals that take the time to write and share their ideas and innovations is endless.  At any given time I can cherry-pick my "classes" for the day from a plethora of topics.  I can pick-up tips on networking, relating to my customers better, new lending programs, referral techniques, technological wizardry, and much much more.  I had obviously hoped … (0 comments)

DON'T PAY FULL PRICE FOR A HOUSE...IF YOU WANT TO KEEP LOOKING FOREVER - 04/09/09 08:26 AM

Via Florida Pines Realty, Inc:
Looking now at the glut of foreclosed properties on the market, can to some people  be very frustrating. Don't worry you are not alone- many Realtors feel the same way. The entire process has numerous short comings in short sales process and people who are thinking it is a turn key situation are discovering that the alluring prices are often money pits in disguise.  They are also learning that the price tag "may not be sufficient to cover all liens, encumberances and debt" attached to a property.
What does that really mean?  In my market of St. … (0 comments)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAYS ::: Watching the fading sun - 04/08/09 05:16 PM

Via Carol Smith (Keller Williams Preferred Realty (soon to be!)):
 

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Wordless Wednesday.... Spring is here in my East Goshen Garden! - 04/08/09 05:15 PM

Via Susan Mangigian, West Chester PA Realtor RE/MAX Preferred, ABR (RE/MAX Preferred, West Chester, PA, RS152252A):
 
 



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Wordless Wednesday - Crimson Queen - 04/08/09 03:31 PM

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Wordless Wednesday - Spring Flowers in the Grass - 04/08/09 03:22 PM

Via John Mayer (Pytha Realty Corp):
Spring Flowers in the Florida Grass - No mowing allowed (for now)

This photo is copyright (c), all rights reserved and may not be used or reproduced without permission from John Mayer. Permission can granted with a link back to my website and / or blog, providing the site is appropriate for everyone. Photographs are a great way to share the world. Thank you for viewing.
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Wordless Wednesdays - Sonoma - 04/08/09 03:20 PM

Via Larry Bettag - Cherry Creek Mortgage:
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Spring Has Blossomed - 04/08/09 03:18 PM

Via Danny Thornton (R & D Management):
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Wordless Wednesday - "Fanfare for Spring" - 04/08/09 03:17 PM

Via Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC):
───
For more information on my coaching and educational programs and services, sales tips, insights, strategies, or podcasts (Steve Hoffacker's Happenings), visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my other blog homesalesinsights.com. © Steve Hoffacker, 2009. All Rights Reserved. This is original, copyrighted photography and the property of Steve Hoffacker and may not be copied or reused without permission.
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Wordless Wednesday From Colorado-Paint Mine - 04/08/09 03:17 PM

Via Debi Boucher - Memories DVDs Slideshows "Real Estate Showcase"/ Photographer (Memories DVDs "Bring your Photos to Life!"):
 
 
Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow DVD as a listing tool. Gift a DVD copy to the buyer at closing to share with out of town friends and family. Post it on your own website. Post it on your blog to advertise your listings.
Photos taken by Debi Boucher, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission.  Memories DVDs Photo Slideshow DVD and Web Presentations, "Real Estate Showcase", to assist with … (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - 04/08/09 03:16 PM

Via Steve Kappre, Gloucester County, NJ Loan Officer/Mortgage Planner - 856.419.3561 (Treasury Mortgage):
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Wordless Wednesday for real, April Sky Over New Milford - 04/08/09 03:14 PM

Via Andrea Swiedler (Prudential Adams & Associates, REALTORS):
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Wordless Wednesday - 04/08/09 03:14 PM

Via Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc):
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Just The Beginning... - 04/08/09 03:11 PM

Via Rich Dansereau Loan Officer Knoxville TN (Taylor, Bean & Whitaker):
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We can't just blame Wall Street or the Government... - 04/08/09 03:10 PM

Via James Downing - REALTOR®,GRI, ABR - DC Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
I am going to write about a very sensitive subject.  There are strong opinions on both sides - however I am someplace in the middle.  Now this was inspired by someone whom I have the utmost respect for; fellow blogger and Real Estate Broker, Lenn Harley."They Bought Homes They Couldn't Afford" Is a phrase we often hear.  It is a phrase that, as Lenn says; "sends chills down her spine..."  Well I can't (always) agree with that.People DID buy homes they could not afford and Yes the banks … (0 comments)

Announcing Charlotte NC's FIRST REBar Camp - MAY 15! - 04/08/09 03:09 PM

Via Debe Maxwell Talk Charlotte with Charlotte's Realtor® (Helen Adams Realty):
ANNOUNCING REBAR CAMP CHARLOTTE NC--MAY 15TH The event planners are proud to announce that REbarcamp is making its way to the Queen City!  WOOHOO!  Call it whatever you like, REbarcampCLT, REBCCLT, REbarcamp Charlotte (CLT),  this is an event that you will not want to miss.  This is one event that you cannot pass up either--from anywhere in the country, this event is for you--it's FREE!
Here's the scoop on REBarCamp Charlotte:
May 15th from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Uptown Charlotte (the venue is TBD)  Free Admission!  OH, yes, I said… it’s … (1 comments)

When you represent a Buyer Looking at Short Sales : What to do or not do - 04/08/09 03:07 PM

Via Elena Martinovici Broker- Phoenix , Arizona (Professional Marketing Realty):
Part one :
I do a lot of short sales... well, not hundreds but a few at the time that I devote a lot of personal attention and have closed a few ( the ones that don't close is most times because the buyer walked away right before the approval came back). I know a lot more about the process from experience now than some agents that have not had any done but are working with buyers. Nothing wrong with that .. buyers agents do a good job and we need them. here are a few points to keep in mind:
… (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday, Under the Tree - 04/08/09 07:04 AM

Via Randy DeLaMare (Utah Select Realty, Inc.):
… (0 comments)

A Child's View of His World - 04/08/09 07:04 AM

Via Bruce & Mary Smith REALTORS® Savannah Lakes Village McCormick SC (Savannah Lakes Homes):
… (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Morning Dew - 04/08/09 07:03 AM
Beautiful photo!
Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.Crofton, MD 21114410-451-6255 Office443-995-9595 CellWeb: http://www.RichSellsHomes.comeMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate SpecialistBowie MD Real Estate SpecialistCrofton MD Real Estate Specialist
©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved
All photos and written content were produced by Richard Iarossi. Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®, Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD.
… (0 comments)

The New Business Card - This is AWESOME!!! - 04/07/09 09:37 PM

Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:
  My, how times have changed!  Is your business card still the same?  Why? Guidelines for the New Business Card: -Your Twitter and Facebook ID -Your Website and Blog address - what a great way to promote your AR Outside Blog!   Don't forget to add your Friendfeed widget to your sites! -Your e-mail address (make sure it's professional, NO ReheadCutie@gmail.com  !!!  Mine is Mirela@BuyersChoiceSC.com )  -Maximize the space:  use the back side of the Business card also! -Don't forget to add a picture of you and/or one of your listings (or at least the type of property you specialize … (0 comments)

5 Reasons why you shouldn't blog - 04/07/09 09:33 PM

Via Stephen Strickhausen (Keller Williams Realty):
It has been several months now since I have actively started blogging. I would have to say that the results have truly been amazing. For those of us that are still new to the blogging world I wanted to give 5 reasons why you wouldn't want to dive into it!
1) If you don't want to make new friends then this is not the place.Since I have started blogging I have "met" many Realtors and gotten a lot of great advice and encouragement. The connections that I have been making on a weekly basis has begun to … (0 comments)

FHA Defaults on The Rise - 04/07/09 09:32 PM

Via Mark MacKenzie Real Estate Planning:
According to an article on CNBC.com, "7.46 percent of FHA-insured loans were "seriously delinquent", up from 6.16 percent a year earlier."
Additionally, FHA foreclosures, "totaled 39,687 in January, up 22 percent from the same period last year."
Here is the problem, despite all of the efforts by the Fed and Congress to "stimulate" the housing market through loan modifications, foreclosure moratoriums, first time home buyer tax credits, and ridiculously low mortgage rates, the housing market is no better off than it was last year.  In fact, based on these FHA delinquency numbers as well as an estimated 11.18% … (0 comments)

How do you accept the word "NO" ? - 04/07/09 09:30 PM

Via Claude Cross Charlotte NC Real Estate (HomesByCross,Inc.) :
Does it rattle you, or zap your mojo?
I receive much more NO's than I do Yes's. You Bet. How does it affect me? Like water on a duck's back.
I am not an unfeeling bore with skin thicker than Kevlar. I just understand this is part of the business.
If you have a low tollerance for the word "NO". Maybe the present market is not what you ordered. I remember when it felt like we took orders. It was pretty fun. You could develop bad habits and still somehow succeed.
Look, I … (0 comments)

Realtor being a hero or inappropriate? - 04/07/09 09:29 PM

Via Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Prudential Professional Realtors, GRI):
                                                                                    
I recently had a friend call me who said she and her husband had listed their home with an agent whom they had previously worked with to buy it.  She called me for advice one day and indicated that her home was listed in the MLS but that she had not yet signed a listing contract with her agent. 
The seller started asking me questions about the listing agreement the agent had emailed but not reviewed with her.  I didn't want to be in the middle and encouraged her to communicate directly with her agent.  I … (0 comments)

Do You Prospect the Internet? - 04/07/09 09:27 PM

Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Youngblood Real Estate LLC):
How many times have you gone to the local board meetings, whether it be your local school board or your local board of Realtors, and tried to prospect for potential clients? Do you go knock doors in your service neighborhoods? Do you hang door hangers, do you leave your business card with new people you meet? 
If you're a successful Realtor you have done one, if not all, of these prospecting activities. But what about people on the internet who don't know any real estate agents, don't really … (0 comments)

Blogging SEO: Begin at the Beginning! - 04/07/09 09:25 PM

Via Dustin Luther (4Realz.net):
Yesterday, I asked the AR Community what topics I should cover, and I got a ton of great feedback...  With Harrison Painter starting off the requests by asking for some more SEO information...
Not wanting to get ahead of myself, I thought I'd start with an overview of what is SEO in the context of blogging.   Of course, I look forward to going into more detail in the future, but we gotta start somewhere, so might as well start right at the beginning!  ;)
There are as many ways to understand optimizing your website as there are SEO … (0 comments)

Ethically I thought cloning was wrong, but I’m ready to change my mind! - 04/07/09 09:24 PM

Via Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach), GRI (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Palazzo Realty Group):
I have many years left in real estate, and if I stay in real estate for 30 + years like many of you have, then I’m ready to clone one my new buyers that I called me last Thursday. I will admit that this is completely for selfish reasons, but come on, I’m allowed to be selfish every once in awhile, right?
Why this sudden change in attitude about cloning?

Have you ever have one of those dream customers? Well, this guy was that dream … (0 comments)

The Rookie Series - Ten Secrets to Looking as if You've Done This Before! - 04/07/09 09:22 PM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
Last August I held a 3-hour workshop in Denver called "The Confident Rookie - Ten Secrets to Looking as if You've Done this Before!" Fun time, good crowd.
For whatever reason, my inbox & forum have been flooded lately with questions from new and newer agents on many of the topics I covered in this presentation, so what the heck? I'll do a blog series here on the Rain and score some easy points ;-]
A little disclaimer... despite the title of the series; I'm not going to tell rookies how to trick their … (0 comments)

Which is More Important to You - Serving Your Current Clients or Pursuing Your Future Ones? - 04/07/09 09:22 PM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
(My opinion will be glaringly apparent in about 10 seconds).
I'm horrified on a daily basis by the emphasis in our industry on PROSPECTING PROSPECTING PROSPECTING! Anyone who reads my blog already knows that, but here I am again with my jaw dropped to the floor at some recent comments on another blogger's post. I won't repeat them here because I have no desire to publicly criticize anyone (must be feeling abnormally sweet today) and besides, it's only my opinion, but JEEZ! To imply, heck to outright state that our most important … (0 comments)

The Confident Rookie Series - Secret Three - Don't Wing it with Your New Buyer! - 04/07/09 09:21 PM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
Moving on from yesterday's rant, here's the third Secret to Being a Confident Rookie - Preview, Preview, Preview!!
Before you go out with a buyer for the first time, preview every single house you're considering showing him or her. I promise you, you'll rule out more than half of them and will be relieved that you did. If you show a typical buyer a house that shows poorly, smells funny or has a crazy floorplan, he'll figure you don't know what you're doing, because buyers think we know every house … (0 comments)

The Confident Rookie Series - Secret Two - Practice with Your Printer! - 04/07/09 09:20 PM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
Picking up from yesterday's blog about how important it for rookies to Master Their Systems before they need them; today I'll add just a little bit more to that project.
Practice with Your Printer. This may sound silly, but when you're writing an offer for a buyer, it's nerve-wracking if you can't get the printer to work. Seriously.
I wrote my very first offer back in 1996 at 6:00 pm on a Friday night in my Coldwell Banker office. I called my broker away from Happy Hour to help me (yep, he … (0 comments)

The Confident Rookie Series - Secret One - Master Your Systems BEFORE You Need Them! - 04/07/09 09:19 PM

Via Jennifer Allan, Author of Sell with Soul (Sell with Soul):
How comfy are you with your systems? Specifically, your MLS and your contract software? For me, if I'm not proficient with my tools of my trade, it's easy for me to shy away from using them. Well, in OUR trade, shying away from using the MLS or your contract software is pretty much fatal to your chances of bringing in a paycheck. KWIM?
Last year, after two years away from the trenches, I re-activated my real estate license. The RE/MAX office I joined had a new fancy-schmantzy contract software program I'd … (0 comments)

NO MO... - 04/07/09 08:20 AM

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Have you ever had one of those weeks or days when you just have the BLAHS. One side of you says don't just do something, sit there like a bump on a log. The other side says gotta get out and make hay while the sun is shining. Some may call it having a bad case of NO MO. Now I know that I am from the South as I grew up on a farm in the southern part of Georgia. And, that part of the south had … (1 comments)

Are You Willing To Loose The House For $2,000 Differnece? - 04/07/09 08:18 AM

Via Central Oregon Real Estate | Broker Thesa Chambers, Licensed in Oregon (RE/MAX Sunset Realty La Pine):
Buyers today are in the drivers seat more than ever, we all know this and buyers are educated about it.  However, when do you stop and say - ok.  Every time a buyer or seller puts out a new offer or a counter offer they take the chance of the other walking away.  We all have our bottom line and some of us do not want to move off that number. 
But... Buyers and sellers are you risking the home of your dreams or the … (0 comments)

What? A Request For Repair? - 04/07/09 08:17 AM

Via Marvin de la Vega (Real Estate Pros, Inc.):
Have you ever had a seller wonder what this was all about? Chances are if you're a Rainmaker you've coached your clients well, both buyers and sellers alike. On occasion my sellers are blindsided with some creative requests. Here's how I coach both buyers and sellers to prevent this from happening. Note: Buyers and sellers reading this, you might impress your agent, pay attention...
Understand the part of the contract where "as is" is mentioned. In California the purchase contract specifically states "the property is sold in its present physical condition". What this means is … (0 comments)

Pictures of naked ladies! - 04/07/09 08:16 AM
 
Via Turn-Key Properties LLC, Kansas City Investment Property:
They say that porn is the most often searched item on the Internet. So I figure with a keyword like that I'm bound to get some voluminous traffic!
So here they are my pictures of naked ladies, I like naked ladies a lot, I stopped to photograph these last year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Now I know most of you are thinking this is shameless traffic producing trickery, and I'd have to say you're right! But I … (0 comments)

What the Wal-Mart Lady Taught Me In Five Words - 04/07/09 08:13 AM

Via David Black (Keller Williams Realty Metro South):
Sometimes, the people you might least expect to have an influence in your life can be the ones who really surprise you.  I'll have to hand that honor to the check-out clerk at the Wal-Mart that my wife, Colleen, and I visited over the weekend.
In the interest of full disclosure, you should be aware that we are not big fans of Wal-Mart and shop there only occasionally at most.  That's because, during most of my visits during the past few years, we encountered employees who seemed genuinely uninterested that we were even there.  … (0 comments)

When in Doubt, Disclose - 04/07/09 08:08 AM

Via JL Boney, III Columbia, SC Real Estate (Russell and Jeffcoat):
 I hear a lot of agents talk about the perils of disclosure in this business. What they are required to disclose and what they are not. I have also read several posts on different forums that posed the exact same question and handle to handle a more specific situation with their clients as well as other buyers and sellers. For me I operate off of a simple rule of thumb.
 When in doubt disclose. If you are not sure whether or not you should disclose a particular situation, then it is … (0 comments)

How To Create and Maximize Your Outside Blog - 04/06/09 07:26 PM

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain):
Here's the quickest and easiest 7-step plan to setup and maximize your ActiveRain Outside Blog.  These directions should help you to have your Blog set-up in no time at all.  Allow 30-60 minutes to complete these steps. ActiveBlogs are currently available to ALL Rainmaker and Grandfathered AR members. Find Out More

Step One:
Creating Your ActiveRain Outside Blog First, be sure you are logged into ActiveRain.  Click "My Home" to get started. 
From the tools and links on your "Left Sidebar" click on "Outside Blog"    
(Some members may already have a … (0 comments)

I'M NO EXPERT!! AND I WONDER HOW SO MANY FOLKS BECAME EXPERTS IN SO MANY FIELDS?? - 04/06/09 07:24 PM

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
                                        "I HAVE A WEB SITE and NOW I'M A WEB SITE EXPERT"
HOW DID SO MANY REAL ESTATE AGENTS BECOME SEO EXPERTS?
It's curious to see a blog post from a Real Estate Agent member of ActiveRain offering advice to other members about web site construction or SEO.
Many real estate practitioners have developed successful and profitible web sites.  With experience on the Internet, we learn.  However, when someone offers advice about how agents can create successful web site, seems to me that their own web sites should meet the … (0 comments)

A New Form Of Identity Theft--Agents AND Consumers BEWARE of Craigslist Scam - 04/06/09 08:14 AM

Via Debe Maxwell Talk Charlotte with Charlotte's Realtor® (Helen Adams Realty):
 A New Form Of Identity Theft--Agents and Consumers BEWARE of Craigslist Scam I post all of my listings on Craigslist from my website, among many other sites.  I began receiving calls about my 'rental' that was on Craigslist.  It was regarding a brand new listing that was posted there and the home was NEVER listed for rent and won't be--it is strictly FOR SALE.  Several callers had seen 'my ad' for $800/month rent with a $400. security deposit and wondered if they could see the home!  They find my number when … (1 comments)

Well, that wasn’t the results I was expecting! - 04/06/09 07:44 AM

Via Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach), GRI (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Palazzo Realty Group):
On Friday evening I wrote a post, “Why and how I think the $8,000 tax credit could be better spent”. This post came about because of a footer that I was putting on a post that I put up tonight called, “Beaverton First Time Home Buyers can realize a $8,000 tax credit if they buy before December 1, 2009”

Now, when I wrote that, I certainly didn’t expect to get it featured. It was just my opinion that I wanted to put as a footer… … (0 comments)

#1 Tip for Successful Blogging??? - 04/06/09 07:43 AM

Via Dustin Luther (4Realz.net):
#1 Do *not* over-think yourself!  
It's been too long since I updated my AR blog, so my initial reaction is to do a massive everything-under-the-sun post that "perfectly" encapsulates everything I've been working in the year+ since I've been active... 
However, I know myself well enough to know that ain't gonna happen...  Whenever I start to write a HUGE post, I end up over-thinking myself, writing piece, saving drafts and never hitting the publish button.   That's gotta be the #1 reason I really like micro-blogging sites is that it forces me to hit "publish" on an … (0 comments)

Active Rain is about Building Relationships Through Blogging!! - 04/06/09 07:43 AM

Via Mesa, Arizona Real Estate *** Teri Ellis, Broker, ABR,CRS,GRI,ePRO,MRE (Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC):
Active Rain is About Building Relationships through Blogging!!!  I think of a relationship as being between two or more people. When I write a blog post - especially on Active Rain - I know I have an audience including other real estate professionals, buyers, sellers, or just blog readers.
Yesterday, I received a call from an agent that I knew six plus year's ago. He noticed that I had started my own company, and had lately been wondering why he was writing a check to the brokerage for … (0 comments)

Red Shirt Fridays - In Support of our Troops - 04/06/09 07:40 AM

Via Liz Moras- Team Leader & Managing Broker Keller Williams Valley Realty (Serving Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Langley & Fraser Valley):
This isn't my story....but its a story worth telling....."Last week, while traveling to  Toronto on business, I noticed an army sergeant traveling with a folded flag, but did not put two and two together....After we boarded our flight, I turned to the sergeant, who'd been invited to sit in First Class (across from me), and inquired if he was heading home. "
       'No', he responded.     'Heading out', I asked?     'No. I'm escorting a soldier home.'    'Going to pick him up?'    'No. He is … (1 comments)

The Police are following me on Twitter - 04/05/09 09:06 AM

Via Linda Davis (RE/MAX Realty Group):
An email recently landed in my inbox with the subject line " Ledyard Police is now following you on Twitter."  I admit it was a bit disconcerting.  Actually, I freaked out temporarily when I realized I was one of only 3 people being followed.  I ran into  "Ledyard Police" a few nights later.  I'm a member of the Ledyard Town Council and we were discussing the police budget.  (Honestly, I don't make this stuff up.) As it turns out  "Ledyard Police" was following me for all the right reasons.  It seems that police departments in … (0 comments)

Take Control and Change Your Attitude! - 04/05/09 08:58 AM

Via Harrison Painter Deals in Indianapolis, Tampa, & Atlanta (Gladiator Real Estate Investment Group):
You hear this chatter around the water cooler all of the time in 2009:
"The economy is so bad!" - "This is all Obama's fault!" - "This is all Bush's fault!"
"Those AIG executives!" - "Over a Trillion Dollars?" - "NAR is not doing enough!"
I really only have one response right now: "WHO CARES! Take control and change your attitude!"
Look, I do not want you to think that I am taking any of this lightly, i am not. The reality is that we can not change … (0 comments)

ARE YOU THE "TO THE POINT" OR "GO ON FOREVER" MESSAGE LEAVER? - 04/05/09 08:58 AM

Via Paula Swayne Realtor - Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park Homes Specialist (Windermere Dunnigan Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715):
Richard Iarossi just wrote a blog about people not checking their messages in favor of just calling the person back.  I started to write a diatribe on my theory about this phenomenon and realized that he had inspired a post! So, here goes...
Richard was talking about people calling another person and, rather than the person listening to the message prior to returning the call (if necessary to return), they just call back to find out what they are calling about.
I … (0 comments)

Twin Lakes, Moore South Carolina - 04/04/09 06:21 PM
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Links O Tryon Golf and Country Club, Campobello, South Carolina - 04/04/09 06:17 PM
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Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired on Spartanburg South Carolina's Eastside - 04/04/09 06:06 PM
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River Falls Plantation, A Gary Player Signature Golf Course, Duncan, SC - 04/04/09 06:01 PM
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Built with every detail in mind! Boiling Springs, SC - 04/04/09 05:56 PM
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Great Home in Bent Creek Plantation, Greer, SC - 04/04/09 05:51 PM
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Charming Bungalow on Private Wooded Lot!! - 04/04/09 05:41 PM
Location: Spartanburg, SC This is a great opportunity to own your own home. You may qualify for a tax credit if you are a first time home buyer. Home has been updated with fresh paint, new carpet and new vinyl in kitchen. This home could be really charming with some TLC, a must see to be appreciated. The nicely wooded lot and thecircle driveway create a private setting for this cottage style home. The bonus room could be used as an office, den or a third bedroom. There's plenty ofstorage space in the basement and the large crawl space. Conveniently located … (0 comments)

Beautiful Home in Glen Lake, Boiling Springs, SC - 04/04/09 05:38 PM
… (0 comments)

Real Estate By Referral Only - SLAM THAT LIE TO THE GROUND! - 04/04/09 05:30 PM

Via Lonn Dugan (BIG Marketing Solutions):



I have had it with the Real Estate BY REFERRAL ONLY programs. 
Why do they have such broad appeal?  Because they sound easy (and inexpensive) to an agent who has been trying to generate leads by MARKETING.   
Is it possible?  Sure!  Can you build your business through referrals?  Absolutely.  
It is even possible to build a business strictly on referral basis - especially for certain personality types.   
But is it likely?  No.  And is it easy?  Hardly.  Such a business plan is very one sided - and doomed to fail except … (0 comments)

Twitter Tools: Who should you follow? Who's NOT following you? - 04/04/09 05:29 PM

Via Regina P. Brown Real Estate on the California Coast:
Okay, I've now accumulated 7 8 new COOL Twitter tools that I just HAD to share with you (if you're on Twitter, that is!).
1. http://twitter.com/MrTweet - Who should you follow?  This great service analyzes your profile and the folks you are following, and recommends new people for you to follow.  It's excellent!
2. http://friendorfollow.com - Who's NOT following you?  This brand NEW service shows you ALL the people you are following, who are NOT following you back.  So you can send them each a "tweet" asking that they follow you back.  "I'm following you … (0 comments)

Tips To Get Read and Fed-Visual Beauty - 04/04/09 05:28 PM

Via Midori Miller-Daytona Beach Florida Real Estate Trainer (CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty):
No I am not giving SEO tips but visual beauty tips, not for you as a human but your masterpiece blogs.  Everyday I receive emails because many want the big secrets to get featured.. obtaining blog beauty...and growing their readership..I have a few answers but not all of them...and I am here to disappoint a few.... in truth I have no idea..no pull...no understanding when it comes to getting featured!
I do not write for the fellas...I write for my readers...I write for new readers...and I write for me!  But … (0 comments)

The "Real" Unemployment Rate Jumps To 15.6% - 04/04/09 05:27 PM

Via Mark MacKenzie Real Estate Planning:
While all of the media points to an 8.5% unemployment rate in March according to the U-3 labor report data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number you won't hear anybody talking about is the U-6 unemployment number which jumped from 14.8% to 15.6%.
The U-6 unemployment number includes three types of workers that are overlooked by the U-3 number:
1.)  Marginally attached workers - people that want a full time job, have looked for one in the past, but are no longer looking for work.
2.)  Discouraged workers - those that have given a job market … (0 comments)

ActiveRain Easter Egg Hunt - 04/04/09 05:25 PM

Via Maureen McCabe Central OH Homes (Real Living HER - Worthington OH):
ActiveRain Easter Egg Hunt or Green Eggs and SPAM?

I don't know what your experience in the past couple of weeks has been but I keep finding comments that I was not aware of.  My ActiveRain Settings ususally  let me know if there is a comment made on my posts.  Comments are usually on My Home and in my email.  
Lately a number of comments have NOT been in either place.
Yesterday I got an email and a notification about Maggie and and Khash's comments but not Lenn's … (0 comments)

It's time to sing a new song, have you been practicing and perfecting your skills? - 04/04/09 07:42 AM

Via Richard Weisser Coweta Fayette Real Estate ERA United Realty:
Last evening, after the office front door was locked, some fellow real estate agents and I got together for our nightly "pickin' and singin'" session. We play some old standards, and try to learn a few new songs here and there.
The office manager happened by, and asked "can you do Jim Croce's Time in a Bottle, because that's the most awesome song ever." I replied that I didn't, but I would learn it for his benefit. He then took a phone call and walked away.
After he finished the call, he … (0 comments)

Does a Quid Pro Quo from Appraiser Taint the Appraisal Process? - 04/04/09 07:41 AM

Via Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate (Long and Foster, Crofton Real Estate):
UP
Any real estate agent or lender who's been in the business more than a few months has probably experienced a disappointing appraisal on a sale or listing.  This is even more likely under the new appraisal regulations which require a lender to use a third party source, known as an "Appraisal Management Company", because there's apparently no rhyme or reason to the assignment.  No local expertise required... just an appraiser's license.  We all know how relevant that is because of our own limitations - we know that all real … (0 comments)

How to Maximize Your Social Media Time - 04/04/09 07:40 AM

Via Tim White (Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt - Hart, MI):
You want to do it.
You need to do it.
You KNOW you need to do it!
But where do you find the time to squeeze in building your web presence? How do balance dealing with current business, while at the same time build for new business?? You already have to much to do! It's too much! ARGHHHHHHH!!!
Stop. Breathe. Relax. Wusaahhhh...
 
Perhaps my favorite and most often used quote is, "Work smarter, not harder." So how can we apply this to Social Media? I'm going to share a few techniques … (0 comments)

Need for Humidity - 04/04/09 07:38 AM

Via Wade Williamson (Axium Inspections):
The drying effects of home heating are constantly at work in the winter. For the sake of comfort and health an indoor humidity level between 30-50% is recommended. As outdoor temperatures drop, humidity levels indoors should be lowered. The humidity is right for you when the room feels "comfortable". Signs of low humidity are static electricity, a physically uncomfortable dry feeling, plants that wither and die, and a cold feeling even though the room temperature is relatively high.
Cleaning humidifiers
First and foremost, follow the manufacturer's instructions to clean a humidifier. It is important to clean the … (0 comments)

Why We Post and DASH! - 04/04/09 07:16 AM

Via Debe Maxwell Talk Charlotte with Charlotte's Realtor® (Helen Adams Realty):
Why We Post and Dash! I've read recently that there are some that don't understand why members don't respond back to each and every comment that is left on their posts.  Folks, I am here to say that for many of us, it is virtually (no pun intended!) impossible!   We are writing for several reasons--to garner business from both the consumer and our fellow agents, to share knowledge and we sometimes write just for the heck of it.
 I'm not quite sure which category this post would fit into! LOL … (0 comments)

Why and how I think the $8,000 tax credit could be better spent - 04/04/09 07:16 AM

Via Todd Clark (Broker/Sales Coach), GRI (Beaverton, Oregon Real Estate Expert) (Palazzo Realty Group):
I applaud the government for trying to at least do something to stimulate the economy by getting the housing market going. I think the government is trying to get things moving by doing the only thing they know how to do when they see a problem. THROW MONEY AT IT!
Here is the why I think this $8,000 tax credit is a bad idea. Today there are more home owners than there ever has been at any other point in our history. So, throwing money at people … (0 comments)

Auctions work great with short sales - 04/04/09 07:15 AM

Via Sarah Sonke, Auctioneer/Broker (AuctionFirst.com):
Agents are quickly learning how to work short sale deals.  But conventional real estate has limitations in this area mainly because when the banks take forever to make a decision, buyers get impatient and walk away from the deal.Auctions are a perfect match with short sales and here's why:1. The auction terms can require a high enough deposit that no one would ever walk away from.  Our last short sale had a deposit of $24,000.  The seller did get impatient, but didn't want to lose that much money.2. The auction creates competition.  Banks like the fact that … (0 comments)

Follow Up: Do REALTORS® Owe Anything to Those Hit by Housing? - 04/04/09 07:14 AM

Via Dawn Maloney, ABR (RE/MAX Commitment):
Fair and Balanced? No way!
I have to follow up on this because it's just so incredibly infuriating.
Note - Newscaster Brian Sullivan actually called me to discuss this. He would like to hear our side. He also said he is not anti-REALTOR®...
This was my post earlier today: Do REALTORS® Owe Anything to Those Hit By Housing?
Thank you to those who responded, but I guess Fox Business is full of one-sided newscasters who think real estate agents are overpaid, greedy, selfish, uncaring morons who run around pushing unsuspecting victims into homes they cannot afford.
… (0 comments)

Realtors® Win! No Banks In Real Estate! - 04/04/09 07:11 AM

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Realtors® just won the long fought battle to keep banks out of Real Estate. It certainly has been a no brainer to prove that banks just don't have what it takes to be in the people business after all the short sale fiascoes and foreclosures problems.  
While I have no clue why this bill was placed in the H.R. 1105 Omnibus Appropriations Bill because it really has nothing to do with all the spending and I am totally against the massive spending- at least I can … (0 comments)

iPhone APPS for Real Estate Professionals - 04/04/09 07:10 AM

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain):
iPhone APPS for Real Estate Professionals
I am pleased to announce that today MobileAppLoader has launched its beta program for small businesses.  This ground-breaking product -- one of a kind -- enables small businesses to deploy customized mobile applications for iPhones and include them in App Stores.  For a limited time, they are offering the customizable iPhone application, "Real Estate - Real Easy"  for free with no setup or monthly fees during the beta period. As many of you know, I love my iPhone as a business tool and yes, as a cell phone too.  I use it all … (0 comments)

Your Inquisitive Nature Can Be A Viral Business Building Favor - 04/04/09 07:09 AM

Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
Online Marketing requires an inquisitive nature to make sure you are on target and relevant.  It takes an inquiring mind to make sure that you are having two way conversations and engaging readership, prospects, and customers in a web 2.0 world.
How's your natural tendency for Q and A----do you scamper in the other direction or do you gravitate toward engagement?  Q and A is a great link building, viral market campaign strategy that can bring you prospects, readership, and Google Juice if you are willing … (0 comments)

REBarCamp Los Angeles on April 2: A Day to Remember and Wealth of Learning - 04/04/09 07:08 AM

Via Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 (RE/MAX Associates):
I was at RE Bar Camp Los Angeles (a.k.a. #REBCLA for all you twits) in Pasadena, with lots of other folks - I was told the account was 298. Hard to believe it finally happened, as we began having discussions about this not long after REBlogWorld in Las Vegas in August 2007. The excitement was palpable, and there were so many people to meet...and undoubtedly not enough time to do so. 
Check out Dakno.TV for archived sessions if you missed any of the streaming video they did.
Here is a short … (0 comments)

Marketing is a lot like exercising...tone and see results - 04/04/09 07:07 AM

Via Anne Marie Malfi, "Marketing" Virtual Assistant/Owner, Bucks County, PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions):
Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, and I don't know about you, but right now I'm dreading seeing my body in a bathing suit.  Yes, the effects of the winter and not closely paying attention to my diet and exercise routine are clearly evident to me.
So why am I sharing that with you?  I strongly believe that marketing and exercise can be very closely related and will show how when you think of your commitment to exercise and all the benefits it provides … (0 comments)

How Your Personal Dunbar Number Effects Your Ability to Effectively Network Online - 04/04/09 07:06 AM

Via Mary McKnight (Sacrilicious Marketing):
OK, Im gonna get all Ivy League "thinky" on you. If you think you can handle a dash of Mary sans controversy, read on. Oh, yeah, I also pull out my sociology degree in this one, so be prepared for theory and statistics. Its gonna be hot and a little heavy.
In sociology, there is this funky monkey number called the Dunbar Number AKA "the theoretical cognitive limit to the number of people with whom one can maintain stable social relationships." That number is generally accepted to be around 150. Basically what this means is that … (0 comments)

Every now and then we just have to STOP....... - 04/04/09 07:05 AM

Via Don Rogers REALTOR®, CRS O'Fallon MO & St Charles County MO homes (RE/MAX Gold):
Every now and then we just have to STOP.......
And smell the roses.  Earlier today Gary Woltal wrote a post titled " I Can't Watch The World Fast Enough.".  In which he talks about the speed of the world that we now live in. 
We are constantly trying to cram more things into the day and still fall further and further behind.  It's kinda like the hurrier I go the more behinder I get.  Gary talked about all of the speed of the internet and all that we … (2 comments)

Fear of Loss is Greater than the Anticipation of Gain! - 04/03/09 08:21 AM
  
If you work with buyers you know many of them find the home of their dreams but are reluctant to "pull the trigger" and write an offer.  Making that commitment can be difficult.  They use a number of excuses such as we need to sleep on it, there is one more house we want to see next weekend, I want to talk with my Mom and Dad first and so forth.  Great Buyers Agents will often put things in perspective by asking;   "If you delay your decision and decide in a couple of days to make an offer and I … (1 comments)

The Housing Market Will Come Back Just Like The Stock Market - 04/03/09 07:41 AM

Via Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty):
We most likely have a little ways to go before Real Estate markets throughout the country finally hit bottom. After all there is still a significant amount of foreclosure inventory that needs to be sold, as well as new foreclosure inventory that has not yet hit the market.
According to Rick Sharga, Vice President for marketing at Realty Trac, a foreclosure listing firm, there were around 700,000 foreclosed homes nationwide at the end of last year that had not been listed yet. This "shadow inventory" of unsold homes certainly could drag the … (1 comments)

Think Like A Buyer - And Your Listings Will Sell - 04/03/09 07:40 AM

Via Kristina Pratt, Realtor - JustDuckyHomes.com (St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs - Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors):
Back in 2005, anyone with a real estate license could sell a house.  Snap a picture, stick a sign in the yard and put the listing in the MLS with a one sentence description and you were done.  Those days are long, long gone.
The numbers in my market indicate that the chances of selling a home in Edwardsville/Glen Carbon is only 42%.  42%... that's staggering.  The houses that are selling are the ones that are priced right, show well and are marketed effectively.
We've got quite … (0 comments)

Add $50,000 to your bottom line: Hit your target with your links! - 04/03/09 07:38 AM

Via Bob Stewart - ActiveRain (ActiveRain):
Linking from your posts to your IDX home search site should be one of the primary strategies you employ as you create content for your blog. How you create these links and where you send the person clicking on them could make the difference in how your readers interact with you. The proper implementation of this strategy could be the difference between converting your blog readers into clients and ultimately business and simply being someone providing information out of the goodness of your heart.
Remember, you should be blogging for business!
It is no secret that … (0 comments)

Are You a Golfer? What's Augusta National Like? Part 2 - 04/02/09 04:35 PM

Via Bruce & Mary Smith REALTORS® Savannah Lakes Village McCormick SC (Savannah Lakes Homes):
Are You a Golfer? What's Augusta National Like? Part 2
Drive into the public parking areas of Augusta National and it's hard not to be aware of ‘green.'  Everything you see is lush and green and manicured.  (Most home owners would be happy with grass as beautiful as in the parking lots at Augusta National.)  Most fans arrive early to walk the course and see the golfers - several times!  Many of the ‘big names' make early tee times for practice rounds so when the gates to the course … (0 comments)

Are You a Golfer? The Masters Tournament Part 1 - 04/02/09 04:35 PM

Via Bruce & Mary Smith REALTORS® Savannah Lakes Village McCormick SC (Savannah Lakes Homes):
Are You a Golfer? The Masters Tournament Part 1
Are you a golfer? Do you have anyone in your family who is a golfer? Do you have a client who is a golfer? Do you like to watch golf on television? Do you know a golfer? Answer any of the above questions with a ‘Yes' and you probably are familiar with the Masters Tournament at the Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia.  Perhaps you may have watched it on television or you have been to Augusta to a … (0 comments)

New Proposed Tax On Commissions. - 04/02/09 04:33 PM

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:
I spent Wednesday morning in Hartford for Realtor Day At the Capitol, where we were given details on issues that we should consider supporting, and issues that we need to come out enforce against. I plan on covering a couple of the issues that we need to strongly oppose, and one that should be supported.  I will start with the one that probably ticked me off the most House Bill HB 6349, and cover the other two in their own posts.
It was no surprise to learn that Connecticut like a lot … (0 comments)

Case-Shiller: Is it Really THAT Bad? - 04/02/09 04:25 PM

Via Spencer Rascoff (Zillow):
Dr Stan Humphries, Zillow's Chief Economist, has a great post over on ZillowBlog which I'll republish below. It dissects a very important issue that you all face every day in your business: how to talk about what's happening in the real estate market.
Unfortunately, the most commonly cited measures of the state of the real estate market are median sale price data from NAR or a local MLS, and the the S&P Case-Shiller Index. In the past, we've discussed differences between the Zillow Home Value Index and Case-Shiller.  And we've been particularly vocal about why median sale price … (0 comments)

Are you Telling Clients What they Want to Hear? - 04/02/09 09:04 AM

Via Connie Goodrich, CRS (McKinney Realtor) Texas (Keller Williams Realty):
We are in a profession of pleasing.  We want our clients to have great thoughts regarding us as a professional and to like us on a personal level.  Often in our strife to win their approval we fail in the category as a professional.  We become like puppets repeating what our clients and customers want us to say or validating their thinking so they will like us.  We fail because we do not tell them what they need to hear.
This message is clear - never waiver from being a professional.  You … (1 comments)

Need to Explain How You Did a Market Analysis - It's Easy! - 04/02/09 09:04 AM

Via Connie Goodrich, CRS (McKinney Realtor) Texas (Keller Williams Realty):
Ever at a loss of how to explain in simple terms the valuation of a home?  You have prepared an analysis of a property value for your clients and now are visiting with them with blank stares across the room.  Maybe that electrical engineer is quizzing you and they just can't quite grasp how you derived at you range or recommendation.
Task made easy ... give them a visual image.  Explain that you have thoughtfully prepared an analysis that mirrors what the buyers in a market are willing to pay for a … (0 comments)

I Couldn't Run Fast Enough From Three Listings - 04/02/09 09:03 AM

Via Connie Goodrich, CRS (McKinney Realtor) Texas (Keller Williams Realty):
                                

 
I got the phone call, the one we love to get ... a builder had three homes that he wanted to list and he wanted to visit with me.  He had tried selling the properties himself and because of my visibility in the area wanted to talk with me. 
All homes were located on the same street and we agreed to meet at the properties so I could walk through and then discuss.  The first home was lovely, beautiful quality.  The second home was nestled on a beautiful creek … (0 comments)

I Don't Want to Hear It - It Will 'Kill the Deal'... - 04/02/09 08:37 AM

Via Michael Thornton - Nashville, TN area Home Inspector (Complete Home Inspections, Inc.):
Every now and then I get a call from a mortgage company to go out and re-evaluate an issue that that an appraiser found while doing a re-fi. Yesterday was one of those days. It seems that because of the 'mortgage meltdown' lenders are scrutinizing issues that were not so important a few years back. It seemed as if everyone from the lender, the mortgage broker and the home owner were freaking out over an area of mold, the size of a softball. I was called out to … (0 comments)

"Bring All Offers" and "Price Firm" are NOT Synonymous! Lessons from the trenches - 04/02/09 08:36 AM

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):
I have been selling homes full-time here in Austin for over 12 years now.  Part of learning any business is learning the lingo.  Here are a few examples:
"Needs TLC" or "Handyman Special" - In a nutshell, this means that you need some extra money set aside (possibly a lot of it) if you want to buy this property.  There will be a lot of repairs and/or renovations involved. "Cozy" - More than likely, this just means "small".  "Won't last" - More often than not, I see this phrase when … (0 comments)

How to Use Social Media To Win Listings - 04/02/09 08:34 AM

Via Tim White (Coldwell Banker Woodland Schmidt - Hart, MI):
I have been on a mission to learn everything I can about Social Media (SM) and to create a powerful web presence. When done correctly, SM will drive traffic to my website, and generate new business. I am using it to build a giant network of fellow professionals from a myriad of industries. I am learning about the latest, cutting edge technology and applications. But it can do so much more! Have you ever used SM in a face to face engagement?
 
I did it today, with great results. Today … (0 comments)

Hey! That's cheatin'!!!! - 04/02/09 08:34 AM

Via Barbara S. Duncan ABR, CRS, GRI, e-PRO Searcy AR (RE/MAX Advantage):
I had reason to get on the net and search for homes in a little Georgia town.  I looked on realtor.com and did a search.
I know what it costs to be on realtor.com with enhanced listings.  I paid a lot to be able to display 25 photos of each listing.  Then you pay extra for your listing to pull up as a featured property.
Imagine my surprise when this house pulled up and displayed 4 pictures of the same house.  In the middle was a circle saying "See all 25 photos."
… (0 comments)

ActiveRain Comments - Did You Know? - 04/02/09 08:33 AM

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain):
I've discovered something about comments that I'm embarrassed to say, I should have known already. Let me just start by saying that there are all kinds of little "hidden secrets" scattered all through-out AR.  The more time you spend here, the more you'll find where they are, and how you can use them.  Here's a couple worth sharing.
Did You Know?  There are currently over 1,000,000 posts on ActiveRain, the question by many here is "How Many Comments are There?"  Not that there is too much significance in the answer, (or maybe there is) there … (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - The Cliffs at Keowee Falls in Salem South Carolina - 04/01/09 04:54 PM

… (4 comments)

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls, Salem, SC - 04/01/09 04:22 PM

… (2 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - 04/01/09 04:00 PM

Via Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, Wa. Home Inspector (King of the House Home Inspection, Inc):
… (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday- Bannerman's Castle - 04/01/09 03:58 PM

Via J. Philip Real Estate LLC Briarcliff Manor, NY:

 
_______________________________________________________________
  

You can search the MLS like an agent at http://jphilip.listingbook.com.
J. Philip Faranda ranks among New York's premier short sale REALTORS specializing in short sales in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam & Dutchess Counties. www.NYShortSaleTeam.com. Read Phil's short sale blog at http://NewYorkShortSaleBlog.wordpress.com.
J. Philip Serves Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton on Hudson, Pleasantville, Sleepy Hollow, White Plains, Yonkers, Peekskill, Cortlandt, Tarrytown, Yorktown, Montrose, Hawthorne, Thornwood, Valhalla, Hartsdale & all of Westchester County, New York.

… (0 comments)

California Wine Country Bliss - 04/01/09 03:57 PM

Via Lynn Kenton Ventura Real Estate (Ventura Property Shoppe):
… (0 comments)

Views from Baywatch Resort Penthouse in Myrtle Beach - Wordless Wednesday - 04/01/09 03:56 PM
That looks so peaceful!
Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:
Baywatch Resort by Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection
… (2 comments)

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY :::: Coker Arboretum @ Univ. of NC-Chapel Hill 3.31.09 - 04/01/09 03:55 PM

Via Carol Smith (Keller Williams Preferred Realty (soon to be!)):
 
 
All content is copyright protected.  Uauthorized use constitues copyright infringement.
 
… (1 comments)

Wordless Wednesday: Lake Jesup - 04/01/09 03:49 PM

Via Laurie Calhoun Seminole County FL Home Stager (Gloria Home Staging, Inc.):
Copyright 2009 Laurie Calhoun
… (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday: Friend or Food? - 04/01/09 03:48 PM

Via Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com):
… (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Washington DC Cherry Blossoms - 04/01/09 03:47 PM

Via Steve@ Amazing Video Tours (AmazingVideoTours.com):
  
 
 
 
------------
©2009 - AmazingVideoTours.com - All Rights Reserved. Any use of this photo, including reproduction, modification, distribution or republication, without the prior written consent of Amazing Video Tours, is strictly prohibited. Amazing Video Tours offers photography and full motion video marketing solutions to Realtors, and other individuals with property to sell, lease, or rent.  A departure from the old fashion 360 Virtual Tour, Amazing Video Tours takes online property marketing to the next level.
… (0 comments)

Southport NC - Wordless Wednesday - "Old Ironsides" - 04/01/09 03:47 PM

Via Southport NC Real Estate - Vicki Burton- Buyer's Agent (Loggerhead Realty-Southport, North Carolina):
Photograph by: Emily Timberlake
 
Vicki Burton
Loggerhead Realty
Southport, NC
910.540.0551
Website: Southport Soundings
EMAIL
***Please do not copy or reproduce without expressed written permission. Thank you.
  … (0 comments)

Wordless Wednesday - Who Are You Calling A Dinghy? - 04/01/09 03:46 PM

Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):
Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.Crofton, MD 21114410-451-6255 Office443-995-9595 CellWeb: http://www.RichSellsHomes.comeMail: Rich@RichSellsHomes.com
Annapolis MD Real Estate SpecialistBowie MD Real Estate SpecialistCrofton MD Real Estate Specialist
©2009 - RichSellsHomes, All Rights Reserved
All photos and written content were produced by Richard Iarossi. Copyright 2009 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Richard Iarossi, REALTOR®, Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc., Crofton, MD.
… (0 comments)

Why Every Listing Deserves A Loan More Than A Chicken Salad Sandwich - 04/01/09 03:40 PM

Via Janet Guilbault, California Mortgage Expert (Banker/Broker with RPM Mortgage, FHA Certified):
Do you think it would be easier to sell a Toyota by offering your client a chicken salad sandwich? Or by having 3 payment examples already on paper....and a finance person ready to help them?
Recently, I walked into a 1.4 million dollar home being held open by some local Realtors. But there was something missing. Something important. Financing information.
Looking around, I noticed the agents had a perfectly staged open house going on: soft music, platters of those tiny little croissant sandwiches stuffed with chicken salad, and freshly cut … (0 comments)

I-Phone, I-Phone on the Wall, Who's the Prettiest App of all? - 04/01/09 08:52 AM

Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:
    I was playing with my boyfriend's I-Phone several weeks ago when I noticed he had both Facebook and Twitter on it.  Having both sites right at my fingertips sounded good to me, so I asked him to put those on my I-Phone also.  He did, and ever since then, I've been a lot more active on both networks.   A few days ago I started playing with another icon he downloaded on my phone: The App Store.  Talking about an instant addiction!  I was on there throughout the weekend.  I am … (0 comments)

Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway? - 04/01/09 08:51 AM

Via Steve Miller REALTOR (Keller Williams Realty-Coeur d' Alene, North Idaho ):
Who really WANTS to Live Green anyway?  Read on... 
Just the other day I was at our local Realtor Association taking a CE course on Green Housing.  This is a subject that I would naturally gravitate toward, regardless of the need for hours.  Now, I have always figured that when attending any training event IF I come away with ONE PEARL, it was worth going.  And, while this ‘overview' of the subject was very informative, one blessed pearl came to light that I didn't expect.
We had a discussion about the hypothetical ‘needs and … (0 comments)

The Importance of Being Earnest (with the money of course) - 04/01/09 08:49 AM

Via Claude Cross Charlotte NC Real Estate (HomesByCross,Inc.) :
How much earnest money should we put down with the offer?
 
Isn't that always a fun conundrum. 1%, 2%, %%%, none, or an option. What is the right answer?
The right answer is basically dominated by local custom. Sounds quaint doesn't it?

The buyer always asks " what if the deal goes bad...can I get my money back?"
This is where it becomes important that the buyers (at least here in N.C.) become earnest.
They have to be earnest in fulfilling the contract for all their obligations. There are rarely few … (0 comments)

Hello FEDEX ! - 04/01/09 08:47 AM

Via Claude Cross Charlotte NC Real Estate (HomesByCross,Inc.) :
In the wake of grim economic news, a flashlight of hope has risen. FEDEX has decided to open a distribution center right on the SC/NC border just minutes south of Charlotte.
The area is called Lakemont and FEDEX is planning on opening a 112,000 sqft facility in October. They are planning on 22 full time positions, 84 part-time positions, and to include nearly 100 jobs for independent contractors.
If you are interested in job opportunities go to www.fedex.com/careers

My wife Jane has helped many FEDEX relocations to the Charlotte area. And we … (0 comments)

I had an odd notion that Elvis was in the building - 04/01/09 08:07 AM

Via Claude Cross Charlotte NC Real Estate (HomesByCross,Inc.) :
Well they looked like royalty. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches aside.

 They strolled through the place, talking of renovating the mansion. I asked if they were interested..... They gave "the nod".
And when they exited the building they said they wanted to think about it.
My mind raced. The mansion was at hand. My Elvis lip started to quiver.
The next day they came back with a 30% off list price offer saying they were firm. No logic would dissuade them.
The lead balloon sent to the the sellers bounced off … (0 comments)

Military Relocation-Things to Know if Your Landlord Defaults on Their Mortgage - 04/01/09 07:51 AM

Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World):
The current real estate market in Northern Virginia has proved a rude awakening for some renting military families who signed a lease in the last year.  Landlords who decided NOT to pay their mortgages have left the tenants holding the bag when the sheriff comes to the door.
Military familes who are forced to make a local move due to a foreclosure may find some relief from the Servicemrmbers Civil Relief Act.  Not many servicemembers know that under section 531 in the SCRA anyone … (0 comments)

When You Absolutely, Positively, Missed a Deadline - 04/01/09 07:38 AM

Via Joel McDonald -- www.AutomatedHomefinder.com:
Missed Deadline???
Have you ever had an occasion where you represented the buyer, and hired the best inspector possible, attended the inspection, discussed all of the details for your inspection notice, and then noticed that you missed the inspection objection deadline? Or worse -- what about the time you submitted an offer, the seller countered with an offer you KNEW your buyer would accept, but you couldn't reach your buyer before the seller got another offer and rescinded their counteroffer?
Those can be some of the most frustrating experiences ever, but go easy on yourself. You're … (0 comments)

I'm still not doing very well on the search engines... - 04/01/09 07:38 AM

Via Joel McDonald -- www.AutomatedHomefinder.com:
I did it again.  I was doing my morning reading on Active Rain, and stumbled across a post from last week having nothing to do with what I was looking for.  However it was a request for help and I couldn't help but comment back.  Before I knew it, I wrote a novel on the subject & figured it made a better blog post than a comment.
Hi _______,
I stumbled across your post asking for help on how to get your blog posts ranking better on the search engines while looking for another topic, and couldn't … (0 comments)

"Let's Make a Deal" Real Estate - 04/01/09 07:36 AM

Via Joel McDonald -- www.AutomatedHomefinder.com:
A friend on twitter was posting various riddles, and I remembered one that my dad told me when I was a kid.  Unfortunately, it was too long for Twitter, so I'm posting it here, just for fun.
Riddle me this:
You're buying a house, and everything is set for a smooth closing.  When you arrive at the closing table, there are two envelopes on the table. It turns out that the sellers were in a good mood because they had just won the lottery. They're still feeling a little giddy about the whole thing, and decide to … (0 comments)

It took me hundreds of hours to figure out EXACTLY how to become a Social Media Rockstar. - 04/01/09 07:33 AM

Via Jim Marks (Virtual Results):
It took me years and hundreds of hours before I finally figured out EXACTLY what it takes to be a Social Media Rockstar.

Now, I am NOT speaking of the "I followed 5000 people that I know have auto-follow to get a bigger follow base" type of Rockstar.. That would be too easy. I want to be the "I have 5000 followers that love me, engage me and hang on my every word" type of Social Media Rockstar..." You get it, the "other social media rockstars will fly thousands of miles to attend a conference I … (0 comments)

 
Gardner_d_y_2-05_004

Yvette & Dennis Gardner

Spartanburg, SC

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty, Spartanburg, SC

Address: 245 E. Blackstock Road, Spartanburg, SC, 29301

Office Phone: (864) 574-6000

Cell Phone: (864) 706-3669

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