Archives of real estate blog entries for August 01, 2013

Featured blog posts


By ActiveRain Contests
(ActiveRain)
Happy August 'Rainers!  It's a new day, a new month and a new Cloudburst is here!     August's Cloudburst of You 25 posts100 comments*5 Market Reports or FAQ's5 Answers in Q&ADeclutter your workspace   25 Posts - You can do this. Do one a day - Monday through Friday. 100 Comments - *At least 20 of these comments must be the first comment on someone's post.*  I can't tell you enough how much your comments drive newbies to really dive into the 'Rain. 5 Market Reports or FAQ posts - Check out our Market Report template and make a habit out of doing these each month.  FAQ's are just as important to your business so you choose which route you'll take. 5 Q&A Answers - Have you checked out the Q&A section on AR?  It's such a great avenue to build relationships with potential leads. You can nar...
Comments 113
By Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
(Charles Buell Inspections Inc.)
Sometimes when things are not quite working, we have to listen to what the problem is saying and attempt to channel that energy in the proper direction.  Sometimes it takes VERY big ears to hear even the simplest problems. Sometimes we have to don our tin-foil hats in order to cut out the static so that the signals come in clearer. Take this flat roof that was draining into a gutter with no end cap and then onto the siding below.   As you can see, the gutter is pulling away from the edge of the roof---along with the fascia.  But the thing of interest is far off in the distance at the very end of the gutter. Obviously installations of a proper end cap, or, if necessary, even installation of an additional downspout, could have remedied the problem.  But, when you have a readily available ...
Comments 48
By Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties, The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730
(Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070)
What We Have in Common, Getting to Know Each Other Better-Contest An August Challenge in ActiveRain I wrote a post a few months ago just for fun about some things that people probably did not know about me. It opened up so much discussion and interaction that several people suggested it would make a good contest. So Kerrie has blessed the idea and we now have a new Contest/Challenge to help us get to know more about each other and see what we may have in common. Write a Blog Post about the Past sharing 10 things that your ActiveRain family probably doesn't know about you. Write  telling us about these ten things from the past, things you have done, adventures, what were you like back then, famous people you may have met, you get the idea. You can even give a little explanation if you wo...
Comments 334
By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
The privacy debate rages on.  In yesterday’s a Wall Street Journal article, titled, Google’s Data-Trove Dance Internal Debates Over Using Collected Information and Protecting Privacy, journalist Amir Efraty notes, “The breadth of Google's information gathering about Internet users rivals that of any single entity, government or corporate. The Web search and advertising giant continues to expand its collection and analysis of data, turning its mission to index the world, its people and their interests into a roughly $50 billion-a-year advertising business”.  Here is how you can you find out, what Google knows about you.  Thanks to Tom Gara, WSJ journalist whose Google data graphic accompanies the above mentioned article, wrote, My Life, and Past, as Seen through Google’s Dashboard, here...
Comments 88
By Tammy Lankford,, Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville
(Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)
Every once in a while I hear one of these stories that just makes my blood boil.  Today was one of those days.  The client is a veteran and his hardship came while still active duty.  Long story short... the Air Force transferred him and he had a loan on a home when that happened.  He made every effort to work with his lender to do a loan modification and/or short sale and they jerked him around for a while, told him to become delinquent and eventually foreclosed on his home.  That was 2010.  Now he's had other agents and some lenders just say "next" and choose not to work with him.  While I generally choose to work with buyers who can provide a pre-approval letter only sometimes I am willing to go the extra mile and help someone who I feel was totally done wrong by the system.  The ban...
Comments 27
By Jaime Charouf, Broker/Owner
(EZ Realty & Investment Group | EZ Funding Group, Inc.)
If you've been kept awake at night by the thought of "how to stop a foreclosure on my home", you're not alone. It's been estimated that one in 200 homeowners are in serious risk of foreclosing on their properties. The good news is that there are actions and alternatives that you can take to prevent foreclosure.First of all, you should try to build up your savings in case of emergencies. Every home owner needs at least one to three months worth of mortgage payments PITI (Principle, Interest, Taxes and Insurance) in savings just in case of hardship plus your other obligations.Secondly, make sure that you have established a home equity line of credit. This is a form of revolving credit in which your home serves as collateral. If something happens to come up that threatens you with foreclos...
Comments 23
By Joe Petrowsky, Your Mortgage Consultant for Life
(Mortgage Consultant, Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS # 2709)
“No Home Inspection Required”   Joan was referred by her co-workers, she was in the process of purchasing her family home. She had been caring for her mother and after her passing she and her 5 siblings agree that she would buy the home. The price had been agreed upon and the final piece was the mortgage.   When I met with her, I asked her if she had a home inspection done? She asked why it was necessary and I immediately told her for her protection. She said she was buying the home from her brothers and sisters, but after some prodding, she eventually decided to have one done.   After seeing the results of the home inspection, she wasn’t sure what to do as there were numerous issues. I gave her the name of a contractor to get an estimate of what the repairs would be. The estimate she g...
Comments 50
By George Souto, Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert
(George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages)
Earlier this week I wrote a blog titled UpDate Your Blogs And Keep Information Current, Accurate, And Relevant.  The blog was about updating past blogs to keep the information current an accurate, but also to update the format of some past blogs to make the information easier to read, and follow.  I mentioned in that blog I would be updating a series of blogs I did about a year and a half ago on Gift Funds.  I choose to start with Gift Funds for three reasons. First, there have been some subtle changes to the information I previously provided on documenting Gift Funds. Second, I wanted to change the format I originally presented the information Third, I wanted to add a blog on Gifts of Equity which I did not blog about before The first revision will be on Who Is An Acceptable Donor To P...
Comments 37
By Fred Hernden, CMI, Albuquerque area Master Inspector
(Superior Home Inspections - Greater Albuquerque Area)
I had no early morning inspections yesterday, so time to catch up on some fun things like... cutting the grass! Not my most favorite thing to do, but satisfying when you are finished. I had just made a couple of passes in the front and as I was coming back I looked up to see four Sandhill Cranes walking towards me! So I shut off the mower and ran inside to get my camera. They are not afraid of us humans, or even cars or the lawn mower for that matter. They just were strolling around! I have had them follow me as I was cutting the grass; I guess they were looking for breakfast or a snack. Anyway, I thought these guys were pretty cool and I wanted to share. Have a great day!   ************************************************************************************
Comments 47
By Mike Cooper, Broker VA,WV, Your Neighborhood Real Estate Sales Pro
(Cornerstone Business Group Inc)
Please pass the barf bag. I'm buying a house. I was teasing a client today that I was going to write a blog about her. She is a first-time buyer, and she is nervous. She is well qualified to buy a house. She has done her homework, and she has made good preparation. She took a first-time home-buyers seminar to learn the process. The only thing left was to find a house. We've been looking for a little while, but her criteria is pretty specific. That means that opportunities have been limited. We were out looking at two houses yesterday that were a couple blocks apart. Rather than load up in cars, we took a nice stroll through the neighborhood to the second house. On the way, we ran across one with a "Coming Soon" sign on it. I know the agent, so I called and asked if he minded if we did a...
Comments 55
By Michael Jacobs, Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393
Is A For Sale Sign Still Relevant in the Online Age?   I was showing property to some clients this week -- two of the properties did not have a for sale sign.  I didn’t think too much of it but one of the buyers’ father who was along for the tour asked me - is a for sale sign still relevant?    Afterall “everyone” looks at properties online first.     Of course, that question gave me pause for thought. Both of the properties that did not have a for sale sign had been on the market for more than a month and in our extreme sellers market that’s practically an eternity(said kiddingly).  Both properties did not have a lockbox and the sellers met us -- the first seller actually followed us around, the second excused himself and said they would take a walk and to take our time.   Despite each...
Comments 67
By Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235
(Second Self Virtual Assistance)
Getting an email address from a prospect is essential to internet marketing success. It almost guarantees that you will be the one they contact when they are ready to use your services. People tend to be a little timid of giving up their email information in fear of getting bombarded with useless emails in which they have no interest. With Internet marketing being what it is, people get far too emails already. So, how do you get someone to trust you enough to sign up to your email list? Here's three essential things they need to know.   What's in it for Me? - If someone knew they would be getting something of value that they are really interested in, they'd probably sign up for your list. However, if you're offering information on bird watching and they're not interested, they definitel...
Comments 48

Blog posts


By Matt Kombrink, Your #1 Source For Real Estate
(RE/MAX All Pro)
Home for sale in McHenry, Illinois 4752 Oregon Trl in the Winding Creek Subdivision3BR/2.1BA Two Story priced at $229,900 4752 Oregon Trl, McHenry Illinois This spacious 3BR/2.5BA two story sits on a lovely private lot with mature trees, professional landscaping, fenced yard and brick paver patio. Sit outside with your morning coffee and listen to the birds sing! Inside, it's light and bright with neutral decor, vaulted ceilings, great kitchen, dining room/living room combination and a spacious rec room in the finished basement. The bedrooms are all on the second floor and the master features a walk-in closet. Little touches like chair rail and crown molding can be found here, too. The location is really great and in walking distance to Jaycee Park. 4752 Oregon Trail is charming and a g...
Comments 5
By April Weeks, Top Short Sale Expert
(Mcbride Kelly and Associates)
​ I'm here to give you the knowledge you need to make the best decision for you. Banks are paying up to $40K for short sales instead of walking away with nothing from a foreclosure... Let me help you!
Comments 0
By Marcy Moyer, Probate, Trust, and Investment Specialist
(eXp Realty of California Silicon Valley Probate, Trust, and Investment Sales)
2013 has been an amazing year for San Jose Sellers. With inventory at historic lows and interest rates at historic highs, San Jose homes for sale have been flying off the shelf.   However, now it is summer, and there is a normal shift in the market. The 20% appreciation that we saw in the first 6 months of the year is leveling off which is typical for this time of year. Interest rates have gone up by about 1% and while still low, are high enough to keep the affordability of a home in check for some buyers, and inventory has increased. This does not mean it is a buyers market, or that prices are crashing, but it does mean San Jose sellers can not get lazy, especially if you want to get top dollar for your home When a buyer first sees a home they get an impression which is hard to shake....
Comments 0
By Bob Elliot, 20+ Yrs Industry Experience
(eXp Realty)
There was potentially good news for mortgage rates on Wednesday as the Fed's Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that its quantitative easing (QE) program would remain unchanged for the present. Economists expect the Fed to begin tapering the amount of QE toward the end of the year in accordance with Chairman Ben Bernanke's previous statements that "tapering" would likely begin near year-end. No specific date for reducing the QE assets purchases was given. Chairman Bernanke has previously indicated that the Fed will closely review domestic and global economic developments as part of its decision-making process for changing the QE program. Wednesday's FOMC statement reaffirmed this plan. Fed Cites Economic Expansion and Improving Labor Conditions The FOMC statement cited mode...
Comments 0
By Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
(Charles Buell Inspections Inc.)
Sometimes when things are not quite working, we have to listen to what the problem is saying and attempt to channel that energy in the proper direction.  Sometimes it takes VERY big ears to hear even the simplest problems. Sometimes we have to don our tin-foil hats in order to cut out the static so that the signals come in clearer. Take this flat roof that was draining into a gutter with no end cap and then onto the siding below.   As you can see, the gutter is pulling away from the edge of the roof---along with the fascia.  But the thing of interest is far off in the distance at the very end of the gutter. Obviously installations of a proper end cap, or, if necessary, even installation of an additional downspout, could have remedied the problem.  But, when you have a readily available ...
Comments 48
By April Weeks, Top Short Sale Expert
(Mcbride Kelly and Associates)
​ Click the picture or call me at 561-906-9012 I'm here to answer all of your questions!
Comments 0
By Carol Morgan, PR & Social Media
(Denim Marketing)
With the drastic surge in sales seen over the first six months of the year at The Orchards of East Cherokee, the Director of Sales and Marketing for The Orchards Group, Mitch Block, says they expect to be completely sold out of single-family homes by the end of the year. In fact, the Atlanta active adult builder has just released their six final single-family basement home sites, two of which have already sold. One inventory home is currently being built featuring the Piedmont plan. Currently in the framing phase of construction, this home will be ready in mid-November and it provides buyers with just a few more weeks to customize the design choices in the home. The Piedmont is a two bedroom, two bath ranch home with a den that can be used as a third bedroom. The home features a formal ...
Comments 0
By Larry Brewer - Benchmark Realty llc
(Benchmark Realty LLc)
Williamson County homes for Sale and Market Report for July 2013 - The market for Williamson county homes has switched in favor of sellers, so buyers are now having to become very aggressive with offers. 521 Williamson county homes sold in June compared to 387 last year, an increase of 35%. We expect the trend in sales to increase for the rest of the year, and prices also continuing to rise. 521 Williamson county homes sold in June compared to 387 last year an increase of 35% 46 Williamson county condos sold compared to 26 last year The average sales price of single family homes increased 6% compared to $441,696 Average days on market is down to 68, compared to 83 last year Here are the sales statistics by city for Williamson county real estate, with the exception of Fairview, all are ...
Comments 2
By Shawn Gerhardson, Top Rated Mortgage Professional
(Waterstone Mortgage NMLS#186434)
  There was potentially good news for mortgage rates on Wednesday as the Fed’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced that its quantitative easing (QE) program would remain unchanged for the present. Economists expect the Fed to begin tapering the amount of QE toward the end of the year in accordance with Chairman Ben Bernanke’s previous statements that “tapering” would likely begin near year-end. No specific date for reducing the QE assets purchases was given. Chairman Bernanke has previously indicated that the Fed will closely review domestic and global economic developments as part of its decision-making process for changing the QE program. Wednesday’s FOMC statement reaffirmed this plan. Fed Cites Economic Expansion and Improving Labor Conditions The FOMC statement cited mod...
Comments 0
By Randy Bocook, Selling Coastal Georgia
(Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)
Great blog! I think this hits all of the major components on what we, as Realtors, should have on our website for the consumer! Thanks for sharing Tammy! How Easy is Your Website for Clients? When I first started on ActiveRain I wrote a post entitled: Ok, So You Have a Blog..... Are You Missing the Major Mark Over Here Though? And it’s one of the biggest blunders I think real estate agents make in a website: people have no idea where you are and what you do. That may seem ridiculous but honestly, I have been to several real estate websites (still) and have no idea where in the world they are or even if it’s a real estate site! If users can’t figure it out when they are actually ON the site you can certainly bet Google won’t either. Try and see your site from fresh eyes and from a buyer’...
Comments 1
By Mike Grbic
(Select Homes - Mike Grbic Team)
Amazing pride in ownership in this 3 bedroom 2 bath home situated on a nice size lot with beautiful mature trees and has vinyl siding. Featuring neutral decor throughout, formal living room, formal dining room, updated kitchen, master bedroom with on suite master bath, and a finished lower level with spacious view out family room and cozy wood burning fireplace. Additionally this home offers a large backyard with privacy fence, wood deck, and an open air patio perfect for outdoor entertaining. The neighborhood offers a park with playground, Tennis court and 2 soccer fields. This home is a must see and easy to show. Schedule a private viewing today.   View Property: http://ow.ly/nxebc View Virtual Tour: http://ow.ly/nxeem
Comments 1
REAL ESTATE STATISTICS ASHBURN HOMES FOR SALE 20147 JULY 2013 CONTINUE TO REFLECT A SELLER'S MARKET  These statistics are a reflection of July 2013 Stats for the 20147 zip code. If you would like to see more specific statistics for your area, i.e. a different zip code or a specific price range and geography please click here and make your request. TOTAL ASHBURN HOME SALES IN JULY In July 2013 there were a total of 115 homes sold in the 20147 zip code. This is was unchanged from  June sales. Of those sold 15 were condos, 62 townhomes and  38 were single family detached homes. The 38 single family homes sold was down from 51 the month before. The number of Condos sold was up 4 units  from the previous month and townhome sales were 62 up from 53 the previous month. That's great news for Se...
Comments 0
By Craig Wheeler, Striving to be the best, for all your home needs!
(Keller Williams Realty Buffalo Northtowns )
  This Akron 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home just was price reduced to $184,000, is mostly updated, and well set back off Main Rd. It includes almost two full acres, and a horse stall in need of some love. The roof on this three bedroom home was updated five years ago. The Akron- Newstead area is an up and coming suburb located outside the city of Buffalo. The master bedroom is 24x10 with two walk-in closets.  The home itself offers tons of open space; an open kitchen leads into the dining room. The family room is quite spacious and has a wood burning fireplace. There is first floor laundry and two full bathrooms in this beautiful three bedroom house in Akron. Akron has a fantastic growing community that has multiple high end golf courses, as well as fine restaurants. It is small town Amer...
Comments 1
By Lisa Wetzel, CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com
(RE/MAX Realty Affiliates)
        $69,500.00 - Price Reduced! Gardnerville, Nevada Homesite For Sale ... In The Very Heart of the Gardnerville Ranchos ... Large building lot on South Riverview Drive!             Location: Gardnerville Ranchos Price Reduced! Gardnerville, Nevada Home Site For Sale ... In The Very Heart of the Gardnerville Ranchos ... Large building lot on South Riverview Drive! In the very Heart of the Gardnerville Ranchos, Large building lot on South Riverview Drive! Walking Distance to Schools ... Backs to Meneley Elementary. Nice views and centrally located. .89 acre ... Level building site plus gentle slope affords nice character. Al community Utilities are available through the Gardnerville Ranchos Improvement District. Well established neighborhood with many lovely homes, actually one of t...
Comments 4
By Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty, Good to Know
(BHHS Verani Realty)
  Schedule a Showing/Request Info Londonderry, NH Real Estate Search All Homes For Sale Manchester, NH Real Estate Hooksett, NH Real Estate Derry, NH Real Estate Litchfield, NH Real Estate Chester, NH Real Estate Exeter, NH Real Estate   Prudential Verani Realty Londonderry Prudential Verani Londonderry 888-723-0306 Questions?Schedule a Showing! MLS#: 4253242   Information valid for the date of this posting only. Please contact us for the most current information and status of this property. 17 Mechanic Street Winchester, NH Scan with your smartphone & take me with you. Description Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Brochure       Beautiful 3 bedroom home for sale in Winchester, NH! $ Click for current price ...
Comments 0
By Michael Layton, Experience and Trust
(RE/MAX Desert Properties)
This well written post exposes the very important issues of good city government.  Throwing your hands up is not a good a long term solution.  Citizens need to demand accountability and responsibility from their city governments.This City declared bankruptcy a year ago and is trying to work things out through the courts. Remember, people who declare bankruptcy don't stumble into it they are driven to it to usually put a stop to keep something that is bad from getting worse and taking them with it. I had done business with this city for years prior and saw the beginning of it all take shape NO POLICE COVERAGE First, there wasn't enough police to police the city. Officers used to tell me that when they hosted any major events in the city, the patrols assigned left other parts of the city ...
Comments 1
By Leslie DeLuca, No One Knows The Monterey Peninsula Like DeLuca
(DeLuca Real Estate )
Please let me know if you would like to attend this meeting and I will provide a guest pass.  This is a great organization of men and women.  I would love to be able to introduce  you to this local group of dynamic professionals.   Professional Women's Network of the Monterey Peninsula   Again ... Another Amazing Member Meeting  The Surprising Solution To Your Biggest Marketing Issues   Welcome our guest speaker:  Martha Hanlon   Wednesday, August 7, 2013 5:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.    Embassy Suites - Monterey Bay   1441 Canyon Del Rey, Seaside Ask Lobby Concierge for Room        REMEMBER: Attendance at regular evening meetings is FREE to all paid members! Visitors are welcome and asked to pay a $20 entrance fee.           Join us as we welcome guest speaker Martha Hanlon, Wide Awake Market...
Comments 0
By Valerie Springer, Home Loan Officer AL, FHA, VA, Conventional and Re
(Benchmark Mortgage nmls 2143)
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS   Completed Contractor Application   Contractors Bid   Contractors License   Contractors Liability Insurance   Homeowner/Contractor Agreement   W-9 form   3 Trade References   5 Years Experience   Contractor Approval IS required prior to Rate Lock AND Loan Submission to Underwriting.  Allow 7-10 Business Days for Contractor Approval.   Visit my website at www.vshomeloans.com   My name is Valerie Springer nmls 198479, Home Mortgage Expert and writer for Ask Val in Birmingham, Alabama. You may contact me by email at valerie.springer@nflp.com or call 205-995-7283 x 305.
Comments 0
By April Weeks, Top Short Sale Expert
(Mcbride Kelly and Associates)
​ Is It Good Timing?!? People don't want to miss the home buying boat however market skepticism leaves them stuck on the dock! How do you know when the time is right to buy a home? Here are the facts: 1. Home prices are are trending upward 12.3% within the last 3 months. Additionally, home prices are projected to jump another 5% in the next 6 months. As for mortgage interest rates.. well they are momentarily lower. Banks have not specified how long these low rates will last. Annalists have estimated only another month or two. So is the time right? I would say yes with the help of me to get you the lowest price possible!! Click the FB pic or you can check me out at www.aprilsellstampa I give daily updates on the market trends, financial trends, the best home improvements, consumer discou...
Comments 0
By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
This is continuation of my past blog on Why Seller in Northern Virginia sells home AS IS. If you as a Northern Virginia home buyer want to purchase a home AS IS WHERE IS here is the information to help you understand your option and protect your interest while purchasing your residential investment in Fairfax or Loudoun county. In some cases like foreclosure banks/REO will encourage buyers to get home inspection done. However it will be for information purpose only. While other type of sale may sell absolutely AS IS WHERE IS. What is home inspection contingency for information purpose only? Under home inspection for information purpose only, you are telling the seller you will hire your home inspector however if you do come across any issues or repairs you won't ask the seller to repair...
Comments 3
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