Archives of real estate blog entries for October 01, 2008

Featured blog posts


As Bob Stewart announced, I formally joined the team at ActiveRain last week.  To say I'm stoked would be an understatement.  The culture is great, working with a core team of talented people in this space has been an aspiration of mine for quite some time.  I was reflecting on this personal desire when Jon Washburn serendipitously called me (very) recently, broached the subject and took my temperature regarding coming to Seattle to work with the AR crew. It didn't take long (3 days actually) to decide that this would be a great fit for me and hopefully the community as a whole.  As i typically do when making a decision that carries any consequence, I weighed out the pros and cons of coming to work at AR...I'd like to share my top 5 pro's (Bob and his love for the Seahawks was really th...
Comments 103
By Irina Netchaev, Pasadena CA Real Estate
(Pasadena Views Real Estate Team, Inc.)
Last night I attended a San Marino Community meeting discussing a proposed San Marino City Dog Park in Lacy Park.  Derek Barker, a student at San Marino High School felt so passionately about having a place to run his dogs that he decided to undertake this initiative as his Eagle Scout project. San Marino Recreation Committee met held a public meeting at the Crowell Library to hear feedback from the community on this matter.    The proposed dog park will be located in San Marino's Lacy Park on the West side not too far from the tennis courts.  14,500 sq. ft. area that has been used in the past by San Marino Girl Scouts for their August camping/cooking week and the annual fish derby is under consideration. The costs of building the San Marino Dog Park will run around $20,000 and include ...
Comments 17
By Bob Stewart, ActiveRain Ambassador
(ActiveRain)
Last week we added Jeff Corbett, known to many of you as 'The X Broker', to the team here at ActiveRain. We are very excited that Jeff accepted our offer to come on board and take over the the Business Development and Operations duties here at ActiveRain. For those of you not familiar with Jeff, you can read about him and some of his thought provoking opinions on his personal blog, thexbroker.com. Jeff has years of industry knowledge under his belt having previously run his own home building company, mortgage brokerage and real estate brokerage. Most recently Jeff developed a transparent wholesale mortgage rate and pricing engine (there's no short and quick way to explain something that brings this much transparency to an industry that needs it). The most recent project brought him face...
Comments 66
By Jorgen Hahn
The dreaded Proxy Error. You've all seen them. Some have lost posts or comments to this scourge. Others have smashed their keyboard in frustration. Almost daily, Bob bellows boldly at me in the office: THE SITE IS DOWN! FIX IT! What is a Proxy Error? Imagine that you've gotta go – now! You excuse yourself and fly to the restroom — only to find every toilet occupied. You wait a few seconds and do a desperate little dance, but it's too late. Hoping nobody noticed, you flee, face burning with hot shame. During our peak load times, ActiveRain experiences a similar phenomenon. Our servers would like nothing better than to fulfill your request, but there are already 100 people in front of you. By the time your request reaches the front of the queue, our proxy/load balancer has decided that yo...
Comments 81
By Poppy Dinsey, London, UK
(Globrix)
The internet has become such an important part of our lives. We book our holidays with it, read the news with it, some of us even find our life partners with it! And lets face it, it's changed the world of real estate! But how many of us were saying "oh just look it up on Google" ten years ago? Not many of us, because a decade ago Google was still all new and shiny, just launched to the world wide web and probably none the wiser that it would become the world's favourite website. To celebrate Google's tenth birthday, they've brought back the 2001 version for us to play with. Searching 'property blog' on the 2001 archive brings up 2,310 results (of which none are actually property blogs) compared with today's 13,600,000 results for property blog, most of which are pretty darn accurate. A...
Comments 35
By Elizabeth Nieves, Bilingual Raleigh - Durham North Carolina Real Estate Team
(The Elizabeth Nieves Realty Group)
  Some years ago, I was working with a buyer who wanted an older, brick home...something that was structurally sound but cosmetically challenged. I had no trouble finding 10 or 12 options in his designated area and price range.   Determined to see ALL of the homes in one day, we began our journey with a certain vigor. The first two homes were okay...but my buyer wanted a big backyard...which neither had. The third home was tenant-occupied and appeared to have severe water damage to the foundation sill. Moving on to the fourth home, my client was really excited.   From the MLS pictures and description, home #4 seemed to be the perfect home for my client. It was a 1960's brick Ranch, with three bedrooms and two baths. It had hardwood floors throughout and a large, eat-in kitchen. Best of ...
Comments 83
By Claudia Wicks
(Real Estate Base Camp)
Last blog we discussed the fact that so many agents are going back to the basics to generate business.  I gave a couple of examples. Here are a few more simple ways to generate prospects: On your voicemail greeting, ask for a phone number AND an email address.  Leave your email address when you leave a message.  That way, your customers and clients can get back to you easily and comfortably.  You're on email late at night- so are they!  They cannot call you then, but they can email you.  Many people like the anonymity of email rather than a phone call until they get to know you. Create a hotlink to your website on your email signature.  This will allow consumers to check out your website.  Often, consumers want to check out who you are and the type of services you provide, before they e...
Comments 71

Blog posts


By Poppy Dinsey, London, UK
(Globrix)
The internet has become such an important part of our lives. We book our holidays with it, read the news with it, some of us even find our life partners with it! And lets face it, it's changed the world of real estate! But how many of us were saying "oh just look it up on Google" ten years ago? Not many of us, because a decade ago Google was still all new and shiny, just launched to the world wide web and probably none the wiser that it would become the world's favourite website. To celebrate Google's tenth birthday, they've brought back the 2001 version for us to play with. Searching 'property blog' on the 2001 archive brings up 2,310 results (of which none are actually property blogs) compared with today's 13,600,000 results for property blog, most of which are pretty darn accurate. A...
Comments 35
By Charlie Ragonesi, Homes - Big Canoe, Jasper, North Georgia Pros
(AllMountainRealty.com)
Recently in Big Canoe the property owners voted on an initiative to raise money for capital and other expenses. This initiative was called the Capital Initiation Fund. or CIF for short. The fund would have placed a fee on folks moving in to the community. This initiative plan spread like wild fire. It was blogged about and many Realtors talked about it in the negative. I personally was against it. The measure was voted on and it failed by a big number. This is great news if you are considering buying in one of North Georgia's premier and affordable  communities. Did I say North Georgia? I meant one of the best Mountain communities East or Wes of the Mississippi. For more information on Big Canoe Contact us at www.allmtnrealty.com or see us on localism or call us at 706 579 1098. Big Can...
Comments 2
By Steve Dalton, Northwest Indiana Home Builder
(219-465-8352 )
Stock Market Expectations - Credit Intrigue Does anyone find it odd that each morning that an inevitable bailout bill vote is pending, the stock market futures point down?  And each morning that the bailout bill seems doomed, the stock market futures point up?    Am I crazy or is the stock market telling government to stay out of the way?   Sure, eliminate the manipulations and regulatory intrigue and then stay out of the way.   All the news stations are suggesting that a deal has been cut, and that a Senate vote will take place tonite after sunset to pass a third version of the bailout (now rescue) bill.   This bill raises the deposit insurance levels for FDIC insured accounts, and features more "rescue" language and less bailout.   Conservative writers are saying "no" to anything exc...
Comments 2
By Stanton Homes, Design/Build Custom Home Builder in North Carolina
(Stanton Homes - New Home Builder)
Raleigh Fun Things to Do HollyFest 2008 - Fall Festival in Holly Springs, NC Looking for a great activity for the kids and the whole family on a crisp autumn day?  Well, we live in North Carolina, so the number of days that are actually "crisp" are limited, but one of the best things to do on a Fall day is attend one of the wonderful local festivals!   HollyFest is held annually in Womble Park, just one street over from quaint downtown Holly Springs, NC. The beautiful, open park undergoes a transformation.  Booths are set up, and local artists, craftsmen, and businesses lay out their wares. Inflatable slides, moonwalks, and obstacle courses are set up. A hay maze is carefully laid out, waiting for groups of laughing children to wander.     The path will be marked for the annual HollyFes...
Comments 3
By Daren Bailey
(Coldwell Banker McMahan)
We have a pool about a minutes drive from our house. In the summer our kids burn it up and are pool bums until Labor Day. It is a great place to end a hot summer day hanging out with the kids and talking to neighbors who, without the pool, we would rarely if ever talk to or get to know. The pool has been a great tool for us to get to know other families better and also just have a great time. I work with families moving to the Louisville area and many times they are looking for a subdivision that has more to offer than just sidewalks. With a community pool, golf or country club, you are given opportunities to get to know people when you are new to an area and adds another dimension to neighborhood living. Plus, you don’t have to maintain the pool. There is value in that. I have started...
Comments 0
By Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty, Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County
(Bucci Realty, Inc.)
You must see this 3 bedroom two bath split plan home in an established Rockledge, Florida neighborhood. Enjoy the huge screened enclosed pool and the privacy of your fenced backyard. Built in 1978 this home shows the care of a meticulous owner who has kept this home in excellent condition. Recent exterior paint, this home has excellent curb appeal! Neighborhood is near excellent elementary and middle schools as well as private schools. Living room and dining room have newly installed laminate flooring while entry, kitchen, family room and bathrooms are tiled. All three bedrooms are carpeted. The master bedroom features sliding glass doors to the 10 X 20 covered porch overlooking the 17 X 32 foot screen enclosed pool. Storage shed in backyard, sprinkler system on well and much more! Kitc...
Comments 2
By Michelle Gordon, Finding Your Place
(JH Realty Partners)
What a great event this was!  I believe all who attended had a good time.  Susan Shaw, our master of ceremonies was great!  Every artist that participated sold something at the art auction, which was a great bonus!  We also were able to raise some money for next year! Thank you to everyone who attended..................we hope for an even more successful year for F.L.O.W. next year. Here are a few pics from the party!  
Comments 3
By Russell Cox
(Kelly Realtors)
"Before You Sell" Dress For SuccessBefore you put your house on the market, its best to put a shine to it.  The way you present your property to prospective buyers can make all the difference.  Without investing in expensive and time-consuming renovation and redecoration, it's still possible to show your home to its very best advantage. Curb AppealThat first impression when prospective buyers drive up is very important. If they don't find the outside appealing, they won't be interested in seeing what's inside. The YardMowed lawns, trimmed shrubbery and clean windows are a start.  Planting a few flowers or plants can do a lot to a front yard.   Fertilize and water the lawn and plants thoroughly 2-3 weeks before putting the house on the market. Clean up oil spots on the driveway. Make su...
Comments 0
By Katie Evans
(Keller Williams)
Hello!  I am a Realtor looking for a accountability partner.  Hopefully, I will find someone like me :)  Or maybe I do not want that at all!  I am 28 years old with three children.  I have a team with a listing coordinator and one buyers agent.  He just took a full time job.  I am looking for another.  Right now I am working with buyers a trying not to work sellers.  I am working on my 2009 Business Plan this week.  This is my biggest weakness: time management and disorganization.  My listing coordinator keeps me organized.  Time management is up to me!
Comments 0
By Russell Cox
(Kelly Realtors)
Find the Motivated Seller At the cost of sounding redundant, the concept is simple: find motivated sellers that are willing to sell their properties at a discounted price or "soft" terms. Currently, the real estate market in some parts of the country is hot, hot, hot! Many people are complaining that the strength of the market precludes investors from finding deals on properties. The popular misconception is that in a rising market, even the most motivated seller can find a buyer for his property at full market price.The truth is, you can find deals in ANY market. Real estate legend A.D. Kessler once said, "There are no problem properties, just problem ownerships." The definition of a motivated seller fits squarely within Kessler's idea. A logical person knows that time, money and effor...
Comments 0
By Russell Cox
(Kelly Realtors)
"BEST of the Wurst" www.wurstfest.com A unique celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun!Join us for the 48th annual "Salute to Sausage" - WurstfestOctober 31st through November 9, 2008 in the German heritage center of Texas, NEW BRAUNFELS Enjoy great music, good fun, food and special events that is Oktoberfest, Texas Style! The Wurst Storyof New Braunfels Proclaimed by the Mayor for the first time in 1961, the festival honoring this most delectable of local foods was a one-day affair held on Saturday climaxing a week of activity featuring sausage dishes on menus of local cafes and specials on sausage products in local meat markets and grocery stores. The first year it was "Sausage Festival" ... later "Wurst Week" ... and finally "WURSTFEST". What he thought would be a ty...
Comments 0
By Habitation Investigation, Inspecting and protecting home buyers and agents o
(Habitation Investigation LLC)
This is a reminder to make sure everyone periodically (expecially after a wind storm) walk around your home and look for damage.  This helps you catch issues early before more damage can be done. Jim Troth Habitation Investigation LLC http://www.homeinspectionsinohio.com  
Comments 0
By Scott M. Stulich, "REALTY becomes REALITY"
(Signature Realty Group, LLC.)
I'm a new agent and have worked hard to get my name out there in the real estate world. I have a number of clients that are only approved for $150,000.00 (first time buyers). My dileema is that in this price range there is only a certain number of DECENT properties. Now I have 2 of them wanting to make a mad dash for the same property. WOW some agents don't have a client at all, I have 2 looking for the purchase of the same property. I have tried to show each them to another property that is not as nice but is definitely a wonderful deal for even less money.  Just my luck one of my first deals and it has to be so complicated.........    
Comments 5
By Melanie Rogers
(Universal Mortgage Mart, LLC)
I introduced a new program to The Platinum Membership.  Our primary Private Investor will advance you the cash you need in order to buy Short Sales.  Here's the exciting part, he will only charge you a 1% fee per transaction.  To see just how incredible this opportunity really is.....    Let's say you find a home that you can buy for $100,000 from a homeowner facing foreclosure, this is the short sale price agreed to by the Lender.  Let's also assume that you have a buyer willing to pay you $170,000 for this home and he/ she has already qualified for the financing.  Our investor will only charge you $1,000 (1%) (plus $300 per deal) to use their money to acquire this home.  The rest of the profit, $70,000...is yours to keep.  And the great thing is that you don't have to come out of pock...
Comments 0
By Bill Arce, Real Estate, Latino
(RealEstateLatino.com)
  Dear Friend, I will be voting "no" today on the Wall Street Bailout bill.  American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the irresponsible behavior of Wall Street executives.  The average citizen is forced to play by the rules, yet many who did not now get a massive bailout from taxpayers in this plan.  This is fundamentally unfair. By bailing out reckless behavior we encourage future reckless behavior.  Although the legislation is an improvement over the initial Paulson proposal, I could not support a massive bailout for Wall Street firms that does too little to help homeowners stay in their homes and is totally paid for by the American taxpayer, not Wall Street. I strongly supported the inclusion of Section 102 in the bill, in order for the Federal government to provide i...
Comments 3
By Jane Nicastro-Disch Warren NJ, NJ Estates Real Estate Group of Weichert Realtors
(Weichert Realtors)
The federal government's multi-billion-dollar bailout of bad mortgage debt could be a game-changer for home buyers, sellers and real estate professionals. But how much may not be clear for months, maybe even a year. In the short term, according to Jay Brinkmann, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association, the government's plan to greatly expand purchases of mortgage backed securities by the Treasury, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, should "provide a signal to the market that there's going to be an underlying floor on (interest) rates." New Jersey Estates/Weichert Realtors Paul S & Pat C October 2008 LINKING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGYTO OLD FASHIONED SERVICE Copyright © 2008 Realty TimesAll Rights Reserved. Daily News And AdviceUpdated 01:00 AM CDT Today  Today's Feature Stories Buildin...
Comments 0
By Greg Flanagan, CEO/Founder SCSold.com
(SCSold.com Real Estate )
I recieved a call to action request late yesterday from the National Association of REALTORS asking that I support the Emergency Bailout. I couldn't do it. It is the first time in memory that I didn't jump at the opportunity. I am asking you not to click the call to action link. This "emergency"  has been going on for about 12 days now. The earth hasn't stopped spinning, the government hasn't ceased to legislate, it will be alright! Sure we're going to tighten up on credit. There will probably be a little less under the Christmas tree this year and you may not be able to continue to live on credit cards and future promises for a while after this period. But it will be alright. As each day passes and cooler heads prevail this emergency is understood more. Wall Street experts are beginnin...
Comments 3
By Mary Shelsby
(ReMax Realty Group)
When I was 16, it seemed like the whole world evolved around the phone. There were no e-mails or text messages. In fact, there were no cell phones and instead of voice mail, there were busy signals or no answers. As a result, there were many hours spent fretting, waiting for the phone to ring.Well, I'm feeling like I'm 16 again. I didn't sell a single house in September and I've spent many hours fretting, waiting for the phone to ring. I only wish I still looked like I was 16! I don't think I'm alone in this real estate market. This morning, the MLS reports over 400 expired listings in the Rochester market. I don't normally count the number of expired, but there were too many not to notice today.
Comments 1
By Theresa Prim, Searching. Sharing. Serving.
(Century 21 Affiliated)
How do you present the thought of moving foward in todays market to your clients?? I have noticed so much hesitation over the last month with my buyers. At first, I thought it was only me educating my buyers, but then I have noticed other agents are experiencing the same hesitation with their clients. Not too many buyers are making the move to write an offer. Many of my listings have had 2nd showings with co-op agents, but no offers. I am also showing homes and buyers have decided on specific properties, but are not making the final step. The buyers are preapproved and I can believe that other agents wouldn't take a buyer back to a property 2 or 3 times without a preapproval. What is it going to take to ease the minds of buyers to go ahead and move foward? Does this mean the market is g...
Comments 11
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