Sheila Bell

Is An Inspection Really Necessary?

2011-05-10T15:33:00Z

It's a beautiful day, you have finally found a home and the rain waters are drying . You're feeling pretty good about the upcoming inspection and you are full of optimism about that inspection because the house looks so good. You might even consider waiving your option to have the inspection since everthing looks satisfacto NOT SO FAST! If you are in an area that has recently recieved record rainfalls , this is a particularly important time to have a professional review the property and issue...(read more)

Thank You!

2011-02-25T20:13:00Z

My friend, Dean, emails (no he doesn't blog yet despite my repeated attempts) marvelous tales each week. I have used a couple of them, but this one is so perfect, I wanted to share it right away! Who have you thanked today ?! I try to thank everyone/anyone who offers any kind of service, which is a direct result of the actions of a friend of mine who always says "thank you for being here" to anyone who helps him (supermarket employees, restaurant worker, etc.). Read Dean's email...(read more)

HomeGain Releases Top Five ROI-Driven Home Improvement Projects for 2011

2011-01-28T20:15:00Z

According to HomeGain.com's newly released 2011 home improvement survey, the top five home improvements (under $5,000) that real estate professionals recommend to home sellers based on average cost and return on investment (from highest to lowest ROI) are: Cleaning and de-cluttering ($290 cost / $1,990 price increase / 586% ROI) Lightening and brightening ($375 cost / $1,550 price increase / 313% ROI) Home staging ($550 cost / $2,194 price increase / 299% ROI) Landscaping ($540 cost / $1,932...(read more)

NAR survey says homeownership still popular

2011-01-28T16:40:00Z

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"HUD PROPOSES NEW RULE TO ENSURE EQUAL ACCESS TO HOUSING REGARDLESS OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION OR GENDER IDENTITY"

2011-01-27T17:14:00Z

This is an important step from HUD especially coming on the heels of the change in the Code of Ethics of the National Association of REALTORS Article 10 which added sexual orientation a protected class for all REALTORS. HUD Secretary, Shaun Donovan declares, "it is a fundamental issue of fairness. We have a responsibility to make certain that public programs are open to all Americans. With this proposed rule, we will make clear that a person’s eligibility for federal housing programs is,...(read more)

"You've Got To Be Carefully Taught"/South Pacific

2011-01-18T02:25:00Z

The lyrics from Rodger and Hammerstein's memorable musical, "South Pacific" fits today's celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Listen to the song-I have never heard a song that so perfectly identifies the idiocy of discrimination of any kind. While "South Pacific" is set during World War II, the story is timeless and can refer to any group, any where in the world during any time. You've got to be taught To hate and fear, You've got to be taught From year...(read more)

Old Age-Not Me!

2010-12-27T13:19:00Z

As I read the news this morning, there are a couple of stories that caught my attention. One, in the New York Times, was about the increase in use of social networking by ages 45 and up. From December 2008 to May 2010, those in every generation 45 and older more than doubled their participation. Adults 74 and older who are online quadrupled their social networking presence, and that now stands at 16 percent. The Pew report can have a "game-changing" effect on business-real estate included!...(read more)

Home Mortgage and Property Tax Deductions for 2010, 2011

2010-12-26T19:12:00Z

Mortgage Interest and Property Tax Deductions If you are a new homeowner or if you have owned your home for years, there are many home mortgage and property tax deductions available for both situations. Previous Home Purchases If you own your home you may deduct the interest on your home loan every single year that you own your home. You may also deduct the property taxes for every year you own your home. Deadlines For Closing on Home Purchases Has Changed The deadline for closing on the purchase...(read more)

Lack of Sunshine

2010-12-26T18:29:00Z

It's that time of year again! The lack of sunshine, lack of Vitamin D and "the blues" are all related. Actually, "the blues" can be more that just a bad day and should be taken seriously. While the cause of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not completely understood, it is no longer a contested condition. For those who "suffer" from SAD, the consequences are not in dispute. For each day without sunshine, the more disagreeable one gets. In addition, work becomes...(read more)

Musings on end of year planning

2010-12-22T03:17:00Z

It comes to the end of the calendar year and the beginning of a new career year and I am evaluating how to organize and prioritize. This seems so very easy to "tell" others how to do it; but not so simple to identify for myself. Is this why others find it difficult to get on track as independent contractors? No job description until/unless we write it. Therefore, no track to follow. No track to follow, no absolute plan in place. No plan in place, no possibility of making things happen!...(read more)

Musings

2010-12-14T16:43:00Z

Having recently changed companies, I am in the process of examing the future (immediate, near, distant). It occurs to me that I've been in somewhat of a fog for far too long and it's time to get off of my proverbial "butt". There is so much to do, so little time in which to accomplish that which I intend. So it is time to move along and prioritize. Those to whom I have reached out and have received no response-no more; those to whom I have reached out and am waiting-it will/will...(read more)

Realtors Amend Its Code of Ethics to Include Protection for the GLBT Community

2010-11-10T02:15:00Z

Is sexual orientation discrimination in housing legal? Maybe. By Lani Rosales on November 9, 2010 Can landlords legally deny renting to a gay couple because they’re gay? Can a Realtor refuse to negotiate on behalf of a transgendered woman because she’s transgendered? Can a builder jack up the price of a home when selling to a bisexual male because they know he’s bisexual? Maybe- there’s a little bit of a grey area here. If you’re a licensed Realtor, you should have memorized...(read more)

Online-Offline Networking At Any Age

2010-10-29T23:10:00Z

"Combining online/offline networking gets the most out of relationship building. By implementing both online and offline, target markets are increased exponentially." So says a Pew Research report on the "new paradigm shift". Are you combining both so that you "leave no client prospect or active client base behind"?...(read more)

Fall Into Success!

2010-10-27T14:25:00Z

Beautiful Fall is the perfect time to begin a new business approach to SUCCESS. Don't be persuaded that there is no business and that it is a terrible time in real estate. It is as good as you make it! Get Back to Basics! Prospecting, prospecting, prospecting. If you are not prospecting, you will ultimately have NO business. Don't wait for people to come to you...be proactive and positive. Do not let other people define your plans. Make today the first day of a new approach to real estate!...(read more)

The Ten Must-Have Tools for Mobile Office Productivity

2010-10-11T14:01:00Z

Learn the little-known, proven tools top agents are using as mobile agents to successfully manage their mobile offices. From your smart phone, your laptop, digital camera, and even to your car organizer, you'll leave this session knowing the most effective and affordable options and valuable tips for making the most of them! Register now at Realtor University and receive a member-only discount...(read more)