Archives of real estate blog entries for September 01, 2013

Featured blog posts


By Crystal De Raffele, NYS Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
(www.MyDutchessRealtor.com)
  If you hadn't heard yet....New York State will be mailing property owners a letter in September.  They are trying to filter out which properties are homeowner occupied or investments.  BASIC STAR Discount can only be applied to one property, which must be owner occupied.  BASIC STAR is a small discount off School Taxes, the discount can range from $300-$500 or more off your School Taxes.  NYS will require every homeowner to re-Apply for their BASIC STAR Discount by Dec 2013, (the first deadline).  They promise to send a 2nd letter if you haven't responded by Jan 2014.  Homeowners will receive a code unique to their property, which must be registered on New York State's website to be qualified for BASIC STAR in 2014.   So, I highly recommend to all Homeowners, if you haven't applied fo...
Comments 20
By David Shamansky, Creative, Aggressive & 560 FICO - OK, Colorado Mtg
(US Mortgages - David Shamansky)
A reversal of fortune for many potential home buyers! For many 1st time and re-entry buyers into this hot and recovering housing market the news released back in April 2013 from HUD regarding that the monthly mortgage insurance would convert from being part of the loan to being on for life of loan was a real hit to the production for FHA as well as the pocket books of many homeowners. Yes there have been alternatives but lets face it HUD's FHA product is an absolutely great option for many buyers. With... reduced down payment ability to have less than perfect credit and a higher debt to income ratio among others perks  the fact of the matter is without this beneficial option some hopeful buyers would still be renters. Well I have heard much talk on this subject from, "it wont last" to "...
Comments 45
By Wayne Johnson, San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale
(Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS®)
Fresh Seafood Market in Landlocked San Antonio The large grocery stores in San Antonio have a nice array of seafood. But if you want seafood that has not been frozen and stored for who knows how long, get to Groomer's Seafood Market, 9801 North McCullough Ave not far from San Antonio International Airport. View Larger MapDriving Directions I understand that not everyone is a seafood lover. And I have to admit that although I am an expert consumer of seafood with absolutely zero capability when it comes to cooking pretty much anything.   Groomer's has a long list of seafood offerings, as well as spices, sauces, and utensils to make the preparation and eating your seafood dishes enjoyable. Groomer's has a commercial seafood division that supplies many of the fine dining establishments in ...
Comments 46
By Margaret Goss, Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate
(@Properties)
Foreclosures on Trulia - Fact or Fiction There are some deals to be found on Trulia that are too good to be true.  Perhaps so good that they don't exist. In truth, Trulia posts foreclosures from RealyTrac - which bills itself as having "the largest database of foreclosures, auction and bank-owned homes for investors & home buyers . . ." Subscriptions are available for $49.95/month. I find trouble in the way Trulia posts the information that it pulls from RealtyTrac.  Here is a screen shot for the search term "Winnetka foreclosures" that came up in Trulia: Most people who do online searches in Winnetka know that the average  home sells for around $1 million.  Currently, the least expensive house for sale in Winnetka is on for $549,000.  So how can a home on tony Sheridan Road be offered ...
Comments 91
By Ed (Edward) Silva, 203-206-0754, Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally
(Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 )
Labor Day September 2, 2013   Try to do Very Little It's Labor Day, which was a day originally intended to be a day of recognition for those that labor hard all year round. And maybe just a way of putting a holiday at the beginning of fall. The tone of the day has gotten lost over the years, as stores stay open for shoppers; we in real estate are still making calls and showing houses; and few people are just taking a break. Historically, we in the United States have been recognized by foreigners as people that work too much, and don't know how to take time off to relax. The history of this country has and will continue to be as a land of opportunity where hard work can pay off, and anybody that is willing to put in the efforts can succeed. So if your choice is to take advantage of the o...
Comments 58
By Andrea Swiedler, Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT
(Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties)
It's not MY price... how many times have you heard that? I cringe when I hear an agent say things like "it's not MY price", or my sellers are highly motivated, submit all offers. I often find the song "Stand by Your Man" running through my head when I hear things like that. HEY, you took that overpriced listing, so show the world you love your sellers, stand by them! Taking an overpriced listing is something my team doesn't like to do. It is a business decision, it is our business decision. But if we take the listing we do so with our eyes wide open, knowing that we cannot in any way, shape or form indicate to others that we feel the listing is overpriced. We may not be able to justify the price however. We also know that if we take an overpriced listing we have to market it to the best...
Comments 73
By Hella Mitschke Rothwell, Hawaii & California Real Estate Broker
((831) 626-4000)
A former broker friend, now retired, had a hard time believing that I was getting an Exclusive Buyers Representation Agreement signed by a new client when I had not even met her. YES, THIS IS THE NEW NORMAL IN REAL ESTATE Real estate is still about "knowing the local market", but it's not about sitting in an office within that local market and having the buyer walk in to talk to you. NOW IT'S ALL ABOUT FINDING THE AGENT ON THE INTERNET My latest client found me on the Internet and came to the conclusion that I was the one to deal with. BUT NOT BEFORE A SECOND HURDLE HAD TO BE CROSSED, THAT OF GETTING TO KNOW ME BY SOME ACTIONS. No,  it's not enough to just have your name out there on Internet and be found. You still need to convince that client that you "mesh" and "are a good fit". Here...
Comments 52
By Bob Crane, Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671
(Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified)
Labor Day, a Holiday named after Labor, but designed to Avoid actually doing any Labor. I do enjoy this little holiday even though I seldom participate in the national goal of avoiding all work on this day. I like that it is the transition from the hot summer days to the start of our fall season. A time when people are thinking about getting back to school. A time when people are thinking about their hunting land, and of course hiring a Forester. A time for preparing for the cold winter that will be here soon with lots of snow and frozen ground, ideal for fully enjoying all of the best of the NorthWoods. I have always thought that it was kind of funny that we spend so much time celebrating a holiday designed for laborers when most of us do not really do that much labor, we are now a whi...
Comments 42
By Joe Manausa - Tallahassee, FL, Tallahassee Real Estate
(Joe Manausa Real Estate)
I never would have expected it to happen, but the bigger homes for sale in Tallahassee are breaking the law. What law? The law of supply and demand. So I'm conducting a reader poll to see what everybody thinks is going on. What's Going On With Big Homes For Sale As I was collecting information for our Weekly Special Real Estate Report, I discovered something that defies one of the four laws of supply and demand for the big homes for sale in Tallahassee. For the sake of review, these four laws state: If demand increases and supply remains unchanged, a shortage occurs, leading to a higher equilibrium price. If demand decreases and supply remains unchanged, a surplus occurs, leading to a lower equilibrium price. If demand remains unchanged and supply increases, a surplus occurs, leading to...
Comments 139

Blog posts


By Crystal De Raffele, NYS Lic. Real Estate Salesperson
(www.MyDutchessRealtor.com)
  If you hadn't heard yet....New York State will be mailing property owners a letter in September.  They are trying to filter out which properties are homeowner occupied or investments.  BASIC STAR Discount can only be applied to one property, which must be owner occupied.  BASIC STAR is a small discount off School Taxes, the discount can range from $300-$500 or more off your School Taxes.  NYS will require every homeowner to re-Apply for their BASIC STAR Discount by Dec 2013, (the first deadline).  They promise to send a 2nd letter if you haven't responded by Jan 2014.  Homeowners will receive a code unique to their property, which must be registered on New York State's website to be qualified for BASIC STAR in 2014.   So, I highly recommend to all Homeowners, if you haven't applied fo...
Comments 20
By Richie Alan Naggar, agent & author
(people first...then business Ran Right Realty )
When the title of this post is drilled into your Psyche and then settles within your spirit or BEING, then life for you has begun. Who wants to hear why things don't happen especially when you are in charge? The whole Universe is based on the proven principals of everything doing what they were assigned to do without fail RESULTS DON'T LIE   I hired you to help me get in or out of a Real Estate transaction and things aren't going well? See how I subtly ran that pass you? I HIRED YOU means you bought the responsibility. The Buck stops with you. A performance that leads to a favorable outcome is expected. It is called a result and results don't lie YOU'LL NEVER GUESS WHAT HAPPENED People are so eager to explain why things didn't happen and put great effort into it. Here is the standard ph...
Comments 11
  This Lightly Wooded, Lovely lot in Stillwater Estates in Pocono Summit, PA is now available for your review.   This Community offers a Wonderful Place to call home.  330 acre lake, beach, tennis courts, community center, tennis courts and great fishing!   There's still time to get started on building your dream home this year!       Lovely, Lightly Wooded Lot OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesDescription $11,499 Lots and Land Main Features Lot: 0.36 acre(s) Location 1014 Poplar DrivePocono Summit, PA 18346USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Bobbie J Smith RE/MAX of the Poconos(570) 421-2345bobbiej51@hotmail.comhttp://www.homesinthePoconosforsale.com   Listed by: RE/MAX OF THE POCONOS Our recent listings Lovely, Lightly Wooded...
Comments 20
By Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
An impressive Apple Valley lot especially for only $8,500 and it features a seasonal lakeview of the Apple Valley Lake.   Lot 243 Green Valley Lakeview/Seasonal Lakeview Lot PROPERTY DETAILS $8,500 LISTING INFORMATION MLS: 20130853Lot Size: .2462 of an acreStyle: Apple Valley Lot PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Lakeview/Seasonal lakeview lot located on Green Valley Drive in Green Valley Subdivision, lot is nicely wooded, located in Howard township and in East Knox School District, county water and sewer available for hook up, great location among other nice homes, priced to move quick at $8,500. *Lot is located to the right of 108 Green Valley Drive. CONTACT INFORMATION Sam MillerRE/MAX Stars Realty710 South Main StreetMount Vernon 43050 Phone: 740-397-7800 Fax: 740-399-3604http://www.knoxcountyoh...
Comments 3
By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
Zinnias are vivid and bright, they demand you look at them.  Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to them, which is why so many gardeners love them...As you may know, I found these at the Santa Barbara Farmers Market. It is so good to live here.   Happy September 1, 2013, 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!   Linked In, Facebook, Active Rain
Comments 19
By Clint Mckie, Desert Sun Home, Comm. Inspection 1-575-706-5586
(Desert Sun Home, commercial Inspections)
Home inspection in Hobbs New Mexico. Home inspectors in Hobbs N.M. If you need a very good home inspection in the Hobbs New Mexico area, then you need to call Clint at 1-575-706-5586 Call Desert Sun Home Inspections in Carlsbad New Mexico for all of your home inspection needs. This home I am posting about was inspected by another home inspector within the last month. The inspector did not list anything about the roof or the chimney. Maybe it was because they don't inspect a roof when and during a home inspection. The roof and chimney is such a vital part of a homes strucure, why would you "NOT INSPECT IT"? It boggles the mind especially mine when a Realtor calls me and say's "Do you inspect the roof when you inspect the home". I tell them of course I do. Then they tell me that there are...
Comments 26
By Tom Day, RE/MAX in Motion Pompano Beach & Greater Ft Lauder
(Waterfront Homes, Oceanside Condos,Investment Properties, Probate, REO. Covering Broward County)
Low Ball Offers And How To Handle Them If you are selling a piece of real estate be prepared for low ball offers.  It just comes with the territory.  Should they be dismissed altogether? Should the seller get angry or insulted? I say no to both questions. A low ball offer doesn't necessarily mean the buyers aren't serious.  I'm going to show home sellers a better strategy that can actually use that offer to their advantage. Even as the market is turning in the seller's favor I believe low ball offers should never be dismissed entirely. Low ball offers are better than no offers at all.   The buyer may be making a low ball offer because that is all they can afford. If that is the case, then shame on the buyer's agent for letting them waste everyone's time.  More likely, the buyer is fishi...
Comments 3
By Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
(Charles Buell Inspections Inc.)
The other day I was having breakfast at a little hole-in-the-wall diner, in a small town at the foothills of the Cascades (good breakfast by the way), when I could not help but overhear the guy at the table next to me, ask for a phone book. I had already noticed there was no Wi-Fi or cell service and my phone sat optimistically like the silverware next to my plate.  The best I could do with the phone was look at already downloaded emails for the 10th time.  When you are in an area without cell phone service, you have to be careful when you see someone walking along talking on their phone, because they are actually talking to themselves. The waitress brought the guy back a tattered phone book as if it was an everyday occurrence—and of course it probably was. Early Rod Stewart was croonin...
Comments 20
Great single level on an large lot, 4 bed 2 bath with lots of potential! Close to shopping, restaurants and freeway access! Come and check this one out before its gone!! Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! Buyer to verify all facts and figures. Full Details http://jackoneal.searcharizonahouses.com/listing/mlsid/8/propertyid/4924880/syndicated/1/cgltguid/9DB6D516-92CE-4813-8FF7-5C148C02C20B/?ts=crg Click on photo to see more photos! Listing Courtesy of A. Brent Conley, Solutions Real Estate
Comments 1
By Gary Thomas, Realtor to the Dreamers
(Preferred Properties Key West)
I recently showed 832 Johnson Lane to some buyers who had expressed a willingness to buy a fixer and to spend some money and devote some time to turn an older house into one of the dream cottages we've all seen in Old Town Key West. The little cottage on Johnson Lane was a bit more of a challenge than they imagined.  I, however, saw the place differently.  I think it is worth your consideration if you are one of the buyers with some cash, a willingness to work (or hire someone who will), and an imagination as to how you could transform the cottage into some pretty special. Just below is a photo of 832 Johnson Lane that was taken in 1965.  I took the photo below it to show the same house nearly 50 years later.  Our HARC (Historical Architectural Review Commission) will need to approve c...
Comments 2
By Scott Godzyk, One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents
(Godzyk Real Estate Services)
Do you Buyer Brokers sabotage a Buyers offer on purpose? That was a question from a Home Seller in Manchester NH after reading a recent offer. It may not be on purpose, but why are such BAD OFFERS being submitted to Home Sellers when there is a shortage of homes for sale and a steady pace of new sales.  The easiest way to learn a lesson, is from someone elses mistake. I wanted to share some of the most recent blunders so that Home Buyers can make better offers by avoiding these same mistakes. 1. NOT INCLUDING A PRE-QUALIFICATION LETTER. Include a pre-qualification with your offer. A lot of Sellers will not accept an offer without one. 2. DO NOT HAVE A BUYER MAKE A LOW BALL OFFER: With a shortage of homes for sale and an increase in multiple offer situations, do not submit Low Ball offer...
Comments 7
By Sam Miller, Knox County Ohio Real Estate Specialist
(RE/MAX Stars Realty)
For more listing information and details such as the lot and subdivision location at the Apple Valley Lake be sure to click on this link and visit 2192 Apple Valley Drive at the Apple Valley Lake in Knox County Ohio.   2192 Apple Valley Drive Stylish Ranch / Ultra Affordable PROPERTY DETAILS $79,900 LISTING INFORMATION MLS: 20130850Bedrooms: 3Full Baths: 2Sq ft: 1056Lot Size: .2596 of an acreStyle: RanchHeat Source: Gas PROPERTY DESCRIPTION Stylish and attractive ranch home located near the Apple Valley Golf Course, features include 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, nice sized vaulted ceiling living room, gorgeous oak cabinet filled kitchen with major appliances and adjoining dining area, you will love the convenience of the first floor laundry, relaxing covered front porch plus a fantastic ...
Comments 2
By Becky Kolb, Keller Williams Integrity First Realty
(The Kolb Team - Sun Lakes AZ Specialists)
Racquet Club at IronOaks in Sun Lakes AZ - 14 tennis courts with 10 hard surface courts and 4 Har-Tru clay courts. Membership in the IronOaks Tennis Club is available to all residents of the Ironwood and Oakwood communities in Sun Lakes AZ. In addition, a limited number of non-resident memberships are available. There is an annual membership fee for those who wish to have full privileges. All residents and their guests may use the facility with some restrictions. See upcoming events on the racquet club calendar.  Just exactly where is the IronOaks Racquet Club located?  Here is a map for your convenience.  Looking for more information about Sun Lakes?  Contact The KOLB Team - we are full time residents and realtors and know the amenities and market trends in this conveniently located ac...
Comments 2
By Winston Heverly, GRI, ABR, SFR, CDPE, CIAS, PA
(Coldwell Banker Access Realty)
Maggie McFarland, shared a post some time ago that still can be used today. There are many useful ideas that can & should be used to further help guide your next real estate transaction. Use these suggestions as a starting point and customize further to your own specific situation. Thanks for sharing.    You've gone to countless open houses, searched online for months, and have finally found the house of your dreams! But before signing your name on the dotted line, there are a few key steps you should not overlook.  When purchasing a home, hiring the right home inspector can be the most important decision you make!   Knowing the condition of the house you are going to purchase cannot be left to appearances or promises, and some undetected problems can be even more costly than the price ...
Comments 4
By Jack O'Neal
(HomeSmart Elite Group)
Great move in ready 3 bed 3 bath with an office and a pool! Nice and open floor plan with tile in all the right places. Buyer to verify all facts and figures. Must submit LSR and As-Is Addendum with all offers. Seller to choose Title Company. Certified/wired funds will be required upon contract acceptance. Full Details http://jackoneal.searcharizonahouses.com/listing/mlsid/8/propertyid/4980626/syndicated/1/cgltguid/02CD2C81-8AF8-46C3-8302-9825FE2DEA6F/?ts=crg Click on photo to see more photos! Listing Courtesy of A. Brent Conley, Solutions Real Estate
Comments 1
By Sue Ellett, Austin, TX, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs
(Synergy Property Group | Spyglass Realty)
I realized that I didn't really know when Labor Day was created and what it really meant, so I went searching for answers on the U.S. Department of Labor website, where there is a wealth of information on the subject.   Congress passed an act making the official observance of Labor Day the first Monday in September a legal holiday.  That happened in 1894.  It was originally conceived by the labor movement and is now an annual national tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers.   It is unclear who originally proposed the holiday with some records crediting Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of hte Brotherhood Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federal of Labor.  Others credit Matthew Maguire, a machinist with the suggestion in 1882 while se...
Comments 4
By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
LOOKING FOR A GOOD MARKETING PIECE??? This ALERT! by an attentive ActiveRain member, Crystal De Raffele, is a good example of a marketing piece that can be used by real estate agents. If you have folks in your e-mail database, that's a good start.  In fact, an ALERT such as this is a good piece for a general postal "Every Door" mail delivery. Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  If you hadn't heard yet....New York State will be mailing property owners a letter in September.  They are trying to filter out which properties are homeowner occupied or investments.  BASIC STAR Discount can only be applied to one property, which must be owner occupied.  BASIC STAR is a small discount off School Taxes,...
Comments 9
By Jack O'Neal
(HomeSmart Elite Group)
MOVE IN READY- 3 bed 2 bath with an office and a POOL!!! Open and bright floor plan with new interior paint throughout!! Come and check this one out before its gone!! Purchase this property for as little as 3% down! Buyer to verify all facts and figures. Full Details http://jackoneal.searcharizonahouses.com/listing/mlsid/8/propertyid/4943431/syndicated/1/cgltguid/D7BE5660-CDA8-4EDC-ABB6-C1FDB1C97974/?ts=crg Click on photo to see more photos! Listing Courtesy of A. Brent Conley, Solutions Real Estate
Comments 0
By Donald Urschalitz, P.A. Realtor ABR RSPS North Palm Beach County
(Lubeck Realty Group)
  Hike Through History Sep 7, 8am-10am Discover the topography and natural history of this unique unit of the National Conservation Lands. This 2 mile trek passes through historic points of interest on the 120-acre Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area. The hike departs from the flag pole at the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum at 8:00am and takes approximately 2 hours to complete, tour is weather dependent. Admission is free but space is limited- RSVP required 561-747-8380 x101.     Lighthouse Chickee Chats-Story Time & Crafts for Kids Sep 3, 10:30-11:15am  - "Captain Seabrook, Seagulls & Sea Grapes"Attention Kids: Join us under the Lighthouse Chickee for story time & craft activity about Lighthouse Keepers, Florida History and People & local Plants and Animals. Moms & D...
Comments 1
By Vickie Nagy, Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen
(Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate)
September 1, 2013 Danville CA Real Estate Market Report August 2013 Danville CA Real Estate Monthly Commentary Danville CA real estate inventory increased slightly in August 2013 with homes for sale in Danville CA as of September 1, 2013 showing a total of 86 single family (up from 82 on the same date last month) and 17 attached (up from 16 last month) currently on the market. Single family homes sold in Danville CA during August 2013 increased to 71 vs. 59 last month, but decreased to 21 from 22 for attached homes closing escrow. Homes sold in Danville CA had a median single family home sold price of $975,000 which is down from $1,040,000 last month while attached homes are also lower at $550,000 vs. $565,000 over the same period. Remember to consider the small number of homes sold whe...
Comments 0
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