Reliberation | Real Estate Blog | Industry Discussion

Raffles Residences Commence Pre-construction Sales

Vatics Real Estate Network — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:02:00 GMT

MANILA - June 10, 2008 - Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), announces the commencement of sales for a limited release of the 220 Raffles Residences that will occupy the top 20 stories of the Raffles Hotel which is currently under construction. The design of the stunning new high rise, which was unveiled at a press conference in Manila on June 5, will be on the corner of Makati Avenue and Arnaiz Avenue (formerly Pasay Road) in the heart of the Makati Business District. Raffles Manila is the third Raffles residential project to be developed by Kingdom Hotel Investments, with the announcement coming just after the May 2008 announcements of Raffles resort and residential developments in Seychelles and Vietnam.

Owners will have access to a private owners lounge in the building and will additionally have full access to all the hotel amenities including the Long Bar and the Mediterranean and Japanese restaurants which will be located on site. The masterplan development will also include an extensive spa on-site.

One, two and three bedroom residences will be offered with prices ranging from approximately US$225,000 - US$1 Million. The building will include two floors of Raffles spectacular penthouse apartments ranging in price from US$1 Million to US$2 Million.

Residents will enjoy enticing vistas of the Makati skyline, Manila Bay and the Laguna Bay as well as the country's tallest skyscrapers featuring business, shopping, entertainment and recreation facilities.

Sarmad Zok, Chief Executive Officer of Kingdom Hotel Investments, said: "Raffles Manila is a perfect example of our ability to create spectacular lodging and residential ownership opportunities in high growth markets which can support an enhanced level luxury. Complemented by the legendary service of Raffles, our distinctive building by architectural firm, Arquitectonica and sleek interiors by Bent Severin will make Raffles Manila's premier address."

The complex is expected to be completed by late 2010.

About Kingdom Hotel Investments

KHI, headquartered in Dubai (UAE), is the leading publicly listed hospitality real estate investment company focused on high growth emerging markets such as the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.

The company has ownership interests in 34 properties in 21 countries including 23 operating hotels and resorts and 11 hotels and resorts currently under construction or in the initial stages of development.

KHI is also an accomplished developer of branded residential projects, creating world class residences and private home ownership opportunities. The company is investing US$1.3 Billion in its projects, many of which will included branded residences.

KHI is listed on the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

About Raffles Hotels and Resorts

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a strategic partner of Kingdom Hotel Investments, is a collection of award-winning, landmark hotels that are distinguished by their signature residential charm. Each is located in destinations of extraordinary appeal. Raffles Hotels & Resorts currently operates eight hotels across Asia, Europe and the Americas and has 13 properties under development.

Raffles' relentless pursuit of service excellence has earned for its hotels and resorts a legion of internationa accolades, including Conde Nast "World's Best Places to Stay" and "Travel & Leisure World's Best Awards." Its flagship Raffles Hotel Singapore was voted Best Hotel in Asia in 2007 and 2008 by readers of Ultratravel magazine by The Daily while Raffles Beijing Hotel was named Best New City Hotel by Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report in 2006. Raffles Dubai, the latest addition to its portfolio, is recognized among the world's best new hotels by Conde Nast Traveler's 2008 Hot List, and was named Best New Hotel Development in the Middle East at the 2008 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference. Raffles Hotels & Resorts is consistently ranked among the world's top 10 hotel brands in the annual Conde Nast Traveler Business Travel Awards.

To learn more about Raffles Manila project, click here.

4th of July Wishes!

Team DiMuria — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Let us not forget to think a little bit today about all the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who are putting their lives on the line for their Country. You may or may not agree with the wars in both Countries...but please remember that the young men and women who are putting their lives on the line do it on order of our Commander in Chief.

Many years from now we will look back and with some perspective and decide with clear minds if the conflicts and wars we are now in helped make our Country safer or helped reduce the threat of terrorism...but today we need to honor those who despite their personal feelings go out every day and perform the tasks that our Country calls on them to do!

Today above all others we SALUTE OUR TROOPS!!!

Happy Fourth of July from the Enchanted Island (Puerto Rico USA.)

Palmas del Mar Real Estate/ Elder Lopez — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:43:00 GMT

Happy fourth of July to the P2 community. Don't let our dollars get invested in foreign countries, Invest them here, to impulse our local economy. We still are a great nation with "The America Dream". Lets stand together. I personally invite everyone to visit our beautiful enchanted Island. Sincerely, Elder Lopez Happy Fourth of July to our clients and friends of Palmas del mar MLS! CLICK BELOW TO VIEW A VIDEO www .123greetings.com/ eventsnew / ejul _ fourthjuly _celebrations/8265-003-46-1052. swf...(read more)

Internet based fax

Gary Morris — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:52:00 GMT

I know this has been discussed before, but I haven't seen any recent in depth discussions about it. I am considering doing away with all land lines in my home office and going strictly with cellular phone service. What internet based fax service do you use? If you care to mention them, what one(s) would you avoid and why?

I hope everyone is selling a lot and doing well. Thanks for your input and opinions.

FelonSpy (.) com = PURE HOAX

Gail MacMillan — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:08:00 GMT

Heads-up! This website is making the rounds (via email) and not a word of it is true. It gets people all riled up thinking there's very bad people living around them. I have no idea what the creators of these menaces hope to gain, but I'm sure it's not good. I received it yesterday and, of course, plugged in my address (minus the street number). Lo and behold the bad guys were everywhere. I was talking with the friend who sent it and she had a felon living on the golf course(?) So we checked Snopes.com...(read more)

Changes in Yahoo Ranking Algorithms??

Maria Pettis — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:50:00 GMT

I read on a message board recently that Yahoo had made some changes to it's ranking algorithms (whatever those are!). Several agents on that board mentioned that they had seen a drop in their ranking on Yahoo. I was on the top of page one of yahoo for certain key words for a long time and now I've dropped to the bottom of page two. I thought perhaps that it was because of several small changes I made to my home page, but now I'm wondering if it's due to this thing with yahoo instead.

Does anyone know anything about this and how I can improve my ranking again? I've seen a serious decline in my website traffic.

Thanks!

Where Are They Now?

Bill Thompson, REALTOR® — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 16:49:00 GMT

I was trying to contact some agents I had worked with previously. I actually wanted to refer a buyer I was not going to have time to work with because of a vacation I have planned. We are a 2 man office, my broker/uncle and I. My uncle did not want this client since he is extremely busy with other things. I thought, no problem, I’ll call an agent I was particularly impressed with from a previous deal back in December. I called her and she is no longer in real estate (allowed her license to expire). I was surprised, but then this same thing happened with the next 2 agents I called. I found a fourth agent that still has her license but has taken a fulltime job in another field. She did not want the buyer as a client because she is so busy with her new job she would not have time to show homes, etc. I finally referred the buyer to an agent that has a good reputation in our area, but I have never really had any dealings with her. She was happy to get the referral.

I know agents drop out of real estate all the time, but this experience surprised me just the same. The Dallas area has not been hit nearly as hard by this “bad real estate market”, but I wonder if some of these agents allowed all the negative national news to affect their decision about leaving real estate.

I guess this is good news for those of us staying in.

Charles Richey Needs Help

Jay & Francy Thompson REALTORS® — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 22:26:00 GMT

Hey folks, boy have I been remiss about posting on Relib!

I come here with sad news.

Charles Richey is in the ICU in a Vegas hospital with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

If you've been around Point2 for awhile, you may remember Charles and his wife Jacqui -- they had a wonderful Point2 site and Charles was very giving of information on the Point2 forums.

Now he needs some help. He's probably going to be OK, but days in the ICU are **expensive** and like many agents, they have no health insurance.

You can read more about Charles and his situation on my blog, which includes a link to make a donation.

I know times are rough for a lot of agents right now, but even a few dollars can really help...

I know this isn't really the kind of post that belongs on Relib, but I hope the mods can at least leave it up for a little while....

Please keep Charles and Jacqui in your thoughts and prayers.

Point2 and Ebay

Sagine Morgan — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:59:00 GMT

Each time I syndicate a listing, I think about using Ebay but always thought that $300 was kindda stiff....... Has anyone used Ebay to promote listing and has had success? What kind of properties would work best on this channel?

Sagine

Send your Buyers to Fox Run Preserve in Hendersonville NC

Sonny & Jennifer Iler — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:19:00 GMT

Just opened in Hendersonville NC is Fox Run Presrve at Champion Woods. This is a gated mountain community with 86 acres and only 44 home sites. There are 22 acres reserved for green space featuring walking trils, fishing pond, arbor park, sky view park with telescope, spring house park and large front lawn areas. Home sites provide some mountain views, wooded, gentle topography, elevations from 2500 ft to 2700 ft. Home site size averages an acre with several larger estate size sites from 2.3 acres to 3.3 acres.

Biltmore Farms Homes is constructing HealthyBuilt Energy Star Certified homes from $492,000 to $1,200,000. Biltmore Farms Homes has been in business since 1897 and their roots are traced to George Vanderbilt. There quality of construction is backed by a 2 year bumper to bumper warranty follwed by an 8 year structural warranty. Home price includes 10 hours of design consultation in the Biltmore Farms Homes Studio.

Please contact me to register your buyers and to obtain a referral agreement.

Earn It

Bill Thompson, REALTOR® — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:32:00 GMT

When does a REALTOR® earn his or her commission? Oh sure, I know the legal definition, but in the current market, it occurred to me the other day, that the time I REALLY earn my commission is that period of time right after the inspection and right up until closing.

Keeping the deal alive after the inspection, keeping an already apprehensive buyer motivated to close and a seller flexible enough to work with that buyer, that is where the real talent and experience come into play. I think almost any real estate agent could get a client to the contract stage, but after the inspector presents their report, that is when the “fun” begins!

Any thoughts? ;-)

Procuring Cause-let's rumble..

Mary Welch — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:21:00 GMT

I was looking through my ignored April 08 issue of Realtor magazine and came across this "Code of Ethics Fallacy" little article on pg 33. It says "Common misconceptions about NAR's Code of Ethics can lead to unnecessary disputes with fellow practitioners. Example: procuring cause.

Misunderstanding: Showing a property proves procuring cause and entitles you to a commission if your buyer purchases the home.

The REAL story: Procuring cause is a complex issue. You're telling me? Appendix II to Part 10 of the Code and Arbitration Manual gives a basic definition: "the uninterrupted series of casual events which results in the successful transaction."

Is "series" defined as maybe more than one casual event? It is clear the events need to be uninterupted.

I've seen this talked about off and on but never walked away with a very clear idea.

I know that some of you might have actually found a class on this? What are your thoughts. I have a specific scenario I could share, but think actually it would come down to mediation. Can't buyer agency be better nailed down?

Seat Belt - THEN Crash - Not V/V!

Candice A Donofrio — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:42:00 GMT

I closed a deal with some absolutely adorable first time buyers last month. A month ago, to be exact.

As is my offices SOP, I employ Docusign which is a wonderful program for electronc signatures. Those signatures are legal and acceptable in lieu of ink signatures 'in most cases' AND we ALWAYS ASK FIRST.

With HUD deals, for instance, they want ink siggies. No problema.

I was shocked and astounded when I received an email from title company day before yesterday. The loan processor FROM A DEAL THAT FUNDED AND CLOSED A MONTH AGO was on the phone shreiking that the contract had 'STAMPED SIGNATURES' on it. Where was she a month ago?

I had specifically asked my loan person if it was OK to use electronic signature when we executed the contract -- and she said she would talk with the loan processor. The loan person told me it was fine. However, apparently, the loan processor was asleep at the wheel.

And now she wants to make it others' fault.

I arranged for these sweet buyers - who did everything by the book - to make a special trip back into escrow and ink sign everything, so we could make the funders happy. They were accommodating, fortunately.

THEN, I got a nastygram from the loan processor about how I had no business submitting something 'STAMPED' and ordering me to correct it.

That loan processor will never be involved in any of my transactions again. And believe me, I will ask.

LOAN PEOPLE: We are not here to make your lives miserable. We want to work WITH you. We appreciate you.

But DO NOT ignore YOUR responsibilities, fail to manage our transactions timely -- and then make it OUR FAULT. That is petty and small. I can deal with anything but I refuse to deal with tiny. Tiny is beneath all of us.

And mortgage supervisors, you may wish to educate your staff about our industry and its STANDARDS which are now electronic.

I know, I am usually nicer than this. But there apparently are still some issues in our mortgage industry. And I won't mention any names. Except that I think this particular company which is nationwide, has closed up shop in many many many locations. Can you guess who it is? :)

Short Sales in Maryland real estate

Laura Roskelly — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:35:00 GMT

Oh, the new found power of the Short Sale. Just wondering if anyone else is having problems with these in their area. We've got lots of agents claiming to be short sale specialists. Once our clients get excited about a bargain home we're told it will be 30 days or more to get bank approval. Many of these homes end up withdrawing from the market and later show up on the foreclosure list. I know our Association of Realtors really frowns on practicing outside of your area of expertise. As a seasoned pro I've attended short sale classes and ended up feeling like I only knew enough to know this probably wasn't an area I needed to dabble in right now. I also was told the golden rule is to make contact with the bank in advance, lay out a sound financial statement for the sellers etc. Yet, I'm finding many of the agents representing these homes in our area don't even know who the lender is. How can that be???

I'm seeing agents attempt these short sales without a real understanding of how to handle it. That results in unhappy buyers and unhappy sellers who find out too late that even though they have a buyer in hand, the bank is not going to approve the deal and they are off to foreclosure.

What's more alarming is that most of these sales are SO far below market value ($50k or more) even on homes in good shape? I'm not understanding what the incentive is for an owner to pursue a short sale when they could just reduce the price below market value, get a quick sale, and not need bank approval. I'm not speculating on this I've actually seen cases where the Owner has equity at or just below market value and the house is still being sold at an even bigger discount via the short sale.

Anyone with insight is invited to "school" me if I'm missing something here :)

Oh yeah?...Well, my MLS can beat-up your MLS!

Phil Anderson — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:51:00 GMT

In the Portland metro area we are fortunate to have a very powerful MLS system. It can really make an agent shine when used to its full extent. One of my favorite features is the ability to set up automatic searches, "Prospecting Searches" , which notify me immediately by email when homes are listed meeting specific criteria I have designated. Over 100 different search criteria can be set, including minimum sizes for specific rooms (e.g., dining room with at least XXX square feet), compass orientation...(read more)

Trying to be creative to sell in a slow market.

Palmas del Mar Real Estate/ Elder Lopez — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:17:00 GMT

Can you please comment if you think prospect buyers will be interested in purchasing a second home with this conditions. A perfect system for Snow birds and baby boomers.The largest five start resort community of the Caribbean with two world class golf courses. Puerto Rico, USA. No passport needed for US citizen. I will paid 25% referral fee to any license broker. Fractional: TICs For Vacation Home or Condominium Vacation home co-ownership (sometimes also known as fractional ownership) is an arrangement...(read more)

WARNING: Malware - Trogan.Renos

Gail MacMillan — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 22:57:00 GMT

This morning I had the unpleasant experience of this malware. I'll describe it's behavior so you'll recognize it if it lands on your computer. It operates as a series of pop-up screens which mimic the look of Windows Security Center. I ran a virus scan but nothing showed up. Still something just didn't feel right so I compared the logos which were close, but not the same. There were 6 or 7 warning screens which eventually all lead to the pop-up requiring registration for the latest updated Windows...(read more)

Make an Investment in Your Association & Protect the American Dream!

Lori Bee — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:28:00 GMT

It makes a difference to your business! And in your home values & pocketbooks!

I just got back from the North Carolina Association of REALTORS(R) Legislative Days in Raleigh. It's a hard time of year to be away from your business, especially in this slow market. So you may wonder, "what's in it for me?"

A lot... and not just for the agents, but for you homeowners too !

Our association and industry not only has a slow down to contend with, but many political opponents, who would like nothing more than to reach in and take money out of our pocketbooks. Let me run down just a few of the issues at hand here in North Carolina...

#1 - Transfer Taxes - in spite of our awesome campaign last year to "Stop the Home Tax," the state law still remains on the books for counties to try and tax the sale of each structure or unit. This affects each home, each commercial building, each condo and land. Due to the hard work and diligence of our association staff and members, we have put a stop to this in each of the 20 counties that have put this on the ballot. However, they can keep trying. There is currently a bill making it's way thru the Senate to appeal that measure, and will face stiff opposition particularly in the House. Take a moment and contact your representative and tell them that you will do well enough to break even on a sale, especially in this current market, let alone pay an unfair tax (you may well be moving out of that county! ) on that sale.

#2 - Forced Annexation Moratorium -On Thursday of last week, the House Finance Committee overwhelmingly approved legislation to block involuntary annexations. Proponents of the change state that a moratorium would allow lawmakers to consider changes to the state's forced annexation laws and help municipalities ensure that they can provide water and sewer hookups as well as fire and police coverage to new citizens. There have been over a thousand individuals testify before these committees against this practice and it's clear that citizen's don't like it. HB 32 (Suspend Involuntary Annexations) would take effect as soon as it becomes law and it would ban involuntary annexations until June 30, 2009. It now goes to a House judiciary committee for review and would still have to pass the full House and Senate before the session ends.

#3 - We discussed talking points on Coastal Wetlands regulations and Mountain Slope development issues that will affect affordability and land sales negatively in both of these beautiful areas of our state. While the REALTOR(R) organization wants to work with local and state officials on developing a plan of action to protect our natural resources, we also want to protect property owner rights and promote fair and affordable housing.

#4 - And perhaps most important - NC BOD takes action to protect our consumers!

NC REALTORS® Make $10 Million Commitment !!!!
The NC Association of REALTORS® has made a $10 million commitment to continue its statewide efforts to protect private property rights and housing affordability. The Association's 160-member board of directors on Tuesday approved a long-term plan to direct association dollars into a special advocacy fund designed to educate the public on keys issues. "Several issues are on the front burner - coastal stormwater rules, steep slope ordinances, a proposed tax on services and the land transfer tax," said Tim Kent, NC REALTORS® Executive Vice President. "Because of the visionary action taken by our leadership on Tuesday, REALTORS® will be able to educate the public about these issues and their negative impact on homeowners and private property rights in North Carolina."

To view the press release, follow the link below:
http://www.ncrealtors.org/en/IMpressrelease061108.pdf

It should be clear that your association is working hard on our industry's behalf, and especially for the homeowner and homebuyers. The financial benefits are clear and a lot of effort, time, and money, are being invested to protect your business and the equity in your home.

If you are a REALTOR(R), I encourage you to get involved and know what's going on. You can make a difference. And trust me, just knowing your local and state officals may be very helpful to you someday!

Consumers, if your REALTOR(R) stepped away from their business to protect your property rights, and your most valued investment - your home, take a moment and thank them for their efforts. REALTORS(R) save consumers millions (if not billions) of dollars a year across this country with their legislative efforts on local, state and national levels. And they gladly do it because they know they make a difference for all of us!

Real Estate License Revocations

Phil Anderson — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:57:00 GMT

In Oregon, licensed real estate agents receive a monthly newsletter published by the Oregon Real Estate Agency (the agency which issues real estate licenses). Along with other helpful information, the agency publishes the names of agents who are being reprimanded for failure to follow the state’s requirements for handling real estate transactions, and provides a brief on the illegal actions and penalties assessed. I think this is a very valuable practice, showing all of us the pratfalls of operating...(read more)

Real Estate Investment Overseas or Abroad ?

Mexico Real Estate — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Overseas or Abroad will depend on where you live and where you want to Invest.

International real estate has become a very popular investment. A vacation home, a second home, an investment property. What’s the difference between Properties Overseas and Properties Abroad ? Maybe this is very simplistic but with my English, my second language as you can tell, I was trying to find the difference. When to use overseas and when to use abroad.

My thoughts are as follows: For people in the UK when they buy a property outside of the UK it becomes an Overseas Investment. They have to cross the ocean to go to Spain, to go to Portugal, to go to France, to go to Italy, to go to Greece, and so on. For people in the USA and Canada when they buy international real estate it is not necessarily an overseas investment. When people from Canada or the USA come and invest in Mexico Real Estate, in Costa Rica real estate, in Belize real estate, in Panama real estate, and so on they do not have to cross the Ocean. So maybe that’s why it is used an investment Abroad.

It is also interesting to see that if someone from the UK wants to buy a property overseas for their second home or vacation home, they have to decide not just in which country but also in what language. It could be Portuguese, Spanish, French, Italian, Greek or any other language. For someone in the USA or Canada when they come to Latin America and buy a second home or vacation home basically they just deal with Spanish unless they choose Brazil and then they will be speaking Portuguese.

Investing in Real Estate Overesas or Investing in Real Esate Abroad. What’s the difference? Maybe it just depends Where you live, where you are buying, and also maybe the language that are you going to use speak. I don’t Know. I am not sure. I was just thinking about Overseas and Abroad. I see too many real estate portals that use the word overseas and too many real estate portals that use the word abroad and basically those using the word overseas are Real Estate Portals from the UK.

Any way, maybe for you it is Overseas or maybe it is Abroad but let me tell you that Mexico has long been a favorite vacation destination and now it’s becoming a desired place to live. According to the International Living, Global Retirement Index 2007, Mexico tops the list in countries to consider for retirement.

Discover why more and more Americans & Canadians are choosing to retire in Mexico. Learn how to invest safely and profitably in Mexico while getting a first hand look at the most exciting properties available in Puerto Vallarta. Enjoy three educational and fun-filled days learning the ins and outs of property ownership in Mexico and enjoying everything that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Find out about healthcare, taxation, the closing process, finance, title insurance and how to maximize your investment for an optimal return. Leading industry experts will share their knowledge and expertise.

Our next Mexico Real Estate Discovery weekends are in July 17, 18 & 19 And in August 21,22 & 23. in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

For the nominal registration fee of only $185 US/Single or $250 US/Couple you will enjoy a recretional and educational package worth more than $2,000 US. You will tour the hottest new real estate developments that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. The real estate market in Mexico is vibrant. Now is the perfect time to invest.

Our Discovery weekend is an experience like no other. Expect the best while you're with us. You will experience all the culture and adventure that Mexico has to offer, so get ready to have fun! For Registration or more information contact us at info@emexicorealestate.com

Do You Advertise New Homes On Your Website?

Ginny Lee's Team — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 22:34:00 GMT

I know that most home buyers would rather buy a new home and sometimes you loose out to the developer because they go to the new home sales center without you. I just met some great guys who have created a website for agents to showcase new homes on the agents personal website and keep all the leads.

They charge the developer a fee and the agents get their website for FREE! The agent gets the leads and can follow them up and contact the developer to register the lead and either get a referral fee just for calling the developer or if they take the buyer to the development they can get all the selling commission.

I put the new home website on my website about 2 months ago and have 3 leads. Check it out on my website by clicking here If you like it go to www.agentshield.com and get your FREE New Home website.

Hope it works for you....Ginny

Radio - An Effective Tool?

Troy Silvester — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 20:36:00 GMT

First: This is my first attempt to start a thread on RELIB. I love this forum, as well as the message board on P2, but I have sometimes ruffled feathers there, and a once or twice here (I think they call my condition "type A"). I can't tell you how much I value everyone's input in all of these matters, it has proven invaluable.

I am a subscriber to the idea that if someone is spending big money running ads over and over, consistently for a long period of time, it almost has to be paying off for them, or they would stop. So, here is the question. In my neck of the woods, agents pop up putting together radio advertising for a week or two and then… they are gone. However, there are a couple of agents that seem to always have ads on the am talk radio stations that I frequent while driving. One says she sells “27 times more homes than the average Salt Lake City agent” and “just like Donald Trump, you can fire me anytime”. Another agent seems to be there all the time, knocking some local agents that have been offering a free TV with each transaction: “…if you want a TV, go to Wal…” “if you want a dedicated Realtor® to… call me!”

Do any of you make the commitment to spend this kind of money for similar ads? Or do you have colleagues that do, that can report cost vs. return. There can be no doubt that the ad campaign’s effectiveness will depend on the quality and relevance of the ad, but given that, what are your comments?

I am on the Do Not Call List!!!!

Gloria Losie — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:13:00 GMT

I have been getting numerous phone calls from companies selling their Real Estate services to Real Estate agents. All of my phones are on the Do Not Call List. What is really the kicker is that when they are announcing who they are with and who they are, they run through it so fast you have to ask them again who they are with. I tell them nicely that I am not interested and I am on the Do Not Call List. I know these people are just trying to make a living but wish they would check the list first before calling. What is everyone else doing?

Can you spare a minute or two?

David Keith — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 20:28:00 GMT

Hello,

I would like to ask if you could take a minute or two out of your busy schedules to take a 5 question survey. If you could, please click on the link below or copy and paste it to your browser to visit our survey page.

Thank you very much! Your response and participation is very much appreciated.

http://www.jtcrealtygroup.com/JTC_AGENT_SURVEY/page_2070714.html

YES YOU DO need flood insurance!

Candice A Donofrio — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:39:00 GMT

I live in Fort Mohave, AZ - otherwise known as "One Big Floodplain."

To us, elevation certificates, raised grades and flood policy declarations are a way of life. Just faxed mine in to my lender a few days back.

The flooding in the Midwest is of course all over the news and my sympathy goes out to anyone we do or do not know who has been affected by it.

I just saw a story about residents in Indiana who said "We don't have flood insurance because . . . we're not in a floodplain."

That is something I have heard too many times. Once is too many to me!

Just because FEMA has not determined that you have a greater than 1 in 100 chance of being flooded does NOT MEAN you will not be flooded.

Your homeowner's insurance DOES NOT cover you for flood damage. Check your policy.

You probably need flood insurance if you own property!

Someone give me an example of where you would absolutely positively NOT need to be covered in case of flooding. (It's early for me yet) :)

The craziest thing I've ever heard is the people who live ON THE RIVER out here in a non-designated floodplain area. They have 500k - 1M+ homes and no flood insurance? There are dozens of those people.

Scary . . .