Archives of real estate blog entries for January 01, 2015

Featured blog posts


By Wayne Johnson, San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale
(Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS®)
Falling gas prices are good for some. But not for all. As a consumer of gas for both business and pleasure, every nickle per gallon I can avoid using at the pump is money freed for other items. Yesterday, I was at COSTCO and saw the price per gallon was at a number I had not seen in over ten years, $1.74 9/10. (By the way why do we see 9/10 tacked on the end of the prices? I've never seen coin or paper money in that denomination.)   Because Texas economy is significantly affected by the energy industry with the exploration, production and refining of energy products what's good for us consumers will at some point lead to reduction in employment, work hours, and corporate profitability.   We experienced a spike in home sales and rentals when a pick up in exploration activity increased. O...
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By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
5 Things Listing agents can do to help Buyer agents.   When looking up homes for buyer clients on the MLS to preview, accuracy on the listing side is expected and appreciated. The following is a short list that goes a long way toward saving time and energy:   Be sure all information is accurate. Double check when inputting information to the MLS and that includes making sure the address is correct. I recently was unable to find a home because the house numbers were transposed.   Update form when necessary. If you happen to have an offer and are looking for back-up offers, please state that in the private remarks. This gives a clear view to expectations. If the home is not being shown because owners are sick, update showing instructions.   Fill in ALL SPACES on the MLS. If there is a gap...
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By Belinda Spillman, Colorado Living!
(Aspen Lane Real Estate Colorful Colorado)
    December’s Pay it Forward Challenge has come to a close.  Thank you to all of you who shared your special stories with us all.  So many of you have huge hearts and your acts of kindness touched us so much.    It was very difficult to narrow down the top three post for this challenge, but with the help of three awesome judges, Roger D. Mucci , Michael Jacobs and Bob Ratliff, Broker Associate - REALTOR® 512-587-5689  we have come up with our top three winners.   1st Place – Gabe Sanders   2nd Place – Mike Leibel   3rd Place – Joanna Cohlan   Please take the time to run over and read their incredible, heart touching stories.   Gabes's entry - Pay it Forward Entry by Gabe Sanders Mike's Blog Page - His entry is Members Only Joanna's Entry -  Joanna's Entry   Thank you all for participat...
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By Maria Gilda Racelis, Home Ownership is w/in Reach. We Make it Happen!
(Home Buyers Realty, LLC-Manchester, Bolton. Vernon,Ellington)
My first-time buyers who closed in December 2014 texted me on Christmas Day for two things: to greet me a Happy Holiday and to have me talk to someone who was visiting.   That someone insisted that I speak with him while I was having a festive day with the family. Because his pleading was convincing and respectable, I gave in.   I called him back  from my home office so I could give him my full attention.   He is a young man - a budding age at twenty-three. Because he is a navy person, he came in prepared. He knew what he wanted and had a prequalification letter ready.   His family and him was visiting my past buyers and how and when my name sprang up in the conversation did not matter.   He was anxious to talk to me on that same night. And what transpired next was 15 properties lined u...
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By Joni Bailey, Your Huntsville / Lake Livingston Area REALTOR®
(101 Main St. Realty)
  Just Listed + Instant Offer = False Security   Believe it or not, "Just Listed, Instant Offer, and False Security" happens more often than you would imagine.   When a seller lists their home and receives an offer almost immediately, they should be careful to control their thoughts and emotions. The instant offer can cause a false sense of security due to an inaccurate belief of the home selling process.   1. Sellers often suddenly believe their home is under valued. Forget the fact that they looked at the sales data and read the Comparative Market Analysis -- and that they know that their property is priced fairly.     2. Sellers suddenly believe their home is better than any of the competition. It may be, but then again -- it may not. That is simply a matter of opinion. Clearly these...
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By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
How Many Lakeland FL Real Estate Brokers Should You Have?   Selling your old home and buying a new one are two different transactions. But does this mean that you always need to have separate Lakeland FL Sandpiper Golf homes agents? The answer would depend on many factors. Check some of it below: 1.       Where are you coming from and where will you move? Obviously, if you are coming from or moving to a different country, having your local Lakeland FL real estate broker to assist you both in buying and selling may not be the best decision. Remember that in previous articles we’ve shared in http://LakelandFL-HomesForSale.com/, it is always encouraged that agents have a knowledge of the neighborhood so you’d be able to get the help you need to make an informed decision.   However, if you ...
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By Craig Daniels, Technology Instructor/Project Consultant
(Tech Training for You!)
So many things to do… so little time to get everything done! How do you keep track of all the things that you need to do? For many, the trusty “post-it” note is a go-to favorite. What does your computer monitor look like? Do you have these plastered all over the place? Today’s post, I want to put the spotlight on an app that I’ve been using for a while and can highly recommend. The app is called Wunderlist. It is a modern way to keep track of all those things that you need to do. These days we talk about working “on the cloud” – well here’s a perfect example of why that is so awesome that we can be able to do that. Let’s say you are out running errands and you realize something that you need to remember to do. Your post it stack is back at your desk. No problem! Take out your phone, sta...
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Blog posts


By Dale Dresel, Professional Realtor Maricopa, Gilbert & Goodyear
(HomeSmart Success, Maricopa, Gilbert & Goodyear AZ)
GREAT WINTER HOME FOR SALE IN ARIZONA! Gilbert Pool Home for Sale in Coronado Ranch 3940 E SIMPSON RD $275,000 GILBERT AZ 85297 | 3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 2 CAR PARKING | 1926 SQUARE FEET | MLS: 5215080 Gilbert Pool Home for Sale in Coronado Ranch 3 full bedrooms plus an office. All Tile. Put your clothes in the closet, all the work is done. Beautiful resort style backyard-Saltwater, pebbletec heated Pool and Spa with Water Fall all controlled by a Remote! Cool Deck walk way. Built-in desk and cabinetry in the office. All appliances included, Stainless Refrigerator, smooth top range Newer Wash & Dry. Built-in Hutch in the formal dining. Easily a $300K home for $275K Upgrades too numerous to list. $45K in backyard alone. RV Gate, Sun Screens, Ceiling Fans, Whole house Water Softener, ...
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By Christine Faye Goolsby, PA, As a fourth generation Floridian, I know Florida
(Keller Williams Realty of Port St Lucie)
And with this final closing today, The Kevin B Tolbert PA Team of Keller Williams Realty of Port St Luciecan officially call 2014 A VERY SUCCESSFUL CLOSING YEAR! Now that our 2nd year is completed in our Keller Williams Realty of Port St Lucie at PGA office, it looks like another record year on many levels. This lucky family of FIRST TIME home buyers started looking at foreclosures, but when they soon discovered our specialty is New Home Construction and that we could place them in a BRAND NEW fully warranteed home for what they were going to spend on a foreclosure, it was a no brainer. Just call the Kevin B Tolbert PA Team of Keller Williams Realty of Port St Lucie today and we can help you find your dream home or build it. CLICK HERE to see ALL NEW HOMES FOR SALE in TORINO of Port St ...
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By Lisa Rees, Coldwell Banker Reilly & Sons Real Estate Agent
(Coldwell Banker Reilly & Sons)
It's New Years Day - sitting at the office this morning getting prepared for my first listing appointment of the year - working early then off to spend the rest of the day with Brian and the girls.  I thought I would blog about my New Year's Resolution which is -  to better myself in every aspect of my life. Just a few of the areas I am going to strive to improve on are below.  Hopefully I can manage to better myself with most of these. New Year Greetings Blog much more - starting today!  :)     Work on my Hawaiian body - need rock solid abs no later than July 7th. #hawaiivacation     Save much more money.     Invest in more Real Estate. (if I can save much more money) Write more thank you notes.   Thank You CardsNo speeding tickets. Shop less. Purchase no more clothes until I can wear ...
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By Lori Ballen, Digital Marketing Strategist
(Keller Williams Las Vegas)
by Lori Ballen, Digital Marketing Strategist, Specializing in Search and Social What is it exactly that I mean when I say the word aTTRACKTION. We’ve all heard before that what you focus on expands. We’ve all heard that if you want something bad enough, you envision it, you feel it, and you ASK for it right?  I believe the law of attraction, as in ‘The Secret’ does work. In the movie, The Secret, they discuss the fact that your thoughts send out a certain energy that manifests “A Magic Energy” that causes these things to materialize. Sure, I do believe in energy, But let me tell you why I believe it works.   I believe that when you think of what you want in life, to the point that it invokes emotion inside of you, it causes not only energy in the universe, but it causes wheels to start ...
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By Ana Moniz, Broker Associate, "Excellence in Real Estate"
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Paramus Luxury Real Estate Paramus is a desirable town for Bergen County home buyers, for both it’s beautiful real estate and countless entertainment options.  Click any photo below to be redirected to that home’s complete listing, and feel free to contact Ana Moniz if you have any questions or would like a showing appointment.  This post also includes a detailed real estate market report that shows current statistic and trends in the Paramus market.  Be sure to scroll down to learn about entertainment options in Paramus, including dining, gyms, and shopping. If you have any suggestions, please comment!  250 Concord Dr Paramus, NJ 076525 beds, 6 baths, $1,439,000Listing courtesy of: Century 21 Gold Advantage    141 Cumberland Ct Paramus, NJ 076525 beds, 5 baths, $1,425,000Listing court...
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By Rob Lang, Local Expert in NE Central Kansas Real Estate Home
(At Home Kansas)
What I Did in 2014 to Improve My Business--What Should I Add in 2015?I went paperless in 2014!  :)I put all 3 local MLS IDX feeds on one of my other IDX websites so now my buyers will see EVERY Lawrence KS property instead of just the ones listed on the Lawrence MLS (Kansas City and Topeka agents list Lawrence properties but most only list on their MLS--I list my sellers' listings on all three).  :)I switched from DocuSign (fee based) to DotLoop (FREE version) giving myself another small raise.  :)I took advantage of dozens of FREE webinars taking screen shots and ideas and putting them into play.  :)I continued the development of tracking where leads come from to isolate which marketing techniques are the best producers.  :)I set up a home office with 10 theater rocker/recliner chairs ...
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By Adrian Willanger, Profit from my two decades of experience
(206 909-7536 AdrianWillanger-broker.com)
 Light real estate inventory continues in the Haller Lake area This week:  The median list price this week for Haller Lake real estate  is $422,475 is up from last week’s $434,975.  Inventory has been lightening lately and the Market Action Index (see below MAI chart) has been trending up. Though days-on-market is increasing, these are mildly positive indications for the market.  Supply and Demand In the last few weeks the Haller Lake real estate market has achieved a relative stasis point in terms of sales to inventory.  However, inventory is sufficiently low to keep us in the Seller’s Market zone so watch changes in the MAI.  If the market heats up, prices are likely to resume an upward climb.                                                                           Price We continue...
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By Richard D. Rawdin, Hamptons Real Estate
(Coldwell Banker Hamptons / Global Luxury)
If you’ve set a New Year’s resolution to lose those extra pounds, you’re not alone. Losing weight is one of the most popular resolutions people make. This isn’t surprising, since two-thirds of the adult American population is overweight. But let’s be honest . . . Most resolutions fall by the wayside as the weeks and months pass. Here are 5 tips to help you stick to and achieve your weight loss goal: Make it realistic. Don’t set yourself up for failure with an unhealthy or unattainable goal. Get more sleep. Researchers have found that good sleep can help you with willpower. Write down your resolution. This makes it more real — and makes you more accountable. Get support. Find a buddy and support each other’s weight loss progress. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from others who have succe...
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By Chris Griffith, Bonita Springs Listing Specialist - Agent
(Downing-Frye Realty, Bonita Springs, FL)
Verifying Bonita Springs Homeowner Association Fees Periodically, I get an email with a great question I end up writing a reply to that should be on my website for future Googlers.  Today’s real estate question: Is there a web site we can go to, to get HOA (home owner association) fees and what they cover?  It’s important information in the Bonita Springs/Estero Florida area because we are 75%+ gated and deed restricted.  You need to protect yourself and your Bonita Springs real estate investment going in. Continue: Verifying Bonita springs Homeowner  Association Fees
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By Kyle Reyes
(The Silent Partner Marketing)
Many of us were coloring before we even knew what the word "coloring" was. My parents like telling the story about how I opened up a wrapped present and found a brand new box of Crayola's. "I got tayons, people!" I proudly announced to the world. Creativity began with a crayon.  Scribbles.  Doodles.  Those Van Gogh's of our childhood will never be big sellers.  But they were perhaps some of the most valuable pieces in the establishment of who we would become as individuals. Creativity began with a crayon. But not long after, so did conformity. "Draw within the lines," is something we were taught upon entering school. "Color by number," is something we began to do without even having to be told. And creativity began to die just a little. On Monday, we brought together some of the brighte...
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By DALIA KIBBY, Selling Florida Homes with Passion!
(One Sothebys International Realty)
  First things first: Happy New Year everyone!  Time to celebrate new beginnings!   So, how did the South Florida housing market do in 2014?  Overall, quite well. The Case-Schiller index (which measures price of same home over time, excluding condominiums) for Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach Counties reported an increase of 9.5% in October over September 2014. While it was a solid Sellers' market through the first quarter, it slowly changed to a more balanced market. Buyer demand remains strong but bidding wars aren't nearly as common as in 2013, a result of more listings, more realistic home pricing & less competition from investors. As a result, the median home price in recent months fluctuated very little in Broward & Palm Beach counties. This 'cool down' is viewed positively  beca...
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By Bob "RealMan" Timm, Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker
(Ward County Notary Services)
WHAT AN END TO 2014 / WHAT A START TO 2015 No one really knows what the population is in a boom town but one could make a reasonable guess that Minot ND is sitting around 50,000 and still growing rapidly. To me the following numbers are remarkable for a city/town of 50,000. Today, January 1st 2015 there are only 138 single family homes on the MLS*. They break down like this: Homes under $100,000     5 $100,000 to $199.999        29 $200,000 to $249,000        21 $250,000 to $299,999        18 $300,000 to $399,999        38 $400,000 to $499,999        16 Over $500,000                    11 * This does not include mobile homes, condos, or multi family homes. With that few number of homes you would think they would be flying off the market but currently the average days on market for thes...
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By Carolyn Nelson, Your Triangle to Triad Real Estate Expert!
(Realty One Carolina, LLC)
Happy New Year!   Wishing each and everyone of you a very Happy and Prosperous 2015! Triad First Choice Realty 106 S. Fourth St, Suite C Mebane, NC 27302 (336) 261-6728
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By Sharon & Bruce Walter, West Lafayette homes for sale
(Keller Williams Realty Lafayette, IN)
    Brookston, Indiana Nichols Subdivision 3 bedroom 2 bath home for sale with fireplace and two car garage is now a closed sale!                            BOUGHT  !!!    Congratulations to our out of town buyer, Joyce on her perseverance in dealing with the Fannie Mae asset manager who repeatedly delayed her contractual rights to a full home inspection.   We set a record on inspection extensions and we wore them out with a price reduction of 29% to agree to their final closing date in less than 24 hours.    Thanks for your patience Joyce, and it is exciting to know that you are already turning this vacant and neglected house into your new home!  Thanks for your loyalty and being a well prepared buyer! If you are looking to buy a home in the Greater Lafayette, Indiana area and seek rea...
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By Judith Parker, CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC
(ProStead Realty)
  Good morning and Happy New Year!!   I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Year's eve.   Today is the beginning of an entire new year and I am so excited.  I saw this saying and thought it so appropriate to share for today.   "A new year is like a blank book.  The pen is in your hands.  It is your chance to write a beautiful story for yourself."   It is time to complete those goals and vision boards and create that life and beautiful story for yourself.  The time is now.  Get out those journals and scribe your life as you go through 2015.  It will be an amazing adventure if you choose.   Wishing each of you the life that you so desire and may 2015 be your best year ever.   Judith Parker, CRS, GRI ProStead Realty www.charlottepremierhomesforsale.com judithparker10@gmail.com 704-...
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By Florida Tolbert Team Keller Williams Advantage, Keller Williams Land Luxury Division Specialist
(Keller Williams Advantage III Realty in Lake Nona)
Homes in the Torino area of Port Saint Lucie West, FL  CLICK HERE to see Homes for sale in Torino area of Saint Lucie West. Is it time to sell? Find out what your Home in the Torino Area of Port Saint Lucie West, FL is worth.   Why do people live here? Young and growing, with the picturesque St. Lucie River winding through it, Port St. Lucie is a mecca for golfers, New York Mets fans, and people with families who love a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Located in the southern part of St. Lucie County, Port St. Lucie boasts all the everyday conveniences of daily life with a unique south Florida charm. Every year the NY Mets bring the excitement of major league baseball spring training to Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie. For most of the City’s community and cultural events, the newly c...
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By Elise Harron, Rural Vacant Land and Development Specialist
(Dirt Road Real Estate)
          January 2015 Windmill Ranch Kingman AZ Best Home & Land Deals!   Visit our Windmill Ranch Facebook page for the latest!      Windmill Ranch Kingman AZ Best Homes Deals!   The best buy this month in Windmill Ranches is a property on Mountain Goat Road.  This 2004 solar-powered, 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2080 sq ft home is sited on 40 acres.  Recently reduced to $85,000 and the owner is willing to carry at very reasonable terms!  This is an off-grid home with lots of room for toys, privacy and creating a self-sustaining lifestyle.  Click here for more info and pictures.         The 2nd best in Windmill Ranches is a home on Ironwood Road.  This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1883 sq ft home sits on 28.68 acres and was reduced to $102,999.  This home features skylights, a very large master, a well, ...
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Kelly Taylor 941-706-5813 5670kelly@gmail.com www.kellytaylor1.yourkwagent.com     4623 Claremont Park Drive Bradenton, Fl. 34211 Central Park in Lakewood Ranch- $302,990 All Central Park Homes for saleView Virtual Tour This move in ready home is located in the Claremont Park neighborhood of Central Park. It features 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 1,870 square feet of living space. Claremont Park is a maintenance free community and offers a beautiful community pool and fitness room.Schools The Manatee County public schools for this home are Gullett Elementary, Nolan Middle and Lakewood Ranch High School. The private schools in the Lakewood Ranch area can be found here.Neighborhood Amenities This gated community offers many amenities for its residents including a maintenance free lifesty...
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By Olga Simoncelli, CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management
(Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate)
THIS YEAR, THANKSGIVING IN NEW FAIRFIELD, CT WAS BEGINNING TO FEEL A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS....   It was beginning to feel a lot like Christmas... in New Fairfield, Connecticut, this past November, right before Thanksgiving,  and probably in the surrounding areas as well... and in more ways than one.      Outside, it was a veritable winter wonderland, with thick, wet snow coming down profusely. We were told four to six inches, but who knew, could be more? Temperatures were dipping and it was very gloomy, brightened only by the white beauty. The silence of the falling snow was serene, as usual. Of course, the retail industry was fully "in cahoots" with the weather - Christmas items started appearing long before Halloween was over, even along with sometimes drastic sale promotions. The Christ...
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By The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos - RSPS - The Jeff Rickert Team
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
 192 Paxinos Dr Pocono Lake, PA 18347 $129,475 MLS #PM-14544 Click here to learn more about this homeChalet in amenity filled Arrowhead Lake a Gold Star Community. Home features 1 car garage with paved driveway, deck, lower level that is unfinished with endless possibilities, 1.5 baths, bedroom in the loft with half bath, closet and balcony to the exterior, brick wood burning fire place, skylights, tile floors, lower level washer and dryer, walking distance to the heated Minisink swimming pool.Arrowhead Lake is a gated community with security, 3 heated pools, 2 lakes for fishing/swimming and boating, tennis courts, clubhouse, new lodge, fitness center and much more. Activities included just to mention a few are bonfires, carnival, zumba, water aerobics, swim team, potluck dinners, all y...
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