Mary's Blog

Hello all, I have missed the Active Rain family, but lots going on in my world as I am sure is the case for most of you... Sad news, my sister in law died in November, breast cancer fighter and survivor for 3 years. Feel so sad for my brother going thru this holiday season without his wife. Appra...

Photos of your listings are nice, video tours are better, but the new up and coming way to highlight your listings that will have people "sticking" around longer are slide show productions with music. When done right with motion, special effects, music, etc. your listings will shine. How many of ...

The short answer is NO to both questions, not if it your home is tastefully decorated. There is such a thing as "Holiday Curb Appeal". Most people realize that during the holidays people decorate their homes inside and out and most people like homes that are decorated. When selling your home it i...

History has been made and I for one was moved by both Obama's and McCain's speeches last night. As the underdog (I will NOT call him the loser) as he is far from that, but as the one who had to concede the race, he inspired me with his eloquent, respectful and generous concession speech. What a c...

Obama wants to hold off foreclosures for 90 days for those who have loans with lenders who are part of the bail out plan and have lenders basically work with lenders to renegotiate these existing loans and swallow loses that will come out of these renegotiations. It may come down to judges callin...

Before you look any further what is your answer? Tell me if you got it right please! Ok, here is the answer.....NO! (only 1 exception and I will discuss this a bit later) There is a huge misconception out there that I need to correct. Many people believe that if the appraisal is done for refinanc...

Here is the set up on this story. I would LOVE to hear what you think about this exchange between myself, this Realtor who is also the borrower, and the lender. A Realtor who is purchasing a vacant RELOCATION home in our area has the home under contract for $370,000. The home is in above average ...

I was just blogging on AR about zero comments and why some people seem to be featured over others and BINGO I write a blog about Appraising homes in a Declining Market Appraising in a Declining Market which is my business and I get featured. Thanks to all of you who reposted this blog and to tho...

Prior to these past 1-2 years, it has been a long time since Appraisers have had to deal with appraising homes in a declining market. Lenders really hate it when we mark the dreaded declining market box or the oversupply box or note that the days on market is over 6 months . But we are checking t...

WANTED...Active rain bloggers...Your Blog is your resume.  I really hope this one is selected as a Feature Blog, NOT because of the number of comments it might receive, sure I'll take those, but because of the exposure this will get. I want as many people as possible to be able to take advantage ...