Archives of real estate blog entries for April 01, 2014

Featured blog posts


By Kristi Knutson, Blog Trainer ☂
(Posted from Trulia.com)   Announcing Truluvia—The First Dating Site Exclusively for Real Estate Agents At Trulia, we’ve always been passionate about helping agents connect with consumers to find their dream home. Since 2005, we’ve been combining cutting-edge technology and deep industry knowledge to find dream homes for millions of consumers. In our unending quest to find ways that we can help real estate professionals better connect with consumers, we often found ourselves thinking about other types of connections. Specifically? Love connections. Today, we’re proud to introduce Truluvia, the world’s first dating site exclusively for real estate agents. We’ve said it many times before, but if there is one thing that never changes, it’s that the real estate industry is always changing. ...
Comments 57
By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
If you are going to proclaim yourself as an expert in a particular niche of your marketplace, make sure that you have your bona fides.  Bona fides means you have a strong track record of listing or selling properties in that community.  A mere market report is not a demonstration of expertise.  Just parroting statistics is like singing karaoke.  It is imitation. Prior to opening our own commercial real estate firm, our then broker put up billboards, with this quote: “We know every square foot on the Westside! (Los Angeles).  It was true; every agent in that office that specialized in office leasing stayed up to date with that inventory.    We know several realtors in Santa Barbara who know the history of every home in their chosen niche.  When these experts write a market report, it is...
Comments 34
By Sally K. & David L. Hanson, WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce
(EXP Realty 414-525-0563)
  When each room is examined before a listing, the Sellers need  to decide if anything will be left...window treatments (per AR blogger Debbie Reynolds)are certainly one kind of item that pops up regularly...the valance or curtain that matches the bedspread and that is understandable.      Another popular item is the lighting fixture...a family heirloom....or purchased on a foreign vacation that really "light up the room" and likely the eyes of the buyer.  There is the shelf that has become a part of the room that your Dad carved from the tree in the backyard at the house where you grew up...it worked perfectly in the room .......and now unless you want it to remain in the house...take it down, repair the wall or replace it with something else before the house is listed.          A long...
Comments 44
By Gita Bantwal, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel
(RE/MAX Centre Realtors)
My husband and I bought a single house in the 70s. There was no such thing as buyer agent back then. I had not heard of home inspections either. My husband owned a one bedroom condo before we were married but after our son was born we needed a bigger house.  We looked at a few different homes with help of different real estate agents. We could not look at many homes because it was difficult going out to look at homes with a little baby.  We found a nice new construction of townhomes and loved it. We were going to put down the deposit when the salesperson there said he knew of a single home for $10,000 less and it had four bedrooms.  He showed it to us and we were debating whether we should buy it or the townhouse when he said someone else was interested in it so we did not have much tim...
Comments 55
By Eric Kodner, CRS, Madeline Island Realty, LaPointe, WI 54850 -
(Madeline Island Realty)
  Seller Wants Pre-Approved Showing Parties - What Can You do to Comply?   I completely understand when a seller doesn't want their home paraded through by folks who have no intention of buying and no ability to buy either.  This makes sense particularly when a home is an upper-bracket showpiece.  The seller doesn't mind showings to parties that actually have the financial wherewithal to buy, but they don't wish to be part of a rainy day tour of the South Shore area.   In a tourist town, you see this situation quite often.  A "walk-in" will ask the agent on duty at a local real estate office if they can see a particular property.  The walk-in prospect will be a day tripper or short-term tourist visitor.  They almost always want access to a listing on demand.  And some of these folks wil...
Comments 26
By Anita Clark, Realtor - Homes for Sale in Warner Robins GA
(Coldwell Banker Access Realty ~ 478.960.8055)
Do You Need to Have Flood Insurance? Chances are, you can ask 100 consumers if they need to have flood insurance and you will get 100 different answers. With new and changing legislation, shifting flood zones, and increasing costs, it can be a mystery to many buyers. ...this infographic should be helpful to those who do not understand the need for flood insurance, when it is required, and/or the situations you might want to consider obtaining it. ~~ Please click the link to share this Infographic ~~ Your Houston County GA Real Estate Professional For complete real estate details about all the available homes for sale in Houston County GA, follow the link to get the latest Houston County GA real estate information. When you are ready to buy or sell Houston County real estate, let me put ...
Comments 49
By Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate & Military Relocation
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.)
Open House vs. Internet Marketing   HGTV would have you believe that "Open House" is the way to sell a home. Fans of the show know that a successful Open House is the goal of any home renovation prior to selling. An endless parade of prospective buyers walk through the Open House during the last five minutes of the show, raving about the scrumptious kitchen, spa-like bathroom, etc. These shows generally conclude by saying how much everyone adored the complete makeover of the home that was performed over the first 25 minutes of the show. However, they rarely indicate that a contract of sale was the direct result of that Open House.   As a REALTOR® in Crofton, Maryland, since the 70′s, I’ve held my share of traditional Open Houses in this area. They do attract visitors, but more window-sh...
Comments 66
By Jana Haren, Your Dreams. Your House. Your Life.
(Libertas Real Estate)
    When I see a home listed for sale “As Is,” it usually means there are some red flags to consider.  Often times, homes that are being sold “as is” will require quite a bit of updating and, more than likely, some major repairs. Whatever the case may be, the Seller is stating that they are not willing/not able to make any repairs to the house. Does that mean that once your offer has been accepted and your As Is Addendum has been signed, that you have to go through with the purchase come what may?  Absolutely not!  You’re still entitled to your inspection period and it is highly advisable that you hire a qualified, licensed professional inspector to conduct one for you.  If, during the inspection period, items of defect are found that the Buyer disapproves of, Buyer maintains the right ...
Comments 131
By Jenna Weinerman, Your ActiveRain moving & relocation expert
(Updater)
Today is my first day on ActiveRain! Would love to hear directly from you what your favorite tools within the site are, how you best utilize it, etc.  Thanks in advance!
Comments 68
By Debbie Laity, Your Real Estate Resource for Delta County, CO
(Cedaredge Land Company)
Legalized Marijuana and Landlord Tenant Relationships in Colorado. This is part 2 of my series on legalized pot in Colorado and how it affects the real estate industry. One of the areas where it's anticipated there will be a lot of issues with the legalization of marijuana in Colorado is with rental property.  Property managers and owners of rental property have concerns. When a lot of leases were established, the legalization of marijuana wasn't an issue. Keep in mind it is still considered an illegal activity on the federal level and most standard leases prohibit illegal activity. If a tenant starts smoking marijuana and/or growing it, the tenant can be evicted for participating in an illegal activity. If the lease prohibits smoking...that provision also applies to smoking pot. It's t...
Comments 150
By Jon Kolsky, Licensed California Real Estate Broker
(Kolsky Realty & Management)
  Selling Your Home? 3 Myths & Truths…   If you are about to sell your home, everywhere you turn there seems to be advice about what you need to do. But the fact is, a lot of unsolicited information isn’t that good or reliable.   Before you list your home, you’ll want to do a little research so you can separate fact from fiction. Having the right information saves time and money, just as being misinformed wastes time and cost money.   Myth: The inside of a home is more important than the outside. The reality is homebuyers are quick to judge, and if the home does not have curb appeal from the outside buyers will pass right by.    Myth: The paint color inside the home is not important. Homebuyers have a hard time getting past unsightly paint colors. Applying a fresh coat of neutral paint ...
Comments 99
By Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730
(Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)
Do the Curtains and Rods Have to Stay?I get it, curtains, rods and hardware are expensive and when you are selling your home in Clarksville TN you may ask whether they have to stay with the house or can you remove them.According to the Tennessee Association of REALTORS® Purchase and Sales Agreement used in Tennessee, all window treatments such as curtains, shades, draperies and hardware do remain as part of the sale. Why is that? Because Tennessee's Purchase and Sales Agreement has preprinted language in it that says so. You always should read the small print to see what it says. Does it have to be that way? No.But what if a seller wants to take these items when they sell? The best way is to do this is to remove them before the house goes on the market. If any holes are left in woodwork...
Comments 73

Blog posts


By Dana Basiliere, Making deals "Happen"
(Rossi & Riina Real Estate)
This Homeowner blog tip: Working for a dry basement. There are many ways water/moisture can get into your basement. This is a blog with helpful tips and is not meant to be a blueprint to having a perfectly dry basement.Update!!  April 2019 - With the heavy snowfall this year in the NE, and the northern Midwest it is imperative to "find" your perimeter drains as soon as possible and open them up by shovel or thaw. If obstructed by ice they cannot do their job of draining the basement perimeter!1.) Keep your gutters cleaned out. If you don’t have them it is a good investment2.) Surface water must be directed away from the basement walls.3.) Most builders have the soil next to the house higher than the surrounding land and direct the water into a swale that flows away from the house. This ...
Comments 10
By Erin Holloway
(Keller Williams Realty)
Call the Holloway Home Group at (318)-572-6551 or email us at hollowayhomegroup@gmail.com! Search Homes for Sale in Shreveport, Homes for sale in Bossier,  Homes for sale in Greenwood, or Homes For Sale in Benton   HHG listed this Shreveport home and before the week was even over there was an offer for our sellers to consider. They accepted, this property is now pending!!! 9705 Stonehaven Dr. in Shreveport has 4 bed 2 bath with 2240 sq ft. We asked $185,000 for it and compromised at 183,000. This home is close to Mansfield Rd. and all that it offers. We are glad to say that we helped these two families so fast. This home has a wood burning fire place, brand new wood flooring, a large utility room and much much more. This home should close quickly and everyone will be happy in the end!! ...
Comments 2
By Rick Belben, Orlando Real Estate - Belben Realty Group
(Belben Realty Group)
Gated Community! OverviewMapsPhotosMarket Stats $300,000 Single Family Home Main Features 5 Bedrooms4 BathroomsInterior: 3,425 sqft Location 2734 CEDAR KNOLL DRApopka, FL 32712USA Rick Belben Belben Realty Group(407) 341-1706rick@ricksellsflorida.comhttp://www.RickSellsFlorida.com   Listed by: Rick Belben - Belben Realty Group Our recent listings Gated Community!Single Family Residential for $325,000 in Apopka, FLSingle Family Residential for $79,900 in Apopka, FLSingle Family Residential for $289,000 in Apopka, FLSingle Family Residential for $239,000 in Apopka, FL Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale
Comments 2
By Mark Montross, Listing and Buyer Specialist
(Catamount Realty Group)
108 Hemlock Drive Milton VT                Home for Sale in Milton VT - Spacious one level ranch with beautiful hardwood flooring. Large living room with two ceiling fans and a bay window for plenty of natural lighting. Eat in Kitchen with copious cabinet and counter space. Four spacious bedrooms with ceiling fans and abundance of natural lighting. Sit back and relax in the enclosed front sun room and enjoy. Downstairs, there is plenty of storage space and a area that can be used as a workshop. The house is situated in the heart of town, yet is surrounded by plenty of trees giving it a wonderful sense of privacy. The backyard is very large and has two sheds that will provide extra storage space. The backyard is also fenced in giving it extra privacy for play time or for the fury friends...
Comments 0
By Jenifer Lower, Your Dream. Our Passion.
(Bozeman Montana Real Estate .net)
Consumers are smarter and more resistant to old lead generation methods. As the real estate industry moves more and more to an online lead capture structure, agents need to be aware of the vastly different customer service that is required. The no. 1 area agents can work at in order to achieve the maximum ROI on their lead processes is: Know Jane Doe’s Tier: I Am Ready to Move: I will input my data into your lead capturing site and visit it regularly. I am okay with you reaching out to me and actually expect that quick response because I would really like to go see some houses this week. If you do not get ahold of me, I will use the first agent to reach out because they are providing me with what I need. I Am Seeking Information to Possibly Move in the Next 6 mo.: I will input my data i...
Comments 1
By Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, Good to Know
(BHHS Verani Realty)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info See Similar Homes for Sale Londonderry, NH Real Estate Manchester, NH Real Estate Hooksett, NH Real Estate Derry, NH Real Estate Litchfield, NH Real Estate Chester, NH Real Estate Exeter, NH Real Estate   Peg Walther BHHS Verani Realty Londonderry   888-723-0306 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 4344439   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 9 Orchard Street Raymond, NH Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure JUST LISTED     Rare opportunity for small downtown area lot that once had a two family and large barn on it. $ Click for current price 4356.0 Square Feet Rare opportunity for small downtown...
Comments 0
By Sam Cooper, Sam Cooper Howard Hanna Real Estate
(Howard Hanna Real Estate)
182 Fox Glen Dr. W - Homes Sold by Sam Cooper HER Realtors Sam Cooper, HER Realtors, was the selling agent for another beautiful Fox Glen Pickerington Ohio home.  This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, two-story home is located at 182 Fox Glen Dr. W Pickerington, OH 43147.  The home features 2,600 total square feet, including the finished lower level.  Additional amenities include an open floor plan, first floor master with a walk-in closet, double sinks, and a soaking tub, two-story great room with tons of natural light and a gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen with cherry cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and an island, hardwood flooring throughout, first floor laundry, fenced-in backyard, and brick patio.  182 Fox Glen Dr. W was sold in September 2013 for $227,000. To view homes currently on the ...
Comments 1
By ChuckTown Homes Real Estate
(Chucktown Homes)
  24 hour recorded info on this property…1-888-210-3348 X.3748 …or call us today Jeremy 843-478-8532 Donald 843-478-5015 Your WHITE PICKET FENCE is ready!! Convenient location in Goose Creek/Hanahan area!! This WELL priced home is located on the pond in Briarwood with a large fenced in yard!! The one car garage has been converted to an additional room but still has plenty of room for storage. The current owner is using this as a 4th bedroom but could serve many purposes or easily be turned back into a garage. Downstairs you will enjoy the large living area, and separate dining room overlooking the patio and large backyard. 3 bedrooms are located upstairs including the master bedroom with walk-in closet and master bathroom. The current owner has updated the lighting in the home as well ...
Comments 0
By Jim Griffin
(HouseLens: Video Marketing for Real Estate)
  Spring is officially here, and that means selling season is upon us. Here at HouseLens, the nation's largest provider of full-motion video house tours, we're getting ready for a surge in appointments as agents get ready to market all those new listings.   In dealing with agents – especially those who are new to using professional photography or videography – we often hear the question, “What should I do to prepare for my video shoot?” For the most part, our answer is the same one you would hear from any good stager: get rid of the clutter, tidy the house, and put away the pet paraphernalia.   With video and photo, however, there are a few additional things you can do to make the most of your shoot – including a few things that are specific to this time of year. Book for a cloudy day. ...
Comments 0
By Helen Oliveri, "Your Best Move!"
(The Helen Oliveri Team)
Spacious split level home situated on an acre with pond views, brick paver patio and upgraded landscaping. Featuring 4 beds, 2.5 baths & a 2 car garage, this home is both updated & functional. Home has an updated kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances & eat-in area. Dining room features sliders to the exterior, living room has a wall of windows and family room has fireplace and outdoor access. Expansive master suite with huge windows and beautiful views. En-suite bath features upgraded tile, jetted tub and huge spa-like shower. Relax in your full-finished basement with fireplace, sliders to the outside with both water and landscape views. Professionally landscaped exterior has sweeping brick paver patio and oversized 2-car garage. Enormous unfinished sub-basement perfect f...
Comments 0
By Will Hamm, "Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"
(Hamm Homes)
This condo was put in MLS on March 28 at 10 p.m. and had a cash offer by 7 p.m. on March 29.  The sellers are very happy since he just lost his job on March 27 and is headed back to Chicago after being in the Denver area for 9 years.  I sold them this condo new 9 years ago and they have been great friends since day one.  They did by a townhome in Chicago 2 years ago because his wife goes back there every other month to see the grand kids, now it will work out for them to be there all the time.  He already has a interview in Chicago today, so I have my finger cross that it will out.
Comments 16
By Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, Good to Know
(BHHS Verani Realty)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info See Similar Homes for Sale Londonderry, NH Real Estate Manchester, NH Real Estate Hooksett, NH Real Estate Derry, NH Real Estate Litchfield, NH Real Estate Chester, NH Real Estate Exeter, NH Real Estate   Mary Goodnow BHHS Verani Realty Londonderry   888-723-0306 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 4344454   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. Lot 5 Seavey Drive Auburn, NH Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure JUST LISTED     Beautiful 4 bedroom home for sale in Auburn, NH! $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS ( 3 full ) 2528.0 Square Feet Saddle Hill is a 39 Lot Subdivision of New H...
Comments 1
By Jeff & Debra Adler, Helped Over 1,100 Families With Their Home Goals
(Keller Williams )
Be prepared to be wowed. Set on a magnificent, professionally manicured, landscaped setting, this astounding, stunning, updated vintage colonial is not to be missed. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the extreme pride of ownership demonstrated throughout this one of a kind beauty.         No detail was overlooked with the top of the line magazine quality amenities that are sure to please today’s most savvy buyer. Fall in love with the majestic gourmet designer kitchen; sophisticated filled living room with pocket doors and fireplace, bright formal dining room with panel molding and fireplace, elegant entry foyer, first floor creative full bathroom, charming family room with stone and skylights, second floor extraordinary bathroom and full basement. Don’t miss the extensive custom wood...
Comments 1
By Adam Franzetti, Work With A Specialist!!
(Franzetti Real Estate)
FC Dallas Professional MLS Team in Frisco Texas FC Dallas Professional MLS Team in Frisco Texas home stadium is located at 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, TX 75034  FC Dallas Professional MLS Team in Frisco Texas is one of the 10 charter clubs of the MLS. FC Dallas plays their home games at the soccer specific Toyota Stadium with a crowd capacity of over 20,000 and have played here since 2005.    Expanding FC Dallas Into Frisco Texas Formed in 1995 and originally named the Dallas Burn, the team would become one of the better teams to play in the MLS. The Dallas Burn struggled throughout the upcoming seasons despite winning the US Open Cup in 1997. Toward the end of 2004, it was announced by club owner Lamar Hunt that they the club would be renamed FC Dallas and relocated to Frisco Tx. The h...
Comments 1
By Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, Good to Know
(BHHS Verani Realty)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info See Similar Homes for Sale Londonderry, NH Real Estate Manchester, NH Real Estate Hooksett, NH Real Estate Derry, NH Real Estate Litchfield, NH Real Estate Chester, NH Real Estate Exeter, NH Real Estate   David Nease BHHS Verani Realty Londonderry   888-723-0306 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 4344434   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 32 Old Nashua Londonderry, NH Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure JUST LISTED     Beautiful 4 bedroom home for sale in Londonderry, NH! $ Click for current price 4 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS ( 2 full ) 2170.0 Square Feet Oversized Cape with newer detached 3 Car...
Comments 0
By Korby Matsen, R(B), REALTOR Broker - Kohala Coast, HI 808-557-5321
(Hawaii Luxury Real Estate RB-21156)
    The Austin Real Estate statistics for February 2014 are out and they are, once again, hitting record highs. According to the MLS Report released by the Austin Board of Realtors, Austin area homes sales and home prices hit an all time high in February, with number of homes sold up 9% and home prices up 11%. As we begin the Spring selling season, let's take a look back at the statistics for February 2014. There were 1,761 single family homes sold in Austin in February 2014, that is up 9% from February of last year and an all time high for February. As said by Bill Evans, 2014 President of the Austin Board of Realtors, “The Austin area housing market continues to be strong and home buyers remain aggressive. Sales are increasing year over year.” You will see that the sales price statist...
Comments 0
By Richard Weisser, Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional
(Richard Weisser Realty)
In a surprise press release the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it will no longer be selling FHA insured properties. Instead, the properties will be turned over to the states to be awarded to would-be homeowners in any way deemed appropriate by their respective legislatures. Some of the suggested methods of disposal are lottery prizes, rewards for state employees, or as practice sites for fire department training. Needless to say, this shakeup has caused some consternation in the real estate community but when asked about the impact on the industry a HUD spokesperson retorted:   “We’ve never cared about the real estate brokers before. Why would we change that NOW?”
Comments 15
By Gordon Dey, Helping Buyers & Sellers Achieve their Dreams!
(EXP Realty, LLC)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info Search Pensacola FL Homes for Sale Cantonment FL Homes for Sale Search Pace FL Home for Sale Search Perdido Key Condos & Homes Search Pensacola Beach Properties Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work What is Your Home Worth?   Gordon Dey Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast 850-466-6920 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 457783   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 7846 LOLA CIR NAVARRE, FL Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure JUST LISTED     Beautiful 3 bedroom home for sale in NAVARRE, FL! $ Click for current price 3 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS ( 3 full ) 1876 Square Feet...
Comments 0
By Petra Norris, Realtor, Lakeland FL Homes for Sale
(Lakeland Real Estate Group, Inc.)
  Planning Your Sandpiper Lakeland FL Move: PART 1 After you have successfully bought a Sandpiper Lakeland FL home for sale, you need to prepare your move as soon as possible. This will give you ample time to decide how much of the work you'll be taking on yourself or how much help you will need to request from others. You can start by asking this to yourself: Will I move myself or hire a moving company? Hiring a Moving Company 101 If you want to save yourself from hassle and work and money is not an issue, then you may choose to hire a reliable moving company. It is advisable to shop around and ask 2 to 3 moving companies for quotes in writing. This will help you assess the price and the coverage. Also, you can ask friends and family for recommendations. A good moving company will norm...
Comments 2
By Ellie McIntire, Luxury service in Central Maryland
(Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate)
 February Market watch for the Baltimore Metro Area This is why should you select a LOCAL REALTOR to list your Howard County home?      Here are some active listings in the Howard County Area ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Are you are planning to move in or to the Howard County or Catonsville area and you want a BUYERS AGENT that really knows the area and all that it has to offer? You need a LOCAL REALTOR. I would like to apply for that job.     Click here to start your search. (Personal tours of the area included in the service)  ******Are you looking to successfully sell your Howard County or Catonsville home with a LOCAL Realtor who will market your property with multiple resources? Then call me for an appointment. (Goldi...
Comments 0