January 30th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
My wife and I attended NAR’s yearly convention in New Orleans a couple of years back. We had volunteered for a work crew preparing the City Park for their annual Xmas party. The park itself and especially the diverse amount of plantings were really suffering. We were told they had gone from a paid staff of 2,000 down to 200. Seems their income was derived from the Park, its golf course, and the lack of attendance and play on the course (ruined by the flooding) was almost nil. And this is a Park which is BIGGER than New York’s Central Park! Read the rest of this entry »
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January 17th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
It is a ridiculous question. Why don’t you just say, “America does not work!” The American Dream is a belief system, encompassing all that is great about our Country. Don’t make it a commodity to be traded on wall-street or discounted as a “short-sale”. This market will be a crucible for many. But let’s keep in mind the words of Papa Hemingway “The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.” –‘A Farewell to Arms’
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January 14th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
Some facts on the Fed, Fed Funds Rate and Mortgage Rates
-The Federal Reserve was established in 1913. The Fed controls monetary policy for the U.S. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) consists of twelve members.
-The FOMC holds eight regularly scheduled meetings per year. At these
meetings, the Committee reviews economic and financial conditions,
determines the appropriate stance of monetary policy, and assesses the
risks to its long-run goals of price stability and sustainable economic
growth.
-The Federal Reserve doesn’t control mortgage rates. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Sonoma County Real Estate Interest Rates, Wisdom Shared | 1 Comment »
January 7th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
I had a listener to the show email me asking about the following:
“How / where can I find HGTV type services in Sonoma County? This would be a good topic for one of your KSRO Radio Shows.”
* Designed to Sell—I use Sue Sarmir of Creative Visuals 707-544-4211
* Sell this house-That would be ME!! 707-322-8503
* Curb Appeal—Stager? Amazing Staging, Mona Reader http://www.amazingstaging.com/ (70(707) 829-80377) 829-8037
* Desperate Landscapes—Geared For Growing Landscaping; 707-473-4333
* Bathroom remodels (affordable) Affordable?? Monty Honig—707-579-5166
* Rock Solid (hardscape) Geared for Growing plus Alex Reaney who does this plus electrical work and general contracting 707-578-8966
* Garage remodel - epoxy floor, finish walls, storage cabinets—St. Francis Flooring Dermot Gilmartin –707-539-4790
All of the above referenced companies can be found at the Sonoma County Executive Association. I’ve been a member for years and we are the oldest (1974) organization of its kind in Sonoma County. If you want to see all of the membership click here: Executive Assoc. Mini roster
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January 5th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
In the greatest state of California the Seller of a property is not required to complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement on a probate/trust, REO(bank owned property)/Foreclosure, 5+units, Commercial and Land sale. Read the rest of this entry »
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January 4th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
Professors have the PH.D, Physicians have the M.D., and Realtors have the CRS. How can you tel if your real estate agent has the knowledge and experience you need? Look for the CRS Shield! This means your Realtor has earned the residential real estate industry’s most advanced “degree” CRS–It makes a difference!
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January 4th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
As a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designee I have completed hours of advanced study in listing, selling, law, investment taxes and much more. Requirements to receive the CRS Designation guarantee that you are enlisting the help of a proven performer with years of experience (30 in Sonoma County!). Insist on the Best…Demand a CRS!!
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January 4th, 2008 . by Mike Kelly
I ALWAYS have a client write a description of their home and WHY they love living there. I usually add it to my marketing materials. However, I do edit the content if I feel it is inappropriate or opens the Seller to liability. I’ve had many Sellers state the home was “completely remodeled!” That is NEVER what they mean!! And in the greatest state of California you NEVER give a buyer an opening like that!! “Completely” is a pretty all encompassing word! Attorney’s love words like that! Read the rest of this entry »
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December 26th, 2007 . by Mike Kelly
If you are buying the three homes then no problem. If you are trying to purchase just ONE of those three and are trying to get the BEST deal you can then you are committing fraud! If you have a Realtor/Licensee dong this then they are either very desperate (the last agent you want to work with!) or just un-ethical! (The last agent you want to work with!). Either way Jane your actions are not in good faith. I would re-think your strategy.
However, if you are buying THREE homes then what is the expiration on your contract for the offer? Sellers DON’T have to get back to you. The offer can lapse. I usually have a client write rejected across the offer if they don’t wish to respond as I want to show the other Realtor/Licensee the offer was presented (this with the agency signed if presented via fax).
Are you making very low offers? You just might have made them mad and they are letting you wait. My best to husband John!
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December 22nd, 2007 . by Mike Kelly
Below you’ll find the obituary for my Friend’s son; Benjamin Herbert Floriani. His Father, Don Floriani, is our incoming Sunrise Rotary Club President. His Son Ben was tragically killed in a “wrong place at the wrong time” event which belied young Ben’s remarkable turn-around and on-track life. If you would like to contribute to a Scholarship Fund which will help a young person get and stay on track, please read below and contribute to our Rotary Club’s Scholarship program in his name. Read the rest of this entry »
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