Archives of real estate blog entries for April 01, 2007

Featured blog posts


By ARDELL DellaLoggia
(Better Properties Seattle )
Tomorrow, Sunday April 1, I'm going to be on the Tom Kelly Real Estate Show talking about Real Estate Blogs.We've all talked about blogging with each other.  Not sure how the On Air discussion will go when the topic is raised to a consumer audience.  Have no clue what Tom is going to ask me and I've never been on the radio before.  A little scary.  Even if I did know what Tom was going to ask, I wouldn't be able to guess what the people calling would have to say.The details are here in the post I did for Rain City Guide.  It airs live on the internet link at 11 a.m. PST and looks like it will turn into a podcast thereafter.
Comments 41
By Midori Miller, Online Marketing For Real Estate Professionals
(Talk 2 Midori, LLC)
In the Greater Daytona Beach Area, real estate activity has improved.   While sales have increased, so has our real estate inventory.  For every one house that went under contract there are 30 active listings still on the market today, this information is pretty accurate due to the fact in January these were actual stat's based on MLS data.You can't tell me that our market is the only one suffering, I know better, its in the news every day!  Stop and think about this we have approximately 1740 members in our Daytona Beach Association of Realtors, seems to me there are some starving Realtors out there especially since only 249 properties closed in January.   How can we get seller's who NEED to sell to their destination?   Do you need a paycheck? Be a True Professional.  Can you say.........
Comments 28
By Tisza Major-Posner, DRE#01784679
(I.V.P.G. - Inland Valley Professional Group)
Hi All,Another day, another dollar and a half (inflation you know...).  I did an open house yesterday and have another one slated for this afternoon (640 Princeton Street, Ontario, California, 1-4) and while I was on the way to yesterdays event I stopped at a yard sale where there was a for sale sign on the property.  They had fliers and I hand my Keller Williams name tag on, so I asked them if I could preview the home since I was already there.  It was an estate/yard sale so the most of the house was open for view.  I walked through the property and took mental note of what I refer to as "property protectors".  You know what they are, '60's era paneling on almost every surface that could be paneled.  There was some wall paper that had been liberally used on the areas where the paneling...
Comments 9
By Angel Walker
(Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners)
A&E's 'Flip this House Atlanta' featured a property Staged by 4 Accredited Staging Professional Masters in Atlanta. www.stagingbythemasters.com.Brook Furniture Rental provided the furniture. www.bfr.com.  I can't say enough about this company.  We were given free reign to choose anything in their warehouse.  We even used something from their showroom that was just decoration!  If we wanted it, we got it.  (BTW, they weren't getting paid for this.  Neither were we.  We were all doing this for national television exposure).The first house was sold right away. The second house is still for sale.Any TV exposure for Staging is good for all of us.
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By Randy L. Prothero, Missouri REALTOR, (808) 384-5645
(eXp Realty)
As I get more experience and more recognition in the industry, I get to meet many fine professionals that provide services that can be used by my clients and me.  There are just so many of them.I have developed a system for venders; that has worked fairly well so far.  I have a services directory that I give clients.  I try to keep no more than three contacts in each category.  It is made up of people I have had good success with or have been working with the agents in my office and consistently have provided top service with reasonable rates.  From time to time I drop a name and replace it with someone else for one reason or another.The challenge is saying no 30 times a week to all the loan officers and home inspectors who meet me through out the week.  I know many are really good at t...
Comments 30
By Meg Stewart, Appraiser-Frisco, Texas
(Reliable Appraisal)
Have you ever wondered how you can have have the best products and service yet finish second? (when dealing with prospective clients their is no second place!)How can it be?...  that your company spends the time and energy to provide the best product or service...then with common sense thinking: you convince yourself that people buy products that are feature-rich, right?  ** UNFORTUNATELY COMMON SENSE MAY BE WRONG**People don't always buy "better" products.People don't buy rationally.People buy emotionally. Then, they try to rationalize their decision.People buy on emotions, says Harvard Business School Professor Gerald Zaltman .Building on research of the mind, Professor Zaltman found that 95% of our purchasing decisions happen in our subconscious:What we really think is largely hidden...
Comments 56
By Eric Bouler, Listening to your Needs
( Gardner Realtors, Licensed in La.)
Contributor: Eric Bouler (Prudential Gardner) Location: New Orleans Description: This New Orleans po-boy can be had at Crabby Jacks in Old jefferson near Oschner. Its easily enough for 2 hearty souls or can serve as an afternoon snack. You are missing the boat if you do not put some sort of description about your area on your photos. These short comments are also beginning to get noticed in the local niche searches. Its a great way to give people a feel for the area as well as the houses that make that neighborhood. I wish they allowed a little more spae and had spell checker, only a wish. I also got as local question but almost could not find the question to answer it, tis almost hidden and should be made to be easier to be seen. If you have nice photos then people will begin to stop ...
Comments 42
By Denver/Boulder Colorado Real Estate
(Real-a-Save)
I just got off the phone with a potential client who knew zilch about how the typical real estate transaction works. All she knew was that she needed a Broomfield real estate agent. Commissions…what are they? Inspection…is that for pricing? Contracts…you mean I have to sign something? It reminded me of my own experience as a first time buyer. I must have had “sucker” tattooed across my forehead when I contacted my first real estate agent. This guy was a complete nightmare. Once he’d established that I knew nothing of how the typical transaction worked he made sure that I understood that it was normal for the client drive to the agent’s house to deliver paperwork, sign documents, and plan our outings. His dog bit me twice (just scratches, but still…) and he tried to blame me for “looking...
Comments 12
By Linda Davis
(RE/MAX Home Team)
On March 10th, Carnac of Connecticut was in a panic.  "The Rainers are behaving, this is no fun at all!"   But as March moved on, the Rainers didn't disappoint as the shenanigans began. And this month,  Edna McMahon from Michigan,* even stopped by with a couple predictions of her own.  Today the pressure didn't let up as the Carnac Chant was heard throughout the rain.And so..... right on schedule, here are Carnac of Connecticut's April 1st predictions: 1.  Erin Brockovich files a class action lawsuit for clients wronged by inaccurate information received at Active Rain's Q&A.   After Brokovich wins 30 million dollars for the plaintiffs, Universal Studios makes a movie titled  "Wrong answers in the Rain".   Julia Roberts plays Erin again.  Broker Bryant and Kristal Kraft play themselves...
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Blog posts


By Debbie Creech
(ERA Team IV Homes)
This is Ducky & Lucky.    They will come right up and take food out of my hand.   Sometimes they are a little afraid if there are too many people around, but they are fun to watch.   They have about 15 other friends that come to visit with them but these are the most friendly. 
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By raman kandola
(kandola mortgage services)
   Foreclosure has steadily been going up here, courtesy of the tightening of the credit by the mortgage industry,courtesy of the FED's.  This years MARCH MADNESS has brought bad luck to all the sub prime lenders, all most all of them falling like a deck of cards.  Orange County the mecca of the mortgage industry has been ambushedby the speculators, big hedge fund managers by shorting their stock, and bringing them out of business.  With this has brought foreclosure in rise in Orange County.  We have a large number of middle class family in Orange County who have lost their home, or in the process.  The fault mainly goes to the home owners because of the lack knowledge of the product they have been, and their non-saving mentality.  They had been living on the equity which was growing ov...
Comments 2
By Irene Gaffigan, Broker, CRS, e-PRO
(Bean Group)
Tax Day is only a couple of weeks away. Don't forget to claim the deduction for the mortgage interest you paid at closing when you bought your home.All mortgage interest is tax deductible. You should have received a year-end statement from your lender showing how much interest you paid for 2006. However, this statement does not include the interest paid at closing. You will need to pull out your settlement statement or HUD-1 to determine how much interest was paid at closing. This amount can then be added to the number on your lender's statement. If in doubt, provide your HUD-1 to your accountant or tax preparer.For information about buying a home in the Ludlow, VT area, visit my website or give me a call at 800-659-1819 #103.
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By Boomer Jack Boardman & Carl McIntyre, the Codgers
(Noted Curmudgeons)
The Codgers™ await your prognostications! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! CARNAC! Notice to our gentle readers: Join the chant! And then go visit our real post for today.
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By Maggie Dokic | Miami, FL | 888.883.8509 X101, GREEN, CDPE, SFR, Pinecrest | Palmetto Bay |
(eXp Realty LLC)
I am simply stunned at the news.  Google has introduced free TiSP (beta). It's a whole new way to access your internet.  Via the toilet!  TiSP stands for Toilet Internet Service Provider.  If you have municipal sewer, they have isp for you!  Read all about it here.  I had to stifle a chuckle as I read, "I couldn't be more excited about, and am only slightly grossed out by, this remarkable new product," said Marissa Mayer, Google's Vice President of Search Products and User Experience. Too bad I have septic.  Most of the Miami Redlands does.  Oh well, I guess the Redlands won't be able to take advantage of this "dark porcelain" technology. As you click over to google's press release, keep in mind what today's date is.  hmmmm??
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By Debbie Creech
(ERA Team IV Homes)
Some of these river friends are a little aggressive.   I loved taking the photo of Mr.Goose, but had to be a little careful.   Of these friends the calmest are the pigeons and yes, they were at the river enjoying the sunshine.  The gull is always hungry but always careful not to come to close.
Comments 6
By Mary Seferian
(DIVA DECOR DESIGN)
   Dreading the thought of selling your home with the last minute walk-throughs, inconvenient calls, and sale price adjustments? The difference between a profitable sale and a break-even, miserable experience is often a fine line. Here are some pitfalls to avoid when selling: Rushing to Put Your House Up For Sale  If you are not serious about selling, do not test the market by listing your property. Indecision will ultimately blow the sale. Transforming a house for sale is an educational process for homeowners, as sellers need to realize, "I no longer live here. We are selling our house." Considering that homes are very likely an owner's single largest investment, why not delay a few extra days, and try to prepare the property for sale.Not Finding Experts Who Have Experience in Your Are...
Comments 1
By Ray Saenz, Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor
(Exit Realty Laredo)
Yesterday I had a great experience with a Home Inspector, I met my client and home inspector at 9:00 A.M on Saturday March 31th 2007 and this guy (home inspector) is a very professional and honest person, he advertises on his website that his honesty is a red flag for some realtors, to "dig in" in every detail of a home, it is not good for some realtors he told me also that some realtors prefer to hide something instead to kill the deal. He does not work in that way and he discloses every detail found in the property, that's the reason that I like him and I called him to do this home inspection. I can not believe this!!  how come? some realtors prefer to hide something instead to kill the deal? I prefer to have my clients happy instead that they regret it someday because they made the b...
Comments 6
By Kathy Vaughan
(Ryan Taylor Homes)
I recently spoke to a prospective buyer who came to me through in Internet lead. In discussing what he had done so far in his home search, I realized that he had been not only shopping for a home, he had been shopping for an agent as well, even though he probably didn't realize it.His history included surfing the Internet and taking actions that would send a lead to an agent, calling listing agents on newspaper ads, and calling on signs. In addition, he had several agents on the lookout for properties in various communities, one agent to a community.The net result was that he had a lot of feelers out, but no single agent who could coordinate all his requirements and take into consideration his desires for location, price, and amenities. In short, he hadn't gotten very far and, even afte...
Comments 1
By Cheryl Johnson
I am pleased to announce we've added a new agent to our office.   Tom is an attorney, former in-house counsel for a non-profit.  He has a good deal of experience buying and selling his own real estate.  He just received his real estate license and wanted to hang it with us.So what would you guys say to a brand new agent these days?  What are the "New Basics"?  What are the core skills to develop?
Comments 3
By Kay Bennett, Your Best Cookeville Area Agent!
(First Realty Company)
So far, I really have found AR to be very helpful and informative!  Such a great bunch of people.  I love Real Estate and look forward to a busy and exciting year.  I do have one issue.  My children are so young, I am finding myself thinking more about joining or forming a Team.  I am very hesitant as I really don't know how teams work and most won't tell you there secrets to "team success".  I am sure there are blogs on this, but I haven't found any info for me, so far.  Just to ask what your opinion is about if a team helps relieve stress and results in a more organized work schedule OR, does it just make you busier... My question is if I teamed with someone, wouldn't they get mad if they felt they did more of the work than me??  or vice-versa?  How do you overcome those issues? and h...
Comments 28
By Lysa Napolitano
I promised a week or so ago I would do a blog on Animal Totems and explain what they are. That is a lot easier said then done, for some reason the explanation won't flow from my fingers to the computer. I think the reason is because you as the seeker needs to figure out the Animal Totem for yourself and which Animal symbolizes you. Your Animal will come to you in different ways but always the same form. My Whale Totem:For 3 years I worked at our Beachside Office over looking the ocean. During those 3 years I got to see 16 or so Northern Right Whales, 1 humpback and 1 dwarf sperm whale. No one remembers any whale sightings from our office before then and there were no whales this last season since I've been transferred to Pelican Bay.16 Northern Right Whales, why is that special? Because...
Comments 5
By 1~Judi Barrett, BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK
(Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745)
                              Cabin in Tablerville on 6.75 acres, 4 miles to Broken Bow Lake boat ramps, short distance to Mt. Fork River.  Great hunting, fishing, horse-back riding area, get away for atv owners.       1277 sq ft mol cedar & brick, 1 or 2 bedroom,   4 - 5 miles to Broken Bow Lake boat ramps, 4 miles to Mt. Fork River overlooking Beavers Bend Park, ¼ mile of the Ouachita National forest, mostly surrounded by Weyerhaeuser land (abundant wildlife in the area).  Home has 1 established bedroom, with an **adjacent office/studio with built-ins that could be used as a second bedroom, **a breakfast room at the opposite of the home could be used as a third bedroom.  **Deck, **Carport, **800 sq ft mol Shop/Guesthouse (a work in progress) with garage door. **French doors between de...
Comments 1
By Sheryll White, Denver Real Estate Guide
(Exit Realty Denver Tech Center)
Today is one of the funnest days of the year.  It' s chance to see just how gullable your family, friends and most of all children are!  I suggest you keep your "jokes" light hearted and fun.  Be careful not to cross the line and ruin the spirit of the day. Enjoy the day!
Comments 1
By Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers, Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty
(Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area)
  MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 1, 2007 - Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) today announced the launch of Google TiSP (BETA)TM, a free in-home wireless broadband service....(click for complete article) *** UPDATE *** NEWSFLASH *** REUTERS (Phoenix) - In a joint press conference today at a Scottsdale, AZ resort, Jay Thompson, owner of the real estate weblog PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com, and Larry Page and Sergey Brin, co-founders of Google, announced that ......... *** UPDATE *** NEWSFLASH *** I have recently learned that our very own Maggie D. had the "scoop" on this at Google does it again!!   If you are considering selling a home or real estate in the Phoenix area you owe it to yourself to talk with Haven Express at Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners to determine whether Tony Marriott i...
Comments 24
By Tina Stone
(RE/MAX Hometown)
 Just joined active/rain........ I know our answers to all the questions about us are not your typical, "Let me promote myself" type answers but I'm tired of the same ole, same ole.  I'm confident that we'll do the best job that we possibly can and if that is not enough........why make up a bunch of hoopla?  Too many words, not enough time to do what's really important.  I think the most important part of a relationship is trust.  If you can't trust your realtor.....you've gotten a bad start. 
Comments 2
By Devon Cerniga
(Coldwell Banker Faucette Real Estate)
Thank You for allowing me the opportunity to join this fine organization, promoting professionalism and service in the Real Estate Industry.  The marketing tools and networking opportunities that have been made available are excellent.  If there is anything that I can do to improve the industry or the network please let me know. Hopefully we can work together soon.I look forward to serving you well.Devon Cerniga
Comments 3
By Denny McAuley
(Home Check America Inspection Services)
Remember, Home Safety Isn't Just for Seniors!  Each year, many older Americans are injured in and around their homes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that in 1981, over 622,000 people over age 65 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with products they live with and use everyday. CPSC believes that many of these injuries result from hazards that are easy to overlook, but also easy to fix. By spotting these hazards and taking some simple steps to correct them, many injuries might be prevented. Use this checklist to spot possible safety problems which may be present in your home. Keep this checklist as a reminder of safe practices, and use it periodically to re-check your home. This checklist is organized by areas in the home. Howeve...
Comments 1
By Jim Crawford, Jim Crawford Broker Associate Fredericksburg VA
(Long & Foster)
In the past it was mostly once in a blue moon did a buyer ask you to drop your commission when you are the listing agent.  Not so any more.  It seems someone has given the buyers a guerrilla war manual for real estate on how to beat up the listing agent.  I think we are fortunate that most of the buyers are not skilled negotiators and move on to prey on unsuspecting new agents that don't have the experience to deal with it. When a person mentions they want to take X% off the top of the sales price because they do not have an agent what do you say to them?  I read recently that a listing agreement is a contract to perform between the listing agent and seller.  When a person comes in and tries to go between parties and effect change it more than running running interference.  It could be ...
Comments 78
By Jay Burnham, The Coldwell Banker Guy
(Coldwell Banker)
Hot off the "Actual Statistics" press, it is now time for my MARCH update of how the real estate market is faring in my area of the country - the Massachusetts North Shore, north of Boston.In January, I wrote a blog entitled "Knowing Exactly When the Market will Change" that received many comments, replies and supportive feedback. In that blog, I stated that as soon as we have 3 consecutive months when more inventory is going off (under contract) than is coming on (new listings) we can expect to once again experience an appreciating market. So where do we stand so far this year?In JANUARY, in my 22 town Massachusetts North Shore area, 404 single family homes came on the market and 209 single family homes went under contract (off market). In FEBRUARY, 377 single family homes came on the ...
Comments 6
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