Archives of real estate blog entries for May 01, 2014

Featured blog posts


By ActiveRain University
(ActiveRain University)
Blogging Boot Camp Class Series - Class 4 RecapYou can be doing everything right, but if you don't have the tools to convert traffic to leads, you're missing out on a major opportunity. Our fifth and final Blogging Boot Camp class is valuable in understanging the importance of your blog in your overall online strategy, and how to maximize the impact of each post you write.In this class, we looked at: - What Anchor Text is and why it's important - Where links on your blog should point to - What every website needs to be an effective part of your blogging strategy - Ways to create compelling calls to action beyond a simple text link - How many links per blog post are bestThe aim of your real estate blog should be to generate leads for your business. We are here to show you best practices ...
Comments 33
By Michelle Gibson, REALTOR
(Hansen Real Estate Group Inc. )
What should Home Buyers Not Expect in a Multiple Offer Situation? If you are looking to purchase a home in Wellington Florida there is a strong possibility you will find yourself in a multiple offer situation. While the Wellington real estate market has slightly shifted and is technically a buyer's market, we still have a shortage of home inventory, which is making multiple offer situations common place.Over the last two years I have been involved in more multiple offer situations than I can count, as a listing agent and buyers agent. While some parties have certain expectations or preconceived notions about multiple offer situations in my experience there are a few things home buyers should not expect.So what should home buyers NOT expect in a multiple offer situation?DO NOT EXPECT to...
Comments 19
By Brad Rachielles, REALTOR, CDPE, Upland, CA
(CENTURY 21 Peak, Ca BRE# 01489453)
You Don't KNOW THE MARKET If You Don't Know The NUMBERS - Upland, CA. By: Brad Rachielles, Realtor I "run the numbers" for my service area every month. April, 2014 saw very little change from the prior month. Home inventories were down some. Even though the National Association of Realtors is indication National Inventory levels of 5.2 months, Upland fell back to 1.7 months. That is significantly better than April, 2013 when we were at o.9 months. Active listings fell but "Closed Sales" Doubled. The good news is that there are ready, willing and able buyers out there and they are buying up properties faster than sellers are convinced that they can sell their home. Sometimes, things are not what they seem. While it looked like prices were declining, a closer look revealed that the proper...
Comments 22
By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
Some Days You're The Sensei, Some Days You're The Grasshopper I'll admit it, I'm not a fan of every Active Rain challenge that comes along.  If it doesn't fit somewhat reasonably into our blogging plan, I'll probably pass.  But Dick Greenberg's Sensei/Grasshopper challenge is one of my favorites because it highlights one of the characteristics of Active Rain that we love the most:  the willingness of this community to share and help each other. Bottom line, I know if I have a question, someone here will help me, either directly through a blog post, or via Facebook or direct contact with our Rain friends.  Got a question about our Wordpress site?  I know who to call.  Questions about escalation clauses?  A few keystrokes away.  Pretty much anything we need, someone in the Rain can help. ...
Comments 50
By Laura Andersen, A HomeSOLD Name (678)462-1191 Woodstock, Georgia
(Keller Williams Realty Partners ~ 678.462.1191 agentandersen@gmail.com)
Does this home have a Secret Room? I had a buyer interested in a home in the Woodstock area.  After the buyer looked at the home a second time, he felt that there was an area of the home on the main level next to the Master bedroom that he was missing in the showing of the home.   It felt a little strange to call the Listing Agent of the home to ask, "Does this home have a Secret Room near the Master bedroom?"After calling the sellers, the agent got back to me to confirm that there was a small room off the Master bedroom for both hiding valuables and for security purposes.  The entry to this Secret Room had to be accessed from a small door in the back of the closet.  The photo to the right also shows a secret area that most homes do not take advantage of; under the stairs.  In many case...
Comments 34
By Marte Cliff, Your real estate writer
(Marte Cliff Copywriting)
    A few days ago, Marie Story wrote and asked me to write about the use and possible over-use of the word "that." She said she often caught herself in what she thought was excessive use of the word. In trying to tighten her copy, she felt that she should remove it more often than not, but yet… perhaps not. So, since I'm not really an expert on grammar, I went to Grammar Girl to learn more. It turns out that the rule should be: "When in doubt, leave it in." "That" can help your sentences flow and make them easier for a reader to understand. In general, the best way to decide whether "that" should stay or go is to read your paragraph aloud. See how it sounds and how it flows. If it sounds awkward or lumpy, you should either take it out or add another one to balance your sentence. Next, ...
Comments 56
By Beth Atalay, Cam Realty of Clermont FL
(Cam Realty and Property Management)
POST CLOSING OCCUPANCY by SELLERSPost Occupancy after settlement is not something that happens with each sale, however, it does pop up every now and then. Ideal scenario would be for the house that’s being sold to be vacant the day of closing, however, it is not always possible.If there’s a post occupancy, there must be some negotiated terms- This is not part of the contract and can be negotiated between the buyer and the seller. Have a “Hold Harmless” agreement signed by both parties prior to closing. This is to protect the buyer(new owner) against damages and/or liabilities caused by the seller(who will be occupying the property) post closing.If the sellers are asking for a few additional days to get their belongings out of the house, it’s not the end of the world, it could be done, i...
Comments 60
By Lisa Friedman, 30 Years of Real Estate Experience!
(Great American Dream Realty)
Today celebrates my One Year Anniversary after my return to Active Rain. I am so happy to be a part of this warm, wonderful and inviting community. So many friendships have been made. The sense of cameraderie and fellowship is unlike any other. So many generous people willing to share their knowledge, education and business experiences with one another, along with some life experiences, photos and an occassional joke or two. Sometimes we laugh together, sometimes we cry together - its all good.   The sharing of the vast wealth of knowledge of this great melting pot is unmatched anywhere. Even after 25 years in the real estate business, every day I learn something new on Active Rain. There is always some tip or idea, some marketing marvel or technological gadget that helps to improve the...
Comments 63
By Dick Greenberg, Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate
(New Paradigm Partners LLC)
The Third Annual Sensei/Grasshopper Challenge is officially over (except for some clean-up stuff - there may be a few straggler posts coming over the next several days, as a result of my dreadful record keeping and a few unherded cats).   The posts in the Sensei/Grasshopper group stand as a testiment to the sharing spirit of ActiveRain, and are worth browsing through. Those who participated experienced one of the things we do best as a community.   I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to be part of the challenge. Your willingness to share your skills or to ask others for help is greatly appreciated, and makes us stronger and better at what we do.   I doubt it's necessary to mention, but mentor/mentee relationships in the Rain aren't limited to challenges or time constraints. We...
Comments 36
By Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730
(Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)
If You Can't Stand the Heat, Get Out of the Real Estate KitchenReal estate careers from the outside looking in seem to be all about fun and games. Who doesn't want to look at pretty houses all day long and see all the lovely decor? And beside that, everyone wants a job being paid the big bucks for doing nothing but unlocking a few doors every now and then. And many sellers think we just stick up a sign and sit back and wait for a buyer to beg to buy their homes.The truth is that if it is done right, it is a full time job and oftentimes many hours more are invested and it is not a job for everybody. Do we have some fun along the way, yes of course but there is much more to it. It lures people to jump in thinking it is a piece of cake type of job with little or no commitment involved.But ...
Comments 76

Blog posts


By Neil J Coleman, "Best Loan Officer" Illinois Mortgage Banker Assoc
(First Midwest Bank - a division of Old National Bank - Conventional / VA / Jumbo / FHA/ USDA)
Economic growth in the U.S. was anemic in the first quarter of 2014 due to a decline in exports, business inventory investment, nonresidential fixed investment, residential fixed investment and government spending. The Commerce Department reported that the first reading on Gross Domestic Product in the first quarter of 2014 was at 0.1%, which was below the 1% expected and down from the 2.6% recorded in the final quarter of 2013. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that its Market Composite Index, a measure of total loan application volume, fell nearly 6% in the latest week to its lowest level since December 2000. Higher home prices along with tightening credit availability are a few of the reasons behind the tepid numbers. The refinance index fell by 7% and the refinance share of ...
Comments 1
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“Problems at a Closing, I Always Want to Know”   Do issues sometimes happen at a closing, you bet and I always want to know. Maybe it’s because I am a bit of a control freak. My clients are aware that they can reach me if there is ever an issue at a closing.   Even though I explain everything that will go on, they can forget, but when they know they can reach out if there is a question, it just adds a little comfort.   Even though I go over closing costs in detail, sometimes I fail to follow up on something, such was the case when I didn’t follow up on an adjustment for fuel. There was oil heat and the seller had filled the tank just before closing. At the time of the application when I brought up fuel adjustment, they told me they weren’t sure how the home was heated, YIKES. They said ...
Comments 19
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“$250,000 Legal Fee?”   They say that divorce is expensive, but not being married and splitting up is even more expensive. I could not help this man refinance, as he needed to raise enough money to pay his legal fees and paying off a settlement with his former girlfriend.   The settlement with the girlfriend was $75,000 and the legal bill $250,000. The legal fees were approved by the court. This situation is only going to get worse, as there is very little equity in the property and these two obligations have to be paid by the middle of July.   This poor guy says, let my ex-girlfriend and my attorney take my property. I sent him to a bankruptcy attorney, as he needs a lot of help.     I know there are always two sides to every situation, but this one is really bad. Sometimes the math ju...
Comments 25
By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Many interior designers have a signature style. In this apartment (located opposite the Eiffel Tower), French designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier, decided to use his signature nautical stripes not only on the walls but on the furniture and floors as well. In the following photos and video you can see what he did with a 250-square-meter dwelling which is on display at the Architecture Museum. Gaultier first worked for Pierre Cardin, and after also working in the Philllippines, he returned to France and eventually set up his own label, exploding on to the scene in the 1980s. Enjoy :) If you get dizzy, there is no need to leave. You can go into the doll bedroom, in which the fabric unfolds on its walls and the corset dress becomes the quilt: And then there’s the garden room which includes ivy wea...
Comments 2
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“Preapproval Said Borrower was Approved for a USDA Mortgage”   I don’t consider myself the average seller of real estate. I have been a very active buyer and seller of real estate for many years. I have also had the privilege of being in the mortgage business for many years. I also don’t like to mix the two, never willing to do mortgages on anything where I am the owner of the real estate being sold, for obvious reasons. I just don’t want any possible conflicts.   OK, so where am I going with this. I put a newly renovated home on the market, fortunately there was lots of action. There were a number of interested parties and settled in on a transaction where there buyer was approved for a USDA mortgage. I reviewed the preapproval, but I always wonder if the loan officer knows what they a...
Comments 22
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“Saving Thousands with an Adjustable Mortgage”   $380 a month in savings over a 30 year fixed rate loan is a lot of money. That wasn’t even the motivating factor, it was that they were planning on having their mortgage paid off in the next 8 to 10 years. These folks are on a mission.   They are both professionals and once a year get large bonuses and want to pay down their mortgage each time they got a large sum of money. So doing a fixed rate for 7 years, amortized over 30 years at and interest rate of 3.5% was nearly 1% lower than the 30 year fixed rate option.   I let them know, I didn’t agree with them, but they felt that over the next few years the interest write off would be taken away, so this benefit would go away. In spite of their feelings, I felt being high income earners, th...
Comments 18
By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  Sellers Beware! Your Property May Be Targeted   A home on acreage in a rural area was listed for sale with a sign in the yard.  A couple of "Buyers" had stopped by stating that they were interested in the property and wanted to view it.     The Sellers of course did not want to turn down any potential parties that were interested in the property and allowed them to walk around the grounds as well as view the interior of the home.     The "Buyers" came back a second time the following evening to "view" the property again.  The Sellers did not have a good feeling about these "Buyers" and called the police.  Their feelings were correct as the "Buyers" bound them in duct tape and went about taking their valuables and cash.     These so called "Buyers" drove up to the property without an a...
Comments 4
By Brian Petrelli, MBA, GRI
(The Brian Petrelli Team - Metro Brokers)
The market for Lakewood Foreclosures is hot. With investors fighting over the few bank owned homes on the market, potential homebuyers have been struggling to find any foreclosures to even bid on With this low inventory, our team was thrilled to see HUD release this new Lakewood Home .Listed by HUD at $270,200, this foreclosure has 2216 finished square feet, 3 beds and 2 baths. Homes in Lakewood Lakewood typically sell for higher than $270,200, so we expect to see many interested buyers for this Home. HUD homes have a short bidding window, so if you are interested in looking at this foreclosure in Lakewood Lakewood, don't wait. Call us today at 303-726-1874. Lakewood Home: 7100 west 23rd avenuelakewood 80214 Lakewood $270,200 est $ Beds: 3      Fin Sq Ft: 2216 Baths: 2     Year: 1979 # ...
Comments 0
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“Just Doing My Job, but Recommendation Always Appreciated”   From time to time I get surprised by an appraisal that comes in 20% higher than the estimated value, especially when the homeowner is looking to maximize the amount of the cash out. I mean $40,000 more cash out than expected is a lot of money.   When I shared the news with the homeowner he was immediately sharing how great we were, I wish I could take the credit, but immediately saw another opportunity for requesting a recommendation.   When I originally took the application, I asked for a recommendation, but thus far hadn’t received one, so I asked again. His comment was a bit surprising. I am on Linkedin with you, actually that is where I started reading your blogs, but you already have over 150 recommendations, why do you n...
Comments 14
By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Dated? Yes. Cheesy? Yes. But how can you not love this!  If you enjoyed this post, you’ll certainly enjoy these other 'Just for Fun' posts!
Comments 0
By ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779, CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com
( REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK )
    Heads Up !! It being called a HUGE grass roots and global effort to help “Boomers” and Older People Stay in Our Homes … I say “OUR” because this is a situation involving aging- one we will all face, if we are lucky! Will “Boomers” and Older People Chose Aging-in-Place Solutions? There sure is buzz about this. And you may be as excited as we are about the value-added features for buying and selling residential properties that  Universal Design (UD) , “a broad spectrum of ideas … products and environments that are inherently accessible for everyone – provides for those who are old and young, and those with and without disabilities” ... .    What is On Your Horizon? (photo of Asheville- beautiful horizon and possibilities)   Is Your Home Aging as Well as You Are? (Begin the UD conversa...
Comments 5
By Neil J Coleman, "Best Loan Officer" Illinois Mortgage Banker Assoc
(First Midwest Bank - a division of Old National Bank - Conventional / VA / Jumbo / FHA/ USDA)
The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30. FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing. FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases The FOMC statement reflected members’ concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its goal within the “medium term.” The Fed will reduce its monthly asset purchases of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury secu...
Comments 1
By Stephen Fells, Marketing, Technology, Fun and News!
(AgencyLogic)
Over the last few weeks lots of videos have been added to the REALTOR Magazine YouTube channel including this one that covers how real estate agents can reduce your retirement investment risk by going into the market each month in small, fixed increments.
Comments 1
By Rebecca Gaujot, Realtor®, Lewisburg WV, the go to agent for all real estate
A reminder  .... Mother's Day is May 11th! ... is for the million things she gave me,   ... means only that she's growing old,   ... is for the tears she shed to save me,       ... is for her heart of purest gold;   ... is for her eyes, with love-light shining,   ... means right, and right she'll always be.       Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER," A word that means the world to me.   --Howard Johnson (c. 1915)       Mother's Day......A day we remember our beloved mothers.       My mother, Myrtle Avis Vasvary, 1914-1967 Love and Miss you MOM!                
Comments 18
By Mark Taylor Mortgages, 602-361-0707 #MarkTaylor #Awesomerates NMLS#207897
(and for 1st Time Buyers, Move Up Buyers & Investors )
Retail Sales Are On The Rise         The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30.   FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing.   FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases   The FOMC statement reflected members’ concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its goal within the “medium term.”   The Fed will reduce its monthly asset purchases of...
Comments 6
How to Sell Your Home and Buy Another at the Same Time  Being a move-up buyer can be tough in today’s market. Although deals are closing rapidly, there’s no guarantee that your new dream home will close at the same time as your old dream home. Selling and buying at the same time is a delicate dance, but it is doable. There are a few ways to pursue this plan:     1. Sell first, then buy. This is perhaps the safest plan, but it calls for multiple moves. In this scenario, you list your home and complete the transaction before purchasing another home. When you sell your home, you put the bulk of your belongings in storage and live in a temporary rental or, if possible, enter into a rent-back deal with your home’s new owner. The advantage of this method is that you know exactly how much you...
Comments 4
By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
The FOMC of the Federal Reserve released its customary statement after its meeting concluded April 30.  FOMC members said that the economy is improving after a winter lull caused by poor weather. The national unemployment rate remains high, although some improvement in labor markets was reported. Fiscal policy is restraining economic growth, although FOMC said that the restraint is diminishing. FOMC Monitors Inflation, Further Reduces Asset Purchases The FOMC statement reflected members' concerns about the inflation rate remaining below its goal of two percent, and said that this could eventually impact economic recovery. The Fed expects inflation to approach its goal within the "medium term." The Fed will reduce its monthly asset purchases of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury sec...
Comments 0
By DAdrea Davie, Stanislaus & San Joaquin Short Sale Agent
(Keller Williams Realty)
  My BIG Why. You may have guessed that I am reading The Millionaire Real Estate Agent by  Gary Keller with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan. Currently reading the section on the Nine Ways the Real Estate Agent Thinks (who knew there were only nine). While reading this book I have been journaling my thoughts down and decided to share...now even though I blog occasionally...I rarely share my personal thoughts on my business...I normally share consumer educational information for my business. With that said let’s start the conversation...     Think Powered By a Big Why   In this chapter, Keller challenged me to think and document what really motivates me. When starting into the real estate industry money was a big driving force, however, I have always loved and enjoyed real estate. After being...
Comments 2
By Amy Jones Group, 4 Time BEST OF OUR VALLEY Winner
(South East Valley - www.AmyJonesGroup.com)
Great location - 4 Bdrm 2 Bath with Pool OverviewMapsPhotosDescriptionMarket Stats $289,000 Single Family Home Main Features 4 Bedrooms2 BathroomsInterior: 1,828 sqftLot: 5,641 sqft Location 1817 N. Palm DrTempe, AZ 85281USA Amy Jones Group RE/Max Infinity(480) 250-3857amy@amysellsaz.comhttp://wwwAmySellsAZ.com   Listed by: Amy Jones of RE/MAX Infinity Our recent listings Great location - 4 Bdrm 2 Bath with PoolBeautifully Remodeled on Large LotSpectacular Basement Home In San SebastianSplit Floorplan with PoolIncredible Basement Home With Guest House Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale
Comments 5
8 Stewart St, Newport RI 02840 List Price: $285,000 2 Bedrooms / 1.5 Baths Great Newport home built in 1988  with a lot to offer. Eat-in-kitchen, hardwoods, living room with sliders to deck and parking. Great starter home or second home just steps to Broadway's great restaurants, shops and minutes to Harbor & Downtown. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICIAL LISTING AGENT CONNOR DOWD AT KELLER WILLIAMS 401-864-4488 OR CONNORDOWD@KW.COM   
Comments 8
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