Archives of real estate blog entries for December 01, 2013

Featured blog posts


By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
I TAKE ALL INQUIRIES SERIOUSLY. I received a phone call one day from a gentleman calling from Georgia.  He and his wife were interested in buying a home in my area.  Could I help them??  "Of course I can.  That's what I do", I told him. His family had two sons ready for college and they were accepted in American Universery.  For luxury home communities nearest that area in MD would be Potomac and Bethesda, MD.  I offered to send him a package of information to help him understand real estate in that area.  The next day I hit the road and previewed homes for sale in luxury price ranges that were convenient to the university.  The package went out the next day, overnight.  The homes included in the package were in the $1,500,000 to $2,500,000 price range.  I received e-mail that he and h...
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By Richie Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
I found ACTIVERAIN one day. I reviewed it not understanding it and made a note to come back when I had more time. With me, making a note or bookmarking is literal. I only go toward things that capture my attention in a certain way. AR qualified. On my return visit, I decided to fill out some areas and hardly noticed the movement as it gently prompted me forward. It reminded me of an airport FIND THE TERMINAL You enter the area and then the parking section and on to the entrance and then into the terminal. Then, you wonder past different sights and sounds until you arrive at your specific spot whatever that is. So it was that I went on to the scrolling page, the red carpet and started clicking here and there. What an interesting forum and I liked the way it was presented MY LIKE KIND Her...
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Blogging Daily- Here We Go Again!  It’s All About CRAPP! Several years ago, after completing a 30 in 30 challenge, I wrote a post letting my fellow members know what I learned from the challenge…. CRAPP!  This was a challenge I’d completed even while having 2 long road trips (one planned and one unexpected!) Inlight of the many 30 in 30’s we’ve been having I thought I’d take it out of the blogging attic, dust it off, freshen it up and offer it to you as what I learned from blogging every day. So yes, I learned CRAPP from my daily blogging. Creativity- writing staging how to’s and posting Before and After photos is pretty easy.  To post every day, I had to get creative… to learn to look at things differently. Routine- everyone here has there own routine for writing their posts.  I had to...
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By Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ, HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN
(Value Added Service, 602-620-2699)
Paint - Know Your Sunshine!  Having just finished a big painting job, I have learned a big lesson.  No, I didn't do any of the painting, I just made the painting decisions. And I made a bad decision!  Paint - Know Your Sunshine. Although I've painted for many years in many houses, I hadn't experienced the light differences of my current home.  This particular home is a 2 story with north/south exposure like a lot of Arizona homes.  I'm used to single story homes.  This type of exposure means darker rooms in some areas as the southern sun has brighter exposure and some of my rooms have no southern or east/west exposure.  Paint - Know Your Sunshine. Due to directional sun exposure, light can change from room to room.  Light exposure also changes paint color.  So, using the same paint colo...
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By Midori Miller, Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
(Talk 2 Midori, LLC)
It kills me...just kills me how people perceive real estate agents. In most cases, home sellers have others buzzing in their ears on everything that the agent they hired is doing something wrong. The sellers friends and family express their feelings and that creates a question in the sellers mind and a thought crosses their mind, I can't trust my agent.  Remember..listing agreements and sales contracts are legal documents and taking real estate advice from a novice is not in your best interest..wouldn't you agree?  Yet so many do!    Friends and family should consider keeping their opinion to themselves.  Being unaware and voicing your opinion can cause a delay in a real estate transaction that could possibly hurt your loved one in the long run.  Human beings in general tend to believe ...
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By James Quarello, Connecticut Home Inspector
(JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC)
When one thinks of fireproof materials, metal, stone and brick readily come to mind. Wood definitely would not. So one has to wonder, why would anyone build part of a fireplace using wood. There is no doubt wood belongs in the fireplace. But as a part of the structure? While inspecting a not very old colonial style house, about 45 years, I arrived at the second fireplace in the house located in the family room above the garage. The smoke stained mantel grabbed my attention first. Often a sign of venting issues. I snapped a picture and moved in closer. Something else was not right my brain nagged.  The mind is a funny thing, when our consciousness can not grasp something because it so absurd, the unconscious mind is busy screaming to wake up and smell the coffee. I finally heard the shou...
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By Grant Schneider, Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes
(Performance Development Strategies)
A new book suggests that a very successful CEO, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, used bullying tactics. While that may be in dispute how many bosses take management by objectives to this level? If I had a room of people and I asked the question, "what constitutes an effective leader" I might get as many answers as people in the room. There are many traits that make a successful leader. I believe that effective leaders and managers do get results working with other people. If you are motivating your real estate agents they see the need to do the things that will make them successful.  But there is a difference between a boss and leader. Someone can appoint himself boss because he signs the paycheck or a manager is the boss because he was given that title from above. But just because someone is give...
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By Brigita McKelvie, Associate Broker, The Broker with horse sense and no horsing around
(Cindy Stys Equestrian and Country Properties, Ltd.)
  Almost Everything in Rural and Horse Property Real Estate in Negotiable     In many parts of the country the real estate market is on the rise.  But, are you aware that ALL offers are to be presented to the Seller, no matter how ridiculous it may seem?  The agent/broker is obligated to present the offers, and cannot make the decision for the Seller, even if the Seller informed the agent what their bottom line is.   Did you know that everything on the contract is negotiable, except for the signature?  The price is not the only item negotiable.   Offers can be negotiated on settlement dates, contingencies, items to be included or excluded from the sale, etc.  Whatever it takes to get both parties to a happy medium.   Even after the contract has been accepted, negotiations continue until...
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“Homes don’t sell in the Wintertime”  We Realtors hear this all the time and it is so untrue!   Don’t believe us?  Look at the statistics. Statistics do not lie. Wintertime is a Great Time to sell your home in the Poconos.   November of 2012 was the month that had the most sold homes in the Poconos that year. So many people take their homes off the market in September - they miss a great chance to sell their home in the Poconos - Big Mistake!   November of 2013 was tied with September of 2013 for the month with the most homes sold - 186 homes.   September and October of 2013 have had GREAT totals for the number of homes sold per month and each one has exceeded the previous years totals. So did September and October of 2014.     September 2012 - 134 homes sold September 2013 - 186 homes ...
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By Fred Carver Real Estate Consulant, Accredited Real Estate Consultant
(Retired BC Realtor)
MAKING AN ANIMATED GIF PHOTOS CAN BE EASY   I learned from our Todd Clark that Animated GIF Files worked in Craigs List to Promote Neighborhood, we posted Animated Photos of Schools, Houses in Neighborhood, etc  Since Craigs List changed and no longer allow HTML and Animated photos we can no longer Promote our neighbourhoods like we used to You can post Animated GIF Photos on Active Rain in Your Posts. Pick a series of photos you would like in your Post with. Then Go to a Animated GIF maker like Gickr.com to up load your photos for converation to an Animated Gif Choose your photo you would like to Use in your Animation. As you can See you can Upload from almost anywhere you have saved your photos like Flicker or in your computer photo folder   Here is an Example I uploaded 5 Photos of H...
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By Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist, Probate Real Estate Services
(KD Realty - 408.972.1822)
2013 Theme Your Business with A Song Title Challenge It’s the holiday season so let’s have some light-hearted FUN as we reflect on our 2013 business. My goal is to keep this contest light and easy. We are all busy during the holiday season yet we still want to rack up our AR points. What song title comes to your mind when you reflect back on your 2013 business?  What is the theme of the song?  Explain why the song/theme fits your 2013 business. What did you take away from your 2013 business?    The following is my example which you may find helpful.    Song Title:  “Straight Up” by Paula Abdul.  Theme:  Honesty, Open Communication Why:  There was an overwhelming theme in my 2013 business.  It feels like I was hit from right, left, center, front, behind, and on top of the head in ways I ...
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By Amanda Christiansen, Christiansen Group Realty
(Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843)
Monday, 11:30 am:  I submit an offer on a home for a buyer.  I email it to the listing agent and text her to let her know it's coming.   Listing agent texts me back and let's me know she received it. The expiration of the offer was Tuesday at 6:00 pm.  I wanted to make sure that she had enough time to meet with her sellers to either accept or counter.   Monday comes and goes with no response from the listing agent and sellers.  Not a problem and not a surprise. Tuesday afternoon at around 4:00 pm I start to wonder when we'll hear back from the listing agent.  I text her and she says "soon."   Again, not a problem.   As we approach the 6:00 pm deadline, I really start to wonder what's going on.  I'm in communication with my buyer and let them know that I'm just not sure what's going on. ...
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By Rachel Craggy, CM Staging, Toronto Home Staging
(CM Staging Solutions Inc)
Whether you're a real estate agent seeking to expand your client base and appeal to builders or you're a builder seeking to sell your homes more efficiently, virtual staging can provide an alternate platform that brings concepts and ideas that can now be shared to prospective buyers.  You no longer have to rely on merely a 2 dimensional floor plan that consists merely of lines, boxes and dimensions that don't mean anything to the average buyer.  Now you can expand this basic idea to add depth, dimension and a more accurate sense of size and style.     Let's take it one step further, much like pictures that would be added to the MLS you can now add images of the interior and capture the product that person will be purchasing, an image presented with an element of realism that allows a bu...
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Blog posts


By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
On our walks on Sandyland Beach in Carpinteria, we often meet dogs and their owners.  Usually the dogs come over to check us out, or drop a ball at our feet for us to toss.  This beautiful Brittany Spaniel just came to be loved.   Her owner explained that when she walked in to the breeder's home it was just for a visit.  She was NOT going to buy another dog, until she saw Sadie's heart on her head.  And at that moment her checkbook came out, and Sadie was hers. We would have undoubtedly done the same thing... Happy Sunday, Cheers, Ron & Alexandra Written by Ron & Alexandra Seigel- -WATCH VIDEOS-  Buzz-Worthy Luxury Real Estate Websites   Personal Branding Case Studies   Company Branding Case Studies   About Language of Luxury  - JOIN THE LOL COMMUNTIY -   GET FLUENT. GET AFFLUENT!   Li...
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By Jeanne Dufort, Madison and Lake Oconee GA
(Coldwell Banker Lake Country)
Sellers - it take teamwork to sell a home in this recovering market.  Your competition is not just the homes currently available, but also dozens of sellers like you who have been waiting for conditions to improve - we're currently listing more homes than we're selling. So... when you're interviewing listing agents as you prepare to hire a professional to assist you in selling your home - look for the agents who are willing to be candid with you about how you stack up versus the competition.  Don't equate constructive criticism with being "negative" about your home. Look through online pictures of the recent solds and the current competitors - take the opportunity to visit some of the competitors onsite if you can. If you find yourself across the table from an agent who is quoting the h...
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By Dale Dresel, Professional Realtor Maricopa, Gilbert & Goodyear
(HomeSmart Success, Maricopa, Gilbert & Goodyear AZ)
TURN KEY Home 3 Beds Home for Sale in Palm Valley Goodyear AZ     This home is priced well and ready to sell! Listing Information   $165,000    MLS5034741 3 beds, 2 baths, Sq ft 1686                 TURN KEY HOME, READY to move right in!  Desirable Cul- DE- Sac location, just recently been remodeled with interior/exterior paint, carpeting, ceiling fans, Wood laminate floors, carpeting in bedrooms. Nice great room floor plan.   **Located in Palm Valley neighborhood with golf and elementary school located in the community* Click here for more photos of Goodyear Home for Sale UNDER $200K! MOVE-IN-READY in Palm Valley, AZ and more details.               Watch the virtual tour of  this Goodyear Home for Sale UNDER $200K! MOVE-IN-READY in Palm Valley, AZ                                       ...
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By Evelyn Johnston, The People You Know, Like and Trust!
(Friends & Neighbors Real Estate)
Does my broker care if I make it in real estate? OUCH! That hurts... As a Broker I cannot tell you: What to do When to do it How often you work Whether you work at all Where the location of your desk is That you have to attend sales meetings That you have to get involved in the community That you have to do mailings That you have to tell family and friends that you are an agent I can tell you: In order to succeed you have to do something! You have to participate in order to be successful  Getting leads is you're job, not mine Setting goals is in your benefit, and mine I will help you: Set reachable goals Explain what makes a successful agent  How to set up your systems Encourage you to work Teach you the ropes encourage you to constantly educate yourself. If I do nothing to help you bec...
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By Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD, REALTORS® in Clark County, WA
(ViewHomes™- by eXp Realty )
Real Christmas Trees - A Natural Choice in the Pacific Northwest. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, chances are you’ve used real Christmas trees in your home. Real Christmas trees are a renewable, recyclable resource and can represent a better option than artificial trees. Artificial trees contain non-biodegradable plastics and  possible metal toxins, such as lead. One of the most popular real Christmas tree choices in this region is the Noble Fir. It’s short, stiff, and sturdy branches are perfect for showcasing many sizes of ornaments ( even large ones).  Plus, the blue-green needles on a Noble are soft with good retention. 
 Other top real tree choices in the Pacific NorthwestAnother popular tree choice in our area is the Douglas Fir. Oregon and Washington tree growers say the No...
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By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
The Game Of Real Estate There have been a couple of posts written about "playing" the game of real estate. The rules are pretty simple. Get your license. It takes a few weeks to complete the classes, pass the exam, sign up with a broker, pay a bunch of money, print your business cards and be ready to sell property...or play The Game Of Real Estate.     The same is true when a person graduates from medical school and passes the medical boards. They are called Doctor! Would you want to be the first surgical patient for your child or loved one? Both doctors and agents know the rules because they studied, passed the test and have a license.   It is so much like the game of poker which only takes a few minutes to learn the rules but an entire lifetime to master the game. Real Estate Is A Bit...
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By John Handschuh ABR SRES, Bucks County Real Estate
(RE/MAX Legacy)
IRS WARNS OF REALISTIC TELEPHONE SCAM IRS Issues Alert On Fast Moving ScamThe IRS is warning consumers about a sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers throughout the country.Here's how it works: A caller says he's from the IRS and your caller ID shows the call is coming from the IRS. And, the caller knows the last four digits of your Social Security Number, so it seems like he really is calling from the IRS.The caller tells you that you owe taxes and have to pay the money immediately through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. Refuse and you're threatened with arrest, deportation or the suspension of your business or driver's license. In many cases, the caller becomes hostile and insulting.If you give the caller your credit card information, he'll use it to transfer your mon...
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By Kenneth Cole, NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
(Weichert Realtors Appleseed Group, 2043 Richmond Ave. S.I.N.Y. 10314. office phone 718-698-9797, Appleseedhomes.com -)
New York State Real Estate Tax Exemption for Homeowners In order to prevent double exemptions, the state is making New York City residents to file for their Basic Star exemption once more.  This would have been done at closing when you bought the unit.  However, the re applying must be completed by December 31 of this year, 2013, in order to keep your exemption for the future. If you qualify for the Enhanced Star, you need not re-submit your application. Enhanced Star mandates a copy of your tax return to see if you qualify.   If you are a Veteran, thank you for your service, or the widow of a Veteran, you must also submit your DD-214.  Again, if you already qualify for the Enhanced Star Exemption, you need not re-submit. A simple on-line form can be obtained and submitted for the regul...
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By Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES, Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living
(Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch!)
Sunday Fun:  Top Ten List! There are tons of top ten lists out there for everything and anything you can imagine.  I've been subscribing to Glove and Boots on Youtube for a while - if you are not familiar with them, they are kind of a muppet show for adults and I find them totally hilarious!  Leave it to them to come up with a Top Ten List of Single Digit Numbers!  Check it out, it's funny, entertaining and there are a few things about numbers that you don't normally think about.  Enjoy!  
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By Nick, Cindy & Nicholas Davis, CRS,CLHMS,ABR,GRI,CIAS,ALHS,e-PRO,CDPE,SFR
(RE/MAX Premier Group)
Is selling your home over the holidays on your wish list? If so, here are 10 tips that could make your holiday even merrier. Read full Story
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By Tim Lorenz, 949 874-2247
(TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team)
Mission Viejo Market Report By Tim Lorenz 12/1/2013   This weeks Market Report for Mission Viejo and surrounding areas from a Mission Viejo Realtor Tim Lorenz shows that Orange County Median Prices for the resale homes were up 20.2 percent, for new homes up 6.2 percent and for resale condos up 28.3 percent. The sales volume is down for resale homes 14.7 percent and down 4.4 percent on condos and up 79.2 percent for new homes. Mission Viejo Zip Code 92691 sales prices are up 30.0 percent and the sales volume is down 24.1 percent. Mission Viejo Zip Code 92692 sales prices are up 21.8 percent and the sales volume is down 21.7 percent. Aliso Viejo sales prices are up 12.9 percent and the sales volume is down 5.1 percent. Laguna Niguel sales prices are up 6.2 percent and the sales volume is ...
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By Karen Johnson, Realtor, ABR, "Bucks County PA Homes"
(Addison Wolfe Real Estate )
  Open House Today 12/1 from 1-4 at 217 Loch Alsh Drive in Chalfont, PA   217 Loch Alsh DriveChalfont, PA$249,000        Incredible Value!  I don't think you want to miss seeing this home in the Highlands. This well maintained end unit is filled with sunlight. The two bedroom, two bath home offers easy living on one floor. Enter into a foyer leading to a lovely large living room then walk across into the dining room which flows into a comfy den with a deck. Nice floor plan with an easy flow for entertaining. The spacious eat-in kitchen offers lots of room to prepare meals for family and friends. The main bedroom has double doors entering into a large airy space with beautiful windows. Downstairs has an additional finished family room with a gas fireplace leading to a patio. Beautiful la...
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By Lori Ballen, Digital Marketing Strategist
(Keller Williams Las Vegas)
The Vistas Homes For Sale in Summerlin, Las Vegas Real Estate 89138 The Vistas Homes For Sale in Summerlin, Las Vegas See what's for Sale today in The Vistas of Summerlin The Vistas is a community in Summerlin running over 815 acres of both single family and multifamily communities. It is actually the first village developed in the western region of Summerlin. The Vistas is home to The Vistas community park which features 24.3 acres of lighted football and baseball fields, tennis and basketball courts that are lighted as well as group picnic and chidren's play areas.  The Vistas also has two 7 acre parks called North Tower Park and South Tower Park where residents will enjoy children's play areas and open fields. Each park features a 48 foot clock tower, landmarks of Summerlin. In The V...
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By John Handschuh ABR SRES, Bucks County Real Estate
(RE/MAX Legacy)
Clint Mckie from Carlsbad, New Mexico is a home inspector that is on the ball with home inspections. He has many useful blog tips for the consumer. If your in the Carlsbad area there is only one inspector to call Clint Mckie. And there are MOLD issues. Desert Sun Inspections Carlsbad, New Mexico. When getting a home inspection in Southeast New Mexico. Many times I hear from the buyer that they are concerned about a certain place in the home that may or may not have a mold issue. I listen intently when I am talking to the buyer. Their concerns are number one when I inspect a home for their purchase. Their concerns are now my concerns. Let's take a look at the homes issues. Here we have three of the four exhaust vents in the attic that are not connected to the exterior as intended. Notice...
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By Joyce Hathaway
(RE/MAX Aerospace)
  The Kennedy Space Center       The Kennedy Space Center is a wondrous place where you can feel like a kid again.  Only here can you find the Shuttle Atlantis, iconic Vehicle Assembly Building, a real Saturn 5 rocket, and the Lost In Space robot all together in one fantastic destination.         Upon entry to the Kennedy Space Center, the eye is immediately drawn to the historic rocket garden.  Even though you can walk the same gantry as Neil Armstrong, postpone this urge until you have toured the Early Space Exploration building just to the left.  You can see how it all began with the history of rocketry from it's inception, through the Gemini, and Apollo programs. The Lost In Space robot is displayed here.        After visiting the rocket garden, walk along to the astronaut encounter...
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By Jordana Adams, Helping home buyers and seller achieve their goal!
(Berkshire Hathaway HS Select Realty)
Let's take a look at some facts. Most people are busy during the holidays with festivities, family visits and shopping. That means the motivated buyer can benefit from lower prices and motivated sellers, most likely better mortgage rates, tax deductions and quick closings, and can look forward spending your summer months traveling and taking your family to the beach.   We understand that people think of spring and summer as the best time to buy a house. You want to get the children settled into new schools, however, summer time also means more sellers list their homes on the market. Therefore more competition which creates higher prices.  During the holiday season you will find less competition and the seller is serious in selling their home, and more open to reasonable offers.  When fe...
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By Donald Urschalitz, P.A. Realtor ABR RSPS North Palm Beach County
(Lubeck Realty Group)
Boca Raton housing report just out for October 2103 shows a continuing trend with Median Sales Prices on the rise with lower inventory available.  The biggest benefit in this monthly marketing report for our readers is to provide content rich local information from a trustworthy source The Realtors® Association of the Palm Beaches. . Understanding that an educated buyer and seller when provided with the latest facts in our marketplace creates trust and develops relationships to make educated decisions when it comes to buying and selling real estate. I hope you enjoy the reports and look forward in discussing any questions that you might have in one of the most desirable real estate markets in Palm Beach County Florida.                  
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By Eric Crane -- Your Full Service, Discount Fee Realtor®, Greater Metro Phoenix Arizona
(DPR Realty LLC)
Fantasy of Lights Boat Parade - Tempe Town Lake - December 14th, 2013 Add this great event to your Tempe Arizona Events Calendar! Enjoy the view from the shores of Tempe Town Lake, as dozens of boats with holiday light displays drift by. The party will take place from 5pm to 9pm on Saturday December 14th, at Tempe Beach Park (Mill Avenue and Rio Salado Parkway).  The fun will begin with live entertainment and food & beverage vendors. The park sidewalks will be lit by luminaria and Santa Claus will arrive at 6pm.  The boat parade will begin at 7pm and fireworks will cap off the evening's festivities. This information is brought to you as a public service by local real estate agent Eric Crane.  Please confirm details with the event sponsor and have a happy and healthy Holiday Season! Fant...
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By Marcy Moyer, Probate, Trust, and Investment Specialist
(eXp Realty of California Silicon Valley Probate, Trust, and Investment Sales)
I know what you are thinking, I am going to wait till after the first of the year or the spring to sell my Sunnyvale home. It would be stupid to list a home during the holidays, no one does that. Or no one is looking for a home during the holidays.  I need to respectfully disagree with those sentiments. I believe December is a great month to sell a home in Sunnyvale, especially right after Christmas. Here are the reasons I think selling  a Sunnyvale home on Dec 26th this year is a great idea. 1. The inventory has never been lower. As of today there are only 17 homes for sale in Sunnyvale. A buyer's market doesn't even happen until there are over 80 homes for sale. List this month and you will have no compettion. 2. There are many people who are planning on moving to Sunnyvale who are us...
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By The Richards Group, JD, ABR, GREEN, SFR, Denver CO Home & Real Estate
(CCP, LLC - Denver CO Home & Real Estate)
Henderson Homes For Sale - Click Here!   Helpful Links for Henderson Colorado: Town of Henderson Colorado on Wikipedia Site Brighton School District 27J Adams County Government   The Richards Group is committed to the highest level of customer service, and we won't be satisfied until you have closed on the home or property of your dreams. With a myriad of remarkable options, you will want to be informed. We are very familiar with the Denver Metro area, and specifically Henderson Colorado, which gives us a distinct advantage over less experienced agents. We have established many useful relationships with the residents of the area, and we have honed our skills in ways that no other real estate agent can match. To schedule an appointment or for more information, Contact us - The Richards G...
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