Archives of real estate blog entries for April 01, 2015

Featured blog posts


By ActiveRain: Keeping You In The Loop!
(ActiveRain Corp.)
Here is another quick preview into the technology we are working on behind the scenes to keep the community growing. Over the past six months, one of our big focus areas has been on the Question & Answer section of our site.  The results have been pretty amazing to watch with about 40 new questions and 500 new answers coming in every day!  It feels like some great knowledge sharing is taking place in this peer-to-peer format. But as many of you are keenly aware, we don't always get everything right!  So here are three updates that are targeted for Monday, April 6th to keep driving that site forward.   Ability to Sort Answers by Date A little while back, we turned off the ability to sort answers by date.  The reason was that it would help surface "the best answer" to the top, but the uni...
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By Ricky Khamis, NMLS 173141 | CADOC 173141 - 480-339-1565
(Unity Home Loans, LLC)
What it takes to be successful? One mans journey... Achieving success is one of the major goals that many people have in their lives, because this brings lots of great things. However, being successful is not that easy to achieve, and it does require quite a lot of effort in order for you to become the best!1. MotivationMany tend to think that success comes overnight, especially in this digital era, and while such a thing did happen to a few people, the reality is that most of the time in order to be successful you need a lot of work. This is where motivation comes into play. You need to have a motivational factor and in many ways, you need to really want success, just like you want to breathe in order to get fresh air and live. The more you want to achieve success, the higher the chanc...
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By Bill Roberts, "Baby Boomer" Retirement Planner
(Brooks and Dunphy Real Estate)
Will You Pay Over Appraisal?What do you do when a bidding war breaks out on a listing your client wants to write an offer on? Your buyer has been pre-approved for a mortgage. They have a limit on how much they can pay. They have limited funds for down payment and closing costs.Then the bidding war starts.Your client wants the house. They get caught up in the bidding.Finally, they get their offer accepted. You make it "subject to" getting an appraisal to match the offer price.Now what?The appraiser is going to do his job correctly. He WON"T appraise the house for more than his "rules" dictate. He will probably rely heavily on comps. He will look at the listing. He will say "Hey, what 's up here?"The appraisal is going to come in below the offer price, that's almost a certainty.Now what?D...
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By Cynthia Larsen, Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA
Why did the real estate agent cross the road? To have a chat with Gladys Kravitz. For those of you who have no idea who I'm talking about, Gladys Kravitz was a mortal homemaker who lived across the street from Samantha, Darrin and Tabitha Stevens in the hit series Bewitched. During many of the shows, Gladys could be seen peeking out (or in) a window, trying to figure out what was going on in the Stevens' household. Basically, Gladys was playing the part of (and very well, I might add) the nosy neighbor. Nosy neighbors can be a pain in the booty if they happen to be yours, but if they live near a home for sale they can be the absolute best source of neighborhood information available. Not all homes have an endless parade of witches and warlocks for entertainment, but what about these see...
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By Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD, REALTORS® in Clark County, WA
(ViewHomes™- by eXp Realty )
Pre-Qualification Questions for Buyers Our team at The Carl Group works with both buyers and sellers. Primarily, I am a listing agent for the team, but do work with select buyers who fall within our niche of Baby Boomers and Multi-generational households. However, before I spend time helping anyone find their next home, it's important to ask a few questions to ensure we don't end up wasting each others time.  At the top of the list - What are your primary goals with this move?  And, do you have a specific time-frame for moving into your next home?  If they have the motivation and an end date in sight, the next question is pretty obvious. Do you plan on paying for the property with cash, or will you be choosing to finance the purchase?  If they choose to finance - they need to get pre-ap...
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Blog posts


By William Piotrowski, Just Call William 630-881-8655
(Diamond Residential Mortgage Corporation )
  Tips for Coping with a Dreary Mood 1. Accept that we all feel low at times (but recognize that’s different from clinical depression.) 2. Don’t beat yourself up about feeling miserable. Remind yourself it’s normal to feel this way sometimes. (That is, we all feel bored, discouraged or a failure at times.)  3. Be real and acknowledge that today is a bad day so it’s going to be harder to keep your motivation. 4. Think about one thing you can try or do to interrupt your thinking and take your mind off things. 5. Get up from sofa, or switch off your computer, and make the small commitment to take some form of action. For example, just going for a walk can start to lift and change your mood. 6. Smile at yourself, and other people you encounter. You’ll start to feel more human, and things w...
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By yanni raz
(hml investments)
Hard money commercial loans have become a viable option for real estate investors interested in expanding their portfolios despite the lending downturn with major banking institutions. These lenders specialize in real estate speculation and are often willing to finance locations that banks simply reject without a second glance. Understanding the process associated with a hard money commercial loan can be the difference between seizing a great investment opportunity and watching another investor “swoop in” quickly and snatch the property out from under you! To help clarify the role of a commercial hard money lender, and the involved process, we have created this simple guide: (1) Specializing in Distressed Properties Distressed property can be a great opportunity for savvy real estate i...
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By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
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UNDERSTANDING THE “SECURED” NATURE OF HARD MONEY MORTGAGE LENDERS Hard money investors all have one thing in common: they want to protect their capital! Mortgage companies that specialize in financing the acquisition of distressed properties understand this dynamic better than most, which is why “hard money” loans are considered “secured”. But, what makes them secured? Is it possible to generate healthy returns on capital without taking substantial risks? Like any investment, risk is involved. However, for hard money investors, the hedge against loss relies on the borrower’s plans for the property and a proper assessment of its value. Still confused? Let’s outline how hard money mortgage lenders protect their investors. Collateral Hard money loans are secured, meaning that the applicant...
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By Christopher Dahl, Dahl Team Properties- Keller Williams Realty
(Dahl Team Properties)
Homes Near Johnson Elementary School in Houston TX Find homes for sale near Johnson Elementary School in Houston TX. Our For Sale property information is a direct feed from the Houston MLS and is updated multiple times per day.     Great Houston SchoolJohnson Elementary School is a part of Aldine Independent School District that serves around 900 students in grades KG-04. The primary goal of the Johnson Elementary faculty and staff is to ensure academic success of all students. The following programs provide a glimpse of the curriculum and activities that promote student engagement, higher level thinking and student success at Johnson Elementary, these are Guided Reading, Title I, PLATO Reading and Math, Gifted and Talented, Bilingual and ESL, Student Teacher Guidance Program and Unive...
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By Shawn Gerhardson, Top Rated Mortgage Professional
(Waterstone Mortgage NMLS#186434)
 What To Do When Your Home Doesn’t Appraise At Its Purchase Price   Experienced home sellers in Isanti know that reaching a sales agreement with a potential buyer can be just the start of the negotiation process. There are often inspection issues to resolve, among other items. One particular negotiation point which can present difficulties for both buyers and sellers is when a home’s appraised value falls short of its contracted sales price. Sometimes, this happens because the home’s price was inflated. Other times, it’s the result of a faulty appraisal. As a home seller, there are some common appraisal problems of which you should be aware. Here are some of them, and how to seek remedy so that the home sale process remains smooth. Inaccurate comparisons An appraiser will assign your ho...
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GENERATING CAPITAL RETURNS:  HOW HARD MONEY INVESTORS MAKE THE MOST OF EXISTING NEST EGGS In today’s economic climate, protecting capital is as important as growing it. With stock market analysts predicting a “top”, and subsequent correction, in the near future, many are searching for new ways to protect their money without missing out on opportunities to generate returns. The end result is a growing industry powered by real estate investors andprivate hard money lenders. In order to take advantage of the growth in this particular sector, it is important to understand how one can invest in real estate via the hard money channel The Role of a Private Hard Money Lender As banks continue their reluctant lending policies, many who acquire and “flip” properties are seeking out various fundin...
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By Schuylkill Appraisal Services
(Schuylkill Appraisal Services)
SHERIFF’S SALEof REAL ESTATE BY VIRTUE OF WRITS OF EXECUTION ISSUED OUT OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,CIVIL DIVISION, TO ME DIRECTED, WILL BE EXPOSED TO PUBLIC SALE ON April 17,2015 At 10:00 o’clock in the Forenoon, in Courtroom No. 1 at the Court House in the City of Pottsville,Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the Following Described Real Estate to wit: Basic Bidding Information ForMortgage Forclosure Properties The properties are owned by debtors until theyare sold on the day of sale.  They are not open for public viewing -         You will be bidding against the bank.  -         The bank has a predetermined amount that they will bid to.  This is called the “upset price”.  Only the bank, on the day of the sale, knows what this amount will be.  It may be more or less than the judgment a...
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By Mark Miranda, REALTOR
(Silvercreek Realty Group)
Listings to Leads - eFlyers   Excellent condition and Move in Ready - Single Level For Sale in Eagle Idaho     Just Listed       Follow This Home! Schedule a Showing/Request Info Boise Idaho Relocation Guide Eagle Idaho Homes for Sale Search All Boise Idaho Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work What is Your Home Worth? Mortgage & Refinance      PRESENTED BY         Mark Miranda Keller Williams Realty Boise 208-890-5396 Licensed In: Idaho     Questions? Schedule a Showing!                             Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property.     View the Property Details, More Photos, Map & School information here at the updated Property Website!   1720 E Bishop Way Eagle, Idaho   $ click fo...
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By Svetlana Stolyarova, Local-n-Global Realty, Broker 216-548-4663
(Local-n-Global Realty, Cleveland and International Real Estate Solution)
There was a lot of activity on the Shaker Heights Real estate market during the week. 23 new listings were put on market, 3 listings were put back on market, there were 5 contingent listings, the price was changed in 15 listings, and 13 properties were sold NEW LISTINGS Condominium listed with Laura J. Sexton,  House listed with Christine M. McGee, RE/MAX Home Source Realty                            Howard Hanna Realty 3686 Lynnfield Rd #Down, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, multifamily house for rent, $950/mo. 19779 Chagrin Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122, condominium for sale, $299,000 13400 Shaker Blvd #305, Cleveland, OH 44120, condominium for sale, $105,000 3147 Chadbourne Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, house for sale, $203,000 15700 Van Aken Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, apartament for...
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By Schuylkill Appraisal Services
(Schuylkill Appraisal Services)
Schuylkill County Recycling Programs The following is a list of municipal, commercial and private/non-profit organizations that operate a recycling program. Most municipal programs are for their residents only.   Please call to confirm materials accepted and hours of operation.   Commercial facilities may charge a fee for some items.     Municipal Curbside Recycling Programs Private Residential Curbside Service Used Automotive Fluid & Parts Recycling Directory Staffed Buy Back Centers Municipal & Private Non-Profit Drop-Off Centers Yardwaste Drop-Off Commercial Compost Facilities Appliance Recycling Polystyrene Packing Peanuts         Call the Schuylkill County Office of Solid Waste Management at (570) 628-1221, Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 am. to 4:30 p.m.:  If you are a recycling...
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By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
Relocating to Loudoun County VA? Call Lenn, 800-711-7988. We Can Help.   Q.  WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE YOUR RELOCATION EASIER? RELAX.  Our agents are dedicated to making your real estate search a successful one. Once you have decided to work with us, you can relax and know that you have "eyes and ears" here looking out for your needs.  We'll stay in touch and keep you up to date on new listings of homes for sale in your preferred area. We'll also make sure you're searching in areas in which you'll qualify for financing. YOU CAN REACH OUT AND TOUCH US. We'll be here for you when you need us. We're available by toll free telephone. We're available by cell phone. We're available by e-mail (yes, we do read our e-mail).  From search to settlement, we'll be here for you to make your move an easy...
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By Reggie Green, Branch Manager, Top 1% Mortgage Originator
(Team Green at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation)
  Interest Rates Up and Down Before Payroll Report on Friday April 1st, 2015 After improving for two weeks straight, interest rates shot up in the middle of last week with the Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) market trading substantially lower on Wednesday and Thursday. This is a somewhat expected pull back when rates go one direction for an extended period of time. Luckily the MBS market has pulled back up, closing positive on Friday and Monday and Tuesday of this week. Overall, the MBS market closed down -18 bps last week and is currently trading up + 42 bps this week. 30 year fixed rates are now available at 3.625% paying .82 points (3.78% APR), and 3.75% paying 0 points (3.79% APR). 15 year fixed rates are now available at 2.875% paying .96 points (3.066% APR), and 3.125% paying 0 poi...
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Georgetown SC Home for Sale with a Furnished Barn | 1148 Benjamin Dr     What an incredible find! This absolutely amazing Georgetown SC home for sale with a furnished barn is perfect for every outdoorsman and naturalist. Nestled in a peaceful and secluded 116 acres of lot with hardwood and pines, spend your days living a healthy lifestyle amidst gorgeous natural surroundings and views.     Here are some tidbits of impressive information about the property. It’s entire southern border runs along a natural creek that leads to Yauhannah Creek. Present owners named this tract of land after "Uauenee" Native American for "the great bluff" which has been corrupted over time to Yauhannah.     This post and beam constructed home with cypress siding awaits your finishing touches. Main home is fra...
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By Jeff Stevens, Jeff Stevens, Associate Broker/REALTOR
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New Mexico Properties)
New Listing! 5541 Superstition Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88011This stunning former showcase home sits high atop an elevated lot in Las Alturas that provides spectacular Organ Mountain views. (Photo by High Res Media) You will find an inviting viga entryway and then you're welcomed in the family room by the stunning mountain view, vaulted ceilings, corbeled beams and see-through fireplace. To the left you'll find a formal dining room and the massive gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances including sub-zero refrigerator, double oven, six-burner cook top, warming drawer, wine refrigerator, two prep-sinks and a whopping 9' island. The master suite captures more mountain views and has a massive well-appointed bathroom w/linen closet, jet tub, dual sinks, large walk-in shower and huge wa...
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By Richie Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
It was large home on a cul de sac in a very expensive part of town that was gated. The regular police patrolled the street leading up to it all the time. The neighborhood was safe, expensive and suffered, (if that is the right word), from not having anything for sale. Once you got in, you stayed in no matter what WHAT NONSENSE? The listing came to me like wings in a dream. You know, the feeling of flying in your dreams and how it feels until you wake-up and lose it? That's how I felt when I was contacted and asked to list this $10,000,000.00 property at 6%. Too good to be true and I thought right away, this is a sham call MAYBE NOT The principal said to me, they had for people who wanted it price no object and that they wanted me to contact, in a specific order, everyone on the list giv...
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By Brian Madigan, LL.B., Broker
(RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage (Toronto))
  It is important to remember that there are many types of renovation contracts in use in Ontario today.       The one which has been under review is one which was circulated for consideration by CMHC. It appeared to be fair.       Most contracts which are already “pre-printed” and provided to you by a contractor are “one-sided”. This is due to the fact that the contractor had them printed. Of course, it’s going to be one-sided.       If your project is small, compare it to the CMHC document, or consider using the CMHC document. Modify where necessary.       However, if the project is more substantial, then it may be worthwhile having the contract reviewed by your lawyer.       Brian R. Madigan, LL.B., Broker       RE/MAX West Realty Inc., Brokerage   416-745-2300 (office)   BRMadigan@i...
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By Schuylkill Appraisal Services
(Schuylkill Appraisal Services)
Dumping (or Littering) ANYTHING   Garbage, Trash, Unwanted Large Bulky Items, Tires,Old Windows & Doors, Scrap Wood, Yard Waste –Anything! –ANYWHERE in Schuylkill County is: ILLEGAL!SO, DON'T DO IT!       TO AVOID PROSECUTION, ALWAYS DISPOSE OF ALL WASTES PROPERLY IN DESIGNATED PLACES!  Unwanted items that are not picked up on your curb by your garbage hauler, along with your regular household garbage,MUST be taken to a proper disposal facility.(Schuylkill County holds an annual Fall Clean Up to assist the public with the disposal of such unwanted items.  Call 628-1220 for details.) Please recycle whenever possible – Something that is trash to you Could be treasure to someone else! Schuylkill County Solid Waste Disposal Facilities Disposal Facility Phone Address Hours* Details* C.E.S. ...
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By Bill Kennedy, Homes For Sale Greenville SC
(Keller Williams Greenville Upstate)
Just as short drive from Greenville SC is beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge, home to Lake Lure. The little town sits just below Chimney Rock and is best known as the backdrop for the 80s movie sensation Dirty Dancing. If you are someone likes to get nostalgic about the good ol' days, the Dirty Dancing Festival is for you. You'll enjoy live music, games, dance lessons, beer & wine garden, crafts and much more! You just might leave being able to move it like Swayze!  There's lots of activities that fans of the film will recognize including a watermelon carrying contest and a lake lift competition. Fans can also enjoy a free lake side screening of the film on the night before the festival. Sounds like a great date spot fellas! We think this festival sounds like a great time. Greenville SC is a p...
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By Casey Joiner, Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
(Scenic Sotheby's International Realty www.caseyjoiner.com)
Pinnacle Port is a charming community located directly on Lake Powell on the far west side of Panama City Beach. The community itself not only offers amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Powell, but offers tons of great amenities, which include: 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, a sauna, childrens playground, fitness center, boat slips, and more!   This ideal location is only minutes from Hwy 30A’s award winning communities such as Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach, and it gives easy access to the amenities available in Panama City Beach.   This community ranges in price from the high $100,ooo’s – mid $500,000′s.     To view all availability in Pinnacle Port, CLICK HERE! To view all availability in Inlet Beach, CLICK HERE!     
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