Archives of real estate blog entries for March 01, 2008

Featured blog posts


By Atlanta's Home Inspector, David Lelak IHI Home Inspections, Experience the IHI Difference
(IHI Home Inspections 404-788-2581)
As an Atlanta Home Inspector, in this market I have been wondering at what point do you throw in the towel on a home with problems? Or better yet, are you even allowed to throw in the towel?  There is some things that I just don't understand and one of those things is "Why more people don't get a pre-listing inspection done on a home before doing all that you do?"  It seems to me and of course this is just my opinion, but it seems like people go about this a little backwards. First as a Realtor, you spend your hard earned time researching, driving and talking and hours on end taking the dream home hunters around to the different homes.  Now I know that first off they are looking for the perfect home, so you have to over come that mindset, because even a brand new home is not going to be...
Comments 48
By Susan Peters, The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
(Dove Realty Inc.)
I don't know what the rules and regulations are in other parts of the country, but the MLS in Washington State will not allow agents to include any information regarding open houses in their marketing remarks. Now the marketing remarks consist of 500 characters that are swept by all other web sites. So essentially we cannot use the MLS to notify buyers of an open house! Their reasoning is the multiple is not supposed to be used to promote an agent. They act as if the agents are going to include in their marketing remarks "come meet the fantastic Susan Peters who by chance will be hosting an open house at xxx this Sunday" as opposed to a simple "open Sunday 1 - 4". I don't know if this makes any sense to you, but to me it certainly doesn't serve the best interest of the seller, the agent...
Comments 50
By Chris Tesch, College Station, Texas Real Estate
(RE/MAX Bryan-College Station)
I've been back dancing in the rain for about a week now.  I've read posts upon posts of people and, as usual, it brings up some great points, but it also causes some concern.I'm seeing quite a few remarks about how we can get the consumers to buy a house from us.  Basically, don't tell them that the house is outdated in case their tastes are outdated as well, how to court them to have them buy any house from us and how to script what you are saying so that they will buy.My assertion is that my clients will buy a house from me regardless.  It may not be this house at this time, and that's OK.  I'm going to walk into every house with every client as if I were listing it for them today and point out resale issues (both good and bad), tell them if it's overpriced, fairly priced or underpric...
Comments 41
By Katerina Gasset, Get It Done For Me Virtual Services
(Get It Done For Me Virtual Services )
How Can You A Newbie On Active Rain Ever Get Ahead? The task seemed so daunting when I was a newbie in late June of 2007. I saw all the points members especially here in Florida had racked up and I was quite intimidated to be perfectly honest. I was on a Real Estate forum one day last June and noticed that someone wrote that all real estate agents should be on Active Rain. Being a subscriber to RSS Pieces I found out that it was recommended to join Active Rain there too. I had no clue what Active Rain was and even wondered why in the heck does a real estate site have a name like, Active Rain! Upon my discovery that Active Rain was developed in the Seattle area and since I had lived in Lynnwood Washington for 5 years I realized it must be all the rain we get up there in the northwest tha...
Comments 251
By Janet Guilbault, San Francisco Bay Area Direct Mortgage Lender
(Platinum Home Mortgage Company)
ITS 2 AM AND THE PAJAMA WARRIORS ARE THINKING ABOUT REAL ESTATEThere is something sadly ironic about all those "pajama warriors" who apply online for a mortgage at 2AM. I often wonder why they are choosing a mortgage company in the most impersonal way EVER, yet are desperately seeking one of the most personal relationships in the business world.Crazy, isn't it? But then, its a brave new world out there.Isn't that what we are supposed to be doing with our blogs? Allowing people to connect with us personally? Aren't we trying to teach the Internet audience that there IS a better way to choose a real estate professional than a great big impersonal site that (in disguise) is actually going to sell your information to the highest bidder (not the best agent)?Well, fellow bloggers, we aren't t...
Comments 41
By Steven L. Smith, Bellingham WA Home Inspector
(King of the House Home Inspection, Inc.)
We would rather live without moisture ants, but they are an important part of nature -- turning old wood back into soil. As a home inspector and a licensed structural pest inspector, I often see carpenter ants. But, recently, I ran into another ant infestation that is not nearly so common to find as the carpenters -- moisture ants. It is amazing how much damage these little insects can do. They come in different colors, a brown to a yellowish-green color, and they are tiny. Take a look at the photo below, but they are way smaller than that. While these ants are small, boy what extensive damage they can do as they build galleries.  In this case, the toilet leaked, rotted out around the flange and floor and then came the moisture ants. That is one thing about this species, they are not p...
Comments 33

Blog posts


By David Elya, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR - Associate Broker
(BROOKVIEW REALTY)
Shelby Township Michigan real estate residential market report for February 2008 I have prepared a report of the home sales data in Shelby Township Michigan for the month of February 2008. The information below is gathered from Mirealsource Multiple Listing Service and represents those homes sold by participating real estate brokers and agents and does not include data from private sources.For the period of February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008: Total homes sold:   29 Total condos sold:  6Average sales price for homes:  $267,208Average sales price for condos: $129,811If you would like more detailed information in regards to the market value of your home in Shelby Township Michigan please don't hesitate to contact me either via phone or email. www.LookForHomes.com
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By Kevin Clancy, Real Estate Broker - Albany New York
(Http://www.clancyrealestate.com)
The Internet is obviously an amazing tool for researching real estate. It has effectively leveled the playing field providing the average consumer with much of the information that was once tightly controlled by real estate practitioners.  Sites like this  Albany NY property Information make it possible to view area sales, get an online value estimate, view a satelite image of a home, check schools, etc.  The prior sales history and most recent sale is one statistic buyers often get hung up on. Over the past year I have noticed buyers are much more informed on property prices, trends, and the sale history of homes they are viewing. Often I hear "why are they asking so much, they only paid XXX in XXX and must be willing to negotiate"  Real estate sales histories, while generally accurate...
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By Kimberly Jonasse
(Allen Tate)
I was busy previewing homes for a referral client who was arriving in Charlotte, NC the next day. As I was leaving one of the homes, a couple pulled up and asked me if I was a Realtor and expressed interest in the home. I decided to go ahead and show them the home after talking to them for awhile. (Let me first say that my husband always accompanies me when previewing, especially vacant homes----so he was there with me for safety.)They were prequalified the next day and I am now the Realtor that they have chosen to represent them in the purchase their new home. It was luck that we just happened to meet at the home at the exact same time....and I was thankful to have my husband there with me for safety.This made me think about how beneficial it is to get yourself out of the office and ou...
Comments 13
A few days ago I started  a tutorial series on using FTP, specifically using FTP to upload and install a WordPress plugin.  Please note these steps apply for a WordPress.ORG blog, you don't have FTP access if you are using WordPress.COM  (Here's the official WordPress explanation of the difference.)If you look at the entire process of installing a plugin, then break it up into "phases", it would look like this:Download, install and set-up an FTP programDownload and unzip the pluginUpload the plugin to your site, and activate it in WordpressThe first post covered Phase 1.Here's Phase 2:  Downloading and uzipping the plugin.First realize that most WordPress plugins ard themes are distributed as "zip" files.  "Zip" means that the file (or files) has been compressed into a smaller size for ...
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By Timothy Sojka, Realtor ® / BrokerSeveral communities have risen from the Katy prairies over the last few years; however, few have bloomed like the master planned community Firethorne.  Located south of I-10, just west of Katy Mills Mall this community is perfectly positioned to be part of the future growth of Katy.Firethorne boast all of the amenities of a top flight master planned community, a 12 acre lake, nature trails, a multi level resort style pool, a Lacrosse Field, a large play ground, pocket parks and a fitness center (with an available fitness trainer).  Future project include a tennis court and a competitive swim center.According to Firethorne Marketing Coordinator Janet Burkett, Firethorne's overall vision and real estate development has been overseen by Jefferson Develop...
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By David Elya, ABR, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, SFR - Associate Broker
(BROOKVIEW REALTY)
Macomb Township Michigan real estate residential market report for February 2008 I have prepared a report of the home sales data in Macomb Township Michigan for the month of February 2008. The information below is gathered from Mirealsource Multiple Listing Service and represents those homes sold by participating real estate brokers and agents and does not include data from private sources.For the period of February 1, 2008 through February 29, 2008: Total homes sold:   38 Total condos sold:  12Average sales price for homes:  $245,635Average sales price for condos: $153,251If you would like more detailed information in regards to the market value of your home in Macomb Township Michigan please don't hesitate to contact me either via phone or email. www.LookForHomes.com
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By Kim Carpenter, Lake Winnipesaukee REALTOR -Lake Winnipesaukee Real Estate, NH
(Coldwell Banker)
Have you always wanted a home on Lake Winnipesaukee but just couldn't afford the hefty price tag? A Merrymeeting Lake waterfront property in New Durham, NH might be the perfect place for you.  Merrymeeting Lake sits on 1233 acres and has an average depth of 29 feet. Once you see the gorgeous surroundings and experience the year round enjoyment of lakefront living, you will want no more! Here is a depth map used by NH Fish and Games Department Right now there are only three homes for sale with owned water frontage on Merrymeeting Lake.  They range in price from $460,000 to $499,900.    This year-round two bedroom home with 101 feet of waterfront offers 1200 feet of living space.  It sits overlooking Sawtooth Cove.  Call me for more information at (603)978-2165.  Visit http://111northshor...
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By Antoinette Scognamiglio, GRI, ASP, There's no substitute for EXPERIENCE!
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
The sentiment exists that perhaps year over year changes for analyzing inventory might go back too far, but for my general purpose, the analysis is a worthy one.  Looking back a year ago, inventory in Morris County is lower.  This is definitely a trend worth considering and, damn me as an optimist, harkens favorably.  Why favorable?  The numbers point to a deeply entrenched factor that has been holding back the market since boom went bust.  Sellers must be getting more realistic in pricing their homes, otherwise the glut would be growing.  Homeowners having withstood the distasteful experience of having their listing expire, are either withholding their home from the market upon expiration, or coming back with a more market-worth pricetag.  Guess what happens then?  The house sells!  Ye...
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By Jeanean Gendron, Specializing in Selling Unique Properties
(The Address Realty)
We talked about the reasons for considering buying your first home in "Redding, CA, Homes for Sale, Buying Your First Home Can Be Easy and Fun, Part 1". In Part 2, we are going to talk about how to get started.Getting Started: You are going to want to choose a professional Realtor who specializes in residential real estate and has specific knowledge of the local trending real estate market and mortgage markets.You are going to want to work with an experienced, confident professional Realtor that can provide you with the names of recent clients that you can get a reference from. Your choice should be to choose a professional Realtor that is dedicated to providing you the highest level of customer service in the industry. Select a professional Realtor, who will listen to you. Your Realtor...
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By Doug Gonzales
(Choice One Funding-Great West GMAC)
Volume 1, Number 1 Economic Highlights for the Week Ending February 29, 2008 MONDAY, February 25th Rate cut expectations remain firmly in place as the Fed tries to minimize the severity of the economic downturn. Fed funds futures traders are pricing in a 94% chance the Fed will lower the fed funds rate by 50 basis points to 2.50% when the FOMC next meets March 18. Existing home sales slipped 0.4% in January to an annual rate of 4.89 million units from an upwardly revised pace of 4.91 million units in December, according to the NAR's latest tally. Over the past year, home re-sales have declined 23.4%. Housing market weakness is expected to continue this year with perhaps some improvement in the second half as monetary and fiscal stimulus kicks in, loan limits increase, credit loosens an...
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By Neal Bloom, Realtor CRS-Weston FL Real Estate
(Brokered by eXp Realty LLC)
Hollywood FL Townhomes for sale-Canadians looking for Real Estate in Hollywood Beach FL   Hollywood Beach FL Hollywood FL Townhomes close to Hollywood Beach FL The weather in Hollywood Beach FL has been mostly sunny and from the 70's to the 80's with virtually no humidity. Affordable Townhomes for sale in Hollywood FL....."it is an excellent time buy a town-home." Prices have come down quite a bit over the last 2 years and inventory levels have reached all time highs. When we looked today...it showed that the Canadian dollar exchange rate have been holding right around at $1.00. That is still good news for our past,present and future clients. In general .."it is a great time to buy a town-home in Hollywood Beach FL." Currently..there are over 50,000 homes of all shapes and sizes on the ...
Comments 14
By Chris McDonald
(WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP.)
Searching the internet for foreclosure prevention services and knowing what websites and companies to trust is like finding a needle in a hay stack. There are many good companies out there but there also scam artists/ sharks that just want to feed on people when they are vulnerable.So how does someone find legitimate organizations to help them? The best bet is to go with a non-profit HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency. There are also for profit organizations that are really good and have been successful in helping people deal with their mortgage companies and perform successful loan workouts and loan modifications.Be proactive and make the calls you need to make and network with legitimate organizations. Avoid investor advice or I'll buy your home schemes. They only profit from you ...
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By Timothy Sojka
(See TIM Sell @ Keller Williams)
By Timothy Sojka Realtor® / Broker A really strange fact about real estate is that most people don't buy homes, they buy neighborhoods.  They find a neighborhood they love then they find the home they like best in the neighborhood.  Here is a strange fact.  When someone is standing in line to check out at a grocery store candy bars are sitting there, just waiting for us to eat.  They are sitting there because retailers know that buying a candy bar is a very emotional quick decision and also inexpensive.Ironically many of us make the decision to buy or home in the very same way.  We buy a home emotionally.  The neighborhood makes us feel safe; we love the trees or the kids playing in the cul-de-sacs.  We can see ourselves taking walks along the community streets.  Once we fall in love wi...
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By Alayna Berek
(Adams Realty)
2 bed, 2 full bath condo MOVE RIGHT INLocation: West Warwick, RIFreshly painted 1 level condo.  2 beds, 2 full baths, fireplaced living room, washer/dryer in unit.  Screened balcony off master & living room.  Call today!!FeaturesBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Located on Floor #: 2Floors in Bldg: 4Square Footage: 1168Parking Spaces: 2Pets Allowed: CatsYear Built: 1985Agent: Alayna BerekBroker: Keller WilliamsInformationContact Information  Alayna Berek401-785-1700 x422Contact Reply FormForward to a FriendView Other FlyersPricing and AvailabilityRent: $1,100 per monthAvailable Date: Thu Feb 14, 2008Property Location650 East Greenwich AveWest Warwick, RI 02893View MapAttributesRental Unit AmenitiesBalconyOther AmenitiesGuest ParkingWasher/DryerFireplaceDeckPowered by vFlyer.comEqual Housing Opport...
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By Chris McDonald
(WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP.)
Document income and expenses. Keep all correspondence (even the envelopes) Before negotiating a deal, gather all the information you need, starting with any correspondence from your lender. That includes anything that you have unopened from the lender. Don't throw away envelopes from the servicer - postmarks sometimes can make the difference between being eligible or ineligible for relief.Collect everything that relates to income and expenses. Find your last four pay stubs. They want to see at least one month of income. If your income is very sporadic, the support your story by showing how you're getting paid so we can calculate an average over time. Gather at least three years worth of W2s and tax returns, plus three to six months of bank statements. Find all the mortgage paperwork and...
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By Michelle Gordon, Finding Your Place
(JH Realty Partners)
I was talking with a new client yesterday.  He is a 1st time home buyer, so I was explaining all the benefits that are available to low to moderate income level 1st time home buyers.  When I left this appointment I thought back, (way back) to when my husband I had bought our 1st home.  We bought a VA REO (real estate owned) for about $26,000.  It was in very bad shape.  The realtor who had it listed had forgotten about it, and the previous owners had stripped just about everything out of the home.  However we were young, energetic, willing and able.  I was pregnant with our daughter at the time.  We could not afford to live somewhere else while fixing up the home.  My husband was too proud to stay with family. So we lived in the home while renovating.  We started with the bathroom, it w...
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By Frances C. Rokicki, Broker-Mentor,CRS
(Fran Rokicki Realty, LLC)
Yes, we have had or are still having, our winter weekend snowstorm.  Welcome to New England.  It is slowing down now and plans are being made to dig out and get going.  This weekend, the HomeBuilders Association of Hartford County, is hosting the original Connecticut Home & Remodeling Show in this area, at the New Connecticut Convention Center.  It promises to be their best held, best vendor event, yet.  Be sure to take a ride to Hartford and check out all the goodies that will be presented this weekend.  The feature this year is Living Green!  Hours are Saturday, March 1st  10 am thru 9pm              Sunday, March 2nd   10 am thru 6pmWe have two booths present, Birch Mountain Earthworks, LLC, landscaping design & construction ,                                                          ...
Comments 4
By Chris McDonald
(WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP.)
The 2nd MOST important thing you cando with foreclosure prevention services is DO NOT SPEND YOUR HOUSE PAYMENTS. Often people stop making their payment because they are falling behind on other bills, or they cant quite make the whole house payment. Over the years more often than not, the people I met with still have an income coming in each month, they just cant meet all their obligations, so while the house is falling behind they take advantage of the fact that they aren't paying the house payment in order to catch up on other debts. THIS IS NOT WISE AT ALL. Sock away as much of that money each month as you can. Its crucial, heres why;If you don't pay your mortgage for 3-4 months and your lender decides to negotiate a repaymenyt plan or a loan modification, then they will want what is ...
Comments 1
By Ton A. Ali, Realtor - Broker ABR, Eco Broker Certified
(CORNERSTONE GROUP REALTORS)
Liberty Green This is the second HOPE VI project in Louisville, behind the nationally-renowned and successful Park DuValle. Still under construction, Liberty Green has already changed the landscape of what was formerly the public housing development, Clarksdale Homes.The revitalization project includes the relocation of the more than 700 Clarksdale Homes residents in order to accommodate a new, mixed-income neighborhood. The Louisville Metro Housing Authority is replacing every housing unit from the Clarksdale development either in the new Liberty Green development or elsewhere in the community.Scheduled for completion by 2009, the Clarksdale HOPE VI will ultimately result in about a $233 million investment through a public-private partnership to build rental and ownership opportunities...
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By Richard Lecinski
(Long Realty Company)
 These are the latest stats for the Tucson MLS area. This certainly shows it is a buyers market.  Aggresive pricing seems to be the key these days and that appears to be what buyers want and demand in this market.0374_JAN 08 Market Indicators TUC Active.pdf (104.4 KB) Rich LecinskiLong Realty CompanyOro Valley - Tucson Arizona520-834-4663Search the Tucson area MLS free. Please use either link below.http://www.arizonagreatliving.com/ http://rlecinski.longrealty.com/ 
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