Archives of real estate blog entries for January 01, 2007

OK, folks, a few thoughts before we get started with the real fun.  When I had this idea, I was hoping we would come up with the memorable posts of 2006.  For each of us, that will be something different.  By memorable, I did not necessarily mean best or most popular or anything like that.  I meant posts that touched you or impacted this community in a meaningful way.  Maybe that distinction is difficult.  And maybe I did not articulate it clearly in my original post.  But I do think that we came up with a fantastic selection of memorable posts, and I know that we left off even more than we have here.So when you vote, I would ask that you try to keep MEMORABLE in mind. I also know that some people will take the results seriously or personally.  They put a lot of effort in to their posts... 01/01/2007

Hi all, I went to a seminar in 2006 besides them wanting 5K to be your personal coach they had this great idea.They stated that statistically most people like giving referrals out. By this they meant that if they know of someone it is more likely when asked about a good mechanic, plumber, painter etc. they will bust a gut when it comes up in a conversation to recommend them. With this in mind they also stated that unless you know someone personally you must earn the right to give them information. So there solution is quite simple. Create a list, no more than 100 to 200, in this list it is your personal sphere of influence, past sales current prospects anyone that you can personally contact. They said that the persaonally contact is very important. Then compile a list of local business'... 01/01/2007

These words are usually spoken by the closing Attorney or Title company at all New Hampshire closings. I usually have to hold my breath when this is asked at all my closings because these are some of the most important words spoken at the end of the closing and you just never know what might be said by either party. In my first or second year in Real Estate I had a listing that went pending within thirty days. The buyers offered a lower price and they had told me they would go higher. As a seller's agent I relayed that information to the sellers but the sellers accepted the offer as it was and did not counter back at all. I was taken aback by that saying the buyers would go higher but the sellers just wanted to be done with it. Back then you only verbally had to tell buyers that you rep... 01/01/2007

If you are reading this Post you are probably thinking why would any sales person want to hear the word “NO”?  The word that sales people want to hear is YES!!!  That is the bottom line in any sales transaction, because without a YES there is no transaction.  So why should salespeople want to hear the word NO?  Well please humor me for a few minutes, and consider the following. The answer to why sales people should love to, or at least want to hear the word NO is very simple if you just stop and think about it.  Anyone who has ever made a sales call whether it be cold or not, sent out a mailing, or done any type of marketing, knows that you will receive a certain number of NO’s before you get a YES.  I am not an expert on marketing, but I have been told that for every peace of mail that... 01/01/2007

If you do a lot of Internet search, you've come across a site or two that do nothing but aggregate links as a means of generating money from Google & Yahoo click ads. Recently I am noticing that some of the posts from our site - The Harper Team - are being hijacked by these low-lifes. I want to help make people aware of this and offer a means to help combat this scourge. Here is the post from our site - San Ramon - Dublin - Pleasanton CA Real Estate News - Dec 30And here are two examples of it being hijacked - http://3d1st.com/blogs/Orlando-Bad-Credit-Home-Loan/6291/ http://mortgage-refinance-homeequity.com/blogs/california-home-loan-mortgage-mortgage/12211/ So, what can we do about this. The first thing I do is to report the site to Google - Spam Report (bookmark this page for future u... 01/01/2007

While reading through this month's Florida REALTOR magazine, I noticed quite a few ads for 100% commission split offices. We've all seen them. They go something like this:NO office feesNO franchise feesNO transaction feesNo waiting on commission checksNO quotas to meetNO sales meetings to attendNO "junk charges" of any kind***Only $395 per closing!***Now, the one thing that stands out to me, in these ads, is the fact that they don't say "experience required" or "only full time professional Realtors need apply" or how about this one "not for the faint of heart". I'm sure they don't mention these things because experience is NOT required. I'm sure they don't care if you fail or if you succeed. The deal is, hire as many REALTORS as you can, from all over the State, and if they close some d... 01/01/2007

Earlier today, Ardell DellaLoggia encouraged "Active Rain" readers to share examples of their role models in her article, "The Russian Tea Room-NYC.  I responded positively to the idea, but admittedly needed a little time to draft a proper tribute.  I was fortunate to have exposure to a number of exemplary figures while I was learning the title business many years ago.  I believe that the credibility of the every industry has been crafted through the motives and actions of human giants.  These dedicated professionals were, and are, directly responsible for the creation of lofty benchmarks for behavioral and ethical standards.  The heroes of the title industry, past and present, did not earn their reputations because they were skilled settlement officers or marketing experts. [Though the... 01/01/2007

I took a recent poll about this topic since I really didnt know what consumers/ clients think vs. I know how us real estate people think about our vehicles as a result of my previous blog - You are Not What You Drive.Note: The comments below were UNALTERED. The result(s): They cared about the cleanliness, well-maintained, no cigarette smell, no heavy scent, could comfortable sits them.One even said "skeptical of a realtor who picked me up in a Navigator/Mercedes" [I didnt quote this]Another comment: " I don't remember thinking "Wow, what a nice car!" nor "What a POS- maybe we should take our own car!"""The only time I've worked with a realtor, she drove a high-end, luxury "SUV" (that was clearly never intended to be taken off paved roads, what a waste!). SHe was nice, very sweet, and ap... 01/01/2007

Read an article written by Randy L. Prothero  about helping new realtors. It reminded me of my first years as a realtor. I started in a small office with several top producers. Having no knowledge of how to list or sell real estate, I started watching the other agents, listening to how they handled details, doing their open houses, and basically eaves dropping on them. My office wasn't big on training - they just threw us to the wolves and hoped we would come back with a listing or sale. As a highly competitive person, ending up last was not on my "most wanted" list. As I progressed, I noticed the top producers started watching me. If they did something successful, I'd try it. If I did something different, they would try it. It wasn't long before we started having friendly office compet... 01/01/2007

Greenwich Village, West Village, Meat Packing District, East VillageManhattan's most famous neighborhood has always been a popular place to live. Greenwich Village is the city's largest historic district.The Village is bounded to the South by Houston Street, to the North by 14th Street, to the West by the Hudson River, Sixth Avenue divides The West Village and Greenwich Village and east of Broadway is the dividing line between the distinctively different, East Village.Commonly referred by most people that live in the Village: West of Broadway to be defined as "Greenwich Village", "The Village" or "The West Village" while the area to the East of the Broadway to be defined as the "East Village". So when discussing the "Village", it is commonly understood that one is speaking of the area W... 01/01/2007

   I belong to a small investor mentor group. One of the people found a duplex to purchase that they thought was a great deal and it may be. The only problem was that they were going off mortgage payment numbers supplied by an unethical broker. He purchased the property for 345,000.00 income is 1800.00 per month. The motavating factor in this purchase was the ability to be qualified to make a monthly PITI payment of 1270.00. It looks great on paper but when I asked how did you get such a low payment I found out the numbers were run on a 1% pay option arm using the lowest payment amount. The investor was not aware that he was building negative equity in the property and that at some point in the future the payments would explode and he would have to pay the 30 year amortization rate on t... 01/01/2007

I may not have thought much about the annual list of banned words from Lake Superior State University, but a news item mentioned a real estate term on the list for 2007.   Lake Superior State University Banned Words List.The list isn't long -- over the years; it is now approaching 1,000 words.  Dictionaries and people apparently only smile and go on.  I thought the list this year was a bit of a stretch on some items, but there were certainly some things that do annoy me.  We all know about puffing and fraud and bragging, but have we thought about being boring with the SAME buzz word that suddenly doesn't apply because of being overworked.  Making us and our real interest in marketing to bring attention to the property look either incompetent, silly, disinterested or all of the above.Beg... 01/01/2007

The following entry is from Luxist.com - and excellent site for a few moments of fantasy.  :)As always full credit is detailed in the accompanying links - Enjoy. Mini Houses Go DeluxePosted Dec 31st 2006 12:01PM by Deidre WoollardFiled under: Decor, EstatesThe Wall Street Journal has an interesting article on the luxury playhouses. It's a topic we've hit a bunch of times but the Journal has found some truly amazing stories of deluxe playhouses for the kids. Parents often go for the mini-me effect, creating a tiny version of their house in the back yard for the kiddies. The small versions often include televisions, lighting, heating and refrigerators and can cost upwards of $100,000. Some of the designers of these homes referenced in the article include:Lilliput, a playhouse manufacturer... 01/01/2007

OK, folks, a few thoughts before we get started with the real fun.  When I had this idea, I was hoping we would come up with the memorable posts of 2006.  For each of us, that will be something different.  By memorable, I did not necessarily mean best or most popular or anything like that.  I meant posts that touched you or impacted this community in a meaningful way.  Maybe that distinction is difficult.  And maybe I did not articulate it clearly in my original post.  But I do think that we came up with a fantastic selection of memorable posts, and I know that we left off even more than we have here.So when you vote, I would ask that you try to keep MEMORABLE in mind. I also know that some people will take the results seriously or personally.  They put a lot of effort in to their posts... 01/01/2007

Gathering the Factshttp://joycebliss.yourkwagent.com/docs/2/1/5/21521/16150.htmYour "Home Buyer Kit" Gathering the FactsJOYCE BLISS "If it's important to you, it's important to me!" 5285 N. Roxboro RoadDurham, North Carolina  27712Cell: 919-308-1215 Office: 919-281-3238  Web: http://joycebliss.yourkwagent.com/home Email: joycebliss@kw.com~ Here is where it all begins! ~  Thank you for the opportunity to discuss your real estate needs! I think you'll find a big difference in the way I conduct business.  Buying a home in this market is a cooperative venture that requires thorough communication and teamwork.  When we meet, I will clearly explain the idiosyncrasies of buying a home in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Roxboro market, how I represent you, what I do and don't do, what you should and sho... 01/01/2007

      My name is Amber Bourland, and I sell real estate in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of south-central Missouri. I know, lots of other people do, too. So what's so special about what I do? Well, for one thing, I belong to an independent brokerage. That means we aren't franchised or owned by a big corporation somewhere that doesn't understand our area and our people. We choose to be independent because that allows us to work with each client individually and in the manner that best benefits the client. We take pride in finding solutions to tricky marketing or financing issues, and have become very effective at what we do. I'm really not bragging, just trying to point out what is different about us/me....     Unlike most real estate companies, we are not one that takes every listing of... 01/01/2007

The newest 'meme' challenge is to name 5 reasons why your hometown is a great place to live and to buy a house. There are so many reasons for Knoxville it's going to be tough limiting them to just 5 but that's the format so without further ado:You get a lot of house for your dollar in Knoxville. Our 3rd quarter 2006 median price for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, resale home was $149,900 compared to the national median of $211,000.Diverse economy translates to a stable economy with historically low unemployment and slow but steady home price appreciation; ours has averaged 3-5% annually for the past 15 years.Culturally diverse population increases knowledge and understanding of the shrinking globe (plus we have lots of great ethnic restaurants) ;-) University of Tennessee & nearby Oak Ridge Natio... 01/01/2007

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Search Engine AwarenessSearch Engine Optimization (SEO)is the subject of many a question and many a blog entry on ActiveRain. Let's face it though, most of us are here to use the ActiveRain platform as an easy solution for gaining some always-needed marketing exposure in our own towns. Here are some easy techniques anyone can use to get the most from your ActiveRain blog without having to understand how all the SEO stuff works.A Very Short Intro:The best description of good SEO that I have heard to date is "We are obsessive observers". Good SEO practioners are constantly watching what works and what used to work but now doesn't. The search engines are continually changing and websites must adjust to the changes or risk losing ground with regards to their s... 01/01/2007

Beautiful 4bed,3ba,2CG w/ 3069 SF under A/C. REMARKS:ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME AND THEN SOME!BEAUTIFUL LAKE WIDE VIEW, FORMAL DINNING ROOM, GOURMET KITCHEN W/MAPLE WOOD 42" KIT CABS,MARBLE FLRS THRU-OUT,CROWN MOLDING TREY CEILINGS IN FOYER,SEP WASH/DRYER ARE.SPLIT PLAN, MASTER BED OVERLOOKS LAKE.OFFERED @ $690,000.For additional information please contact Scott Daniels @ 954-275-0200.Visit our web site @ http://www.browardbesthomes.com/  01/01/2007

Well, here it is another New Year. Seems like the years just fly by any more. I have never started a year with the mix of emotions I am starting this one. I am anxious about this year because I feel like I may have finally found a job I really like, one that may be very financially rewarding. I am a little bit confused because I have a second job that is awesome and may have been where I should have put my Food Service abilities a long time ago. This place rocks and has the positions and money to make a decent wage for someone with my talents. I am content with the life I have outside of work unlike I have ever been before. My marriage is strong and healthy, it is probably in a place of satisfaction I have never felt from an emotional standpoint. It is not perfect but it is everything a... 01/01/2007

Because of the rain in Philadelphia today, the 2007 Mummers New Year's Day Parade will be postponed until January 6 (Saturday), starting at 9am.   Go to Mummers.com for updated schedule and additional information.The indoor Fancy Brigades show in the Convention Center will go on today January 1 (12 and 5 PM shows).See also TV 17 for broadcast information. Visit my web site for additional real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com    Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved.  01/01/2007

Several months ago  Scott Daniels wrote about the "The Housing market slowly picking up" http://activerain.com/blogsview/23017/Housing-market-slowly-pickingThe National Association of Realtors reported that sales of existing homes edged up 0.6 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.28 million units, after a 0.5 percent rise in sales in October. It marked the first back-to-back increases in sales of existing homes since the spring of 2005 and followed news Wednesday that sales of new homes rose 3.4 percent last month.The better-than-expected showing for both new and existing home sales could be signaling that this year's severe slide in housing is starting to bottomed out.Again, this is only our professional obeservation,yet, based on other members opinions, the tr... 01/01/2007

Resolutions... whether we want to admit it or not, we all make them, some of us just don't realize we do.  How can anyone not have renewed enthusiasm, hope and/or energy for the upcoming year?This New Year's day has a bit of a different flavour for me.  I would normally put loosing baby fat I acquired years ago after having kids on the top of my list, but this year I feel this overwhelming need to take control and get organized.  I know, for a professional home stager I should already be organized and for the most part I am.   I like many other professionals spend energy applying talents to clients' homes and not my own.  I'm the type that gets excited over organizing products and ideas but the challenge to overcome in 2007 is to put a little more focus on my own home organization and i... 01/01/2007

Here are ten reasons why I believe the Greater Rocky Mount, NC real estate market will slightly improve and remain a solid buyers market in 2007:1. The local economy is improving at a sustainable pace.2. We still enjoy historically low interest rates.3. Housing market reports indicate that Rocky Mount is currently undervalued.4. Plenty of available inventory in all price ranges.5. Rocky Mount is still affordable by all standards.6. Northern and Southern buyers are flocking to North Carolina.7. Investment opportunities abound.8. A great local climate.9. The local culture is phenomenal.10. Rocky Mount is centrally located between New York and Florida.I look forward assisting buyers and sellers in the Greater Rocky Mount, NC market. 01/01/2007

Here are ten reasons why I believe the Greater Rocky Mount, NC real estate market will slightly improve and remain a solid buyers market in 2007:1. The local economy is improving at a sustainable pace.2. We still enjoy historically low interest rates.3. Housing market reports indicate that Rocky Mount is currently undervalued.4. Plenty of available inventory in all price ranges.5. Rocky Mount is still affordable by all standards.6. Northern and Southern buyers are flocking to North Carolina.7. Investment opportunities abound.8. A great local climate.9. The local culture is phenomenal.10. Rocky Mount is centrally located between New York and Florida.I look forward assisting buyers and sellers in the Greater Rocky Mount, NC market. 01/01/2007

Here are ten reasons why I believe the Greater Rocky Mount, NC real estate market will slightly improve and remain a solid buyers market in 2007:1. The local economy is improving at a sustainable pace.2. We still enjoy historically low interest rates.3. Housing market reports indicate that Rocky Mount is currently undervalued.4. Plenty of available inventory in all price ranges.5. Rocky Mount is still affordable by all standards.6. Northern and Southern buyers are flocking to North Carolina.7. Investment opportunities abound.8. A great local climate.9. The local culture is phenomenal.10. Rocky Mount is centrally located between New York and Florida.I look forward assisting buyers and sellers in the Greater Rocky Mount, NC market. 01/01/2007

The Center for Responsible Lending released two studies in 2006 that are, in my opinion, important reference sources for every real estate professional.Unfair Lending: The Effect of Race and Ethnicity on the Price of Subprime Mortgages Released in May, 2006, the study revealed a pricing disparity in the sub-prime lending market targeting  borrowers with a racial and ethnic bias. The report suggests the difference in pricing is at least partially driven by the yield spread premium (YSP). Losing Ground: Foreclosures in the Subprime Market and Their Cost to Homeowners I haven't had a chance to entirely read this recent study (December 2006), but I have picked up on a number of startling bullet-points: 2.2 million sub-prime home loans made in recent years have failed or will fail; Foreclosu... 01/01/2007

Hello all,Happy New Year! I just signed on yesterday for the first time so I guess I can say I registered last year. :-) Okay, just to get this straight in my mind you guys: 1. Talk to each other, give each other tips and information about the Real Estate industry. 2. You post blogs to the general public, which if you put your link back to your website may increase traffic on your site?  So does this mean that the subject of your blog can be pulled up by someone (public) asking for some keywords in your area?? I guess I need more information on how to use this format to attract more business to my site?  How does the general public get to our public blogs?  I am sure I must sound really stupid.  I have a pretty active website now and get a lot of my business from it but am always trying... 01/01/2007

Hello all,Happy New Year! I just signed on yesterday for the first time so I guess I can say I registered last year. :-) Okay, just to get this straight in my mind you guys: 1. Talk to each other, give each other tips and information about the Real Estate industry. 2. You post blogs to the general public, which if you put your link back to your website may increase traffic on your site?  So does this mean that the subject of your blog can be pulled up by someone (public) asking for some keywords in your area?? I guess I need more information on how to use this format to attract more business to my site?  How does the general public get to our public blogs?  I am sure I must sound really stupid.  I have a pretty active website now and get a lot of my business from it but am always trying... 01/01/2007

HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS               Many homeowners launch home improvement projects with the primary objective of increasing the value of the property. While upgrades and remodeling can add significant resale value to a home, there is a line that can be crossed. Building a large addition to a house or making it twice as big as other homes in the neighborhood could be counter-productive.  It pays to make improvements or additions consistent with other nearby homes. Luxury features such as a spa or tennis court will probably cost more than they increase the home's value with swimming pools being the least lucrative. Structural repairs, such as fixing cracked foundations, rewiring, replacing the roof or plumbing will cost more than can be recouped when the home is sold.              M... 01/01/2007