Archives of real estate blog entries for February 01, 2009

Featured blog posts


By Pacita Dimacali, Alameda/Contra Costa Counties CA
(Alain Pinel)
I had a prospective client I'll simply call "Client" whom I met in December 2007 and to whom I've shown properties. Until one day, he walked into an open house on a waterfront property that he liked. OPEN HOUSE AGENT MADE OUTRAGEOUS CLAIM The agent --- whom I'll refer to as Agent X --- holding the open house told him only HE can write the offer for my client, and that the chances of getting the offer approved would be greater if HE wrote the offer for him. It was a short sale, and this is the only house that Client saw with Agent X. Client was almost embarrassed to tell me about it...and kept saying sorry that he went with the other guy. But he and his wife really wanted the house, and Agent X convinced him to write the offer. As disappointed as I was, there was nothing I could do at th...
Comments 102
By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
QUESTION:  When does a "Your home may taka a year to two to sell" become 3-5 years to sell??  ANSWER:  When you're in a declining market.  For the 20 or so folks who commented on my post of Sunday, Feb. 1, indulge me while I expand on the topic. . . . WHO SAID IT WILL TAKE ABOUT 1 YEAR TO SELL?? BAD ADVICE AND OTHER MYTHS ABOUT REAL ESTATE That tired hackneyed phrase "Homes in this area take about 18 months to sell" has taken on new meaning these days.  Think about i Agent goes on an interview with a prospective seller client. Agent asks seller if they have a price in mind. Seller says, "Yes, I want to sell my house for $1,100,000."    HOW MANY RED FLAGS DOES THAT SEND UP?? 1.  It's over the "MLS search price range" for most agents searching for homes to show an "up to $1,000,000" home ...
Comments 59
Really!  Would you?  Would you like it if the store had a rule: the clerk has to ACCOMPANY you INTO the dressing room, and wait while you disrobe, and try on that dress, or pants or worse SWIMSUIT?  OF COURSE you would hate it, you would probably hurry out of the store, uncomfortable, and even irritated, as you did seem to like it.....but with the clerk hovering and watching, you certainly didn't want to try it on!  And without trying it on, you probably pass on buying it. Well, that is exactly what happens when the seller stays home for the showing!  The buyers feel uncomfortable...They want to look in the closets, but feel they are invading the sellers privacy since the seller is standing right there! They want to flush the toilet....does that really matter?  No, but they wantto do it...
Comments 69
A strong offer is one that sellers will consider seriously;  it shows that you mean business and provides benefits for both parties.  You want to get the best possible deal on a property you've selected, so make a strong offer which is either likely to be accepted or will motivate the seller to open negotiations. An offer can be simply divided into price and terms (closing date, condition of property, etc. ) -  pick one or the other to maximize. Trying to make both price and terms advantageous to yourself will likely offend the seller and make them less likely to negotiate*. A strong offer has the following characteristics: - Shows the buyer is serious about buying the property. The size of the binder is a good indication of seriousness and shows you have some skin in the game.  A typic...
Comments 66
By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
Your Active Rain Profile Page- Make It Shine For You!  I wrote a post about how to best use the link of your first and last name for Active Rain, how to make it an part of your overall SEO strategy and how to grab attention with it. Remember to go back and read it if you have not optimized your first and last name fields on your profile in Active Rain. The next post in this series of articles to help you make the most of your Active Rain blog was the post about how to best use the other contact information and description section of your profile area on Active Rain. So if you are following along you should have made all the necessary changes and additions by now. This article is going to address the body of your profile page. These are the sections that are listed right below your blog ...
Comments 89
By Teri Eckholm, REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro
(Boardman Realty)
No doubt there are many homeowners who would love to make a change to a different home but the current status of the real estate market has caused them to reconsider a move and opt for a remodel. But what the "what ifs" start creeping in too...Will I ever get the money back out of the remodel? Will the investment outweigh the value added to the home? If you are considering a kitchen remodel, it still could be good choice. The statement "Kitchens and Baths sell homes" is second only to "Location, Location, Location" in the real estate playbook. Okay we don't really have a playbook but the annual Cost VS Value Report for home remodels consistently shows that a higher percentage of funds used for a kitchen or bath remodel will be recouped on a sale than most other remodeling projects. In l...
Comments 48
By Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing and Online Advertising Consultant
(Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision)
I've been traveling a lot these days.  I am in the process of having a website built and it's been quite an experience.  In order to provide feedback to my webdesigner on my likes and dislikes I've had to to use some existing examples of what I like and do not like in existing website offerings today. Navigating the internet  one week I took a detour each day and exited at Real Estateville.  It was difficult for me to find niche shops and treasure troves.  Most of my travels, no matter what street I was on, brought me the same offerings with slightly different prices and a few different wares. I did a U-turn after my week of exploration and headed back to mainland internet USA. Foot traffic is important to all websites.  If you are re-evaluting what you spend on marketing online conside...
Comments 57
By Jonathan Osman, Charlotte House Hunter Group
(Jonathan and Associates, Inc)
Update: 1/27/2012: Met with short sale managers at Wells Fargo to discuss their use of the Equator system.  If you've used equator with Bank of America, Wells Fargo functions completely different.   1. No documents may be stored on the equator system.  That means you cannot include attachments, in emails or upload documents to the library.  You can only send documents using a task.  The processor or negotiator has the ability to create a task called "Request from Agent" and that task can be used to collect any document. 2. Files with a foreclosure sale date within 60 days will be handled outside of equator.  If you initiate in equator, chances are your negotiator will work the file through secure emails outside of equator. 3. Wells Fargo's HUD entry sheet is much different from Bank of ...
Comments 272
By Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville MD Real Estate
(RE/MAX 100)
photo credit - craig42k (that's me)   The Photography Lesson Jon Washburn helped me with some photography last week at Pat Kennedy's house. Pat Kennedy hosted the DC area Active Rain gathering while Jon was in town for his presentation to NAR. In a conversation about Social Media, I explained I'm following Teresa Boardman, Kristal Kraft and Chris Griffith on Flickr, whose photography I enjoy, admire and try to emulate. We took two photos where the Sake was the subject. In both pictures, we turned the flash off, positioned the camera on the table and set the timer. The photo above is the 2nd one.   photo credit - Margaret Woda   The difference between the two though was Jon had me move the Sake closer to the camera in the second photo. He also had me raise the camera how I wanted, by us...
Comments 62
By Brian French, Evolutionary Real Estate
(French Real Estate)
There is one agent in my area who insist on being at her listings during another agent's showing - I'll call her Mary (since that's her real name).  I always try to be cordial and invite Mary to give us a tour - since she's there to make sure we don't miss a thing anyway. Mary "leads" us around the house talking nonstop about all the great things this house has to offer.  No matter how great the house, it never fails that when we are leaving the house, the buyers always say "If only that lady would have shut up, I might have been able to think", or something down that line. Mary taught me a very valuable lesson early on.  How can we possibly help a buyer buy a home if we keep interrupting them when they are thinking about buying a home.   The brain can ONLY hold one thought at one time....
Comments 107

Blog posts


By Lenn Harley, Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland
(Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate)
LOVETTSVILLE VIRGINIA is a small village in Western Loudoun County.  Like most small towns in the rural areas of Virginia, one of the attractions will be the warm and friendly atmosphere of the local shops and restaurants.  LOVETTSVILLE in Western Loudoun County Virginiais a wonderful example of friendly.  We visited one of the local shops in Lovettsville yesterday.  Come with us on a picture tour of THE THRIFTY SISTERS TREASURES GIFTS AND ANTIQUES.                                   Meet Heather Treadwell, Proprietor with sister Kelly Zimmerman                       Offering a wonderful selection of "THRIFTY FINDS AND FASHIONS" including jewelry, apparel, shoes, boots, hats, hand bags, interesting photos and frames, lamps, vases and pots, various items of home decor and the popular "sha...
Comments 7
By Jim Thomas, Private Real Estate Advisor For Fishers, Indiana
(RE/MAX Legends Group)
It is my understanding the Senate is working on a revision to the home buyers credit were you loan will be forgiven after 3 years.  Does anyone know were I would find a link to the language.
Comments 0
By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
Your Active Rain Profile Page- Make It Shine For You!  I wrote a post about how to best use the link of your first and last name for Active Rain, how to make it an part of your overall SEO strategy and how to grab attention with it. Remember to go back and read it if you have not optimized your first and last name fields on your profile in Active Rain. The next post in this series of articles to help you make the most of your Active Rain blog was the post about how to best use the other contact information and description section of your profile area on Active Rain. So if you are following along you should have made all the necessary changes and additions by now. This article is going to address the body of your profile page. These are the sections that are listed right below your blog ...
Comments 89
By Kathy Passarette, L.I. Staging/Decorating
(Creative Home Expressions)
Photo courtesy Smith & Noble Custom window treatments not only help keep out the drafts in the winter but can help block the hot rays of the sun in summer.  With custom window treatments you can get the fabric and design of your choice.  An added benefit is that you can get a black-out lining on custom window treatments.  This works well for those that work the night shift or for your home theatre experience.  Custom window treatments afford you the opportunity to choose a fabric that will work in your home, whether solid or patterned, as well as various trims that can be added, giving them a unique and personal touch. With custom window treatments your possibilities are endless! *SPECIAL* - for the month of February, we are offering $25.00 off each window done with custom window treatm...
Comments 4
Lake County Florida FHA Mortgage 97% Financing, Lake County FHA loans Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs. ·  Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price ·  100% Financing options available ·  No reserves or required. ·  FHA regulated closing costs. ·  Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards buyers costs. Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as: ·  No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements. ·  FHA will allow a home purchase 2 years after a Bankruptcy. ·  FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.  ·  Easier Debt Ratio & Job Requirement Guidelines such as: ·  Higher Debt Ratio's than other home loan programs. ·  Less than two years on the job is allowed. ·  Self-Employed individuals o.k.   Apply for a Lake County Florida FHA loan NOW   Answers to M...
Comments 0
By Brian French, Evolutionary Real Estate
(French Real Estate)
There is one agent in my area who insist on being at her listings during another agent's showing - I'll call her Mary (since that's her real name).  I always try to be cordial and invite Mary to give us a tour - since she's there to make sure we don't miss a thing anyway. Mary "leads" us around the house talking nonstop about all the great things this house has to offer.  No matter how great the house, it never fails that when we are leaving the house, the buyers always say "If only that lady would have shut up, I might have been able to think", or something down that line. Mary taught me a very valuable lesson early on.  How can we possibly help a buyer buy a home if we keep interrupting them when they are thinking about buying a home.   The brain can ONLY hold one thought at one time....
Comments 107
By John Savignano, Realtor - Hopkinton and Metrowest MA Real Estate
(RE/MAX Executive)
Millbury is situated in central MA just outside of Worcester at the crossroads of the MA Pike and rte 146. It is equally convenient to Boston and Providence. Millbury has the feel of a typical new england town with gazebo on the town common, historic and stately homes as well as a typical Main st with lots of shops. Just 3 miles from town center are "The shops at Blacksstone Valley" a large collection of top retailers and restaurants. There is easy access to MA Pike (90) and also commuter rail to Boston. The homes are affordable and there are several lakes, parks and the Blackstone Bike Path, as well.object height="265" width="320">
Comments 0
Florida Stated Loan Lender, Stated Loan Lender Florida up to 65% LTV, Florida Stated Home Loans www.FHAmortgagePrograms.com   PROGRAM GUIDELINES Effective 01/20/09 Florida PRIMARY RESIDENCE CONFORMING UP TO $ 417,000  Florida Stated PORTFOLIO LOANS UP TO $ 3,000,000 CREDIT FULL DOC STATED NINA NO DOC Call 1-800-570-0448 or apply online using our quick application SCORE P-R&T C-O P-R&T C-O P-R&T C-O P-R&T C-O   "Second Chance Program" * 65% LTV full doc-purchase available with credit score of 601+ in designated rural areas and no PMI under Second Chance Program *    * Stated Income + 6-months of cash reserves requires having a mortgage payment history with zero time 30 days late in last 12-month *    * Stated Income + 6-months reserves is allowed for primary residence or second home only...
Comments 0
By Larry Easto
(Real Estate Marketing Link)
In response to my posting Marketing Communications Are Not About Selling Gabe Sanders commented that he would ''...really like to see examples of good interactive communications.'' Good comment, Gabe...thanks. Interactive Communications: Conversational Tennis Matches Before offering any examples, let's make sure that we are on the same page as far as what interactive communications are. The best interactive communications are like a tennis match in the conversational ball moves back and forth between two parties. They are unlike a tennis match because both parties win...in a tennis match there is a winner and a loser. Live, in-person conversations are the most obvious form of interactive communications. These conversations are also the starting point...and one of the most important elem...
Comments 2
By Josef Katz, {Marketing Maestro}
(Digital and Direct Response Marketing)
I take two weeks off for a family vacation and Bam! I get bumped from my #2 spot in the NYC area on Active Rain.  I guess I deserved it since I was so busy preparing for vacation and then catching up on my return I was off the network for almost a month.  Now I am back and ready to take back my spot and climb back up the Active Rain ladder.  So Morgan Evans watch out I am back and ready to go. A few more posts and some comments and you are going down to #3...  This is all in good natured fun of course but the Marketing Maestro is back.          
Comments 10
Florida Bad Credit Home Loans, Florida Bad Credit Lender 97% Financing down to 540 Credit Score. And if your not at 540, we can get you there! Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs. ·  Down payment less than 3% of Sales Price ·  100% Financing options available ·  No reserves or required. ·  FHA regulated closing costs. ·  Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards buyers costs. Easier Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as: ·  No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements. ·  FHA will allow a home purchase 2 years after a Bankruptcy. ·  FHA will allow a home purchase 3 years after a Foreclosure.  ·  Easier Debt Ratio & Job Requirement Guidelines such as: ·  Higher Debt Ratio's than other home loan programs. ·  Less than two years on the job is allowed. ·  Self-Employed indiv...
Comments 0
By Harold "Hal" Benz, Helping Home Sellers Preserve Their Home Equity
(Local Impact Real Estate Network)
I love to cook. It's probably because I really, really love to eat. In fact, if I was not a real estate broker, I would probably become a chef. When I was a very little boy, it was my father...and ex- short order cook...who first turned me on to the joys of the kitchen. So today...on Superbowl Sunday... I've been called upon to make a few "snacks" for the big game. OK...anyone can make that 7-layer dip (which I really love) or even a decent plate of nachos or wings. But I wanted to do something different...something a little more fun. Pears! I thought. I love pears....Bartlett, Anjou or Bosc. There's something wonderful about their flavor, texture and juiciness. I have a super simple recipe for pancetta crisps topped with goat cheese and PEARS! Add a few fresh thyme leaves, and you're d...
Comments 3
By Cherimie Crane
(Cherimie Crane & Associates)
I am proud of the effort put forth in my latest "under contract". I worked really hard to make absolutely certain this home was at the fore front of every Realtor's, purchaser's, and prospective purchaser's mind. At the onset my sellers and I both knew it would take about 9-12 months, based on market data, to reach our goal. It has been exactly 8 months. This couple found me through a Localism Post. They contacted me and asked me to list their home. There was no awkward first-time meeting, no doubt about my professionalism, and actually no question as to whether or not I had the listing. I didn't present them with my usual listing presentation or my portfolio of testimonials. They asked for my advice and counsel, and followed every suggestion. It was, for lack of a better word, a partne...
Comments 27
By Rob and Camille Di Maio
(San Antonio Real Estate - Keller Williams Legacy)
I like the quote on the group's home page. I use another Mother Teresa quote by my signature in my emails, and I always get so many comments on it. "Let no one come to you without being better or happier."
Comments 2
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Why Homes Do not Sell ?  Part 3 - DIFFICULTY SHOWING THE PROPERTY There are 4 main reasons Why Homes Do Not Sell .  This is part 3 of our series.  The first 2 reasons are:   Poor Advertising and Insufficent Marketing - Part 1   Stigma - Part 2 In regards to part 3 - difficulty showing the property, the concept is pretty simple:  People will not buy what they cannot see !   Further, agents might even skip showing the property once they realize the difficulty of getting in.  Some examples include: 1.  No key at the property. Example: Key at office (other side of town) or key was taken out of the lockbox.  Who is going to drive to the other side of town for this one showing and then bring the key back ? 2.  Listing agent must accompany Example:  This can be difficult logistically when you ...
Comments 16
By linda astick
(astick realty inc.)
I am sure the profession knows now is the time to buy. In my area there are so many terrific buys, ahh the seashore, nothing quite like it esp. Brigantine Island, the shore's best kept secert. I believe that 2009 will be a great year, think positive and positive things will happen after all we are in the greatest country in the world, just have faith and don't forget to reflect on your blessings. Those of you on the east coast...think spring, its just around the corner I don't care what that furry thing in Pa thinks.   God Bless, Make it a great day !
Comments 1
By Nicole Hurst, Your Halton & Peel Home Staging Expert
(Cole House Design)
Cole House Design, a home staging and interior decorating company located in Georgetown, Ontario, just returned from our evening at the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) Dinner and Awards Gala.  The event took place at the beautiful Granite Club (Bayview & Lawrence) in Toronto, Ontario.  The evening included the presentation of the 2009 Kitchen & Bath Design Awards.  "The NKBA offers education for industry professionals, a place for consumers to find professional products and services, and a resource for those professionals looking to network with their colleagues. The NKBA represents the finest professionals in the kitchen and bath industry and boasts membership of more than 25,000 industry businesses and professionals."  The gala was labelled "Designers Are Forever" and had a...
Comments 2
By Catherine Kierzek, CDPE
(ReMax Lakeside)
Thanks to all of you for all the support.  I'm really excited about this blogging thing.  I wish I didn't have to leave to do some work, but I heard on t.v. this morning that it is National Fun Day at Work Day today so let's all have a happy Friday.  Thanks again for the insights.  It's a Good Life! Catherine   I guess I didn't do something right with this note on Friday, but really want to thank everyone for all the encouragement and tips I'm still receiving.  This truly will be a learning experience.  I'm happy to say that buyers are keeping me real busy this new year.  It should be a great year.  Happy Februrary.  Catherine Kierzek, Re/Max Realty 100.
Comments 0
By Evelyn Johnston, The People You Know, Like and Trust!
(Friends & Neighbors Real Estate)
Elkhart Indiana is the town I choose for starting my Real Estate Career.  I live half way between Elkhart and Mishawaka, where Prudential One Realty's largest office of Agents is located.  I felt like I would have gotten lost among 60 agents and decided to stay in Elkhart.  Besides, I have tons of questions and my Real Estate School Teacher is in my office.  Instant access to answers! I started off by going to the courthouse once a month and buying the marriage license list.  It cost about $6 a month for the list.  It is neatly typed out, although it does not have the actual wedding date because they haven't gotten married yet.  And some do not, which can be embarrassing to you when you sent them a congratulations card.  But mostly they did. I printed a Congratulations card on my printe...
Comments 11
Archives:

28 Feb
27 Feb
26 Feb
25 Feb
24 Feb
23 Feb
22 Feb
21 Feb
20 Feb
19 Feb
18 Feb
17 Feb
16 Feb
15 Feb
14 Feb
13 Feb
12 Feb
11 Feb
10 Feb
09 Feb
08 Feb
07 Feb
06 Feb
05 Feb
04 Feb
03 Feb
02 Feb
01 Feb
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006