Archives of real estate blog entries for March 01, 2010

Featured blog posts


By Lizette Fitzpatrick, Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes
(Lizette Realty - Richmond KY)
In the land of contingencies...the one that happens less often may be, "Contingent upon touring the seller's home." Most of mybuyer clients usually step foot on the property beforewriting an offer. The most common contingencies ones are... Contingency to sell your home before you close on another. Contingent upon buyer obtaining proper financing. Contingent upon seller to pay X amount toward buyer's closing costs. Contingent upon a satisfactory home inspection. Contingent upon the house appraising at purchase price or higher. Yada, Yada, Yada....... Many of my buyers are from out of state and make plans in the near future to come check out the listings I have sent them. This all takes a considerable amount of researching both the buyers and the listings to find the perfect home. Usually...
Comments 53
By Amy Hahn, Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC
(Pine Knoll Shores Realty)
Things to do in Beaufort, North Carolina - Old Burying Ground     The Old Burying Ground in Beaufort, North Carolina is a favorite among Locals and Visitors.  The burial ground was established in 1709 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  If you are a history buff, especially maritime history, you will definitely want to stop by the Old Burying Ground and take a walk through time!  There are many stories that go along with the Old Burying Ground, but one of the most famous stories and gravesites located in the burying ground is of the "Girl in Barrel of Rum".  In the 1700s and English family, including their infant daughter, came to Beaufort, North Carolina.  The little girl grew up dreaming of visiting her homeland of London.  When she was old enough, her mother a...
Comments 35
By Sara Bonert, Real Estate Internet Marketing
(Zillow)
At the Keller Williams national convention last week I spent some time learning about new technologies and services the exhibiting companies had to offer.  So this week on my blog it is Vendor Week!  Each day I'll post interviews with people who will share what's new with their companies.  Monday- Active Rain and Altos Research Tuesday - Homes.com and KWKLY Wednesday - ListHub, Mozy and Oodle Thursday- Sharper Agent and United Lane Friday - Visual Tour and Zillow Active Rain - This company shouldn't need too much introduction, but it was exciting to see them exhibiting.  Bob was delivering seminars on blogging and SEO all week, but for those that couldn't be there in person, here are the cliff notes on what's new with AR and he gives some great tips on how to best utilize the network.  ...
Comments 20
By Jim Frimmer, Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist
(HomeSmart Realty West)
It's March 1, 2010, the start of a new month, and the end of an old month. That means that in addition to analyzing February to see how we're doing in getting to our 2010 first quarter goals, it's also time for my monthly list of ActiveRain newbies. These were the qualifications to make my list: Joined ActiveRain in February 2010. Must have uploaded a profile picture, have a completed profile, and have the name of a contact person. Fewer than 10,000 points -- Those with more than 10,000 points are well on their way to experiencing the power of Playing in the Rain. At least five blog posts of their own, i.e., no reblog after reblog after reblog. No Featured Posts or blog posts with more than ten comments. 75% positive - In other words, if all you did was rant and rave about politics, se...
Comments 43
I received a call from an ad I had placed in the Chinese version of Home and Land. The lady sounded older and had broken english and said she was interviewing agents to sell her 3 unit building and purchase a high end condo in the $1M range. When I followed up from our first call, I had the comps for her building and a list of nice condos in San Francisco. She said we would meet at 10:30 AM on Sunday, which happened to be Valentines Day and also Chinese New Year to talk about business, and then we could go have brunch. When I pulled up in front of her building, I called to let her know I was down stairs and the first thing she did when she got in the car was to show me she had $1.7M in her bank account. When I told her it wasn't neccessary to show me, she said I just don't want you to a...
Comments 57
By Jack Lewitz
(Exit Strategy Realty)
       As a former Social Worker I am reminded of Elizabeth Kubler-Ross book "On Death and Dying' and the five stages a terminally ill patient goes through when informed of their life threatening illness. The five stages she identifies in her book are: Denial ( this isn't happening to me!) Anger( why is this happening to me?) Bargaining ( I promise I'll be better person if...) Depression ( I don't care anymore) Acceptance ( I'm ready for whatever comes) As I reviewed these five stages and relate them to Sellers I have worked with or am currently working with I am drawn to how these same stages are exactly what sellers go through when selling their home in a short sale. Stage 1 Denial: Many sellers who are falling behind in their mortgage payment often do not get help or seek help becaus...
Comments 94
By Dee Neal, Atlanta Area Real Estate
(Palmer House Properties)
  Rainers: Meet my four year old. Before you call in child services, the picture above was taken one day when he hurt himself playing and decided to administer first aid on himself. I love this little guy. I could never censor him. But this post isn't about my undying love for my children though I could write about it endlessly. It's about his attitude. I was sitting here on my laptop doing some work while he was playing with his older brother and he just bursts out out of nowhere and says, "Mom, NOW can we change the world?" I was taken back, floored, speechless, and all of that other good stuff that kids make you feel when they cute and profound things. He asked the question as if I had been holding him back from doing so, like he just knew it was an easy task. He didn't think of whet...
Comments 68
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
   This is the email I received from Katie Tarbox (Senior Editor, REALTOR Magazine): "I read a newspaper article about some of the unique open houses you've held.  I'm looking for a REALTOR.... for our Masters Series....  I'm wondering if this might be you.  Let me know if you're interested." ..and then this one:   ''I'm so glad you've decided to agree to be filmed for our Open House Master video series...."  Good Things are Happening in Baltimore...REALTOR® Magazine + Active Rain Gathering  Such a great opportunity and I wanted to share!  How can I figure a way to get publicity for ActiveRain. Everyone knows when you get AR people together the energy and the ideas really pop, and the sharing is incredible. So why not combine this opportunity for national exposure with the fun of an AR ...
Comments 73

Blog posts


By Brian Brumpton, Boise Idaho Real Estate
(Keller Williams Boise)
The Sendero condominiums centrally located in Boise, Idaho provides owners with modern day amenities and designer touches at an affordable price. Residents enjoy the carefree lifestyle that the Sendero condominiums provide. With easy access to the freeway, shopping, dining and recreation the Sendero condominiums offer up the best of all Boise area provides. EachSendero condominium includes: refrigerator microwave washer/dryer combo gas fireplace private patio community pool access garage or covered parking (subject to price and availability) Whether you need a place to relax poolside on weekends or a home base to plan your next adventure, knowing everything will be taken care of while you're away, Sendero condominiums in Boise is where you can have is all. Our sales office is open Mond...
Comments 2
By Frank Hilliard, Seasoned Mortgage Professional
(Guild Mortgage Company)
South Carolina Housing is making $40,000,000 available in special financing for our State's heros, including teachers, police, fire EMT and correctional officers.  Based on income, SC Housing is providing up to $7,000 in down payment assistance for qualified buyers throughout the state.  First time home buyers can also take advantage of the Federal First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000.  Program highlights include: 5.125% 30 Year Fixed Rate Mortgage $7,000 in down payment assistance $8,000 FTHB Tax Credit (contract by April 30, 2010) Minimum FICO Score - 620 (Alternative credit considered) County income and purchase restrictions apply This program was offered in 2008 and funds were exhausted quickly.  With value at all time lows, reduced interest rates and increased down payme...
Comments 0
By LLoyd Nichols, Southwest Florida Homes By The Sea
(Premier Florida Realty of SWFL)
This gem offers a welcoming front porch, cathedral ceilings, nice windows, tile throughout (even the bedrooms), an interior laundry, and a good size livingroom with frenchdoors that lead to the back screened porch. As you continue to the backyard there is an very nice outbuilding that could be used as a playhouse, workshop or extra storage. The kitchen has nice countertops, great cabinets, a lot of counterspace with an open concept to the dining area. Master suite offers a separate soaking tub, a lot of room and a new sink.  Did I mention the fireplace?  3 bedrooms/2 baths, 1657 square feet. Located in the San Carlos Park area of Fort Myers, Florida. A nice place to live, a great investment, also, as this is near GulfCoast University as well as the site of the new Red Sox Spring Trainin...
Comments 0
By Chris Olsen, Broker Owner Cleveland Ohio Real Estate
(Olsen Ziegler Realty)
Does anyone use the Naymz professional network? I did a search on AR for Naymz and saw very little interest among AR members.  Is it yet perhaps another of the dozen smaller niche players, or could this be an opportunity for more exposure, networking and perhaps recruiting for brokers, let alone possible referrals. In just my daily visits here on AR, I do not see anyone talk about this platform.  Perhaps it's just a fledgling platform or there are only so many hours in the day and this platform doesn't rise up high enough to warrant attention? The best place to get an answer on social networking, referrals, etc., is right here on AR so please chime in.
Comments 4
By Kevin Robinson, Fractional Developer
Here is the list of "22 Ways to Be a Good Democrat." You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the Earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUVs. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial, but being homosexual is natural. You have to believe that AIDS virus is spread by a lack of Federal funding. You have...
Comments 3
By Lisa Moroniak, SFR - Short Sale & Foreclosure Certified
(Keller Williams Realty | Northern Virginia | 703.635.0388)
The true measure of the housing market is the demand for Existing Homes.  Existing Homes are homes that have been previously owned and are much less volatile than new construction.  The National Association of Realtors reported that sales of previously owned homes dropped 7.2% from December to January.  Naturally, this is the number that the media ran with.  But they also reported that year-over-year sales were up 11.2% which is very strong indeed.  In fact, look at the data below - it shows growth in almost every sector: Regional Sales by Price Existing Single Family Homes January 2010               % Change in Sales from 1 Year Ago Region $0-100K $100-250K $250-500K $500-750K $750K-1M $1M+ Northeast -4.6% 12.1% 14.3% 35.8% 69.8% 61.2% Midwest 0.3% 5.3% 2.8% 8.0% 18.3% 31.2% South 8.4%...
Comments 0
By Jane Cross
(Homes By Cross serving Charlotte NC Real Estate Needs)
The Palisades real estate and The Palisades homes for sale and Lake Wylie SC listings analysis. Here is a quick review on Lake Wylie homes for sale in The Palisades, spanning current activity since October of 2009, and going back to review the same time span for the past three years-the numbers are all based on the market averages for The Palisades real estate. If you would like a free in-depth market analysis for your neighborhood, just give us a call and we will be happy to provide that to you. The Palisades MLS Housing Activity from 10/01/2009 through 02/28/2010 Status # of Homes List Price Sold Price %SP/LP Days on Market Active w/new 34 $521,898     84 Pending w/new 4 $669,207     425 09/01 through 02/14 Status=SOLD # of Homes List Price Sold Price %SP/LP Days on Market 2009-2010 w...
Comments 0
By Kevin Robinson, Fractional Developer
Everyday it's health care. The President won't let up, and because he won't I won't. Not a day goes by that he doesn't lobby for health care - something that the vast majority or Americans didn't ask for and don't want as proposed. While the President is so fixated on getting health care passed, he seemingly is ignoring the other issues facing us. Come to think of it, health care isn't even an issue so he's spending an inordinate amount of his time unproductively. When was the last time he talked about our Afghan strategy, the national debt (other than what he keeps adding to it while telling us he's reducing it), progress in Iraq, our showdown with Iran or North Korea, weaning ourselves from Middle Eastern oil (for economic and national security reasons, not environmental), or any of t...
Comments 5
City of Lavon/Nevada  Real Estate Market Update for January 2010 from Collin County Association of Realtors      January       2009 2010 Change New Listings 23 30 +30.4% Closed Sales* (reported) 4 6 +50.0% Closed Sales*(projected) 4 6 +50.0% Average Sales Price ** $150,448 $101,125 -32.8% Median Sales Price** $135,030 $106,000 -21.5% Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale** 91.4% 94.6% +3.5% Average Days on Market Until Sale 93 40 -57.2% Single-Family Detached Inventory 89 78 -12.4% Townhouse-Condo Inventory 0 0 NA             Entire Year       2009 2010 Change New Listings 23 30 +30.4% Closed Sales* (reported) 4 6 +50.0% Closed Sales*(projected) 4 6 +50.0% Average Sales Price ** $150,488 $101,125 -32.8% Median Sales Price** $135,030 $106,000 -21.5% Percent of Original List Pr...
Comments 0
By Barbara Todaro, Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team
(RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired )
  The chart displays the top 5 real estate agents doing business in the town of Franklin, Ma as of 03/01/2010. The #1 real estate agent in Franklin as of this date is Lorraine Kuney of The Todaro Team of RE/MAX Executive Realty.  Lorraine has closed 6 units in Franklin, for a total dollar amount of $2.2 million and 6 sides. The second ranking agent is from Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Franklin with 3 closed units for a total dollar amount of $2 million and 5 sides. Third and fourth place are both from RE/MAX Executive Realty and the fifth palce is a Costello Realty agent. This representation is based on data provided by MLS-PIN who does not guarantee the accuracy and the data may not reflect all real estate activity.
Comments 6
By Dustin A. Peters, Your "Northend & Gardens" Contact in Ocean City!!!
(Goldcoast Sotheby's International Realty)
Restaurant Week in Atlantic City, New Jersey ... from Ocean City, New Jersey   We enter our second year with 83 participating restaurants in Atlantic City and Atlantic County ... which certainly benefits our little island community of Ocean City (NJ) since we are only a bridge or causeway away from Atlantic County as well as only about 30 minutes by car from AC. Each restaurant will serve multiple-course (at least three) for lunches and dinners for $15.10 and $33.10 per person respectively.  You can make reservations online at www.acrestaurantweek.com ... note:  prices do not include drinks, tax, or gratuity. If you find yourself close to South Jersey this entire week ... it runs through March 6, 2010, make it a point to check the participating restaurants and catch a nice lunch or dinn...
Comments 0
By Steve Vitani, Brevard County MLS Viera Fl Real Estate Viera Florida, Suntree
(RE/MAX ELITE, Brevard County FL)
The Olympics concluded yesterday and the USA had a record in Medals for the Winter Games, our hockey team came up short of Gold but what a finish! What an incredible blessing we have to be able to come together every 4 years and witness our teams compete for a place on the map. We come together and unleash the plans set from the prior 4 years, for some it will be the last Olympics and for many, the plans are already being made for the next Winter Games! So what's your Monday like today? Is it going to be a Mad Monday or Magical Monday? If your having a bad day or maybe your weekend did not go so well. Stop for just a few minutes today to think about how blessed you are, envision how many people you can come in to contact with this week and inspire or help them. Clear your mind of negati...
Comments 3
By Mitchell J Hall, Lic Associate RE Broker - Manhattan & Brooklyn
After a successful effort to persuade the federal government to move the Khalid Shaikh Mohammed trial from New York City, the Real Estate Board of New York has turned its attention to the missing station in the No. 7 line. REBNY started a Web site BuildTheStation.com, a petition drive and a lobbying campaign to press the Obama administration to come up with hundreds of millions of dollars to pay for the station. As work proceeds on a $2-billion extension of the No. 7 subway line, which currently bypasses a station previously planned for West 41st Street and Tenth Avenue, the Real Estate Board of New York has brought together a coalition to restore the subway stop. The group is seeking federal funds to give the 7 line two stops west of its current terminus at Times Square. The 41st Stre...
Comments 8
By Don Anthony, Charlotte & Triangle NC Discount Realtor
(Don Anthony Realty ~ www.DonAnthonyRealty.com)
10011 Standing Stone CT Charlotte, NC 28210 ALL BRICK BEAUTY WITH IN-GROUND POOL! Home Virtual Tour Photo Gallery Property Map Financing Request Showing Contact Me Don Anthony ANIMAL Office: 704.644.1467 Website: Visit Website Price : $450,000 Bedrooms : 4 Bathrooms : 3.5 Lot Size : 0.42 acres Community : Cameron Wood County : Mecklenburg Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1994 MLS Number : 921271 click for more information and pictures Property Description All Brick Home In Popular Cameron Wood. Gunite In-ground Pool, 2-Tier Deck, Lots Of Landscaping And Private Yard. Huge Kitchen With Silestone Counters, Tile Backsplash, Island, Breakfast Nook And Sitting Area, 2-story Great Room With Wall Of Windows And Gas Fireplace, Formal Dining Room And Study With Hardwood Floors,1st Floor Ma...
Comments 0
By Cynthia Larsen, Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA
You know the drill ... you get a call that is something like this.  "Hi Cynthia, this is Jessica from BAREIS MLS.  You know that listing you have on East Cotati?  Well, you used a word in the public description that is prohibited which is a violation of MLS rules and regulations.  You have 5 days to remove that word or you will be ..." Holy crap!! I've been busted by the MLS Police.  OK, this time I'm guilty of using the word "included" in the public remarks.  Oh my goodness, I have to get rid of that obscene remark before ... before I get fined!  I guess I said something about the washer/dryer stack being "included" in the sale.  Sh*t!!  How could I have done that!!  I know better than that ... this isn't my first call from the MLS.  When will I ever learn?? OK, go over the list of res...
Comments 16
By Diana Purcell, Delivering Dreams One Home at a Time
(HomeSmart)
  Ashland Ranch in Gilbert Arizona Gilbert remains one of the most sought after areas in the southwestern United States, as it holds the prestigious honor of being one of 2006's top 100 places to live. Adding to this appeal is a serene suburban subdivision known as Ashland Ranch. This enchanting community features a number of contemporary and ranch-style homes surrounded by lush landscapes and tree-lined streets. Add to that the private parks and scenic walking trails which adorn this neighborhood and this delightful development is just two degrees from Paradise! As one of Gilbert's crown jewels, Ashland Ranch is truly an amazing subdivision.  Jump In and Cool Off in the Comfort of Your Own Backyard Because Gilbert enjoys over 300 days of sunshine and plenty of warm weather, staying coo...
Comments 0
By OK and Associates Realty Plus
(Northern Illinois Real Estate)
The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city housing price index rose a seasonally adjusted 0.3% in December. It was the seventh consecutive monthly gain and follows a 0.2% increase in November.  However, the rate of return is still negivtive.  Only three cities - Detroit, Las Vegas and Tampa - still showed double digit annual rates of decline as of the end of 2009. 15 of the 20 metro areas showed a decline in December over November, with Chicago posting the sharpest decline, down 1.6%. The annual rate for Chicago stood at -7.2%. The Chicagoland area is still in a declining real estate market.  In fact, of the twenty cities in the index, Chicago had the largest drop in price from November to December (-1.6%).    
Comments 0
By Bill Ladewig, Experience Is Your Advantage
(LoanOfficerSchool.com)
I have been a fan of Brian and Frank of Think Big Work Small from the first time I saw their daily morning video and I refer to them often in my daily Market Updates.  TBWS is a little over the top for some people but it is a fun and often educational way to begin my day.  Recently they ran a video based partly on a great AR blog by Bob Hertzog: Is The FIDIC Killing Short Sales published in ActiveRain in September 2009.  Bob's article outlined a sweetheart deal between the FDIC and OneWest Bank, formally Indymac Bank, purchased by George Soros and his merry band of financial thugs.  I did my part to reblog it and spread it around the Internet. Then came the TBWS video and hopefully many of you have seen it but, if not, here is the link  TBWS. TBWS's video caught fire was forwarded all o...
Comments 8
By Tina Parker, Managing Associate Broker
(EXP Realty Canada Inc.)
Anyone who knows me knows I am an advocate for shopping online because I have been doing it since the beginning of time.  Well, since 1995 anyway, which in the Internet world that is the beginning of time. That said, I also acknowledge the constant threat of identity theft which is the number one intent behind online fraud.  The following are a few tips to help prevent against it but still allow you to enjoy the many benefits of online shopping. Use a different user ID and password combination for different accounts. Make the passwords more complicated than just combining letters and numbers, and change them on a regular basis. Protect your computer with anti-virus software, spy-ware filters, email filters and firewall programs. Before entering personal information on a website, look fo...
Comments 0
By Kristal Pooler, Cottages to Castles on Boston's North Shore
(Kristal Pooler & Associates. Coast & Country Properties Inc.)
6 Cedar St, Wenham, MA 01984 For more information visit: www.6CedarSt.com For Sale $499,900 More Photos Below Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Square Footage: 1,979 Lot Size: 11, 325 sq feet Year Built: 1840 Imbued with a sense of character, this c. 1840 house has an historic village appearance. Carefully updated over the years, an artful late 1990’s extension added an inviting family room, upgraded master bedroom and another full 2nd floor bath. The spacious and superbly presented first floor blends traditional elements and modern conveniences with an excellent flow ..... A February Snow A classic New England winter scape   Approach   Facade Detail Two 3 window bays and exterior shutters   Rear Exterior View Late February  Front Door Welcome  Foyer Note period newel post   Liv...
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