SHORT SALE ALPHABET SOUP As a Realtor that takes pride in personal development, I find it important to continually get educated. I have recently taken a number of very comprehensive courses related to Short Sales and I find my head spinning with all of the various acronyms and other abbreviations. Consumers are hearing about HAMP, HAFA, FNMA(fannie mae), FDMC(freddie mac), REO, Prom Note, etc. Continue Reading
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Step Up To The Plate
I confess that I did something very bold. I do not know what possessed me to dig myself out of my safe and very innocuous shell and let the cyber world know my inner feelings. Was it a moment of weakness, coupled with a smatter of poor judgment that resulted in this self-revelation, leaving me vulnerable to the world. Or was it a level of frustration that finally spilled over my inner walls of Continue Reading
July Market Conditions – Selling Market?
While pricing remains stable, inventories have grown since the removal of the federal tax credit. We are stil selling to those that were not eligible to those that were not eligible for the tax credit but the demand has decreased. Short sales are dominating our selling market. More buyers are willing to wait the extended periods it takes to close for those selling. Investors are still seeking Continue Reading
The American Dream
Dreams, we all have them. Some we remember, most we do not recall. Others awake us with vivid recollection, sometimes containing frightful thoughts. Some, if we are fortunate, stay with us throughout the day with pleasant thoughts that refresh and shape our attitude at least for the day. However, the dreams that can affect us most are those that do not come to us in a night’s sleep. They are Continue Reading
June Market Conditions
While inventory remains tight and low, lenders and appraisers are keeping prices low as well. Activity is still strong. Inventory levels indicate a seller's market but pricing continues to favor buyers. Continue Reading
The Forecast is for Rain
As I write the May Newsletter, I am sitting here at my office desk, looking out the spacious window that views a flowering plum tree and a multitude of blossoming shrubs and trees whose names have long escaped me. I am quite fortunate to have an office that allows me to keep in touch with the beauty of the outdoor landscape. This view has inspired me on many an occasion. Today the sun is shining Continue Reading
2009 Was A Productive & Successful Year For Blankfeld Group!
Congratulations to our partners and staff for a success for 2009 - 47 in the entire United States in Residential Units and Chairman Circle - Platinum for Sales Volume! Thanks to everyone who made 2009 such a productive year at the Blankfeld Group of Prudential Americana Group, REALTORS! 2009 PREA Top 100 2009 Chairman's Circle - Platinum Continue Reading
The Contingency Tales
The meaning of the word "contingent" with regard to a real estate sale has changed dramatically over the years. Originally, when I first started selling real estate the term "contingent" was used when the house was sold "contingent on the buyer selling his existing home". These buyers could be "bumped" from the transaction by a buyer without a home to sell. There was usually a "first right of Continue Reading
Modern Conveniences May Not Be So Convenient
In real estate, we have come to rely on our computers and our cell phones to facilitate our business and respond quickly to our buyers and sellers. Sometimes, they let us down and we are lost!! Last week, an agent wanted to show one of my listings without a lockbox. It is in a highrise so we need gate clearance and access through the concierge to lead the agent to the right elevator. The agent Continue Reading
Whose Fault Is It Anyway?
A lovely older couple from New York purchased a small condo last year in Las Vegas, hoping to make it their retirement home in a few years. Meanwhile, they thought they would rent out the unit in Desert Shores to cover the costs. They found a nice single man to be their tenant. Prior to the purchase, they were told by their agent about the association fees. There are two associations- the Continue Reading