Archives of real estate blog entries for September 01, 2007

Featured blog posts


By ActiveRain Real Estate Network
(ActiveRain)
Here are some interesting thoughts...   As of today, here are the top 10 point earners here at ActiveRain.   Let us look at the breakdown:Four out of the ten are from Florida, currently there are 5,786 members from Florida.  Florida is by far the most competitive of all the states!Together the Top ten have written a total of 4,239 posts!!!The top 10 is equally divided between the men and women --  5 Women/5 Men!Six out of the ten joined in July 2006! Two of the have lost a significant amount of weight since joining ActiveRain -- guess they didn't have time to eat, too busy writing!3 of the Highest point earners are also in the Top 10 All time Most Subscribed and two are in the top 20!Seven out of the ten are Real Estate Agents, Two are Brokerages and one is a vendor companyOne is a Mode...
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By Jeff Belonger, The FHA Expert - FHA Loans - FHA mortgages - USDA loans - VA Loans
( Social Media - Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)
 Albert Einstein was a smart cookie who was ahead of his time. In popular culture the name "Einstein" has become synonymous with genius. Mortgages aren't physics, but it can certainly seem like it if you don't have a loan officer that is not only good at explaining things to you, but one who is knowledgeable and can show you the many differences in loan programs.As stated, mortgages can be confusing at times. It doesn't help when some loan officers don't take the time to walk you through the process. One piece of advice, no matter if you are purchasing or refinancing, if it takes more than a full day to get a Good Faith Estimate from a lender, this is usually a red flag. Unless they tell you that they are just busy. And by sharing some of these well written blogs, it might give you some...
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By Jason Sardi, Your Agent for Life
(Auto & Home & Life Insurance throughout North Carolina)
If there was ever a time where I hoped in my heart of hearts for attention to what I write, this is it.  Forgive me folks, this is truly greed.  I wanted to find the absolute best writings Active-Rain has ever saw, I want to learn and want others to do the same.  What I ask for, is very simple.  There have been posts after posts written by a wide variety of individuals on this forum.  I'm a Be-All/End-All type of guy.  I want the best of the best.  So, if you are reading this, link the best post that you've written in the comments.  Link the best post you've seen in the comments.  It doesn't much matter if the post is Real Estate oriented, Comedy, Life, Inspiration, Well-Written Piece, what have you.  I just want feedback on the best.  I'll include the 10 best posts I've ever read on Ac...
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Blog posts


By Debbie Johnson, Novi, MI Real Estate Professional
(REMERICA United Realty)
The real estate market in Farmington Hills, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home when they first place their home on the market. Homes for Sale in Farmington Hills, MI (August 2007) · There were 816 homes available for purchase in Farmington Hills  Homes sold in Farmington Hills, MI (August 2007) · 35 homeowners accepted offers on their homes                                                           · 57 homes sold · The average sold price of a home in Farmington Hills, MI was $278,748· It took an average of 123.47 days for a home to sell in Farmington HillsIf you are interested in selling your home in Farmington Hills or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a fr...
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Name your own price at this live auction on 9/27/07.  No Minimum and No Reserve.  Property is 6.65 undeveloped acres 2 miles from downtown Austin TX in the Del Valle area near I-35/Hwy290.  Download a Bid Package from www.AuctionFirst.com/property.asp for property information along with auction registration/sale terms. Property is 0 Nuckols Crossing (at intersection with St Elmos Rd E).  This property will sell to the highest bidder on auction day. Don't miss your chance to pick up a great deal!  2% Broker participation available.Want to learn more about selling your property at auction? Call us - real estate AUCTIONs are what we specialize in!Linda Mardi - licensed real estate auctioneerTDLR 16028AuctionFirst.com10% Buyer Premium(800) 498-9428 
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By David Fox, Real Estate Technology Specialist
(The Real Estate Tech Desk)
What You NEED To Know When Choosing A Web Developer! Part 1In any industry it is important to choose carefully when picking a web designer.  There are so many items you need to decide in the process. Your project could be an absolute joy to work on, or could be an absolute nightmare, that just won't go away.   Most people think that the only decisions they need to make are: Choosing a Template or Custom Site, Picking out a developer or template company, IDX provider, and price/budget.  The fact of the matter is that there are so many other factors that need to be decided.What Experience & Background Does The Developer Have?            Probably one of the most important questions to ask! I've included a few questions to ask in this subject.  •·         What is their experience in real es...
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By David Fox, Real Estate Technology Specialist
(The Real Estate Tech Desk)
What You NEED To Know When Choosing A Web Developer!  Part 2PART 2 - Our Response To Our Own Blog!Click here to read PART 1In Part 1 of this blog, we listed several items for you to remember when choosing a web developer.  Here in Part 2, we are Answering our own questions, to allow you the chance to get to know us better!What Experience & Background Does The Developer Have?            Probably one of the most important questions to ask! I've included a few questions to ask in this subject.  •·         What is their experience in real estate web development?We have developed web sites exclusively for the real estate industry for several years.  Before we started web design, we provided IT & Marketing services to the industry, developing  custom servers & programs for real estate offices...
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By Dru Bloomfield, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate
(The Penrose Team)
Prevention magazine just announced their top 100 rankings for great cities to fitness walk in.  Scottsdale came in at #16.  The rankings are based on a number of factors, including beauty, weather, and safety.Some of the my favorite places to walk (and hike and bike) in Scottsdale include:The Indian Bend Wash which runs the length of South and Central Scottsdale along Hayden Road.  Great for walking, running, skating, and cycling.McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve, in north Scottsdale - 12,000 acre preserve with great hiking trails.Pinnacle Peak Park, in north Scottsdale - great views from this moderately challenging trailDowntown Scottsdale - for more leisurely walking with lots of window shopping in the many galleries and retail shops that line the streets.The City of Scottsdale posts...
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By Loreena and Michael Yeo, Real Estate Agents
(3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Prosper TX Real Estate Co.)
Most of the places in the country are facing a Buyer's market*. It's true here in the Frisco TX Homes also. There are just more Frisco TX homes than there are Frisco TX home buyers out there now. As a result, the prices are typically lower. With the splashing news of subprime lenders going out of business, it makes buyers harder to qualify for loans. There are still 100% loans out there but the availability has significantly dropped. The adjustable rate mortgages were at one point "easier" to qualify because of the "lower" debt to income ratios are also adjusting "up". In short, the pool of available clients have definitely impacted Sellers of residential real estate. Thus, it become even more crucial to work with a local Frisco TX real estate expert who knows the market and knows how t...
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By / /
(/)
Good morning all! One of my faults is I am a workoholic hence the blog on a Saturday.  Is anyone in my local area doing open houses this weekend?  I would like to take the opportunity to meet some of you in my local area. I am thinking this weekend will be a perfect example. ( Of course, I would like to drop off a folder ) Please let me know if you are working this weekend.  I want to meet you!
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By Bill and Bryan Sereny, Ultra Luxury Real Estate
First off, let me say that I don't have a crystal ball. No one does.  What I do have are two eyes and ears out on the streets of Miami and Miami Beach.  I consider myself a true barometer of the Miami Luxury Condo Market.I receive calls practically on a daily basis from both sellers and buyers.  The sellers, especially the pre-construction investors, are eager to listen to a Realtor that will give them a glint of hope of brighter days on the near horizon.   Some are wishful, others have given up hope, while others are outright unrealistic holding tight to their high expectations. On the other side of the table are the Buyers.  Local buyers for the most part have been paralyzed by the media, unable to make a move on even a true "fire sale" opportunity.  Then there are the relocaters.  Th...
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By Colleen Irwin, Creative Real Estate Solutions...
(Retired)
Snook Season Opens in Soutwest Florida Saturday, September 1 marks the opening of Snook Season! Many Marco Anglers will be out trying to catch this fish this holiday weekend.   Ok -- what is a Snook?  Let's Go to the Beach on Marco Island    Florida Mortgage | Subprime Loan - Are you worried? Subprime Loans are not inherently wrought with risk and problems. They are still binding contracts that cannot be changed on a whim. Subprime Loans are just loans that were sold to people who might have been a higher risk to the investor that was giving the loan so the terms and rates will reflect that risk.Is Your Marco Island Getaway Insured? You have an Island getway here on Marco Island. You decide not to rent it when you are not here, you are here for several weeks a year, but for the most par...
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By Debbie Johnson, Novi, MI Real Estate Professional
(REMERICA United Realty)
The real estate market in Farmington, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home. Homes for sale in Farmington, MI (August 2007)* · There were 81 homes remaining available for purchase in Farmington Homes sold in Farmington, MI (August 2007)* · 3 homeowners accepted offers on their homes · 8 homes sold · The average sales price of a home in Farmington, MI was $192,363· It took an average of 149 days for a home to sell in Farmington If you are interested in selling your home in Farmington or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accurac...
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By Bill and Bryan Sereny, Ultra Luxury Real Estate
What is a condo worth?  A condo is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.  This logic although sound, is not always the case.Case study: Ocean Palms - Hollywood BeachWorking with a recently retired CEO, I was set out on the hunt for a 3,000 sq ft or larger luxury condo directly on the ocean.  I call this task a hunt because of his criteria; $1.2M or less, 7 years or newer, 3,000 sq ft.  Where some would have been discouraged and thought this to be an impossible mission, I rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge.  Knowing the inventory of every (1997 or newer) oceanfront building in Dade and Broward, I thought Ocean Palms Hollywood Beach would be a good place to begin the search.  Although Ocean Plams is one of the most luxurious condominiums in Southeast Florida, it was orig...
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By Bill and Bryan Sereny, Ultra Luxury Real Estate
What is a condo worth?  A condo is only worth what a buyer is willing to pay.  This logic although sound, is not always the case.Case study: Ocean Palms - Hollywood BeachWorking with a recently retired CEO, I was set out on the hunt for a 3,000 sq ft or larger luxury condo directly on the ocean.  I call this task a hunt because of his criteria; $1.2M or less, 7 years or newer, 3,000 sq ft.  Where some would have been discouraged and thought this to be an impossible mission, I rose to the occasion and accepted the challenge.  Knowing the inventory of every (1997 or newer) oceanfront building in Dade and Broward, I thought Ocean Palms Hollywood Beach would be a good place to begin the search.  Although Ocean Plams is one of the most luxurious condominiums in Southeast Florida, it was orig...
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By Eric Medemar
(Midwest Properties)
I can remember when I was hustling for houses.  I would find spectacular deals for my buyers on homes but in the end I would end up losing the deal because my buyers could not get out quick enough to see the home.  Wholesaling real estate eliminates those losses and puts more money in your pocket.With wholesaling real estate instead of missing out on those great deals becasue I could not get my buyers out there qucik enough.  I put them under contract myself, then sell my buyer the contract or sell them the house for added profit.  Old daysGreat deal on a home $60,000, the market value $80,000Potential equity gain $20,000.  Equity gained for my buyers $0 they never even got to see the homeWholesaling Real estate DaysSame great deal $60,000, the same market value $80,000Potential equity ...
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By Debbie Johnson, Novi, MI Real Estate Professional
(REMERICA United Realty)
The real estate market in Livonia, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home. Homes for sale in Livonia, MI (August 2007)* · There were 921 homes remaining available for purchase in Livonia Homes sold in Livonia, MI (August 2007)* · 55 homeowners accepted offers on their homes · 103 homes sold · The average sales price of a home in Livonia, MI was $172,914· It took an average of 110 days for a home to sell in Livonia If you are interested in selling your home in Livonia or in Wayne County Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, regardle...
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By Colleen Irwin, Creative Real Estate Solutions...
(Retired)
It is hard to believe that it is already Labor Day Weekend here in Orlando Florida.  The kids are back to school and here in the Orlando area the tourists start to slow down for a little bit.  It is hot here in the Orlando area this time of the year...This information is provided by Colleen Kulikowski, Realtor.  Colleen writes about the Florida lifestyle along with writing about the Buffalo & Niagara Falls Region of Western New York.   Read her Buffalo Niagara Real Estate & Home Sales report.  Colleen continues to maintain her two Florida blogs as well:  Celebration Florida Homes &  Marco Island Homes.An avid writer and photographer Colleen Kulikowski utilizes these talents to assist her clients in achieving their Real Estate goals.   She grew up in Western NY and moved to the Metro NYC...
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By Fran White, Kansas City North Real Estate, 816-682-3897
(North Kansas City Real Estate, Reece and Nichols Residential)
Imagine this.....  you get a call from an out of town client that would like to see some homes! Great huh?When you look them up on MLS, there is only ONE picture.  Now how is this out of town client suppose to see if they even want to drive a distance to see this home?Fran White, REALTOR to the rescue:  Idea!  I'll call the listing agent and see if she has any other place where there are pictures of this home or similar to this home.RING.... RING.... "Yes, I have a client that is interested in some homes in the subdivision that you work out of and was wondering if you have anymore pictures of these homes."Listing Agent Response: "If you want more pictures you'll have to go take them yourself because I'm going out of town."Huh?Is this the way you market property to prospective clients?  ...
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Well another month has passed and we are still Okay.   With 8 months closed in the year we are still holding strong.   DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE.   We currently have a 6 month supply of homes is Washington / Robbinsville and statistically that means we are in a "good" market.  We are NOT over saturated with supply and demand is still here.Actually if you look at the "units listed" we are on the low end of the average.  What does all of this mean to you the consumer.   Well if your thinking of selling now is a GREAT time.   My team and I would be happy to assist you with a free market analysis.   We are currently the #1 listing and selling team in Robbinsville / Washington two years running.   Why would you call anyone else.  We can be reached at (609) 448-2222 for all your real estate need...
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By Heather Stanton
(STARATE Associates)
 Markets Stable Nationally According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), sales of exisiting homes remained essentially unchanged through July. While increases were seen in the West and Northwest regions, these gains were offset by a decline in the Midwest. The overall national market for existing homes slowed 0.2 percent in July.  NAR still anticipates close to 5.75 million units to be sold in 2007. Average Sales Price of Existing Homes by Region Date  U.S. NortheastMidwest Sou...
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By Susan Raposa
(South Dakota Real Estate Company)
I stumbled across an online Business Week article discussing a recent poll to determine the ugliest cars of all time.  Sure enough - there on the list was my beloved first car that I drove all through High School -- The GREMLIN!The picture from the article is just like my car except the colors on mine were in reverse (light blue body with dark blue striping).Thank goodness this poll didn't come out while I was still in High School or I can guarantee the torture I would have had to put up with would have been unbearable, although I thought my little blue Gremlin was quite cool!  Plus, I liked the fact that it was called a Gremlin just like the cute little furry guys from the movie.          Anyhow - if you're curious to see if you had a car on the list - here's a link to the article:http...
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By Debbie Johnson, Novi, MI Real Estate Professional
(REMERICA United Realty)
The real estate market in Novi, MI for August 2007 has remained pretty active. The average days on the market is relative to the condition and correct pricing of the seller's home. Homes for sale in Novi, MI (August 2007)* · There were 458 homes remaining available for purchase in Novi  Homes sold in Novi, MI (August 2007)* · 22 homeowners accepted offers on their homes (pending sales) · 46 homes sold · The average sales price of a home in Novi, MI was $356,722· It took an average of 137 days for a home to sell in Novi If you are interested in selling your home in Novi or in southeast Oakland County, Deborah Johnson offers a free no-obligation home market consultation. For more information: www.visitdeborah.com*Information obtained from Realcomp II Ltd. The accuracy of all information, ...
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