With rising gas prices, you may find the cost to fuel a car increasingly hurting your pocketbook. But you can use your smartphone to find savings via free mobile apps that let you do everything from comparing gas prices at local gas stations to anticipating traffic jams and how to keep your car operating at peak performance.
Route4Me
*iPhone
Avoid waiting in gas-guzzling traffic jams, you can use this app to map routes for your multiple stops that doesn’t waste gas. The app will provide directions based on the shortest distance or also provide options to see alternative routes that avoid highways or even toll roads.
Gas Cubby
*iPhone
This mobile app will help analyze your fuel economy by you just plugging in a few numbers at each gas station, e.g. odometer reading, number of gallons pumped, and the price per gallon. When it detects your fuel economy lessening, it’ll give you possible maintenance tips that may be affecting your gas mileage, such as checking the car’s tire pressure. Also, on the app, you can note whether you’re using highways or local roads for your travels to see how the choice can affect your gas mileage.
AAA TripTik
*iPhone (Droid app expected to be available by mid-May)
Scan local gas prices and then sort results by distance. The app tracks more than 130,000 gas stations, helping you find the best deal.
GasBuddy
*Droid, iPhone, Windows
The user-generated app relies on its 5 million users to post gas prices in the area and includes a time-stamp so you know how up-to-date the price is. GasBuddy also does a raffle each week for a $250 prepaid card for a gas station.
Source: “6 Apps Make it Easier to Find Lowest Gas Prices,” The Associated Press (April 25, 2011)
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Keep Safety in the Foreground During Showings
Andrew Wooten, a crime-prevention expert based in Jacksonville, Fla., offered some safety tips for home sellers during a recent webinar sponsored by the National Association of REALTORS®.
He noted that while real estate professionals generally "do a good job" of relaying potential risks to their clients, "safety often takes a back seat" when the sales professionals are hurrying to prepare for a showing.
Wooten said people should always trust their instincts and be careful if they become suspicious of someone touring their home. They should not allow strangers to enter their home without an appointment, especially if they are alone. They should ask for a visitor's driver's license, address, phone number, and license plate number; take down a physical description; and provide the information via phone to someone as an extra safeguard.
Unknown agents should be told to enter using the lockbox, and all the lights should be turned on and the shades and curtains opened during a showing. Among other things, sellers should remove valuables from the home, allow prospects to enter a room first, refuse to answer any unusual and unnecessary questions, and plan an escape route just in case.
Source: "Practice These Safe Showing Habits," Chicago Tribune (04/22/11)
He noted that while real estate professionals generally "do a good job" of relaying potential risks to their clients, "safety often takes a back seat" when the sales professionals are hurrying to prepare for a showing.
Wooten said people should always trust their instincts and be careful if they become suspicious of someone touring their home. They should not allow strangers to enter their home without an appointment, especially if they are alone. They should ask for a visitor's driver's license, address, phone number, and license plate number; take down a physical description; and provide the information via phone to someone as an extra safeguard.
Unknown agents should be told to enter using the lockbox, and all the lights should be turned on and the shades and curtains opened during a showing. Among other things, sellers should remove valuables from the home, allow prospects to enter a room first, refuse to answer any unusual and unnecessary questions, and plan an escape route just in case.
Source: "Practice These Safe Showing Habits," Chicago Tribune (04/22/11)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Florida Realtors pushed for short sale bill
U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) and U.S. Rep. Robert Andrews (D-N.J.) introduced bipartisan legislation last week to speed short sales by requiring lenders to decide whether to accept an offer within 45 days.
“This bill addresses the biggest obstacle for homebuyers and owners in short sale situations,” says Patricia Fitzgerald, president of Florida Realtors and a key contact to Rooney, who lives in Tequesta, Fla.
“We’ve worked with The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and through Patti as the FPC (Federal Political Coordinator) since last August or so,” says John Sebree, Florida Realtors vice president of public policy. “This federal legislation is one of the goals of our short sale work group.”
H.R. 1498 – the “Prompt Decision for Qualification for Short Sale Act of 2011” – will bring the processing time for short sale price approvals in line with the time required for other types of real estate deals by mandating a quicker response from the lender – at most 45 days after submitting the request for short sale approval.
“Due to the economic crisis, the number of short sales in Florida is rising, but lenders haven’t always been able to keep pace,” says Rooney. “By requiring lenders to make decisions on short sales within 45 days, this legislation would speed transactions and help prevent homes from going into foreclosure.”
Source: Florida Realtors®
“This bill addresses the biggest obstacle for homebuyers and owners in short sale situations,” says Patricia Fitzgerald, president of Florida Realtors and a key contact to Rooney, who lives in Tequesta, Fla.
“We’ve worked with The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and through Patti as the FPC (Federal Political Coordinator) since last August or so,” says John Sebree, Florida Realtors vice president of public policy. “This federal legislation is one of the goals of our short sale work group.”
H.R. 1498 – the “Prompt Decision for Qualification for Short Sale Act of 2011” – will bring the processing time for short sale price approvals in line with the time required for other types of real estate deals by mandating a quicker response from the lender – at most 45 days after submitting the request for short sale approval.
“Due to the economic crisis, the number of short sales in Florida is rising, but lenders haven’t always been able to keep pace,” says Rooney. “By requiring lenders to make decisions on short sales within 45 days, this legislation would speed transactions and help prevent homes from going into foreclosure.”
Source: Florida Realtors®
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Spring Cleaning for Your Tech Tools?
Spring is in the air and all of your tech devices could use a good spring cleaning if you want them to last longer, experts say.
Carlo Tuzzolino, service department manager at Computer Direct in Madison Heights, Mich., recently in the Detroit Free Press offered some of the following spring-cleaning tech tips:
Don’t let dust clog your computer. Dirty computers can collect dust inside that can jeopardize performance. He recommends using a can of compressed air to remove dust and other debris.
"Eventually if you get enough dust, it'll start to conduct electricity," which causes to computer to run less efficiently, Tuzzolino says.
Clean smudgy screens. Tuzzolino recommends using Windex or an equivalent everyday glass cleaner to clean screens and monitors. But he cautions, “if you get any of that liquid to drip inside, it can do some damage," so spray the liquid on a paper towel first before applying.
Remove unnecessary programs. Is your computer being bogged down with too many computer programs? For example, besides an antivirus program, do you have any other programs running constantly in the background? If so, Tuzzolino recommends checking your system preferences (on the Mac) or control panel (for PC) to delete any start-up items that aren’t necessary. He also recommends using free programs, such as Malwarebytes or CCleaner, which can track unneeded and malicious software on your computer.
And for Android smartphone users, he recommends trying Advanced Task Killer, a mobile app that will tell you every app that is running on your smartphone--some you may not even know about. Android smartphones allow you to run multiple apps at the same time, but that can slowdown performance.
Source: “High-Tech Spring Cleaning: Dust, Wipe, Fix Up, and Declutter Devices,” Detroit Free Press (April 18, 2011)
Carlo Tuzzolino, service department manager at Computer Direct in Madison Heights, Mich., recently in the Detroit Free Press offered some of the following spring-cleaning tech tips:
Don’t let dust clog your computer. Dirty computers can collect dust inside that can jeopardize performance. He recommends using a can of compressed air to remove dust and other debris.
"Eventually if you get enough dust, it'll start to conduct electricity," which causes to computer to run less efficiently, Tuzzolino says.
Clean smudgy screens. Tuzzolino recommends using Windex or an equivalent everyday glass cleaner to clean screens and monitors. But he cautions, “if you get any of that liquid to drip inside, it can do some damage," so spray the liquid on a paper towel first before applying.
Remove unnecessary programs. Is your computer being bogged down with too many computer programs? For example, besides an antivirus program, do you have any other programs running constantly in the background? If so, Tuzzolino recommends checking your system preferences (on the Mac) or control panel (for PC) to delete any start-up items that aren’t necessary. He also recommends using free programs, such as Malwarebytes or CCleaner, which can track unneeded and malicious software on your computer.
And for Android smartphone users, he recommends trying Advanced Task Killer, a mobile app that will tell you every app that is running on your smartphone--some you may not even know about. Android smartphones allow you to run multiple apps at the same time, but that can slowdown performance.
Source: “High-Tech Spring Cleaning: Dust, Wipe, Fix Up, and Declutter Devices,” Detroit Free Press (April 18, 2011)
NAR partner offers E&O insurance
Realtors® now have access to an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance program from the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) newest Realtor Benefits Partner, Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc.
“E&O insurance helps Realtors protect their own business investment while they’re helping buyers, sellers and investors achieve their real estate goals,” says NAR President Ron Phipps.
Coverage is available to members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Continental Casualty (CNA), a top-rated insurance carrier. Rates vary based on the type of coverage needed, area of specialty and previous claims history.
The program offers a range of deductibles and claim limits, as well as several premium credits, as allowed by state law. This includes a credit for being a Realtor, holding select NAR designations, continuing education, use of standard contracts, use of home warranties and risk management programs. Schinnerer’s program also supports a range of real estate specialties including residential and commercial, property management, appraisal and more.
“With over 28 years of real estate errors and omissions insurance experience, Schinnerer has developed a program proven to adapt to our dynamic real estate industry,” said Bob Goldberg, NAR senior vice president of Marketing and Business Development, Commercial Services and Business Specialties.
E&O coverage was recently updated to include use of the Internet, such as websites, social networking, video hosting and blogging. In addition, educational pieces and risk management services are available to policyholders. Schinnerer has developed a toolbox that includes a risk management newsletter, blog updates, webinars and a toll-free hotline to discuss potential claims with a real estate claims specialist.
To sign up for the program and learn more, visit NAR’s website.
Source: Florida Realtors®
“E&O insurance helps Realtors protect their own business investment while they’re helping buyers, sellers and investors achieve their real estate goals,” says NAR President Ron Phipps.
Coverage is available to members in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through Continental Casualty (CNA), a top-rated insurance carrier. Rates vary based on the type of coverage needed, area of specialty and previous claims history.
The program offers a range of deductibles and claim limits, as well as several premium credits, as allowed by state law. This includes a credit for being a Realtor, holding select NAR designations, continuing education, use of standard contracts, use of home warranties and risk management programs. Schinnerer’s program also supports a range of real estate specialties including residential and commercial, property management, appraisal and more.
“With over 28 years of real estate errors and omissions insurance experience, Schinnerer has developed a program proven to adapt to our dynamic real estate industry,” said Bob Goldberg, NAR senior vice president of Marketing and Business Development, Commercial Services and Business Specialties.
E&O coverage was recently updated to include use of the Internet, such as websites, social networking, video hosting and blogging. In addition, educational pieces and risk management services are available to policyholders. Schinnerer has developed a toolbox that includes a risk management newsletter, blog updates, webinars and a toll-free hotline to discuss potential claims with a real estate claims specialist.
To sign up for the program and learn more, visit NAR’s website.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Monday, April 18, 2011
5 'Most Innovative' Mobile Apps
PC World recently released its top picks for most innovative apps for 2011 — mobile apps for tablets and smartphones that have the potential of making your life easier. Here are five free apps that made the list for iPhone or Android:
1. Fring: An upcoming version of this app will offer free video group calls with up to four people at once. (A beta is currently available.)
Platform: Apple’s iOS, Android
Price: Free
2. UpSoundDown: You can put your phone on speakerphone mode automatically by just laying your phone down on a table or turning the phone upside down like you’re using it as a microphone. When you pick the phone back up, you’ll be able to use the handset again.
Platform: Android
Price: Free
3. Zite: This app learns what you like to read and then scans your Facebook and Twitter feeds for news based on your reading habits. It then populates a virtual magazine with content that is tailored to your reading habits.
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
4. Adobe Photoshop Express: You can manipulate photos using this app’s simple features on your iPhone or iPad and then store your photos on the Internet to access from anywhere. Coming soon: Photoshop for iPad, which works like a desktop version of the Photoshop software, which includes layers and effect features (price to be determined for iPad version).
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
5. iSwifter: iPad lovers will appreciate this app, which allows you to watch Flash videos and view Web site animations.
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
Source: “The Top 15 Innovative Mobile Apps in 2011,” InfoWorld (April 2011)
1. Fring: An upcoming version of this app will offer free video group calls with up to four people at once. (A beta is currently available.)
Platform: Apple’s iOS, Android
Price: Free
2. UpSoundDown: You can put your phone on speakerphone mode automatically by just laying your phone down on a table or turning the phone upside down like you’re using it as a microphone. When you pick the phone back up, you’ll be able to use the handset again.
Platform: Android
Price: Free
3. Zite: This app learns what you like to read and then scans your Facebook and Twitter feeds for news based on your reading habits. It then populates a virtual magazine with content that is tailored to your reading habits.
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
4. Adobe Photoshop Express: You can manipulate photos using this app’s simple features on your iPhone or iPad and then store your photos on the Internet to access from anywhere. Coming soon: Photoshop for iPad, which works like a desktop version of the Photoshop software, which includes layers and effect features (price to be determined for iPad version).
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
5. iSwifter: iPad lovers will appreciate this app, which allows you to watch Flash videos and view Web site animations.
Platform: Apple iOS
Price: Free
Source: “The Top 15 Innovative Mobile Apps in 2011,” InfoWorld (April 2011)
Friday, April 15, 2011
Cisco: No More Flip Video Cameras
Cisco Systems says it will no longer make Flip video cameras, the popular pocket-size cameras that had become a favorite of many real estate professionals looking to easily capture video of houses they sell.
"After careful evaluation, we believe the best course of action is to shut down our Flip business," Cisco spokeswoman Karen Tillman says.
Cisco, a computer networking company, had seen its business for Flip camera steadily dropping due to increased competition from other pocket-sized cameras but, in particular, from smartphones, such as the iPhone and Android, which let consumers record and stream video directly from their phones.
In 2009, Cisco purchased Flip from Pure Digital Technologies for $590 million. The Flip camera had been introduced just two years earlier and quickly became a best seller. The Flip camera’s ease in capturing video and downloading to a computer--a USB connector on the device easily connects the camera to computer--made it popular and spawned several competitors.
Cisco has chosen not to sell the Flip business to another company, a move some analysts were questioning.
"Unless there is some tax or accounting trick going on, someone needs to give it new life and save jobs,” analyst Greg Sterling says. “Flip is still a viable product."
Cisco will continue to support the sharing of Flip videos online.
Source: “Cisco to Close Flip Video-Camera Business,” Gannett News Service (April 12, 2011)
"After careful evaluation, we believe the best course of action is to shut down our Flip business," Cisco spokeswoman Karen Tillman says.
Cisco, a computer networking company, had seen its business for Flip camera steadily dropping due to increased competition from other pocket-sized cameras but, in particular, from smartphones, such as the iPhone and Android, which let consumers record and stream video directly from their phones.
In 2009, Cisco purchased Flip from Pure Digital Technologies for $590 million. The Flip camera had been introduced just two years earlier and quickly became a best seller. The Flip camera’s ease in capturing video and downloading to a computer--a USB connector on the device easily connects the camera to computer--made it popular and spawned several competitors.
Cisco has chosen not to sell the Flip business to another company, a move some analysts were questioning.
"Unless there is some tax or accounting trick going on, someone needs to give it new life and save jobs,” analyst Greg Sterling says. “Flip is still a viable product."
Cisco will continue to support the sharing of Flip videos online.
Source: “Cisco to Close Flip Video-Camera Business,” Gannett News Service (April 12, 2011)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
New Facebook Feature May Result in Big Mistake
Facebook last week released a tool that allows you to take a personal profile page and convert it into a business page, changing friends into fans. But some who have used the tool are finding they may have accidentally deleted their profile page and also have no business page to replace it either, according to an article at Inside Network that warns Facebook users about the new feature.
Facebook is giving a second chance to those who may have already lost their page in a conversion. It has created a "Profile to Business Page Migration Appeal," which allows you to appeal to have the conversion reversed and a profile page restored.
Facebook’s appeal page explains:
“Profile-to-Business Page migrations are meant for profiles that do not represent a person. If you have accidentally migrated your profile to a page, you can submit your request for a reversal. Please keep in mind that we will remove your business page if your profile is restored. We may reject any appeals that we deem to be inappropriate.”
In the profile to business page migration, profile photo, and friends are moved to the new page, but Facebook warns that no other content will be moved.
Source: “Following Problems With Profile to Business Page Migrations, Facebook Introduces Appeals Process,” Inside Network (April 6, 2011)
Facebook is giving a second chance to those who may have already lost their page in a conversion. It has created a "Profile to Business Page Migration Appeal," which allows you to appeal to have the conversion reversed and a profile page restored.
Facebook’s appeal page explains:
“Profile-to-Business Page migrations are meant for profiles that do not represent a person. If you have accidentally migrated your profile to a page, you can submit your request for a reversal. Please keep in mind that we will remove your business page if your profile is restored. We may reject any appeals that we deem to be inappropriate.”
In the profile to business page migration, profile photo, and friends are moved to the new page, but Facebook warns that no other content will be moved.
Source: “Following Problems With Profile to Business Page Migrations, Facebook Introduces Appeals Process,” Inside Network (April 6, 2011)
Monday, April 11, 2011
As recovery drags on, more people try selling real estate
Selling houses in today’s distressed market takes triple the time it did at the peak of the homebuying frenzy, and reduced commissions inspire Budweiser toasts more than Dom Perignon celebrations. And yet more people are entering the real estate business.
“I know I’m entering a market that’s had its challenges, to say the least,” said Tony Crawford, former general manager of Eagle Creek Country Club, who recently took 60 hours of real estate classes. He hopes to use the contacts he made in the golf business to help him transition into rental-home-property management.
Florida’s pool of licensed real estate agents and brokers has been shrinking since hitting a high of more than 305,000 people in mid-2007. By last summer, the number was down about 13 percent from that figure. But in recent months it has begun to edge up, with 268,257 registered brokers and agents as of the end of February, according to data from the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Richard Fryer, president of Orlando’s quarter-century-old Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers Inc., said economic downturns usually boost enrollment, as downsized corporate execs turn to real estate sales for income. But because the housing slump preceded and has lasted well past the 2007-09 recession, it has taken longer for people to consider the industry as a place to make a living.
“This market has stayed in a prolonged recovery mode, “ said Fryer, whose school’s enrollment is down about 75 percent from four years ago. “... People don’t see the excitement of getting in the business that they used to.”
As Florida’s real estate markets work through their large inventories of foreclosed houses, Fryer said, he expects the enthusiasm to return. He said he has seen an uptick in student numbers this year – everyone from young adults to retirement-age professionals. One class last month was the school’s largest in three years.
“There is some promise of relief on the horizon – but I’ve quit making projections,” Fryer said. “Historically, the cycles were 18 to 24 months.”
Crawford enrolled in Fryer’s school about a week after Celebration Golf Management took over operations at Eagle Creek in late February and laid off most of the staff. Jumping to another golf-course management would have been tough, he said.
“The golf industry in Central Florida is in such a bunker right now that there’s no good jobs out there,” he said.
Val Kreuzer was a chef in Germany for 15 years and worked at Orlando’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts as a pastry-chef instructor for four years – until the school advised instructors recently that layoffs were expected.
“I decided to be proactive and not to wait for that to happen,” said Kreuzer, who recently got her real estate license and now works as an agent for Keller Williams Classic Realty in the Dr. Phillips area. “I had always bought and sold real estate, and had friends in it who said I’d like it.”
Mike McGraw, chairman of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, said the profession tends to draw people who have purchased and sold several houses in their lives and who may own some rental property. Generally speaking, they don’t always fully appreciate what they’re getting into, he added.
“The average person on the street thinks this is easy,” said McGraw, who spends much of his time “wrestling” with mortgage companies, loan servicers, appraisers, underwriters, title companies and others.
Nationwide, salaries have dropped from a midpoint of $42,610 in 2007 to $36,700 in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors. Although incomes aren’t tracked in Central Florida, commissions have fallen along with prices, which are less than half of what they were just four years ago, according to the Orlando Realtors group.
“It’s amazing the number of members who had no closings in the last year,” said Michael Kidd, executive vice president of the Orlando association.
Real estate professionals agree that new agents stand the best chance of succeeding if they specialize, working with a particular industry, clientele or geographic area.
Maitland-area resident Ana Rodriguez-Damas works as a television-advertising sales representative now but recently completed 60 hours of real estate classes. She said she has friends from Venezuela and Europe who are interested in investing in Central Florida real estate, and she would like to be able to work with them.
“I have good connections,” she said.
As for Crawford, he thinks carving out a specialty managing rental houses has potential in the current market.
“All these owners who are strapped, they are all dropping the keys and renting out the place, and they’re renting for $1,500 to $3,000 a month,” he said.
It’s a way to earn a living, he said, when the real estate market is down.
Source: The Orlando Sentinel, Fla., Mary Shanklin. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
“I know I’m entering a market that’s had its challenges, to say the least,” said Tony Crawford, former general manager of Eagle Creek Country Club, who recently took 60 hours of real estate classes. He hopes to use the contacts he made in the golf business to help him transition into rental-home-property management.
Florida’s pool of licensed real estate agents and brokers has been shrinking since hitting a high of more than 305,000 people in mid-2007. By last summer, the number was down about 13 percent from that figure. But in recent months it has begun to edge up, with 268,257 registered brokers and agents as of the end of February, according to data from the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Richard Fryer, president of Orlando’s quarter-century-old Institute of Florida Real Estate Careers Inc., said economic downturns usually boost enrollment, as downsized corporate execs turn to real estate sales for income. But because the housing slump preceded and has lasted well past the 2007-09 recession, it has taken longer for people to consider the industry as a place to make a living.
“This market has stayed in a prolonged recovery mode, “ said Fryer, whose school’s enrollment is down about 75 percent from four years ago. “... People don’t see the excitement of getting in the business that they used to.”
As Florida’s real estate markets work through their large inventories of foreclosed houses, Fryer said, he expects the enthusiasm to return. He said he has seen an uptick in student numbers this year – everyone from young adults to retirement-age professionals. One class last month was the school’s largest in three years.
“There is some promise of relief on the horizon – but I’ve quit making projections,” Fryer said. “Historically, the cycles were 18 to 24 months.”
Crawford enrolled in Fryer’s school about a week after Celebration Golf Management took over operations at Eagle Creek in late February and laid off most of the staff. Jumping to another golf-course management would have been tough, he said.
“The golf industry in Central Florida is in such a bunker right now that there’s no good jobs out there,” he said.
Val Kreuzer was a chef in Germany for 15 years and worked at Orlando’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts as a pastry-chef instructor for four years – until the school advised instructors recently that layoffs were expected.
“I decided to be proactive and not to wait for that to happen,” said Kreuzer, who recently got her real estate license and now works as an agent for Keller Williams Classic Realty in the Dr. Phillips area. “I had always bought and sold real estate, and had friends in it who said I’d like it.”
Mike McGraw, chairman of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association, said the profession tends to draw people who have purchased and sold several houses in their lives and who may own some rental property. Generally speaking, they don’t always fully appreciate what they’re getting into, he added.
“The average person on the street thinks this is easy,” said McGraw, who spends much of his time “wrestling” with mortgage companies, loan servicers, appraisers, underwriters, title companies and others.
Nationwide, salaries have dropped from a midpoint of $42,610 in 2007 to $36,700 in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors. Although incomes aren’t tracked in Central Florida, commissions have fallen along with prices, which are less than half of what they were just four years ago, according to the Orlando Realtors group.
“It’s amazing the number of members who had no closings in the last year,” said Michael Kidd, executive vice president of the Orlando association.
Real estate professionals agree that new agents stand the best chance of succeeding if they specialize, working with a particular industry, clientele or geographic area.
Maitland-area resident Ana Rodriguez-Damas works as a television-advertising sales representative now but recently completed 60 hours of real estate classes. She said she has friends from Venezuela and Europe who are interested in investing in Central Florida real estate, and she would like to be able to work with them.
“I have good connections,” she said.
As for Crawford, he thinks carving out a specialty managing rental houses has potential in the current market.
“All these owners who are strapped, they are all dropping the keys and renting out the place, and they’re renting for $1,500 to $3,000 a month,” he said.
It’s a way to earn a living, he said, when the real estate market is down.
Source: The Orlando Sentinel, Fla., Mary Shanklin. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Which Tablet Comes Out on Top?
Consumer Reports recently rated the 10 most-promising tablet computers. The winner: Apple’s iPad 2.
Apple’s iPad first launched the new generation of tablets last year. Since that time, real estate professionals are continuing to unlock the benefits of this new generation of tablets — a mobile device that nearly works as a laptop in keeping them in touch with all aspects of their business from anywhere.
In the analysis, Consumer Reports evaluated tablets from Archos, Apple, Dell, Motorola, Samsung, and ViewSonic. It took into account 17 factors in its ratings, including touchscreen responsiveness, versatility, portability, screen glare, and ease of use.
The 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi plus 3G (retailing for $730) scored “Excellent” in nearly every category of the 17 criteria judged. The first-generation iPad ($580) also did well in the ratings, even outscoring many of the other models. The first-generation iPad tied with the Motorola Xoom ($800), which is considered iPad 2’s chief rival.
Battery life was also put to the test by Consumer Reports. The iPad 2 lasted 12.2 hours. For comparison, the lowest-rated tablet, the Archos 70 Internet Tablet ($270), lasted 3.8 hours.
"So far, Apple is leading the tablet market in both quality and price, which is unusual for a company whose products are usually premium priced," Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. "However, it's likely we'll see more competitive pricing in tablets as other models begin to hit the market."
However, Consumer Reports recommends that tablet shoppers not be tempted by price alone. In its tests, Consumer Reports revealed that the performance of models costing $300 and under have mediocre performance, so buyers are better off saving for the more expensive models.
Also, Consumer Reports advises tablet shoppers that they would be wise to not just judge portability and storage capacity in their tablet purchases, but also consider the differences in software, connectivity, and the upgrade ability. For example, super-fast 4G networks are emerging and a device capable of running 4G could be viewed as a big plus down the road.
Source: “Consumer Reports: iPad 2 Is Rated the Highest Tablet,” TechSot.com (April 5, 2011)
Apple’s iPad first launched the new generation of tablets last year. Since that time, real estate professionals are continuing to unlock the benefits of this new generation of tablets — a mobile device that nearly works as a laptop in keeping them in touch with all aspects of their business from anywhere.
In the analysis, Consumer Reports evaluated tablets from Archos, Apple, Dell, Motorola, Samsung, and ViewSonic. It took into account 17 factors in its ratings, including touchscreen responsiveness, versatility, portability, screen glare, and ease of use.
The 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi plus 3G (retailing for $730) scored “Excellent” in nearly every category of the 17 criteria judged. The first-generation iPad ($580) also did well in the ratings, even outscoring many of the other models. The first-generation iPad tied with the Motorola Xoom ($800), which is considered iPad 2’s chief rival.
Battery life was also put to the test by Consumer Reports. The iPad 2 lasted 12.2 hours. For comparison, the lowest-rated tablet, the Archos 70 Internet Tablet ($270), lasted 3.8 hours.
"So far, Apple is leading the tablet market in both quality and price, which is unusual for a company whose products are usually premium priced," Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor at Consumer Reports, said in a statement. "However, it's likely we'll see more competitive pricing in tablets as other models begin to hit the market."
However, Consumer Reports recommends that tablet shoppers not be tempted by price alone. In its tests, Consumer Reports revealed that the performance of models costing $300 and under have mediocre performance, so buyers are better off saving for the more expensive models.
Also, Consumer Reports advises tablet shoppers that they would be wise to not just judge portability and storage capacity in their tablet purchases, but also consider the differences in software, connectivity, and the upgrade ability. For example, super-fast 4G networks are emerging and a device capable of running 4G could be viewed as a big plus down the road.
Source: “Consumer Reports: iPad 2 Is Rated the Highest Tablet,” TechSot.com (April 5, 2011)
Form Simplicity: Tax data now statewide
Form Simplicity, an online forms transaction program and Florida Realtors® member benefit, says the tool that allows Realtors to import local tax records is now active for all 67 counties in Florida. Users in every Florida county can now auto-populate their transactions.
Form Simplicity is a member benefit for all Florida Realtors. Users can print out a form and go or create a complete web-based transaction. When creating a web-based transaction, users can automate transactions through preset “data populated’ packages, utilize the MLS data import feature, or use the synchronization feature, which allows users to type information in one field and it automatically update the same fields on all forms within the transaction.
To find out more about Form Simplicity or sign up for training, visit Forms.FloridaRealtors.org and login. Click the “help” button to watch a video on how to use the program, or attend a one-hour live training webinar. Training webinars cover Form Simplicity’s basic functionalities with the final 10 minutes devoted to broker features.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Form Simplicity is a member benefit for all Florida Realtors. Users can print out a form and go or create a complete web-based transaction. When creating a web-based transaction, users can automate transactions through preset “data populated’ packages, utilize the MLS data import feature, or use the synchronization feature, which allows users to type information in one field and it automatically update the same fields on all forms within the transaction.
To find out more about Form Simplicity or sign up for training, visit Forms.FloridaRealtors.org and login. Click the “help” button to watch a video on how to use the program, or attend a one-hour live training webinar. Training webinars cover Form Simplicity’s basic functionalities with the final 10 minutes devoted to broker features.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Top 5 iPad apps for real estate agents
There are several must-have iPad apps for real estate agents, according to Katie Lance, senior marketing manager with Inman News. They include:
• Keynote, which is similar to PowerPoint but more user-friendly.
• Open Home Pro eliminates the need for an open house register by allowing visitors to sign in with their name and e-mail; it also makes it easy for agents to add notes as necessary.
• Dropbox simplifies the process of storing, syncing and sharing files.
• DocuSign makes it easy to send, track and sign paperwork by providing real-time document status information.
• GoodReader for iPad, iAnnotate PDF and PDF Expert for iPad allow users to edit PDFs and add personalized signatures, among other functions.
Some of the apps are free, but the most expensive is less than $10.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
• Keynote, which is similar to PowerPoint but more user-friendly.
• Open Home Pro eliminates the need for an open house register by allowing visitors to sign in with their name and e-mail; it also makes it easy for agents to add notes as necessary.
• Dropbox simplifies the process of storing, syncing and sharing files.
• DocuSign makes it easy to send, track and sign paperwork by providing real-time document status information.
• GoodReader for iPad, iAnnotate PDF and PDF Expert for iPad allow users to edit PDFs and add personalized signatures, among other functions.
Some of the apps are free, but the most expensive is less than $10.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Congress repeals IRS reporting requirement
The Senate yesterday approved legislation to repeal a burdensome tax paperwork requirement that could cost small businesses – including many Realtors – thousands of dollars each year. The bill now goes to President Obama for his signature, which is expected.
A new rule was introduced under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last year. It would have forced businesses to file an IRS Form 1099 for each vendor from whom they spend more than $600 in goods in any given tax year starting in 2012. Had that rule gone into effect, an independent Realtor who bought more than $600 of goods from any single vendor would have had to file out a new 1099. The annual $600 threshold applied to all vendors, so that businesses could find themselves sending out 1099 forms for such mundane purchases as coffee, fuel and office supplies.
A number of business groups, including the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Home Builders, fought aggressively to have the new tax law repealed, fearing the burden it would create for members. Rather than hiring additional workers to expand and grow, they said, small businesses would be spending money on accountants and bookkeepers just to keep up with the new requirements.
The Senate passed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (H.R. 4) 87 to 12; it passed the House earlier.
In addition to repealing expanded 1099 requirements, H.R. 4 also repeals a provision in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 stipulating that independent landlords as of Jan. 1, 2011, must submit 1099s to firms to which they give more than $600 for services.
Going forward, businesses will still have to comply with long-standing reporting requirements for the purchase of services.
Source: Florida Realtors®
A new rule was introduced under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act last year. It would have forced businesses to file an IRS Form 1099 for each vendor from whom they spend more than $600 in goods in any given tax year starting in 2012. Had that rule gone into effect, an independent Realtor who bought more than $600 of goods from any single vendor would have had to file out a new 1099. The annual $600 threshold applied to all vendors, so that businesses could find themselves sending out 1099 forms for such mundane purchases as coffee, fuel and office supplies.
A number of business groups, including the National Association of Realtors® and the National Association of Home Builders, fought aggressively to have the new tax law repealed, fearing the burden it would create for members. Rather than hiring additional workers to expand and grow, they said, small businesses would be spending money on accountants and bookkeepers just to keep up with the new requirements.
The Senate passed the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (H.R. 4) 87 to 12; it passed the House earlier.
In addition to repealing expanded 1099 requirements, H.R. 4 also repeals a provision in the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 stipulating that independent landlords as of Jan. 1, 2011, must submit 1099s to firms to which they give more than $600 for services.
Going forward, businesses will still have to comply with long-standing reporting requirements for the purchase of services.
Source: Florida Realtors®
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Distress Sales Used as Comps: Right or Wrong?
Should residential appraisals use distress sales as comparables? It’s a thorny question that some states are weighing.
In a recent Realty Times article, the author notes that in a normal market using distress sales as comparables is often viewed as inappropriate because such sales are unusual and do not represent the standard market.
However, nowadays in many markets, distress sales may comprise 30 percent to 40 percent of current sales activity and may be impossible to ignore.
Four states are considering laws that would affect how appraisers should consider the sale of distressed properties. Here’s a breakdown of legislation those states are considering:
Illinois: A proposed law says that an appraiser may not "use as a comparable sale the sale price for a residential property that was sold at a judicial sale at any time within 12 months after the date of the judicial sale… ." The Illinois law would sunset after five years, according to the Realty Times article.
Missouri: Legislation says that appraisers must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), but not in cases when a property has been foreclosed. “An appraiser shall not utilize the foreclosure price as a comparable property when developing an appraisal," the legislation states.
Maryland: The proposed law is somewhat vague, but it says in cases of duress or unusual circumstances "such as a foreclosure sale or short sale," the appraiser is to "consider" the property's history (e.g. whether it's being sold at auction or as a short sale) and "consider" the seller's motivation, such as if the home owner was seeking to avoid foreclosure.
Nevada: A pending law covers both short sales and foreclosures: "Except as otherwise required by federal law or regulation, an appraiser shall not include as a comparable sale in an appraisal a short sale or a sale of property which was the subject of a foreclosure sale.”
Appraisers are required to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice guidelines for weighing comparables in federal transactions, which "mandates that appraisers must analyze such comparable sales as are available. Further, the standard cannot be voided by a state or local government." That said, a recent article at Appraiser News Online raises the issue that appraisers have a difficult decision to make when their state has different regulations than USPAP when it comes to weighing distressed sales.
Source: “Should Distress Sales Be Used as Comparables?” Realty Times (April 5, 2011)
In a recent Realty Times article, the author notes that in a normal market using distress sales as comparables is often viewed as inappropriate because such sales are unusual and do not represent the standard market.
However, nowadays in many markets, distress sales may comprise 30 percent to 40 percent of current sales activity and may be impossible to ignore.
Four states are considering laws that would affect how appraisers should consider the sale of distressed properties. Here’s a breakdown of legislation those states are considering:
Illinois: A proposed law says that an appraiser may not "use as a comparable sale the sale price for a residential property that was sold at a judicial sale at any time within 12 months after the date of the judicial sale… ." The Illinois law would sunset after five years, according to the Realty Times article.
Missouri: Legislation says that appraisers must comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), but not in cases when a property has been foreclosed. “An appraiser shall not utilize the foreclosure price as a comparable property when developing an appraisal," the legislation states.
Maryland: The proposed law is somewhat vague, but it says in cases of duress or unusual circumstances "such as a foreclosure sale or short sale," the appraiser is to "consider" the property's history (e.g. whether it's being sold at auction or as a short sale) and "consider" the seller's motivation, such as if the home owner was seeking to avoid foreclosure.
Nevada: A pending law covers both short sales and foreclosures: "Except as otherwise required by federal law or regulation, an appraiser shall not include as a comparable sale in an appraisal a short sale or a sale of property which was the subject of a foreclosure sale.”
Appraisers are required to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice guidelines for weighing comparables in federal transactions, which "mandates that appraisers must analyze such comparable sales as are available. Further, the standard cannot be voided by a state or local government." That said, a recent article at Appraiser News Online raises the issue that appraisers have a difficult decision to make when their state has different regulations than USPAP when it comes to weighing distressed sales.
Source: “Should Distress Sales Be Used as Comparables?” Realty Times (April 5, 2011)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Oil prices cloud economic outlook
The economy continues to show increasing signs of self-sustaining momentum, however an unexpected jump in oil prices and the potential for further tightening of fiscal policy suggest less economic momentum than previously believed, according to the March 2011 Economic Outlook released by Fannie Mae’s Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group.
Projected economic growth for the 2011 was lowered to 3.5 percent – down slightly from 3.7 percent in February 2011, but up from 2.7 percent annual growth in 2010.
According to the reports, the recent jump in oil prices and its unpredictability added new uncertainty about the prospects for consumer spending and economic growth for 2011 and 2012.
“The increase in oil prices has an impact on the economy, especially on the consumer side,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. “The U.S. consumes roughly seven billion barrels of oil each year, so every dollar increase in the cost of energy translates into a $7 billion annual tax on consumers, reducing their disposable income available for spending on other goods and services.”
Consumer uncertainty also continues to stifle demand for housing. “Our … results during the last year have been very clear regarding consumer uncertainty about the economic and housing environment,” said Duncan. “This uncertainty, coupled with the rise in oil prices, is precipitating reluctance among people to take on large financial obligations such as borrowing money to purchase a home.”
Source: Florida Realtors®
Projected economic growth for the 2011 was lowered to 3.5 percent – down slightly from 3.7 percent in February 2011, but up from 2.7 percent annual growth in 2010.
According to the reports, the recent jump in oil prices and its unpredictability added new uncertainty about the prospects for consumer spending and economic growth for 2011 and 2012.
“The increase in oil prices has an impact on the economy, especially on the consumer side,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. “The U.S. consumes roughly seven billion barrels of oil each year, so every dollar increase in the cost of energy translates into a $7 billion annual tax on consumers, reducing their disposable income available for spending on other goods and services.”
Consumer uncertainty also continues to stifle demand for housing. “Our … results during the last year have been very clear regarding consumer uncertainty about the economic and housing environment,” said Duncan. “This uncertainty, coupled with the rise in oil prices, is precipitating reluctance among people to take on large financial obligations such as borrowing money to purchase a home.”
Source: Florida Realtors®
5 reasons why it’s tough to get quality Internet leads
Cultivating relationships with new clients is tremendously important to real estate agents; and, as homebuyers and sellers increasingly tap into the power of the Internet, practitioners should see more of their leads come from online sources.
Agents who do not benefit from an increase in web-based leads may need to take a closer look at their online presence. Simply having an electronic business card with a photo on a broker’s website, for example, will not capture quality leads. Real estate sales professionals need an independent site that features that kind of keywords that buyers commonly used in online property searches.
The agent’s website also should allow search engines to crawl pages, which in turn allows the pages to be indexed and found by users plugging in keywords.
Real estate listing details must be visible and indexable, and web pages must offer matches to the keywords being searched.
Realty practitioners may also want to reconsider requiring user registration on their sites, as registration pages create obstacles for search engines. Instead, agents can gather customer data by offering something that users might want – such as a relocation guide – but requiring some information from them first.
Finally, the agent’s website must be easy to navigate. Homes should be arranged according to property features and types – such as homes with pools, luxury homes, affordable homes, or homes in a certain neighborhood.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Agents who do not benefit from an increase in web-based leads may need to take a closer look at their online presence. Simply having an electronic business card with a photo on a broker’s website, for example, will not capture quality leads. Real estate sales professionals need an independent site that features that kind of keywords that buyers commonly used in online property searches.
The agent’s website also should allow search engines to crawl pages, which in turn allows the pages to be indexed and found by users plugging in keywords.
Real estate listing details must be visible and indexable, and web pages must offer matches to the keywords being searched.
Realty practitioners may also want to reconsider requiring user registration on their sites, as registration pages create obstacles for search engines. Instead, agents can gather customer data by offering something that users might want – such as a relocation guide – but requiring some information from them first.
Finally, the agent’s website must be easy to navigate. Homes should be arranged according to property features and types – such as homes with pools, luxury homes, affordable homes, or homes in a certain neighborhood.
Source: INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD
Friday, April 1, 2011
Top 5 Reasons Why the Deck Is Stacked against You When It Comes to Getting Quality Internet Leads
1. Are you on the web? That sounds like a ridiculous question but many agents don’t realize that simply having an electronic business card on their broker’s site—otherwise known as an agent roster—is not going to open the Internet floodgates. Let’s be realistic: Most people looking to buy and sell real estate are not looking for a specific brokerage or your name personally. They are searching by using real estate keywords specific to their needs. If you can’t be found by keywords related to property types and geo-specific locations, don’t expect to get a lead. Get an independent website and be proactive in finding a real estate website provider that really understands how to get their clients visible for thousands of keywords.
2. Your website’s structure does not allow search engines to crawl pages. Okay, I’m going to get a little technical but I promise it will be worth your while. If web pages can’t be crawled, they cannot be indexed. The content, (real estate keywords) on non-indexed pages will not be found by people searching on the web using real estate keywords as their search criteria.
3. You require people to register to see listings. Registration pages—unless developed properly—are not search engine friendly. Think about it: Search engines do not create profiles, or come up with user names and passwords to see what’s behind the curtain. When you create these kinds of obstacles for search engines, pages do not get indexed. There are other methods to capture customer information, like offering a free relocation guide—a client initiated exchange of information. If they wish to receive the relocation guide, they must give up some contact details, and then you have a reason to begin a relationship with them. No more Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck leads.
4. Your web pages do not offer matches to keywords being searched on. This is a biggie. To capture Internet customers, your web pages simply must have real estate listing data that is visible and indexable. Older website technologies keep listings hidden from the search engines because the listings don’t actually exist on your site. They live in the MLS database. Even if you are using a product that makes listings visible to the search engines, that does not go far enough. Your website technology must be able to manipulate those listings into the thousands of themed topical categories that capture 85 percent of the available traffic for real estate search. Compare products; make sure that you don’t use an IDX solution that simply makes listing visible or you’re missing out on the point. You’re also stuck competing against everyone else who is using that product in your market and you’re all driving at the same speed.
5. Searching for property on your site is difficult. Assuming that you’ve conquered the web and have plenty of visitors coming to your site that can turn into clients, don’t blow it at the end by making it hard for people to navigate your site. Properties should be themed and categorized according to property features and types like homes with pools, luxury property, affordable homes, golf course property and even specific neighborhood names. People love this type of organization, it doesn’t require them to think too hard and it keeps them coming back. This is exactly what you want and that kind of user engagement will help website visitors turn into Internet leads.
There is tremendous potential for marketing on the Internet as people from all generations become more web savvy. People using the Internet are concerned with simplicity, intuitive navigation and unfettered access to information. If your web presence is nonexistent, or your web visibility consists of a profile page on your broker’s site, it’s time to take charge of your future and make educated decisions. Internet leads are a product of search engine visibility. Make sure you can be found based upon what you are trying to sell, which is real estate, not your picture,….but real estate.
Source: RISMedia
2. Your website’s structure does not allow search engines to crawl pages. Okay, I’m going to get a little technical but I promise it will be worth your while. If web pages can’t be crawled, they cannot be indexed. The content, (real estate keywords) on non-indexed pages will not be found by people searching on the web using real estate keywords as their search criteria.
3. You require people to register to see listings. Registration pages—unless developed properly—are not search engine friendly. Think about it: Search engines do not create profiles, or come up with user names and passwords to see what’s behind the curtain. When you create these kinds of obstacles for search engines, pages do not get indexed. There are other methods to capture customer information, like offering a free relocation guide—a client initiated exchange of information. If they wish to receive the relocation guide, they must give up some contact details, and then you have a reason to begin a relationship with them. No more Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck leads.
4. Your web pages do not offer matches to keywords being searched on. This is a biggie. To capture Internet customers, your web pages simply must have real estate listing data that is visible and indexable. Older website technologies keep listings hidden from the search engines because the listings don’t actually exist on your site. They live in the MLS database. Even if you are using a product that makes listings visible to the search engines, that does not go far enough. Your website technology must be able to manipulate those listings into the thousands of themed topical categories that capture 85 percent of the available traffic for real estate search. Compare products; make sure that you don’t use an IDX solution that simply makes listing visible or you’re missing out on the point. You’re also stuck competing against everyone else who is using that product in your market and you’re all driving at the same speed.
5. Searching for property on your site is difficult. Assuming that you’ve conquered the web and have plenty of visitors coming to your site that can turn into clients, don’t blow it at the end by making it hard for people to navigate your site. Properties should be themed and categorized according to property features and types like homes with pools, luxury property, affordable homes, golf course property and even specific neighborhood names. People love this type of organization, it doesn’t require them to think too hard and it keeps them coming back. This is exactly what you want and that kind of user engagement will help website visitors turn into Internet leads.
There is tremendous potential for marketing on the Internet as people from all generations become more web savvy. People using the Internet are concerned with simplicity, intuitive navigation and unfettered access to information. If your web presence is nonexistent, or your web visibility consists of a profile page on your broker’s site, it’s time to take charge of your future and make educated decisions. Internet leads are a product of search engine visibility. Make sure you can be found based upon what you are trying to sell, which is real estate, not your picture,….but real estate.
Source: RISMedia
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