passionate about real estate – yes, yes I am (and I hope it shows in my writing and client representation).
Date Archives February 2008
Location, location, location
It’s not just the type of house that you build that makes it green – it’s also where the development’s located.Contrary to popular belief, the pace and proximity of urban living can actually contribute to more healthful lifestyles, while lower-density communities tend to have a higher incidence of cardiovascular and lung diseases, including asthma in children, as well as cancer, diabetes, obesity, traffic injuries and deaths; these are exacerbated by an increase in air pollution, gridlock and traffic accidents, and by a lack of physical activity. The study recommended that people seek out cities and towns with reliable public transportation systems, bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths, ones that have schools, businesses and stores within walking distance.But back to that ubiquitous car: Within reason, do whatever is possible to minimize long commutes and half-hour treks to the nearest grocery store…. Community is born from social routine — running into neighbors at the mailbox or while walking down the street. Design for these serendipitous encounters.There are but a few developments in the Charlottesville area that begin to meet the above criteria, but I expect we’ll see more.
Image stabilizer for real estate photography
The bane of my existence when photographing properties I am marketing is camera shake. This video, (hat tip to Book of Joe), shows an easy way to fix that problem. Now, to get a new listing on which to try out this trick …
Readers aren’t leads
Seth Godin decided that he preferred the term “citizens.”Citizen recognized the power of this individual. Citizens are no longer the weak, isolated pre-consumers in front of a TV set in 1971, with few options…. It sounds a bit pretentious, but then, so do most terms marketers use.When you stop calling people ‘targets’ or ‘prospects’ and start calling them ‘guests’ or ‘citizens’, you can’t help but become a little more humble and a little more respectful. Try it, it works.Either way, one of the secrets to business success is treating people well.
Bus Rapid Transit in CharlAlbemarle?
How cool (and expensive!)Â would that be?Read more at:Bacon’s RebellionCVillainDaily ProgressCharlottesville Tomorrow (the most comprehensive)My thoughts from earlier this monthFor a County that’s considering charging students to ride the bus to school, I’m wondering how much it would cost to ride the BRT.
Stupid is as stupid does
Recounting a tale from the trenches in the Charlottesville Realtor/real estate world …Another Realtor was showing buyers a development in Charlottesville and an agent was onsite holding an open house. As the buyers looked around, the Buyer’s Agent (BA) and the sellers’ agent (SA) got to talking.BA: This road in front of the development: It goes into a neighborhood, correct?SA: Yes, but you don’t want to take them that way. It looks much better the way you came in.BA: I understand, but I want them to see what’s around this property, going both ways.SA: If you go back the way you came, you can show them how close the grocery store is.BA: Thanks, but I can do both.SA: You should really go out this way – it’s much better.When the Buyers and the Buyers’ Agent got in the car – the wife asked, “Which way are we leaving?”… Then, I’ll show you how close this is to grocery store, restaurant, etc.” Turns out, the wife had heard the Realtors’ conversation.1 – Your Buyer Agent is supposed to look out for your best interests.2 – Had this been a Dual Agency situation, do you think the buyers would have been more or less likely to see the “other” areas?3 – Realtors don’t have an obligation to assess an area’s safety level, but they do have an obligation to be the “source of the source” – provide references by which the clients can determine for themselves.4 – Recognize two things – not all Realtors are focused solely on “making the sale”; but some are.
This is exactly what the NAR should be doing
Lawrence Yun is providing a counter-point to the press coverage – based on actual facts and context rather than sunshine and smoke.A recent Wall Street Journal article points out that home price trends are divergent, depending upon the source…. …Secondly, the Case-Shiller price index – which has been gaining more media coverage as of late – covers only 20 markets (ed note: none in Virginia, but surely Washington DC includes some of NoVa)…. This is total distortion of market conditions based on a small selection of falling local metro coverage….(I have been told by few reporters off-the-record that they are interested in increasing their viewership even if it means putting things out of context.)… Now – you’ve got RSS, let’s see some trackbacks and comments and we’ll be on our way.Lawrence Yun responding to critics, Dale Stinton, CEO of NAR commenting on a blog …