December 2009

Is a 31 Percent Failure Rate Acceptable?

Monday, December 28th, 2009 at 1:25pm. 299 Views, 0 Comments.

“Incompetents invariably make trouble for people other than themselves.”
Larry McMurtry

Did you see the news?  Yesterday’s New York Times carried an article detailing the results of recent federal mandated licensing exams for loan officers around the country.  The results thus far are anything but encouraging.  According the Times article,  ”31 percent of the roughly 10,000 people who took the national test from July 30 to Nov 30 failed it, and about 27 percent did not pass the state-specific component.” 

While there are those (you can trust that the dissenters aren’t those depending on the expertise of their lender) who question the industry’s testing, many others appreciate the attempt at accountability.  Is it odd to expect those who provide you a…

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What’s In Your Stocking?

Thursday, December 24th, 2009 at 1:08pm. 124 Views, 0 Comments.

Well, Christmas is finally here.  On this Eve of what many consider our most celebrated, and certainly costliest holiday, what are you hoping to find in your stocking, or under your Christmas tree?  According an associate of mine, for men at least, they’re looking for something electronic.  She informed that men always seem to want the latest electronic gadget.  Women, according to her, are much more practical.  Hmmmm, interesting. 

So, what is your latest Christmas wish?  Somehow, I doubt that it’s A Christmas Story’s Red Ryder BB gun.  But, who doesn’t look forward to opening what’s under the tree?  For many, Christmas is a time of celebration and renewal.  Both, spiritual and personal.  A wonderful opportunity for family to get back in touch with one…

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Let It Snow

Sunday, December 20th, 2009 at 7:43am. 120 Views, 0 Comments.

Yes, if you haven’t heard yet, we’re snowed under!  As you can see, the front yard is blanketed in almost two feet of snow, and the Northern Virginia area is struggling with a bit more of the stuff than they were ready for.  Outside my front door this morning, it looked like this.

And, as I’ve said previously in this blog, when there’s any show on the ground in Northern Virginia, driving on our roads is akin to bumper cars lite!  While that might be a bit of an exaggeration, it’s not far off.  From what the local weather channel says, yesterday’s snowfall surpassed the record level that occurred in 1932.

Of course, for many of us, being house bound isn’t something we’re used to.  Most Realtors, after all, are out with clients on the weekends.  So, the…

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Can You Separate Fact From Fiction?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 4:07pm. 166 Views, 0 Comments.

As I was skimming this morning’s New York Times headlines, when a piece on “Mega Content” sites caught my eye.  The article’s emphasis centered on the the quality, or lack thereof, of ”Content Sites” like Answers.com  The bottom line is, that while these sites are rich with content, and are quickly attracting viewers, maybe we need to consider what the quality of the material found there is?  In other words, there’s mounds of information, but is it any good?  Is it worthwhile?  Is it TRUE?

During the past year or so, I’ve had the opportunity to teach a reoccurring Real Estate Technology class.  The class briefly reviews the shift we’ve seen in the methods, tools and practices in our profession during the past few years, and examines how Realtors, by…

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Please Read the Real Estate Fine Print

Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 6:35pm. 84 Views, 0 Comments.

”IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS”

Unknown

This morning’s Boston Globe ran a story of a real estate investment venture gone bad.  Sound familiar?

In this case, a young Virginia Beach couple, among others, were sold “a bill of goods”, left high and dry, broke, and are facing a lengthy legal battle to simply try and reclaim their good name.   If there ever was a real estate swindle that exemplifies the worst aspects of the buying and selling of real estate, for profit or not, it’s this one.  It has all the necessary elements:

1.  The Promise of Easy Money

2.  The Smooth Talker

3.  Fraudulent Loans

4.  Fabricated Appraisal Figures

5.  A Gross Lack of Due Diligence

This is but one of the many tragedies left as a result…

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Fredericksburg’s First Snow

Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 8:27am. 91 Views, 0 Comments.

Well, we knew it was coming sooner or later.  Yesterday was our area’s first Winter’s first snow.  According to the Weather Channel, we’re due for a bit more over the next 24-48 hours.  And, as most of us that live here know, the roads in Northern Virginia aren’t the friendliest in good weather.  Can you imagine the craziness with snow and ice on the roadways?  It isn’t pretty!

What about you?  Any snow in your part of the country?  If not, how are the temperatures?  Years ago, while stationed in Tucson, we spent Thanksgiving evening on the community swimming pool.  That was….different, and enjoyable.

There’s certainly the Christmas spirit in the air.  And, the snow helps complete the holiday setting.  In the days leading to this special time of…

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Are The 5 W’s Important in Real Estate?

Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 1:47pm. 86 Views, 0 Comments.

We’ve seen lots written about the latest “du jour” method of communication, advertising…..and marketing.  It’s called Social Media.  If you aren’t there yet, they say you should be, and ultimately, will be.  I know, sometimes we just don’t have much choice. 

Most of us have realized, usually through trial and error, that success depends a great deal upon building a firm foundation to begin with.  And, in Social Media, it’s no different.  It begins by understanding who you audience is and what they want.   In Social Media “speak”, it starts with the 5 W’s.

1.   WHO

Who is saying things about your products and service?

2.  WHAT

What are they saying about you and the product you provide?  Is it good?  Bad?

3.  WHEN

When are they talking about you? …

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