Archives of real estate blog entries for August 01, 2011

Featured blog posts


By Dick Greenberg, Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate
(New Paradigm Partners LLC)
Your client is in deep trouble. He's been living way beyond his means for a long, long time. He has a mountain of debt, maybe more than he could pay off in his whole lifetime. True, he has some nice things to show for it, but much of the money was spent on frivolous or wasteful items that never provided any real benefit - maybe they seemed like a good idea at the time, but now they just look dumb. His income is down because his industry isn't competitive anymore - they were lazy and complacent and have lost their market position. They were slow to read market trends, because they thought they were the ones setting the trends, and they missed a lot of opportunities. Their focus continues to be on executive compensation packages and stockholder benefits - they could care less about the ba...
Comments 139
By Mona Gersky, GRI,IMSD-Taking the mystery out of real estate.
(MoonDancer Realty, Dillsboro,NC)
Quality of listing photos certainly has been discussed on ActiveRain - but this morning I'm wondering about quantity of photos for listings.   Of course, let's be clear if your quality of photos is terrible, by all means do you sellers a favor and limit quantity - and then get yourself to the local community college for a few lessons!   Unless you are in a part of the country where demand is exceeding supply, buyers and agents are paying attention first to the houses that are well described and well documented by photos.   Granted sometimes the interior of the house doesn't photo well, but is that a reason to limit the number of pictures available to consumers and your fellow agents?  If the interior shots are bad because the house is messy - isn't this a discussion you should have had ...
Comments 32
By Victoria Frieberg, Realtor, Broker, Rush Point Realty LLC
(Rush Point Realty LLC, Victoria Frieberg, broker)
I have a great property inspector, he does a bang up job for my clients and I refer him to many other agents.  He has the best equipment..and couple that all with ME, present at all inspections..we are a winning team!  I know many agents who don't go to the property inspections for their clients, and have always wondered why they would miss the opportunity to provide insight for their current clients, and learn more from a pro for their future friends. The other day we went out to a beautiful, newer short sale home.  The minute I  walked into the vacant property, I could smell something was off.  We are a rural community, and this house is heated with propane.  Mike informed me that I was crazy (not an uncommon comment), and went about continuing his work.  I generally don't come to the...
Comments 66
What is it about folks who buy real estate and never expect anything to chage ever, ever, ever? I am noticing a disturbing trend with buyers. As much as they are educating themselves on the internet, couldn't they be educating themselves about the risks? Shouldn't SOMEONE be telling them it's not all moonpies and rootbeer? Sure they sign the lead-paint addendum or learn about cracks in the foundation but who is talking to them about evolution? Highest and best use? Change? A few years ago, my husband started building on a lot adjacent to a home where the woman of the house did NOT like that her view was changing. I don't know all the details of the ruckus but I believe she was upset my husband was thinning out trees that would likely fall at a later date.He's not a clear-cut type of guy...
Comments 73
By Wayne Johnson, San Antonio REALTOR, San Antonio Homes For Sale
(Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper REALTORS®)
San Antonio Real Estate Market Value-A Range of Possibilities To me, San Antonio real estate market value should be described as a "Range of Possibilities" rather than a specific amount. Establishing market value is an important aspect of my representation duties for a Buyer or Seller. It is an aspect of the job that I do not take lightly. Missing the market value range for a Seller means either setting the asking price so high as to not receive good offers or so low as to not receive adequate compensation for the Seller. (In point of fact, I've never seen a Seller set the price below market value, but it must happen, someplace.) Real estate market value is specific to the neighborhood. Even with the same builder, a D. R. Horton house in Westover Crossing may have a different value than...
Comments 21
By Jeanean Gendron, Specializing in Selling Unique Properties
(The Address Realty)
Do you wake up and decide that today you will write a featured post that gets the coveted "gold star"? I must say that it never occurs to me to write a post for the purpose of getting a "gold star" or featured post. It is always a pleasant surprise for me when it occasionally happens. That may be why I don't get all that many featured posts. For me, writing here in the RAIN is always about my experiences and what I see happening in the market. As I have grown as a blogger and gotten better as a writer, I've drifted away form some of the basics that we blog about. I've also grown a bit more sophisticated in what I want to read out there in the "blog roll". We are all doing Localism posts for our markets and occasionally I will see a post that is so well done, that it draws me in to read ...
Comments 49
By Anthony Giglio, AnthonySellsMN!
(eXp Realty)
Open houses are a great way to introduce yourself to a property but there are a few items of Open House Etiquette that you should be observed.
Comments 33
By Ritu Desai 703-625-4949, Northern Virginia,Washington DC & Maryland Realtor
(Samson Properties)
Had a very interesting listing appointment ..Seller was very motivated to unload his home and move on with his life...he was willing to price it right, negotiate and move forward. I thought hmmm....too good to be true. Well the first part was true since they were relocating due to his job. The job opportunity was something he had been waiting for a while. The second of the conversation went...I want to sell my home has $545000 however I don't want to convey: 1. Refrigerator: Me: It is from 1996 you can buy new ones for fairly good price why go thru hassle of moving this old one? Seller: You don't find these good quality ones...I want to keep it. Buyers can purchase it if they want to buy from us.   2. All speakers (about 20) through out the home... Me: You are going to patch all the hom...
Comments 96
By Renée Donohue~Home Photography, Western Michigan Real Estate Photographer
(Savvy Home Pix)
One day in February of this year I decided I wanted to be a broker.  Well I always wanted that but I really wanted it in February.   Since that fateful day in February I have completed over 300 BPOs, sifted through around a thousand leads, closed some rentals, taken 5 standard listings (don't laugh at that number, it's decent for this crappy market,) attended 19 BNI meetings, dealt with husband being out of town most of the summer on business, moved my kid back home from Omaha, had a small weekend trip to Zion, a weeklong business trip to Seattle, finished broker pre-licensing course, took & passed the state test (first time, that's how I roll,) put together a two inch file and stood in the division line for a day and a half (four trips) the last two business days. IT'S NOW OFFICIAL! I ...
Comments 106
By Ron and Alexandra Seigel, Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy
(Napa Consultants)
Have you heard that about 60% of those who sign up for a Twitter account abandon their account within 60 days?Could it be that they just do not understand the value of this media? Many luxury real estate marketing professionals are scratching their heads trying to see where the ROI (Return on Investment) is in social networking. Many conclude that it is a colossal waste of time. We could not disagree more. For those who are either skeptical or fed up with the entire idea of social networking we offer this advice:Look beyond the mechanics of the media to understand the message: Going forward, your net worth, your wealth will be determined by the richness of your relationships. The more high-trust relationship you can establish and maintain with friends, colleagues, neighbors, clients or...
Comments 24
By Paula Hathaway, REALTOR, LBA, ...A Local Expert in all The Hamptons
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate)
THE "MONKEY ON YOUR BACK" MAY JUST BE SOCIAL NETWORKING! I watched 60 Minutes Sunday night and on the show one of the topics was how the new illustrated "Slots" with illuminated, interactive screens , instant responses (up to 30,000 an hour) along with the intensity of the users focus was found to be highly addictive--Brain researchers measured the brain waves of subjects as they used these new gambling machines and found some very troubling results. Their findings were that the reaction was so intense with brain stimualtion affecting the same parts of the brain as what is found in heroine addicts brains! The "slots" readings were so active on parts of the brain that the researchers were getting heroine addiction measurements on these subjects. Not only that, they interviewed 2 women wh...
Comments 38
By Jennifer Fivelsdal, Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection
( JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571)
Who is in the driver’s seat when it comes to choosing properties for a home tour, agent or buyer? For the second time in a week I have heard sellers say,” oh, the big firms won’t show my house because they have lots of inventory so they will show only their in-house listings.” Could this be true? First, it would be downright unethical to eliminate properties that fit your client’s criteria just because they were not listed with your firm. I then took a step back and looked at how the buyers I have worked with recently approached their home search. They are searching like typical buyers today; first, going to the internet, then contacting an agent. When the contact is made the agent now gets a list of homes the new client has looked at online and is interested in seeing. Some go as far ...
Comments 40
By Joseph Robinson, Melbourne Florida Homes for Sale, MLS Real Estate Search
(Coldwell Banker Paradise, Satellite Beach, FL)
I was working with a First Time Homebuyer searching for a home in Melbourne, Florida.  They were a young couple who had made great financial decisions along the way were were ready to pull the trigger on a home.  After an initial Needs Assessment meeting we determined that they were a fit for the First Time Home Buyers program. Here in Brevard County, there are a number of programs available.  The City of Melbourne, the City of Palm Bay, the City of Titusville and Brevard County each have their version of downpayment assistance for First Time Home Buyers.   In addition to these programs, we also have the $7500 or $5000 bond that is available through designated lenders. We set up a personalized MLS website for them that automatically populated itself with listings matching their criteria...
Comments 22
By Melina Tomson, Principal Broker/Owner, M.S.
(Tomson Burnham, llc Licensed in the State of Oregon)
Back in the boom, MERS was a cornerstone of the real estate market offering a way to offload mortgages to investors allowing banks to continue to originate loans and make bundles o' money.  Apparently, my strategy of waiting at the end of the rainbow for my pot of gold wasn't a good one: should have been a lender.  Lots of green, just not in the form of little people with funny hats.  Now, lenders wouldn't have been able to meet the demand of the American consumer for housing loans without sending loans off into the netherworld to be split up and chopped up into bite sized fare for investors.  This MERS legacy is the gift that is contributing to the ongoing hell that is real estate these days. Getting real on Salem Oregon Foreclosures I almost didn't write my quarterly foreclosure post ...
Comments 3
By Susan Neal, Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker
(RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks)
Some truths really are universal, and the rules for success are the same, no matter what your business. As some of you may know, I am an attorney as well as a real estate broker.  When I moved to the Sacramento area from Orange County California about 10 years ago, I sold my law practice and didn't start up practicing law in Northern California, but instead focused on real estate. I am still a member of the State Bar, however, and one magazine that I receive is the annual edition of Super Lawyers of Northern California.  They select the top 100 by various criteria. In this issue, 4 of them were asked "What's the best piece of advice you've received?"  I found it interesting that the advice is great for succeeding in law, but just as valuable for success in real estate.        1.   Retur...
Comments 47
By Charita Cadenhead, Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)
(eXp Realty)
I Did the Unthinkable:  I Talked a Seller Into Taking Their Home Off of the Market. While right now is an absolutely great time to buy, it's isn't necessarily a great time to seller (at least not for all homeowners). Yesterday as part of my weekly follow up with a seller, I advised the seller that it might be a good time to take her home off of the market until such time that: A shift in the market allows her to list her home for what she actually needs it to sell for She could afford to sell it The market allowed for more flexibility in pricing Since listing the property, each week I've provided a personalized update of what's happening in the market with respect to the proximity to the sellers home.  The update included homes that were listed, pending and sold since I had provided the...
Comments 92
By Pacita Dimacali, Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA
(Alain Pinel)
Thinking of buying a short sale property? There are NO guarantees.   Then you'd better understand what a short sale is, and what it will take to close that deal. My buyer was looking for a good buy --- not merely a good deal -- but a good buy. Based on his criteria, I told him about several listings that may be suitable. The best one in terms of location, condition, amenities and price was a short sale. Before writing an offer, I had to set expectations by first educating my buyer on short sale basics from a buyer's point of view. What's a short sale? Generally, it's a sale wherein the seller is selling the property for less than what is owed. And as such, the seller's lender will have to approve the sale, price, terms and conditions. Who accepts the offer The seller still decides whose...
Comments 94
By Diane Grady
(Endless Summer Realty)
I had the opportunity to attend a Green Roof seminar last week. I thought that it would be about something entirely different than what the presentation was about!  My thoughts regarding a "green" roof were like what you most commonly think of when you hear the word "green". Environmentally friendly, Energy Efficient, etc.  Much to my surprise, this was about an actual green roof. A roof that has a garden growing on it. I had never heard of this and found the topic interesting enough to share. While it seemed a bit pricey up front, the green garden roof will prove to be economical in the long run. The group that gave the lecture was C. Sterling Quality Roofing of Ponte Vedra Florida so I only have an estimate from this one group, but they thought that it would run approximately 20.00 pe...
Comments 51
By Reuben Saltzman, Delivering the Unbiased Truth.
(Structure Tech Home Inspections)
I don't get hired to re-inspect chimney repairs often, but when I do, I'm often disgusted.  Here's how it works: the home inspector says the chimney needs repair, and the buyer tells the seller to fix the chimney.  The sellers usually hire the cheapest chimney repair contractor they can find... and it's usually an unqualified hack with a trowel. Just as there is a big difference in the quality of work between home inspectors, there is a similar gap in the quality of work between good chimney contractors and hacks.  I'd like to share a couple of our recent encounters with these chimney hacks. The $214 Chimney Re-Build I inspected a home in Saint Louis Park that had a chimney with bricks that were disintegrating, and in need of major repair. Here's what I wrote in my inspection report: T...
Comments 48
By Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor
(Charles Rutenberg Realty)
World's BEST pies is NOT an overstatement! J.J. Gandy's Pies in Palm Harbor Florida is indeed THE place to go for pies! The doors opened in 1982 for this family owned business that sells their pies to over 100 local restaurants! The name comes from the family members: Jeff, Jodi, Gay and Andy Schmidt = J. J. Gandy's! Voted time and again #1 for their fantastic desserts, J.J. Gandy's is also open to the public and THE place to go for the BEST pie you have EVER tasted! With over 30 different types of pies, there is something for every taste! My two favorites are the Key Lime Pie and their cheesecake topped with blueberries! Talk about a little bit of heaven! And after doing a little research of my own, I am pleased to report that the Key Lime Pie is actually THE pie with the least amount ...
Comments 27
By Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi, 708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience
(NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656)
                            My best Summer crop?  It's Also Good News!                  Potential Home Buyers with Newly-Approvable Credit ...          While going over my databases this last weekend, I unearthed exciting news not only for myself, but for my referral partners too.  I've been tracking the progress of many clients that were in a specific category of potential home buyer ... that being the "near miss" credit category.      What's a "near miss"?      When they first contacted me for mortgage information, these potential homeowners were close to being able to buy a home. They were on the target for loan-approvable credit, but just not a "bullseye" yet.       So while some others, perhaps more immediately credit-worthy future home buyers, were eyeing-up the market ... playing...
Comments 15
By John Marshall - FORE!, Specializing in Golf Course Properties
(LoKation Real Estate)
Vallagio, at the southern end of the Denver Tech Center has been one of the bright shining new developments over the past five years. Located off the 3rd and 4th fairways of the Inverness Hotel and Golf club, Vallagio is not your typical new home community, as a matter of fact that is exactly why Vallagio and other TODs or Transit-Oriented Developments are still very popular despite the major downturn in new construction during this past economic re-tooling. Vallagio, is located just east of I-25 on Dry Creek in the heart of Inverness. What makes Vallagio unique and ever so popular is the different styles of living space coupled with the convenience of walking to light rail, night spots, shopping, restaurants etc. One could literally live without owning a car in this wonderful developme...
Comments 1
By James Quarello, Connecticut Home Inspector
(JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC)
Will it be sunny today? How soon ‘til we can go swimming? Is the water warm? Children have no real worries and they shouldn’t, life will bring on plenty later. Adults have much to worry about every day, including our worriless children. That’s why it is so important once in a while to find a long dock and stick your feet in the water.   James QuarelloConnecticut Home Inspector2010 - 2011 SNEC-ASHI PresidentNRSB #8SS0022JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below: Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services. Learn more about our home energy audits, the Home Energy Tune uP®. Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield an...
Comments 43
By Norm Werner, Helping the first time and every time
(Real Estate One)
I took a ConEd class last week that was put on by the owner of a company that does short sales negotiations. He had lots of interesting statistics and stories about short sales, both the horror stories and the good ones. The thing that I took away more than anything else is that this issue will be with us for many years to come. I guess that was pretty obvious because of how far home values have fallen (at least in this area). Locally we are at about 1995 home value levels, which is about 40% lower than the 2006 peak values. So almost everyone who bought in the late 1990's and early 2000's is pretty much guaranteed to be under water. The presenter at this training opined that short sales will be with us (and probably will represent the majority of our business) until at least 2020. I ha...
Comments 43
By ActiveRain Real Estate Network
(ActiveRain)
  It is with great excitement and happiness that we announce our newest baby, the ActiveRain MeetUp! ActiveRain is a family made up of 200K+ insightful, smart, sharp, caring, funny, brainy, clever and charismatic members.  I could go on and on about how amazing you all are but I'm going to stop at the previous 8 adjectives or this post may get a bit too long.  Meeting your virtual friends and colleagues in person usually begin with a smile and embrace.  I've seen it happen a hundred times across the nation and this is something that must carry on.  I repeat....it must carry on. Networking, learning and sharing are basic fundamentals of AR.  Something special happens when you exercise these in person.  To understand you must attend and see for yourself.  MeetUps will happen in a restaura...
Comments 132
By Alan May, A moving experience!
(Jameson Sotheby's International Realty)
Of course you can show that property this afternoon... a few simple instructions: * The owners may be home, but if they're not: * Use the combination lock box... it can be found on the gas meter, near the back door, with the key for the front door. * the combination is the square root of 1,522,756 * Use the top lock only, the key is a little sticky, pull the door toward you while you jiggle the key. * Remove your shoes, or use booties, we have new carpeting. * Please don't let the inside cat out (he's fast) * Don't let the outside cat in.  He tries to come in all the time, (he's fast, too!) * Don't close any interior doors, they automatically lock behind you. * Please turn out all the lights * Leave a business card on the front hall table * If you have any time left after following the ...
Comments 109
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
                                                                                                                                               Yesterday I went out with "Future Sellers". Most of you call these clients buyers. Being a listing agent, there is no way I would encourage a buyer to purchase a property that I would not be proud to list in the future. Hence...I only work with future sellers.I had appointments set up pretty quickly with our Centralized Showing Service. All of them scheduled between 1-3 PM. The second property, I used my Sentri card to obtain the key from the lockbox, opened the door and the husband went in first. He came back coughing and gagging. My brilliant thought ...no need to go in.But the wife loved the neighborhood and wanted to see this home.  Well, we ...
Comments 71

Blog posts


By Melissa Juarez
(Massachusetts Buyers Broker Agency, LLC)
Quincy Animal Shelter raffle for Boston Red Sox tickets! There are two box seat tickets available for the Friday, Sept. 16, game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. The game starts at 7 p.m. and the raffle tickets are $5 each or three for $10. The drawing will take place September 2.  For more information, call the shelter at 617-376-1349.  Try your luck and support the Quincy Animal Shelter.   W e l c o m e ! Hello, welcome to my blog and welcome to Quincy, MA. If you are a potential home buyer and you are interested in Quincy, please contact me to start receiving listings and open house schedules. Let's connect today and we can begin visiting houses. I can answer any other questions you may have regarding Quincy including schools, public transportation, houses of worship, parks...
Comments 0
By Wallace S. Gibson, CPM, LandlordWhisperer
(Gibson Management Group, Ltd.)
I am very proud that I return almost all of my departing residents' security deposit ENTIRELY....I have worked HARD o this part of my management procedures in recent years and it has paid off....for the majority of my residents. I have my move-out instructions in the Resident Handbook that accompanies the lease.  I sent ADDITIONAL move-out instructions a month before their lease terminate date AND I provide them the names of my preferred carpet and cleaning personnel AND suggest that they mention  that they are MY residents. My preferred carpet cleaner will actually return their keys to me if they are leaving early and do not have time to return them to my office during weekday business hours. .....meanwhile people are STILL telling me they are going to sue me.   The departing residents...
Comments 13
Housing starts in Cobb County, such as this one at Governors Towne Club in Acworth, are at a low because fewer permits are being issued throughout the county.Photo Special to the MDJMARIETTA — The residential housing market continues to stall, as the number of new housing permits issued in Cobb County in June dropped 13 percent from May; housing prices continue to deflate; consumers remain hesitant to buy; and banks remain tight with lending, experts said Friday.“We’re at a low starts number in Cobb for the last six months, and there just isn’t a lot of movement,” said Eugene James, director of Metrostudy, an Atlanta-based group that compiles and studies housing data from across the metro Atlanta area. “Obviously, that’s not what we’d like to see — we’d like to see an increase in home s...
Comments 0
By Barbara Todaro, Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
(RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired )
Meadowbrook Heights Franklin MA Overview Maps Photos Features Description Video for Meadowbrook Heights Franklin MA Neighborhood Market Stats $324,900 Condominium Main Features 2 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Partial Bathroom1 UnitInterior: 1846 sqft Location 98 Grey Wolf DriveFranklin, MA 02038USA To get updates on open home dates and other property events, please click the "Like" button below: Barbara Todaro RE/MAX Executive Realty(508) 520-9881btodaro@juno.comhttp://www.franklinmahomesales.com Listed by: The Kuney-Todaro Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty Our recent listings Contractor/Builder NeededOpen House Sunday July 31 noon to 2:00pm 24 Oak Street Medway MA180 Beaver Street Franklin MA-Condo For SaleMeadowbrook Heights Franklin MALuxury Penthouse Condo Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby...
Comments 4
By Jackie Connelly-Fornuff, "Moving at The Speed of YOU!"
(Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon NY)
Babylon Village Sold Homes - Homes For Sale in Babylon VillageOne home sold in Babylon Village last week:530 Fire Island Avenue Babylon NY- This Inline Ranch has 2 bedrooms and 6 rooms. Situated on a canal with 40 feet of bulkhead. Listed at $389,000 and sold for $380,000. On the market for 32 days. List price to sold price ratio: 2.3%Any home for sale in Babylon Village under $400K will sell quickly when it's priced right. Two homes came onto the market last week in Babylon Village.One home on Christopher Court in Babylon Village went under contract last week. Currently, there are 72 homes for homes for sale in Babylon Village. Prices range from $149,000 (short sale) to $3 million. Search Homes for Sale in Babylon Village below:
Comments 3
By Home Partners Panorama Press
(Home Partners and Panorama Press)
FactsThe typical central air conditioning system is a split system, with an outdoor air conditioning, or "compressor bearing unit" and an indoor coil, which is usually installed on top of the furnace in the home.Using electricity as its power source, the compressor pumps refrigerant through the system to gather heat and moisture from indoors and remove it from the home.Heat and moisture are removed from the home when warm air from inside the home is blown over the cooled indoor coil. The heat in the air transfers to the coil, thereby "cooling" the air.The heat that has transferred to the coil is then "pumped" to the exterior of the home, while the cooled air is pumped back inside, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.Central air conditioning can also be provided through ...
Comments 0
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
Debe Maxwell of Charlotte NC writes a great checklist for preparing your home to sell!  This is good advice for sellers in all areas of the country.  Make your home the one that the buyers want! SELLER CHECKLIST – 30 Interior Tasks to Prepare for Your Charlotte Home for Sale Those who have never had a Charlotte home for sale before often think that selling is as simple as hiring a real estate agent and putting a sign in the yard. Believe me, it’s not that simple, as you’ll soon discover! The Interior of Your Home You’ve taken care of the exterior of your Charlotte home for sale-the first up-close impression buyers get.  So, when buyers make it inside, they’re one step closer to actually buying your home.  However, if the interior is a mess, this could blow the entire plan to get your ho...
Comments 1
By Mary Beth Nunez, Realtor
(Senna Realty Group LLC)
      Everyone, in some point of their lives, desire to become homeowners.  Many become discouraged and due to their low to moderate income can't see their dreams coming true any time in the near future. The ability to save another enough due to their income seems to harness their home ownsership dreams. Until, the City of Hartford started a program called HouseHartford Program; some potential buyer goals did not seem possible. The HouseHartford program makes it possible for potential candidates with low to moderate income, to become home owners.  If you qualify for the program, the program will assist with the down payment and closing cost. The programs will allow potential buyers purchase a 1-4 family property, in the City of Hartford.   The HouseHarford Program, is tailored for the ...
Comments 2
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
John Mulkey, the 'housing guru' of Waleska, GA writes an interesting post.  For those that are waiting for the market to recover before selling their home, this very well may be the market that they are going to face.  In many areas (mine included), we are in a pretty normal stage for inventory, absorption rate, etc.  This may very well be the recovery and prices are not going to rise as hoped by many sellers. What if the housing market has already recovered?  What if today’s sluggish market is the rate at which homes will be sold for ten years or longer?  Could it be that the sales levels of the past decade were just an anomaly fueled by loose lending restrictions and the attraction to phantom “investment” opportunities?  The bursting of the housing bubble was inevitable, and an attemp...
Comments 3
By Debbie Gartner, The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers
(The Flooring Girl)
The Flooring Girl - Introducing my new website. The Flooring Girl... Yes, I bought TheFlooringGirl.com and just launched this site last week Check it out when you get a chance - it's a wordpress.org website with a blog.  I still have a few areas to work out over the next week or two, but it's in pretty good shape and hopefully will be indexed by google soon. So, let me explain the idea behind this.  I meet a lot of people during the day, especially at networking events - local networking, BNI (and I sub in many mtgs), Women's Council of Realtors, etc.  We all meet so many people, but it's hard to remember everyone and/or find their card when you need them.  So many people lose those cards.  My company name is challenging to remember (and even spell correctly) and there are plenty they I...
Comments 32
By Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400, Long Island Condo and Home Specialists
(The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803)
  Seems like the good news is that we're in a Real Estate Recovery here on Long Island.   Because of low interest rates, and also because so many of our Buyer Clients are relocating back to Long Island, many are asking Real Estate Agents LAWRENCE AND SHEILA AGRANOFF to show them higher priced homes and condos.   Maybe this is the Good News sign that Long Island is starting its Real Estate Recovery.    There's more confidence now ~ not an overwhelming confidence, but there seems to be more certainty in the Real Estate market now than a year ago.   We are seeing many buyers who were sitting on the sidelines starting to think that maybe the window of opportunity is going to close. Our 55 and better crowd is one of the strongest and fastest growing markets in the country. Buyers are calling...
Comments 20
By Ashley Myers,, Realtor
(Allen Tate Realtors)
"What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear, what a privilege to carry, everything to him in prayer." I can still hear my grandmother sing that old hymn to me. What a precious, loving saint. And what a precious, loving Savior! What a friend, that would lay down his life for me! So often we get wrapped up in the day, that we don't remain in that attitude of prayer. I know that Jesus is there, ready to intercede for me at any moment. I know that your Holy Spirit helps when I don't even have the words to say. I know that you know my heart and want to hear from my lips. Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of coming to you as a child to a parent. Thank you for calming me, giving me hugs in your own sweet ways, and listening. Thank you for your understanding ways...
Comments 7
By Charles Hendricks
(The Gaines Group, PLC Architecture and Design)
Interesting story and comments on the local Cville news about Energy Efficient Light Bulbs. First the respondents blamed the 'socialist agenda' of the current administration, when the regulation to ban incandescent bulbs came from the Bush administration. Then the comments focused on the toxic chemicals in the bulbs, which I agree is a problem. Only I would encourage you to also focus on the toxic chemicals in paint, glue, caulk, plastic toys, furniture, carpet, cars, televisions..... Change is not always a bad thing. The government has always set industry standards for the better good. There are speed limits, industry regulations and standards. It is not a loss of your freedom, it is an advancement of industry. CFL is one technology that has problems. LEDs are emerging as a better opti...
Comments 6
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
If you have a limited amount of cash and are eying that new home that's perfect exept for some needed items, then this post by Lenn Harley of Homefinders.com is for you.  The FHA 203k loan will give buyers the ability t roll in repair/improvement costs into a loan.  Currently difficult to impossible to get with conventional financing: PROBLEM:  We love the house but there's no garage. . . SOLUTION:  FHA 203(k) Financing in Prince George's County, Montgomery County in Maryland and Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties in Northern Virginia. REHABILITATION FINANANCING FOR FIXER-UPPER HOMES - REHAB YOUR NEW PURCHASE WITH FHA 203(K) FINANCING YES!  You'd be surprised at the flexibility of FHA 203(k) financing.  Consider the below: You CAN buy that "Fixer-Upper" and finance the repairs...
Comments 1
By Carol Barron Cross, Sunflower Homes & Equestrian LLC
(SUNFLOWER HOMES & EQUESTRIAN LLC)
Take a ride out into the groves of Western Ft Pierce, Florida.  If you have not had an opportunity to do this and live in Florida, by all means, please put it in your plans to visit. Western St. Lucie County is full of beautiful equestrian and country homes. Trail riding is an enjoyed sport that many people gather around and ride together. There are many large and small barns that pop up between the large orange groves. It is almost like the Old West in the movies. Some roads are dirt and some have been paved. Horse lovers like the dirt roads to work their horses. Besides the orange groves, one might see cattle and goats grazing in pastures. I have enjoyed seeing many Eagles perched on poles. They watch me as I pass and never move. Wild life and the country side goes together. Deer come...
Comments 4
By Dawn Crawley, Find Pinehurst Homes
(Dawn Crawley Realty)
The U.S. Kids Golf World Championships and World Cup will begin Aug. 4th in Pinehurst and play will take place on a number of area golf courses. This is a picture of Pinehurst No. 4 which will host the boys age 12 group during the competition. This is arguably Pinehurst's most lovely golf course especially in the spring when the azaleas are in bloom. On course No. 3 in Pinehurst you will find the girls in the 12 age group. The boys in the age 9 group will play on Pinehurst No. 8 which also hosted the PGA Club Professional Championship in 1998 and 1999. Just a few minutes away from the Village of Pinehurst you will find Little River Golf Course on which  the boys age 9 group will play. Just take the Pinehurst circle to 15/501 and if a few miles the course will be on your right. Midland ...
Comments 5
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
Dan and Amy Schuman of Cleveland, OH write this excellent post on the important advantages of selecting a local agent that has knowledge of the market that one is either buying or selling in.  That local knowledge as well as their contacts will equate to far more competent experience as well as insure that one is not led down the wrong path from unknown problems in an area, neighborhod, etc:  5 Reasons Why Using A Local Agent Is Better   Local agents know their towns better than anyone else. We firmly believe that using a local Realtor® is in your best interests and in this post we will give you reasons why local is the only way to go.   5 REASONS WHY USING A LOCAL AGENT IS BETTER 1.     Superior Market Knowledge - A good local agent knows the inventory inside and out and will be able t...
Comments 3
By Maureen McCabe, Columbus Ohio Real Estate
(HER Realtors)
This Friday August 5, 2011 is First Friday in Worthington.    This is the second First Friday for the City of Worthington.  The first First Friday was July 1, 2011. The NEW and improved Worthington.org site says First Friday: "Come to Downtown Worthington the first Friday of every month for First Friday! Shops will be open late and visitors will be greeted with specials, arts and live entertainment. The event runs from 6pm -9pm. Don’t miss this great Worthington event!" Downtown Worthington Did a Ghost run a Worthington business out of town? Old Worthington Businesses - Old Old Worthington a historic district HER Worthington office opening in early August 2011 Edit August 2012 to add the sites name to the photo.  Perhaps fewer real estate agents will grab the photo and try to pass it of...
Comments 3
By Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate
(Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales)
Paula Hamilton from The Woodlands, TX gives us an insight on to why she as well as other real estate professionals shouldn't get involved in ancillary sales that aren't related to the business at hand.  It's a good way to get in trouble, by selling something that we know little or nothing about: WHY I DON'T SELL NON-REALTY ITEMS I read two great posts yesterday about the topic of non-realty items that inspired me to write this piece.  Thanks to Nick Pappas yesterday when he wrote an excellent post about this exact topic.  I have been seeing more and more blogs about this topic and thought I would share why I choose to not deal with non-realty items. First of all, let me say that of course I will assist a buyer or seller with an occasional appliance such as a refrigerator or washer and d...
Comments 3
By Marco Giancola, Realtor (305)608-1922, Miami Beach Florida
(Beachfront Realty)
I am finding this senario more and more. The story reads like half the customers I encounter lately. Not only my business customers but some friends and family as well. Maybe everyone will win the LOTTO this week:)Your client is in deep trouble. He's been living way beyond his means for a long, long time. He has a mountain of debt, maybe more than he could pay off in his whole lifetime. True, he has some nice things to show for it, but much of the money was spent on frivolous or wasteful items that never provided any real benefit - maybe they seemed like a good idea at the time, but now they just look dumb. His income is down because his industry isn't competitive anymore - they were lazy and complacent and have lost their market position. They were slow to read market trends, because t...
Comments 3
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