Dreamcatcher Blog

April 2007 Metro Phoenix Real Estate Update

Randy Hooker, Broker — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 21:31:00 +0000

[Image is of Gilbert Historical Museum]

Here's the link to Dreamcatcher's March Real Estate Update. This month's newsletter includes topics such as:

"Sell Your Home for More Money";
"10 Ways To Know When The Market Is Up -- or Down";
"Window of Opportunity Opens and Closes with Interest Rates";
"Six Degrees Of Refinancing";
"More Housing Starts, Fewer Permits Means Opportunity For Buyers To Buy Bigger"

You'll also find a general roundup of last month's real estate activity.

Enjoy!

...randy

Unlicensed Mortgage Loan Officers

Randy Hooker, Broker — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 19:16:00 +0000

Every home buyer and homeowner to whom I've posed the question of whether or not their mortgage Loan Officer (LO) was "licensed" has had no idea. The assumption by all of them, the general populace and even many real estate agents is that mortgage lenders, and specifically LO's, must SURELY be licensed. Right? Wrong!

In Arizona, only one person in any given firm must be licensed. So theoretically a mortgage lending firm could have one licensed individual broker and yet have a hundred LO's working in the firm ~ accessing confidential information on customers such as social security numbers, bank accounts, tax returns and credit reports, to name a few. So what's wrong with this?

In many cases, perhaps nothing. But in many cases, the abuses by LO's of their customers is staggering, costly and often even fraudulent. With licensing comes a measure of accountability. Without licensing, there's no way of having a clue of exactly how many unlicensed LO's are in Arizona, much less knowing anything about them or their backgrounds. So how does it make you feel to think your LO might have a criminal background? What if you discovered that your LO wasn't capable of passing a minimum mortgage finance exam? What if you found out that your LO didn't obtain the best loan rate and terms for your last home purchase but instead 'sold' you a loan that made her/him the most commission? And those types of questions just begin to scratch the surface.

So when I hear that House Bill 2320 has been introduced, a bill that would require mandatory licensing of ALL loan officers and originators, I want to shout hallelujah! We're way over due, and I support this measure 100%. The Arizona Republic recently published an extensive article on the subject, which I encourage you to read in its entirety.

Thanks!

...randy

March 2007 Metro Phoenix Real Estate Update

Randy Hooker, Broker — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 22:41:00 +0000

[Photo is of Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, Arizona]

Here's the link to Dreamcatcher's February Real Estate Update. This month's newsletter includes topics such as:

The Homeowner Gain Exclusion Deduction;

Putting Zeal In Your Curb Appeal;

Study Profiles Home Of The Future;

Real Estate Taxes, Refunds and Rip-Offs; and

Downpayments Shrivel as 100 Percent Financing Becomes The New Norm.

You'll also find a general roundup of last month's real estate activity.

Enjoy!

...randy

Kauai, Hawaii

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 21:15:00 +0000

I have a long time friend and client who now lives on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. He and his wife just bought 3 acres on the north shore of the island, and this is a pic he just took of the land and views. Now is that to die for (or live for), or what?!?!? Brings a whole new meaning to real estate, huh!

I am keenly aware that 'paradise' and 'peace' are within us, in our minds, but being surrounded and inundated by such incredible beauty cannot help but enhance the feeling. I already dream of living in Hawaii, and I'm now just waiting on the manifestation of my dream. What do your dreams look like?

...randy

Exurbs - Trouble in Paradise?

Randy Hooker, Broker — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 16:45:00 +0000

Have you heard the word 'exurb' yet? Loosely defined, exurbs are simply the residential housing areas that are farthest from the urban core, or what I like to call suburbs to the suburbs. Exurbs, short for extra-urban, are not a new phenomenon, as they've actually been around since the 1950's. But they really exploded the past 5-7 years. In the metro Phoenix area, towns like Anthem, New River, Buckeye and Maricopa fall into that category. The appeal has primarily been that a Buyer can usually get a bigger house and/or larger lot for less money. Some folks also like the idea of a more country-like lifestyle that gets them out of the fast-paced city and yet is still close enough to enjoy city amenities. So how is it going with exurbanites these days?

According to a recent release by the National Association of REALTORS®, exurbs have been hit very hard by the slow-down in real estate. Compared to their suburban neighbors, property values and home sales have fallen more. I personally think builders borrowed a line from the movie Field of Dreams, and made it their mantra: "If you build it, they will come." They built, and built, and built - and they are STILL building! The problem is that there are way too many houses on the market in the metro Phoenix area, and an even greater percentage of them in the exurbs.

Investors originally bought many of the exurb houses, but starting in mid-2005, the speculative professional investors started bailing out. In fact, a lot of the 'amateur investors' starting unloading their property, too. And of course, many folks just wanted or needed to sell for various 'life reasons.' The result was, and still is, that inventory levels of houses for sale have shot thru the roof!

Another factor that I've heard from several of my exurb clients in the couple of years is that they got sick and tired of the commute. Driving as much as 3-4 hours every day, often in heavy traffic, finally took its toll on them (as well as their gasoline bills and vehicles) and they found out the hard way that the negatives more than offset the positive aspects of their exurb lifestyle.

So what's an exurbanite to do? The basic economic laws of supply and demand will always prevail, so eventually the supply of exurb houses should decline and/or the demand for exurb houses will increase. The kicker and 64 million dollar question is, "When?" So if exurbanites have the staying power, one option is to simply settle in and ride out the slump. Another option is to bite the bullet, sell the house at a discounted price and bail out now. The silver lining with this option is that now is a GREAT time to buy. One other option is to buy another house closer in, and rent the exurb house. Just be careful with this approach, because there are many exurb areas with huge numbers of available rental properties ~ so be prepared with a backup plan, in case a good tenant cannot be secured.

Either way, let me know if you need more details on your specific neigborhood/subdivision. And hang in there!

...randy

Arizona Water Supply - The Drought

Randy Hooker, Broker — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 18:00:00 +0000

Even after 10 years of living in the Phoenix area, smack dab in the middle of the desert, I'm still taken aback when I hear about our being in a drought. Something about using the word drought in the same sentence with desert just seems strange. Doesn't the very definition of desert incorporate the idea if little to no water? The point of identifying drought, tho, is to establish a 'relative' measuring, i.e., having less precipitation to "normal" amounts. And in that sense, Arizona has now been in a drought for several years. Just how much of a drought is, IMHO, something I believe we should all be aware of.

According to the latest report by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services, snow pack levels are lagging far behind the 30-year averages across the state. In the Salt River Basin, the snow pack level as of February 1st was 86% of the 30-year average. The result of such conditions is that we can expect substantially below median stream flow volumes. How low? Anywhere from 49% to 86% of the medians. In the Salt River Basin, the forecast is for a stream flow level that's 55% below the median average, or roughly HALF of the normal flow!

Other parts of Arizona are actually being hit harder with drought than the Phoenix metro area, but a drought is still a drought. I know it's going to sound like the the world's greatest understatement, but shouldn't we be making a more concerted effort at water conservation? I know... just a thought... we humans still have an awful tendency to not take action unless and until we're forced by a crisis. My hope is that we will not wait for the water problem in Arizona to become critical before we take the appropriate measures.

This whole subject has made me thirsty, so I'm off to drink a glass of water! :)

...randy

February 2007 Metro Phoenix Real Estate Update

Randy Hooker, Broker — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 20:42:00 +0000

[Photo is of Mystery Castle in Phoenix, Arizona]

Here's the link to Dreamcatcher's "February Real Estate Update". This month's newsletter includes such topics as "Increase the Odds of Selling Your Home by Cleaning Out Clutter," "Resolve To Protect Your Household's Bottom Line," "For Some, It's Time To Appeal Property Tax Bills," "Post Boom Second Home Buying Strategies," "Homebuyers Paying Too Much in Points, Says New Statistical Study." And as usual, you'll find a general roundup of last month's real estate activity.

And in case you missed it, here's the link to January's Newsletter.

Enjoy!

...randy

Fastest Growing States ~ Arizona #1

Randy Hooker, Broker — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:34:00 +0000

The numbers are in, and Arizona has for the first time in 19 years beat out Nevada as the fastest growing state in the country - at least in percentages. Arizona’s population increased by 3.6% during the period from July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2006. But before we start high-fiving each other, it's worth noting that according to recent U. S. Census Bureau data, Arizona edged out the "Gambling State" by only .1%, with Nevada coming in at a 3.5% increase for the same period.

In terms of live human beings, however, Arizona ranked 5th in the nation ~ with a net increase in new residents of 213,311.

The most notable change was in Louisiana, with the state losing about 220,000 residents, or almost 5% of its pre-Katrina population!

In case you wanna see how the top ten stack up, here they are:

Top 10 Highest Percentage Growth Rate:

Arizona: 3.6%
Nevada: 3.5%
Idaho: 2.6%
Georgia: 2.5%
Texas: 2.5%
Utah: 2.4%
North Carolina: 2.1%
Colorado: 1.9%
Florida: 1.8%
South Carolina: 1.7%

Top 10 Actual Population Growth:

Texas: 579,275
Florida: 321,697
California: 303,402
Georgia: 231,388
Arizona: 213,311
North Carolina: 184,046
Washington: 103,899
Colorado: 90,082
Nevada: 83,228
Tennessee: 83,058

HOA ~ Gestapo or Godsend?

Randy Hooker, Broker — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:39:00 +0000

I received an email from a client who posed the following question:

"Now that the builder [of her townhome subdivision] has turned the complex over to the residents [homeowners], there is talk of changing the CCR's to prohibit rentals. Can they do that?"

Over the years, I've heard many comments from homeowners about their Homeowners Association (HOA). Often times, those comments were quite harsh, but not always. Many of my clients absolutely LOVE their HOA's, and appreciate the fact that an HOA can help prevent neighbors from painting their houses pink & purple, and can do something to help prevent the neighborhood from becoming a junk yard. But then again, I've had clients who referred to their HOA's as being like a Nazi Gestapo ~ a comparison that is arguably exaggerated and perhaps not the most 'politically correct' statement ~ but it nonetheless summarizes what they perceive as heavy-handed and irrational operations by HOA's.

The most important point I could make is that homeowners under the umbrella of an HOA need to realize that "they" are "we". Most HOA's are managed on a representative democratic model (similar to our United States government model). The homeowners elect a Board of Directors (from homeowners in the HOA), and then the Board oversees/manages the funds, CC&R's, common area maintenance contracts, fees, assessments, etc. The Board may contract with an outside Property Management firm to administrate and enforce the Board's decisions, CC&R's, etc., but ultimately, it's the Board that basically calls the shots.

So to answer my client's question about whether her HOA can restrict rentals in her subdivision, the answer is a resounding YES! Changes and restrictions of that magnitude are usually brought to a vote by all of the current homeowners, but it's the Board that is usually the 'rudder of the ship'. The actual procedure should be spelled out in the HOA's bylaws, but if the issue is not addressed in the HOA's bylaws, then such changes in CC&R's can be implemented by the Board.

Best advice? Attend HOA meetings, read HOA newsletters and websites, communicate regularly with HOA Board members, and otherwise do whatever you need to do to ensure that you are aware of and involved in your HOA activities, plans and operations, and that you let your voice be heard! Failure to do so is an invitation to disaster. Remember, "they" are "we".

...randy

Commission Rebates/Splits

Randy Hooker, Broker — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:04:00 +0000

I recently received the following "Ask the Broker" question from Tammy, presumably a licensed real estate Agent:

"I was wondering if i sold a home for a 3% commission 679,000 house (my split) but credited back 7900(of my commission) to the seller to give to the buyer through escrow should my broker charge me on the entire 3% when i did not receive a 3% commission. I basically lowered my commission so did not receive a 3%."

The basic issue here is that the commission belongs to the BROKER, not the individual Agent. Many Agents don't realize that, and thus unknowingly or naively treat commissions as their "own." In fact, commissions paid directly to a licensed real estate Agent without going through that Agent's Broker is illegal in Arizona. Thus the full 3% commission Tammy mentioned as being her "split" actually belongs to Tammy's Broker.

That said, whether or not the Broker is willing to forego his/her 'charge' on the $7,900 that an Agent (who in reality is an Agent of the Broker) credited back to the client is a matter between the Agent and his/her Broker. In other words, it's going to depend on whether the Broker's attitude is that 'splits' are based on 'earned' commission or 'realized' commission. I would recommend to Tammy that she first carefully read the Independent Contractor Contract that she signed with her Broker. If the issue is not addressed, she should really contact her Designated Broker, explain the situation, and ask for clarification of his/her policy on commission 'rebates'.

I hope this helps, Tammy. It's a great question that could affect many home Buyers, Sellers and Agents! And regardless of how it works out, we hope you'll let us know how it works out for you.

...randy

December 2006 Metro Phoenix Real Estate Update

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 16:34:00 +0000

Here's the link to our "December Real Estate Update".

This month's newsletter includes such topics as "Should I Take My Home Off the Market During the Holidays?"; "Buyers: A Source of Capital You May Not Have Considered"; "It Is A Good Time To Decide"; "Rarely A Good Time To Buy Extended Warranties"; and "Mortgage Rate Decreases Spurring a Mini-Boom in Refinancing".

And as usual, you'll find a general roundup of November real estate activity.

Happy Holidays!!

...randy

Pathways to Professionalism - What a great idea!

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 15:37:00 +0000

Bob Hunt, a writer for Realty Times, just wrote an excellent article entitled "Pathways to Professionalism Provides a Good Start for Ethics Training." He reminded me of a little-known, rarely-referenced and badly needed concept (document) that was published by the National Association of REALTORS® several years ago and revised as recently as November of 2004: "Pathways to Professionalism".

Many of you know that the worst part of the real estate business for me is in dealing with other Agents. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics admonishes me to not 'bash' my fellow REALTORS®, so I'll just say in a general way that I continue to be amazed and occasionally appalled at the rudeness, insensitivity and flagrant display of un-professionalism by so many licensed real estate agents. So on this negative note, I'd like to invite you as real estate buyers and sellers to hold your Agent to a higher standard of care. You have no idea how damaging a less-than-professional Agent can be to you and your real estate interests ~ much less the human dignity and respect aspects.

On a more positive note, it's nice to hear that a Chicago area REALTOR® association invested the time and money in developing a training video for its members. It's encouraging to me to know that there really are some folks out there who care about this profession. Growing up, I must have heard the phrase, "It's just common sense.", a million times! And how many times have you heard the phrase, "It's just common courtesy."? I find it fascinating that in as large and old a profession that is devoted to helping people buy and sell homes, there is such a widespread need to train its members in the three basic tenets of Respect for the Public, Respect for Property and Respect for Peers. I wonder if all of this could be summed up in the simple yet profound concept of Respect for All Life.

Here's to a more loving, compassionate and caring planet!

...randy

Stuff a Turkey Day?

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 15:49:00 +0000

It's that time of year when we again celebrate the time-honored tradition of abandoning all sense of healthiness and moderation. No matter how overweight our nation becomes, this Thursday is continues to be our "Free Parking" space and "Get Out of Jail" card, and we're given federal 'permission' to embrace gluttony, stuff ourselves as full as we possibly can, and literally eat until we pass out or are forced to take some Tums with our 4th piece of pumpkin pie. Ahhhhhh... what a tradition!

On the other hand, Thanksgiving gives many of us time to reflect on things for which we are grateful, whether it be our country, our freedom, our prosperity, our health, our dreams or our families. There are even a minority of folks out there who are thankful for their current, temporal hardships, challenges, difficulties and troubles ~ in the belief that in the words of Nietzsche, "You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star."

Whatever your situation or circumstances this holiday, I wish you your heart's desires.

Happy Thanksgiving!

...randy

New Listings Information - Phoenix MLS

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 22:43:00 +0000

UNHEMS latest newsletter has just reported that the quantity of new listings in the metro Phoenix area MLS is down over 2,000 homes from just three months ago. 'New' listings are defined as listings that are new to the market within the past month.

The significance of this statistic has to do with the extraordinarily steep increase in new listings the past 15 months, a major contributor to current market conditions in The Valley. However, as UNHEMS reports, "the recent (the last three months) moderation in this number appears to foreshadow an overall listing growth moderation." That, coupled with an overall reduction in total MLS Active listings, appears to be signaling a stabilization of the Phoenix area housing market.

...randy

Riskiest Housing Markets

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 20:19:00 +0000

PMI Mortgage Insurance Co., based in California, is a private mortgage insurer. They produce a quarterly U.S. Market Risk Index that's based on local economic conditions, income, and interest rates - a statistical model that is intended to estimate the probability of falling home prices over the next two years.

Before I tell you, would you care to venture a guess as to the market area PMI thinks has the greatest chances of experiencing falling home prices? And while you're at it, which state would you think has the greatest risk? Here's their Top 10 list of the country's riskiest housing markets, with 7 of them being in California! Surprised?

1. San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA
2. Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, CA
3. Oakland-Fremont-Hayward, CA
4. Santa Ana-Anaheim-Irvine, CA
5. Nassau-Suffolk, N.Y.
6. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
7. Boston-Quincy, MA
8. Providence-New Bedford-Fall River, R.I.-MA
9. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale, CA
10. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA

...randy

Mail-In Voting

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:08:00 +0000

As sick and tired as I am of all the political ads, bashes, rhetoric and last-minute desperation phone calls, I'm curious about the mail-in voting process. Cindy and I voted by mail this time, and we personally found it to be a GREAT convenience. Beats the heck out of unpredictable and often long lines at the voting booths!

However, how many voters actually take advantage of mail-in voting? Can we be sure that our confidence in the USPS is justified? And, how do we really know that our ballots are getting counted?

Feels like the skeptic in me is on a roll today. But if you have any thoughts or comments about this subject, I'd love to hear them! For now, tho, I'm celebrating this election day being behind us. BTW, on a national scale, this election day went down in the record books as having been the dirtiest mud-slinging political contest in history! Kindof makes you proud, don't it ~

...randy

Greenspan on the Housing Market

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 15:59:00 +0000

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan addressed the annual Charles Schwab Impact conference in Washington on Monday. He said, among other things, "I think that while we are past most of it [housing slowdown], there are a lot of negatives... but it is no longer subtracting from the growth."

Greenspan also stated that potential increases in loan costs facing many homeowners [ARM's, HELOC's, etc.] is probably not a serious concern either. While some will feel the pinch as their payments rise, Greenspan says these challenges are "very unlikely to have a macroeconomic effect."

November Real Estate Update

Randy Hooker, Broker — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 21:25:00 +0000

Here's the link to our "November Real Estate Update". Just Click Here.

This month's newsletter includes such topics as "Buying To Expand Can Be Tricky"; "Keeping Your Credit Clean"; and "Economists Question Media's Negative Drumbeat on Housing". And as usual, you'll find a general roundup of October real estate activity.

Enjoy!

...randy

Luxury Home Sales in Metro Phoenix

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 17:28:00 +0000

Believe it or not, luxury home sales across The Valley have been soaring! A $1,000,000 house used to be a rule-of-thumb definition of where the luxury market started. But in the 'new' Phoenix area market, the entry level for "luxury" homes is now closer to $3,000,000 ~ and projections are that this level will rise to $5,000,000 or more within the next few years.

To give you an idea of the run-up in luxury homes, here are a few stats. In 2000, it's reported that there were 440 sales of houses at $1,000,000 or more. In 2006, thru October 10th, there were over 2,000 sales of houses at $1,000,000 or more.

In 2000, there were only four sales of $5,000,000+ homes in The Valley. This year, there have already been at least 23.

So in case the media's starting to get to you and convince you that the real estate market is totally in the toilet, it's nice to know that there are apparently a LOT of folks who feel like the metro Phoenix area is a great place to own a home ~ including luxury home buyers.

...randy

A True Friend...

Randy Hooker, Broker — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 18:52:00 +0000

A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.

-- anonymous

FAQ: "What is Title Insurance, and Why Do I Need It?"

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 00:33:00 +0000

This is a question that I've personally been asked at least a hundred times in my life, by home Buyers and Sellers alike. And as important as it is to know the answers, the problem is that it's quite a complex issue - not easily answered in a short phone conversation or quick email. Truth is, I don't think I've ever given the exact same answer twice!

That's why I'm extremely pleased to announce that the Arizona Department of Insurance has just posted a new brochure entitled "Answers to Your Questions about Title Insurance" on their website. It's a very good, comprehensive covering of the subject, and they've used easy-to-understand terms. Check it out!

...randy

Kitty Litter Cake

Randy Hooker, Broker — Sat, 21 Oct 2006 18:40:00 +0000

OK ~ I confess that I received this recipe in an email from a cat-loving client, and figured the world needed to share in the sick - but tasty - addition to their Halloween festivities. Enjoy!

CAKE INGREDIENTS:

1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix
1 box of white cake mix
1 package white sandwich cookies
1 large package vanilla instant pudding mix
A few drops green food coloring
12 small Tootsie Rolls

SERVING DISHES AND UTENSILS:

1 NEW cat-litter box
1 NEW cat-litter box liner
1 NEW pooper scooper

DIRECTIONS:

1) Prepare and bake cake mixes, according to directions on boxes, in any size pan. Prepare pudding and chill. Crumble cookies in small batches in blender or food processor. Add a few drops of green food coloring to 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Mix with a fork or shake in a jar. Set aside.

2) When cakes are at room temperature, crumble them into a large bowl. Toss with half of the remaining cookie crumbs and enough pudding to make the mixture moist but not soggy. Place liner in litter box and pour in mixture.

3) Unwrap 3 Tootsie Rolls and heat in a microwave until soft and pliable. Shape the blunt ends into slightly curved points. Repeat with three more rolls. Bury the rolls decoratively in the cake mixture. Sprinkle remaining white cookie crumbs over the mixture, then scatter green crumbs lightly over top.

4) Heat 5 more Tootsie Rolls until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with crumbs from the litter box. Heat the remaining Tootsie Roll until pliable and hang it over the edge of the box. Place box on a sheet of newspaper and serve with scooper.

5) Now look at the picture of the masterpiece you'll be creating, and if you'd like more great ideas like this one, then Click Here.

Sick, huh ~:)

...randy

Smoky, Smelly Houses Don't Sell

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 20:51:00 +0000

Smoke — at least the lingering smell — might be getting in the eyes of potential buyers.

“If you can smell it, you can’t sell it,” says John Hokkanen, an Encinitas, Calif., real estate associate who sells property in a region where anti-smoking forces are particularly militant.

Gary Kent, a San Diego real estate professional, says he and many other practitioners don’t even like to sign clients who smoke because they’ll have to hold open houses in their homes. “Who wants to sit in a smoky room for three hours?” Kent asks.

Cleaning up smoke smell can require little more than shampooing carpets and running fans, but in cases where heavy cigarette use has gone on for years, removing the telltale signs requires a professional.

Cleanup can involve scrubbing all walls and ductwork, repainting everything, and replacing carpets. Louie Carini, owner of San Diego Odor Control, estimates the cost for cleaning an 1,800-square-foot home where there has been heavy smoking can range from $1,500 to $3,000, plus the cost of new carpeting.

A few years ago, if you asked smokers to clean up their homes before putting them on the market, they often were offended, Kent says. Today, they no longer put up a fight. They know that public expectations for smoke-free environments are rising, Kent says. “The owners totally get it.”

Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune, Emmet Pierce (10/15/06)

North Korea Detonates 40 Years Of GDP

Randy Hooker, Broker — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 16:45:00 +0000

N. Korea Detonates 40 Years Of GDP

OK ~ would somebody PLEASE tell me what I'm missing here? I realize The Onion is arguably the most irreverent 'news source' on the planet, but I've now read about North Korea's atomic test on several reputable news sites, and I still don't understand. They blew up an incredibly expensive, destructive bomb, and yet now consider UN sanctions to be a "declaration of war"? I don't mean to go political on you in this Blog, but I needed to get this off my chest. So if any of you have any insight into this whole thing with North Korea, would you PLEASE feel free to enlighten me. Otherwise, I'm gonna petition the cable channels to start running re-runs of an old info-mercial wherein the lady would always scream "Stop the insanity!" In fact, I might even install it as a screen-saver on my laptop.

Have a great day ~ and whatever you do, don't test any big bombs in your back yard ~ especially without UN permission. I'm fairly sure there's nothing in your CC&R's or Deed Restrictions that would prohibit atomic detonation on your property, but most cities now have anti-fireworks ordinances. If you're gonna do it anyway, at least check with City and County authorities to make sure you don't do it on a "No Burn" day! OK? ;)

...randy

FTC: Selecting a Real Estate Professional

Randy Hooker, Broker — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 02:30:00 +0000

Traditional vs. Nontraditional

Below is a reprint of a recent press release by the FTC.

While most traditional real estate Brokers would LOVE to hide such information from their prospective clients, we at Dreamcatcher are choosing the higher road; therefore, we WANT you to be aware of the nuances of residential real estate brokerage that have heretofore been hidden from you. There is now a major gap between traditional and nontraditional Brokers, and the gap is widening every day. At Dreamcatcher, we have made the strategic decision to embrace nontraditional services to our clients, including such programs as Rebates for home Buyers and Flat Fee, Alacarte or Discounted Listing packages for home Sellers ~ with virtually limitless options to our clients ~ depending simply on what our clients want and need in the buying and/or selling of their next home(s). Our desire is to offer you choice, empower you with knowledge and serve you with professionalism as consultants, not sales people. Following is the FTC press release.

"In coordination with the FTC’s recent real estate competition law enforcement sweep, the Federal Trade Commission has issued a new Facts for Consumers publication entitled “Selling Your Home? Tips for Selecting a Real Estate Professional.” The publication, which can be viewed by Clicking Here, is designed to help anyone who is thinking of selling their home using the services of a real estate broker or agent. It describes the differences between types of brokers and agents, including the differences between traditional, full-service real estate brokers and non-traditional brokers that may offer many of the same services, but on an a la carte basis, and provides tips and questions to ask when hiring a real estate broker. The publication discusses different types of written real estate contracts, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of selling a home without a broker (for sale by owner)."

Comments, anyone?

...randy