Archives of real estate blog entries for November 01, 2015

Featured blog posts


What I Learned This Week At ActiveRain-November 1 to November 7, 2015 I learn something new every day at ActiveRain!  With this series I try to highlight one post per day that gave me that “lightbulb” moment.  It could be something techie, something about Real Estate, about a place or person!  Or it could be a post that made me sit up and take notice! November 1: Toni Weidman   How to Know If You Are a Pluviophile.I had never heard of this but after reading Toni’s post I discovered that I am. Are you? November 2: Jay Markanich The Sellers Said They Don't Use the Dishwasher and I Believe Them.Oh the stories that Home Inspectors have! This is one for the books!  November 3: Nina Hollander Donate Leftover Halloween Candy to Our Troops via Operation GratitudeFor those out there hiding your...
Comments 51
By Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Bristow, VA
(Long and Foster Real Estate)
Updating Photos with Fall Color to Evoke EmotionsWe all know that home buying is a very emotional decision.  And there is nothing that evokes emotions like the brilliant colors of the fall season.  When you see a tree adorned in bright orange leaves, you can almost smell the turkey and pumpkin pie of Thanksgiving.  Sure beautiful blue skies and green trees are lovely to photograph, but there is something special about the blue gray skies of falls and the warm palette of colors displayed in the trees.Here are some examples of the difference a month made in some of the shots I replaced with fall color yesterday on single family home listing.                                        Our job as Listing Agents is not to take one set of photos and call it done.  Our job is to keep a listing fre...
Comments 36
By Bill Primavera
(William Raveis Real Estate)
I’ll confess that I’ve always been a country boy at heart, having been reared in the Tidewater area of Virginia where, as a boy, I spent most of my time outside and barefoot at that. So, it was a real transition for me when I went to college and lived in a third floor dorm room and couldn’t just swing open the door and feel the lush softness of grass under my feet. Now as I contemplate a transition from a single family residence with a yard to a top-floor condominium in a five story building, I have one particular concern: how would I adjust to living without my own outdoor property? I began my adult life in a series of apartments and townhouses in New York City and Boston, so at least I was not completely new to the notion of my home being “in” a building, but the decades of living on ...
Comments 12
By 1~Judi Barrett, BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK
(Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745)
Honesty and Disclosure a MUST When a Buyer and a Seller reach agreement on the Sale/Purchase of a piece of Real Estate and the execution of that sale involves any other parties, examples being real estate agents, lenders, gifters, then Honesty and Disclosure about that agreement are a must.  The Settlement Statement MUST reflect any monetary/value details of the agreement. If the Seller is giving the Buyer a $5000 update allowance at closing, that allowance MUST be reflected on the settlement statement.  That update allowance, in effect, reduces the sales price of the property by $5000 even though the contract price is for a higher amount.  The update allowance is usually just deducted from the amount the Seller receives and it reduces the amount that the Buyer brings to the table.  Do ...
Comments 54
By Ron Barnes, "Most agents claim they're #1 - I THINK YOU'RE #1!
(Associate Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties)
Between real estate law and the code of ethics, it’s very easy to step out of your comfort zone. Does anyone remember the part about putting your client’s best interest above your own? How about the part on staying within your field of expertise? If you do single family residential homes as your main service, are you even qualified to do large tracts of land? What about a multiunit apartment? What about a warehouse or big box anchor shopping center? Many people think land would be easy. After all, it’s just lying there, right? How tough is that? Do you understand mineral rights? Can you accurately interpret a long form property description? Do you walk the lines looking for potential encroachments and marking property boundaries? It’s very easy to arrange the sale of the wrong property,...
Comments 81
By Tina Parker, Managing Associate Broker
(EXP Realty Canada Inc.)
Maximizing your opportunity to “Wow” potential buyers is what home staging is all about.  It is to make your home be more appealing than others they will be comparing yours to. The number of square feet is not usually something you can control but you can give the impression that less can feel like more. Here are 10 secrets to achieve this: I have a four foot rule. Anything above 4 feet from the floor will contribute to closing in the room so minimize displays on the wall. Anything hanging on the wall should have a purpose and be light in colour. The four foot rule also applies to large pieces of furniture, especially upon entering into a room. If you must have a heavy (in colour) piece of furniture taller than four feet, especially in a small room, keep it to the far side of entering t...
Comments 17

Blog posts


By Malendaz Coleman, FLAT FEE MLS LISTING SERVICES - LIST LOW AS $69.00
(FLAT MLS LISTING SERVICES )
Many for sale by owners are looking for ways to sell their home faster. Selling real estate is more difficult to sell in some area's across the country. However it is true that there are certain fundamental concepts that are fairly simple when trying to sell your FSBO sold faster.Here are a few tips that should get you started in the right direction: Decluttering Freshly paint rooms Professionally clean carpets and/or floors Complete any neglected repairs Replace outdated light fixtures Make sure your home has good curb appeal Know matter what you choose on doing to sell your home, house, condo, apartment. You should always know your area and what other homes are selling for in comparison to your property you are looking to sell. It's always best to consult a real estate professional in...
Comments 1
By Christine Donovan, Broker/Attorney 714-319-9751 DRE01267479 - Costa M
(Donovan Blatt Realty)
4 Bedroom Ladera Ranch Home for Sale - Open House Sun. 11-1-15 This lovely Oak Knoll Village 4 bedroom home has a highly remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. Built ins were added during the remodel, and a wall was removed to create a more open floor plan. Come see this gorgeous kitchen. The master suite has a large master bathroom with separate tub and shower, a walk in closet with built ins and a balcony overlooking the greenbelt. The backyard overlooks a greenbelt and many trees. Each of the secondary bedrooms is generously sized. The Ladera's Cox Sports Park is nearby. The home is also located near a playground and not far from the Oak Knoll Village Clubhouse. In addition to this home, enjoy the incredible Ladera Ranch lifestyle ...
Comments 2
By Jeana Cowie, Broker Associate, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES
(RE/MAX Real Estate Limited)
Haworth open house Sunday, November 1, 2015 from 1-4 440 Lake Shore Drive, Haworth, NJ 07641 Directions: Maple St/Left on Lake Shore (Quiet section of Lake Shore) A  Magnificent custom built Haworth home for sale listing proudly presented by Jeana Cowie This Haworth home for sale is offered at $1,069,000   Custom Built All Brick Haworth home for sale is a masterpiece overlooking the woods!! Gorgeous MEIK with cherry cabinets, granite counters, sub zero ref & much more 2 story Great Room with walls of windows overlooking the woods Master Bedroom  suite with wooded view Master Bathroom with jetted tub & separate shower stall, 2 sinks & much more Full walls of doors & windows overlook the woods Back of home with paver walks &  patio   Gorgeous Haworth wooded yard PREPARE TO BE AMAZED! AN ...
Comments 2
By Angela St. John, REALTOR Classic , Properties ~ Gainesville, FL Re
(Classic Properties)
I received a recommendation letter from one of my listing customers for a home I sold in Gainesville, FL several months ago in the Capri subdivision in NW Gainesville.When selecting a Realtor, ask them if they have any recommendations in writing from previous customers.  This will give you an indication of character to supplement what the Realtor is telling you they can do for you to market your property.  How available will your Realtor be to communicate with you once they have taken your listing?  References may also be requested of Realtors when working with a buyer.Note: The letter below contains my maiden name.  I have redacted the seller's names for privacy but do have a copy of their signed letter for face-to-face listing presentations.  I am writing to comment on the level of se...
Comments 2
By Nina Hollander, Broker, Your Greater Charlotte Realtor
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
October 2015 showed a continued solid performance for home sales in the Ballantyne area of Charlotte (28277 zip code) as the fall selling season began in earnest. The average sale price of Ballantyne area homes increased by 5.1% to just under $332,000 as compared with  the  same period one year ago.   Median days on market for property listings dropped to 18 days from 33 days just one year ago--a 45.5% improvement over the same period last year. Average days on market also dropped by 18.9% in October 2015.   Average price per square foot also increased by 5.0% to $125/square foot in October 2015 versus the same period in 2014. Pending sales were up 14.1% in October versus the same period last year, while October's closed sales were up 8.5%. The median percent of original list price that...
Comments 12
By Valorie L. Easter, Valorie Easter & Co, Charlottesville/Albemarle Rea
(eXp Realty)
William Merideth decided that a drone flying over his property had no right to be there and took a rather decisive and aggressive action, he shot it down! Although the police arrested him for firing a weapon within city limits trial judge Rebecca Ward dismissed all charges against Mr. Merideth and he left court a free man.  Mr. Merideth stated that he felt the drone was spying on his family and was flying below the tree line but the owner/operator of the drone said this was not true. According to Judge Ward however there were two additional witnesses that agreed with Mr. Merideth’s testimony and in her words, “He had a right to shoot at this drone, and I’m going to dismiss this charge”.   Legally speaking, I find this to be a very interesting situation. Although Kentucky law clearly st...
Comments 3
By Terry Bishop, Earning Your Trust and Confidence...
(Terry Bishop Realty LLC)
Tucson  has many benefits other parts of the country don't enjoy...warmth, sun, an environment for outdoor activities including golf, hiking, camping, or just wandering around. But especially on this morning, I am so grateful we do not change the clocks!I never knew if we had to go forwards or backwards despite that ditty many of us learned, fall forward, spring back. I remember one Sunday I showed up for the Sunday School class I was teaching an hour early. That was painful, I hung around waiting, thinking "oh, I could be in bed!"When I was a teenager, I had an 11 pm curfew when staying at my Grandmother's. I was invited to a dance by a young man whom I thought was an Adonis, and I came home an hour later. My poor Grandmother was frantic, but I just flippantly said, "Well it's really 1...
Comments 2
By Debra B Albert, PA - Keyes Realty, Ron and Debbie 772.708.3292
(Keyes Realty Treasure Coast, 34986)
                         How To Sell Your Home For More Money In Less Time This is the first question that we get asked first by nearly all of the sellers we work with.  And, it is why we created this web site.  This site was designed as a consumer service to help Buyers and Sellers make informed real estate decisions.  For Sellers, you'll find several special reports filled with the insider information that you need to sell your home fast and for top dollar such as:How To Pass Your Home Inspection27 Tips To Sell Your Home Fast and For Top DollarWhich of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make When You Sell Your Home?How Long Will It Take To Sell Your Home?These insider reports are provided to you as a FREE No-Obligation Service.  We truly hope that you find these reports, inform...
Comments 2
By Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD, REALTORS® in Clark County, WA
(ViewHomes™- by eXp Realty )
An Ode to November 2015 Several years ago, 2011 to be exact, I was feeling creative on the 1st day of November.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to revisit this old post again.  The holiday season makes me nearly giddy. The warmth of decorations add to the magic moments spent with family and friends. Leaves are strewn about our yard after a rainy windstorm, and it looks perfectly fall-like this morning. Hope you're having a great start to this new month and are also looking forward to the holiday season.   Happy Sunday.  Ode to November It’s time to gather pumpkins and ready them for pie.
 All Hallow's Eve, again we say good bye.  
Hang up the costumes and clear away the webs,company will be here soon, so freshen up the beds. We’ll gather round that table fine and sup on favorite food,Whilst...
Comments 13
By Susan Morrison
(RE/MAX Executive Realty)
Contemporary Home For Sale OverviewMapsPhotosFeaturesDescriptionMarket Stats $525,000 Single Family Home Main Features 3 Bedrooms3 Bathrooms1 Half BathroomInterior: 3,000 sqftLot: 26,136 sqftYear Built: 1984MLS #: 71924139 Location 38 Briarcliff LaneHolliston, MA 01746USA Susan M Morrison (617) 686-8178[email protected]/* */http://www.saysusansaysold.com    Listed by: Susan Morrison Our recent listings Contemporary Home For SaleWater View Franklin Single FamilyBeautiful New Construction Single FamilyMulti-Family Franklin Home For SaleOne-of-a-Kind Single Family Home Subscribe to our listing feed Nearby properties for sale
Comments 1
By Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400, Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome
( HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400)
 Candy Corn And The Day After Halloween This Post Is Not Too Deep. After reading a post this morning...I thought this little nothing post was in order for the day after Halloween.I am very curious to know how many people knew how and why this is called candy corn. Who made the time to assemble this?Have you tried it?Again this is not about real estate! And....This Post Is Not Too Deep! Candy Corn And The Day After Halloween  
Comments 22
By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!, St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent
(Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374)
Meet the new clients!  This cute tourist couple came for a visit and fell in love with the southern Utah area. The sunny days, palms trees, towering red rock and sandstone bluffs, hiking and biking trails helped spurn their decision. Coming from northern cold country, the mild winter weather in St. George ensures their nether regions will be frost-free from this point on. Now THAT is something worth moving for! Happy Sunday all!
Comments 7
By Brian Sharkey, SharkeyRE
(SharkeyRE LLC)
$250,000, 3Bd/2Ba Single Family House, 1859 sqft.    Brian Sharkey | SharkeyRE LLC | 772-204-9965admin@sharkeyre.com | 10459 SW Southgate Ct, Pt Saint Lucie, FL 34987 10459 SW Southgate Court Port St Lucie, FL 34987 3Bd/2Ba Single Family House   $250,000 Year Built 2006 Sq Footage 1859 sqft. Bedrooms 3 Beds Bathrooms 2 Baths Floors 1 Parking 2 Garage Laundry In Unit Lot Size 6098 Square Feet HOA/Maint $263 Website www.sharkeyre.com... DESCRIPTION Nestled in the North East Cul-du-sac of Heritage Oaks in Tradition, this White Hall model, built in 2006, is the biggest home built by Kennedy Homes. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, family room, dining area, eat in kitchen with breakfast counter, laundry room and a two car garage. In addition to the spacious 1,859 sq...
Comments 7
By Edward & Celia Maddox, EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD
(The Celtic Connection Realty)
Great Article on ARMLS blog:Contrary to your teenager’s snotty friend, the library still exists and maintains a stronghold in U.S. neighborhoods. In fact, a PEW research poll found that 94% of Americans say that having a public library improves the quality of life in a community. And if you’re a real estate agent, the public library could also improve the quality of your career. Here in the Valley, our libraries offer unique and cutting edge products and services that are relatively unknown. Here are just a few of the ways the library can work for you.1. Information information information Rent everything from open house ambiance music to The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. The online search tool lets you find and reserve an item so that it’s waiting at your preferred location when you a...
Comments 3
By Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty, 601-991-2900 Office; 601-278-4513 Cell
(Front Gate Real Estate)
Halloween 2015 is now in the history books, and it was an enjoyable one, both in reality and on-line with my ActiveRain friends. It was fun reading the posts from fellow bloggers about how you celebrate the season.Since the weather man predicted a deluge of rain on Halloween, most cities and neighboring subdivisions in my region declared Halloween would instead be observed on Friday, in hopes of avoiding the rain.It was a good call. Thousands came out in droves to Liberty Park in Flowood and local subdivisions to Trick-or-Treat. There were old-fashioned hayrides, and golf carts, and wagons, and people on foot going door to door.I feel fortunate that my youngest granddaughter was able to spend the evening with me so we could visit the neighborhood Haunted House and gather candy. She held...
Comments 18
By Valorie L. Easter, Valorie Easter & Co, Charlottesville/Albemarle Rea
(eXp Realty)
When I saw this news report on the internet I was shocked, truly shocked. If you are like me than you thought that the bubonic plague had disappeared a long time ago but this simply isn’t the case. Here in the U.S. there have been 1,006 confirmed cases of the plague between 1900 and 2012 and 5 out of 6 of them were of the bubonic type. (Bubonic is named for the characteristic feature of buboes (painfully enlarged lymph nodes) in the groin, armpits, neck, and elsewhere.)  If you remember your history than you remember the plague known as the “black death” that killed 60% of the entire population of Europe during the Middle ages. The disease was carried by rats but spread to people that were bitten by fleas that contracted it from those rats. Well, this is still true today and flea bites...
Comments 2
By Jack Lara, "Jack Lara...Your Real Estate Advisor"
(Main Street Properties)
 Northwest Florida 50+ Acre Estate The Tildon Estate was designed as a multi-generational estate but could also be used as a bed and breakfast, winery, main home with a large guest house, vacation home, or a host property for weddings or other special events.Nine Bedrooms, Nine Full Baths & Two Half Baths This multi-generational family compound is cloaked by the privacy of the seventy-three acre estate. The crown jewel is the three story main home which boasts nearly 7,000 square feet of living area with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, plus two half-baths, and two kitchens. It has a commanding view of the five acre spring fed pond. A grand entrance leads into a truly unique foyer that flows into the gathering and kitchen areas. The 1,100 square foot master suite is a place of relaxation ...
Comments 1
By Norma Toering Broker for Palos Verdes and Beach Cities, Palos Verdes Luxury Homes in L.A.
(Charlemagne International Properties)
Condos and townhomes are available in some neighborhoods of Palos Verdes, particularly around the commercial centers. Some are built in areas with amazing views of the coast or the city of Los Angeles, others provide amenities such as pools and tennis courts.We also have this luxury, remodeled 2/2 condo in Rancho Palos Verdes listed for sale.  It is located on the southern coast over looking the Trump National golf course and Pacific Ocean.Palos Verdes Estates has a limited number of condo/townhome developments around the Lunada Bay plaza and Malaga Cove plaza. Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes both have some larger condo complexes that were built when the land was still county operated and quite a few neighborhoods of townhomes. Rolling Hills does not have condos or townhom...
Comments 0
By Charles Buell, Seattle Home Inspector
(Charles Buell Inspections Inc.)
 I find the tenacity of vegetation amazing.Just the tiniest crack where dirt and moisture can be contained and/or found will result in an opportunity for some plant to thrive---or at least attempt to thrive. I am sure there are metaphors that apply to humans as well.At a recent inspection I found a tree that was not about to be deterred by a chain link fence.The tree, when it was small, grew through the fence and then just kept on growing as if the fence was not there at all.The tree has now completely swallowed up the fence but the pattern of the fence is still visible as a testament to the tenacity of the tree---not unlike the scars we accumulate in our lives as we growth through our own metaphorical fences.It is interesting that neither the fence nor the tree can be removed but what ...
Comments 11
By Dan Dee McGinnis The Pumpkin Man, The Pumpkin Man
And I am not talking about HalloweenPeople in sales, especially real estate agents: One of the least expensive items, and most intelligent things you can do, is change your picture on your business card every two years minimum. This way you gradually change and people who see you regularly never notice you are getting older.Time is something you can use, or it will use you. And as we age there is nothing you can do about it. Except maybe learn to enjoy every day more than the last one, become more educated every year, read more books every month.There have been a couple of times I was scared to death! I was not sure what to say, the person talked like we knew each other, acted like we were close but I was trying to figure out who was I with face to face, I had never seen this person bef...
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