I had one of the most interesting questions while being interviewed by a perspective seller that I wanted to share with you all. I was asked if is was a "NEW Fashioned Realtior' or an "OLD Fashioned Realtor"?The seller proceeded to tell me before i answered, that they had decided to hire a self proclaimed "New Fashioned" Realtor to sell their home originally because they would have state of the computers, technology and marketing which would give them an advantage. That what they got was a state of the art web page and a listing in MLS. What they did not get was an agent who answered their phone when they had a question or wante dan update, an agent who never showed up during any of the 3 showings at their house and agent who was not attentive to their needs.They said they decided to ... 03/21/2011

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY EVERYONE!!!May you all find your pot of gold today...Yesterday i heard the best saying ever.The Harder I work, The luckier i get....Updated March 17, 2011All rights reserved, copyright 2010-2011 03/17/2011

One of the most asked questions from buyers wanting to jump into the market is "SHOULD I BUY A SHORT SALE OR A BANK OWNED HOME?" All the buyers have the same goal which is to get the best possible deal as prices stabilize and start heading up as we come out of recession.The simple answer is iIt clearly depends on the amount of time you have to purchase and if you have the patience to be able to wait out a short sale. Short sales can take a long time to get approved and your offer is not guaranteed to be accepted, you could spend money on home inspection, appraisal etc and end up losing that money. You can also get a great deal on a home in better condition than some of the bank owned homes. I tend to receive a lot of refferals from buyers who i have assisted with their purchase who were... 03/15/2011

Readers Digest just wrapped up their 'We hear you America contest" and Congratulations Manchester Nh , you came in 9th place.The even better news is they are starting a new contest where we can try and move on up to the number 1 spot.Simply click the link below, type in Manchester, NH and "CHEER" for Manchester NH. http://wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com/index.jspRegister and you could win a new RV!!!!!Please go back DAILY and you can hit the CHEER button 10 times a day!!!!I was asked to submit a story on why Manchester is one the greatest places to live and what would i do with this donation.First thing is if the "powers to be" read this, i would volunteer to be on the committee that gets to decide what to do.There have been many great ideas but some of them are short sighted such as... 03/14/2011

The majority of homes that ARE selling are bank owned homes these days. In order to get bank owned listings from the majority of banks you need to complete BPOS's in order to get them. There has been an onslaught of articles, blogs and people selling courses and sectret lists.  Where does the truth start and the myths end????GETTING A LISTING ON THE BPO YOU JUST COMPLETEDThe most common myth comes from agents thinking they will get the listing on the bpo(s) they are completing. It is rare that you actually get the listing on the home you do the bpo for. First you need to know who you are doing the bpo for, is it a bank or an asset management company that assigns listings or is it a BPO mill that only completes BPO's. For comapnies that do assign listings, each bpo you complete you are b... 03/14/2011

The REAL "BANK OWNED" HOMES of the America- A story in pictures part 12Todays "Foreclosure" of the day  A large part of our business these days is REO " Bank Owned" homes. I receive so many comments how i can work with these "crooks" etc.... But there is another side to this story... by no means is any of this alright.... As you all know, as part of my ongoing blog, everyone reads and sees the mainstream media everyday reporting on foreclosed homes, but only a very few get to see inside them on a daily basis. I have decided to share with you the cream of the crop. I have been asked several questions regarding my posts, to answer one of them... i have purposely left out towns, cities and pictures of the front of homes on purpose to protect the "innocent".PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEE  OUR PREV... 03/13/2011

1st Time Home-buyers Take a Look!   Quick Links   Londonderry, NH Real Estate     Manchester, NH Real Estate     Hooksett, NH Real Estate     Derry, NH Real Estate     Litchfield, NH Real Estate     Chester, NH Real Estate       See Property Details   Call: for more information on this or any other property.   Visit Property Website                     1st Time Home-buyers Take a Look! Well maintained Ranch with 3 season wrap around porch; Lots of updates throughout house Including: New Roof; New Heating System; New counter tops; Ceramic tile; New sink fixtures; New Berber Rugs; New Electrical devises; New paddle fans, Light Fixtures & Smoke Detectors; Indoor/Outdoor Carpet installed on deck & porch; Private Yard         308 Megan Drive, Manchester, NH 03109 2 Bedrooms Bathrooms : 1 Fu... 03/08/2011

One of the largest myths in making offers to bank owned homes or even a short sale, is the media or these late night infomercials telling buyers to offer a certain percentage off the asking price of a property; Especially bank owned homes. You should never base your offer on a percentage off an asking price. You do not know if that asking price is at market value, if it is priced way above market value and your percentage off may be too low or the asking price is already below market value and your offer would be way to low. You need to assess what that house is worth in todays market and base your offer on that value. You need to also check on some variables that could affect your offfer, first ask if any other offers have been submitted, if any of those offers have been counter offere... 03/07/2011

Good Morning All,Yesterday i had to visit one of largest Real Estate companies around to drop of a signed contract. As i waited in the front desk area for the agent to come out, 2 of their agents were having a loud conversation in their front office area. The one lady said to the other agent 'I am so bored" The other replied "There is so nothing to do". I thought to myself how can a Realtor be bored, When you work for yourself.you get what you put into it. She then said to me "Well Scott you have a smaller office, you must be near out of business" I gasped and took everything i could to keep from telling her what i really felt, but with composure i told her I have had the best winter in sales in 25 years, i had my best February ever and i see no signs of let up for March. She was quiete... 03/04/2011

  The REAL "BANK OWNED" HOMES of the America- A story in pictures part 11Todays "Foreclosure" of the day  A large part of our business these days is REO " Bank Owned" homes. I receive so many comments how i can work with these "crooks" etc.... But there is another side to this story... by no means is any of this alright.... As you all know, as part of my ongoing blog, everyone reads and sees the mainstream media everyday reporting on foreclosed homes, but only a very few get to see inside them on a daily basis. I have decided to share with you the cream of the crop. I have been asked several questions regarding my posts, to answer one of them... i have purposely left out towns, cities and pictures of the front of homes on purpose to protect the "innocent".PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SEE  OUR PR... 03/04/2011

North End Property On The Merrimack   Quick Links   Salem, NH Real Estate     Pelham, NH Real Estate     Windham, NH Real Estate     Atkinson, NH Real Estate     Hampstead, NH Real Estate     Plaistow, NH Real Estate       See Property Details   Call: for more information on this or any other property.   Visit Property Website                     North End Property On The Merrimack River! Walk to Downtown Manchester! Updated kitchen features tile flooring & a breakfast island. Granite bath, fresh paint, new flooring and more. This 3rd floor unit has the luxury of no overhead noise, a lovely view and a spacious layout. Use the dining area as a home office...the possibilities are endless. Condo fee includes heat and hot water. Easy access to I-293. Call for a tour!         35-25 Andrew S... 03/01/2011

6 room Bungalow is Open Concept   Quick Links   Free List of Foreclosed Homes For Sale     Concord, NH Real Estate     Bow, NH Real Estate     Pembroke, NH Real Estate     Epsom, NH Real Estate     Loudon, NH Real Estate     Hopkinton, NH Real Estate       See Property Details   Call: for more information on this or any other property.   Visit Property Website                     6 room Bungalow is Open Concept design w/1st floor Mstr Bdrm. Home has private back yard & vnyl shed. Low utility bills here and FHW heat syst has 2 zones. There is attic space, Mstr Bdrm has huge walk-in closet. Everything runs on Ntrl gas, appliances included so home will be ready for you to just move in and enjoy. Why not come view this great starter home. This is a short sale, we have started the short sal... 03/01/2011

I have been receiving a huge increase in home owners looking for information on selling their homes. So many of them are focused on what they will pay for commission, they are not asking the most important questions. The most troubling questions i see are posts on message boards and online forums where they are asking how much they should pay or how much do local brokers charge. More surprising is the great amount of brokers and agents who are posting amounts online in open forums.The simple answer is that commissions do vary from broker to broker, however the most important thing is not how low you will pay, but what you will get for what you are paying. You should know that due to antitrust laws, no broker can quote you an amount in an online forum such as this or discuss what a compe... 02/27/2011

I can tell the market is improving by the shear increase in inquiries of homes for sale. Lately though i have been flooded with the same question over and over from potential buyers who are puzzled when i ask them if they have been prequailified for a mortgage. Most want to know why i want to know...The simple answer is to make sure you "Mr and Mrs Buyer" can afford what you are looking at. Virtaully all sellers are requiring a preapproval letter to accompany any offer. Your first step in the buying process before calling to look at house should be to be prequailified. As a buyer you need to know if you can get a mortgage in today's world of new banking regulations that are hindering the ability of many to even get a loan. The second reason is you need to know  how much you can afford, ... 02/27/2011

The REAL "BANK OWNED" HOMES of the USA- A story in pictures part 11Todays "Foreclosure" of the day  A large part of our business these days is REO " Bank Owned" homes. I receive so many comments how i can work with these "crooks" etc.... But there is another side to this story... by no means is any of this alright.... As you all know, as part of my ongoing blog, everyone reads and sees the mainstream media everyday reporting on foreclosed homes, but only a very few get to see inside them on a daily basis. I have decided to share with you the cream of the crop. I have been asked several questions regarding my posts, to answer one of them... i have purposely left out towns, cities and pictures of the front of homes on purpose to protect the "innocent".The house is frozen solid, water left... 02/22/2011

NOT A SHORT SALE OR FORECLOSURE   Quick Links   Salem, NH Real Estate     Pelham, NH Real Estate     Windham, NH Real Estate     Atkinson, NH Real Estate     Hampstead, NH Real Estate     Plaistow, NH Real Estate       See Property Details   Call: for more information on this or any other property.   Visit Property Website                     NOT A SHORT SALE OR FORECLOSURE, BEST HOME IN THIS PRICE RANGE! Finishing touches needed. At this great price,well worth the fix-up. BUYERS TAKE NOTICE. Ranch in good condition, nice location;many upgrades-master bedroom w/ walk in closet& bath,wood floors, very nice attached garage with loft, mud room, deck,unfinished 14x23 room off of kitchen - would make a great family room, appliances stay. Seller just finished vinyl siding; house looks great!... 02/21/2011

Affordable & cozy Taschereau 3 bedroom   Quick Links   Londonderry, NH Real Estate     Manchester, NH Real Estate     Hooksett, NH Real Estate     Derry, NH Real Estate     Litchfield, NH Real Estate     Chester, NH Real Estate       See Property Details   Call: for more information on this or any other property.   Visit Property Website                     Affordable & cozy Taschereau 3 bedroom cape, situated perfectly on Manchester`s west side. Gas fire placed living room, dining room, study/bedroom, 2 full baths. 224 sq ft of unfinished storage space on 2nd floor. Quick closing. Won`t last long!         47 Dickey St, Manchester, NH 03102 3 Bedrooms Bathrooms : 2 Full List Price : $ 219,900 Living Area Approx : 1276     I want to see this property.                     Courtesy : Prud... 02/21/2011

  The REAL "BANK OWNED" HOMES of the USA- A story in pictures part 10Todays "Foreclosure" of the day Good Morning all, During my last couple of posts, i received a comment that has stuck with me this week as i have been through a good 20 new foreclosed homes since Monday. The comment asked me to think of the pain the family and kids felt because of the foreclsoure. I wrote a response to them while keeping this in the back of mind. The majority if new foreclsoures are trashed, completely wrecked on purpose. More than half the properties we have found such things as weapons, bullet cases, tons of liquor bottles and signs of drug use. These properties are not occupied by the all american family. On teh other hand 2 houses this week we found soem childrens toys and furniture, i often wonder... 02/17/2011

One of the most common questions i have been receiving lately is about short sales. " Can i get a short sale approved if i am not behind in their mortgage?I can tell you that i have had short sales approved where the seller was not behind, the seller will need to show a hardship such as illness, death in the family, divorce or a job transfer/relocation. The key is that your hardship letter needs to be very specific and include evidence of your hardship. You can not say to want a short sale because you owe more than your house is worth. You need to show that if they do not approve your short sale you would be foreced to abandon the house or wiill not be abble to continue to maiking payments. you need to also include proof of what your house is worth in teh form of an appraisal or bpo sho... 02/17/2011

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY "ACTIVE RAIN"Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day to all of my old friends, new friends and future friends here on ACTIVE RAIN.Updated Feb. 14 2011 02/14/2011