Real Estate Blog

I think most of us love Google or the idea that we can pretty much query anything at anytime. Two days ago Ray over at Money Blue Book told me this blog, Matrix, was no longer indexed on Google.

Huh?

I reached out to friends like Chris Miles and Dustin Luther to figured out what to do - it’s never happened before and since I didn’t change anything on the site recently, I didn’t know where to start. We ended up poking around and found advertisements for viagra embedded in my sidebar (WordPress). I’d been hacked!

I went to this page My site’s no longer included in the search results. What happened?

…not much help!

I went to my Google Webmaster Tools page and sent a reconsideration letter (allow 4-6 weeks for changes).

Its the “Guilty Until Proven Innocent” law of the Internet - after all, it is only a series of tubes.

See the rest here:
[Big Bang Theory Meets Black Hole] Google De-Indexes Matrix

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan plans to file suit against Countrywide and their orange-tinted CEO Angelo Mozilo tomorrow for risky and deceptive mortgage lending practices in the state.  Ms. Madigan claims that the state has ample evidence to charge Countrywide for lending practices that have put borrowers in loans that can’t be repaid, and using sales and marketing tactics that encouraged borrowers and rewarded employees to take and make risky loans.

Illinois, like other parts of the country is dealing with a massive uptick in home foreclosures.

From the Wall Street Journal:

In a draft of the complaint, Illinois alleges that the company engaged in “unfair and deceptive practices” in the sale of mortgage loans. The 78-page document says the company loosened its underwriting standards, structured loans with “risky features” and engaged in “marketing and sales techniques” that incentivized employees and mortgage brokers to push loans whether or not homeowners had the ability to repay them.

…

In an interview, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Countrywide “broke the law and we plan to hold them accountable for that.” She added that Countrywide’s actions have led to widespread foreclosures in her state and have wrecked havoc around the world. “The impact on individual homeowners and communities and the country and the global economy is unbelievable.”

Ms. Madigan says she is asking that all Countrywide loans originated using “unfair and deceptive” practices be rescinded or modified in some way, even if Countrywide has to repurchase the loans. She is also asking that her office be given 90 days to review any loans that are currently in foreclosure or that are moving toward foreclosure. As part of its investigation, the Illinois attorney general’s office interviewed about 30 former Countrywide employees and mortgage brokers and reviewed more than 100,000 pages of documents, Ms. Madigan said.

Mr. Mozilo was included as a defendant because he “participates in, manages, controls, and has knowledge of the day-to-day activities” of Countrywide, the lawsuit says.

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Illinois to sue Countrywide, Mozilo

I thought this was cool.

The New York Stock Exchange has made real-time price data available to the public free of charge via Google and CNBC.  So if you’re in to stocks but not in to paying for real time pricing you can follow along at either of the two sites.  Google and CNBC are picking up your tab by paying the NYSE for the right to publish real-time data.

A sample here (fyi, I don’t hold any positions in MSFT).

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More here:
Real-time stock data for NYSE via Google, CNBC

The Case Shiller Housing Price Index fell 15.3% year over year (yoy) last month, the largest drop in the survey’s existence.  The biggest losers continue to lose big, with markets such as San Diego, Miami and Las Vegas posting the largest gains.  Every market in the 20-market survey lost over the past month.  Charlotte was the “winner” with only a .12% decline in prices yoy.

You can read the full release about the update here (PDF).

Here’s the graph courtesy of Standard & Poors:

Here are how the markets faired courtesy of The Big Picture:

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Read the rest here:
Case Shiller Index down 15.3%

photo credit: woodleywonderworks

Since Zillow launched its Zillow Mortgage Marketplace it has received over 28,000 loan requests (see Zillow Mortgage Marketplace Borrowers Have Spoken). Pretty good showing for a service that is only a little over a month old.

But it seems like Zillow is not the only online player who’s eyeing this market as an opportunity… word from SearchEngineLand that Google UK has launched Google Merchant Search - a way for consumers to compare and shop for loans from various originators (see FAQ).

No word whether this service will make it to US shores and how Google may end up integrating the service into its search results, though I could see them implementing the service into a Google Search for mortgage loans - much like how they integrate property listings from Google Base into real estate searches (see Another Hint at Google Real Estate?).

If they did, it could be a real blow to the services provided by Zillow and LendingTree and others.

(h/t screenwerk.com)

—
Related Articles at Future of Real Estate Marketing:

• Google Maps adds Scroll Wheel Support
• Google Base Redesigns
• Google Case Study is Live

Read the original:
Google Getting in to Mortgages?

SoundBiteBlog meme’d me - so here goes…

Question 1: Who is your favorite Musical Artist?

No question - Joe Strummer and the Clash.

Loud and fast with a social conscience.

’nuff said.

Question 2: Who is my favorite Artist?

I’ve always been partial to the work of Northwest Native artists like Roy Henry Vickers.

That said, we have a lot of photography hanging on the walls of our home, my favorites being some prints by my friend Bennett Ho.

Question 3: Who is My Favorite Blogger?

My favorite blogger right now is my wife Amy who started a new blog recently called Portland Acupuncture Blog - I’m really proud of the work she’s put into it and it’s growing really quickly.

Question 4: If you could meet anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and what is interesting about them?

I’d like to meet Portland Timbers keeper Ray Burse. I’d ask him how he could have let in that weak goal versus the White Caps last week.

Question 5: What did I want to be when I grew up?

A Sea Captain like Godolphin James Burslem.

A Con Man like Godolphin Finney Burslem.

An Adventurer like Rollo Gillespie Burslem.

Question 6: What is the most interesting piece of Trivia that I know?

Uhh… pass. Need to dig out that Trivial Pursuit game.

Question 7: If you could live in any point of history when would it be and why?

London - May 8, 1945. That would have been an epic party.

Question 8: What is the most interesting job you’ve every had?

Goliath crane operater… OK - so it was only for a few minutes. But it was way cool.

—
Related Articles at Future of Real Estate Marketing:

• Real Estate Bloggers Wanted
• New Inman.com Site Goes Live
• Marketing Yourself with Facebook Flyers
• A Web 2.0 list of Web 2.0 real estate sites

See original here:
I Wanted to be a Con Man

“Google it”…that’s what we do when we need more information? Whether we’re looking for directions or real estate property; Google is often the first place we start.  But are you searching effectively? I love having the power to find exactly what I need-when I need it! So I thought I would pass along a few of my favorite search tips.

1. Site Search
Having a tough time finding what you are looking for on a particular site? If they don’t have a search you can use Google. Try searching for a keyword only on that domain. See example:

Use this format: Phrase or Keyword site:domain

Here is an example search:

Paperless site:MyTechOpinion.com

[Hint: If you are still having trouble finding the phase you searched on a particular site? Try using Google Cached version. It will highlight your search phrase or keyword.]

2. File Types

Outside of standard web documents, Google searches many other popular file formats. To restrict your next Google search to a specific file type, try this format. Start by searching your brand or name. You may find other people talking about your business in PDF, PS, PPT, etc..?

Use this format: “Search Phrase” filetype:extension

Here is an example search:

“Marketing Tips” filetype:pdf

Here are the file formats Google provides. Try running your search against:

• Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf)
• Adobe PostScript (ps)
• Lotus 1-2-3 (wk1, wk2, wk3, wk4, wk5, wki, wks, wku)
• Lotus WordPro (lwp)
• MacWrite (mw)
• Microsoft Excel (xls)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt)
• Microsoft Word (doc)
• Microsoft Works (wks, wps, wdb)
• Microsoft Write (wri)
• Rich Text Format (rtf)
• Shockwave Flash (swf)
• Text (ans, txt)

3. Search by Number
Waiting for your new sign rider to be delivered? Do you have a tracking number? Let’s head to Google. Yes, Google will let us type tracking ID’s or patents. Type your Tracking ID, see below for example:

Try this demo UPS Search:

1Z9999W99999999999

Google’s search by number works for the following:

• UPS
• FedEx
• USPS
• Vehicle ID Numbers (VIN)
• UPC Codes
• §Telephone Area Codes
• Patent Numbers (Format search like this: “patent 5123123″)

4. Google Negative Search
Have you ever searched for a topic only to find unrelated results are returned? Why not filter the poor results by excluding a keyword. All you need to do is add a minus (-) sign before the word you would like to exclude. For example:

Use this format: Search Phrase -excluded word

Here is an example search:

Real Estate News -Mortgage

5. Google Phonebook Search

I’m sure you’ve used Google’s large phonebook directory before. Maybe when search Google local. But did you know you can query not only business listings, but residential too? For example:

Use this format:  bphonebook: last name, city   or   rphonebook: last name, city

Here is an example search:

rphonebook: Smith, San Francisco

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Google Business Search for Real Estate
• FREE Google Maps for your Mobile Device
• 8 ways analytics software will help build a broader audience
• Zip Code Facts for Your Real Estate Business

Read more from the original source:
5 Secrets to Better Search with Google

“Google it”…that’s what we do when we need more information? Whether we’re looking for directions or real estate property; Google is often the first place we start.  But are you searching effectively? I love having the power to find exactly what I need-when I need it! So I thought I would pass along a few of my favorite search tips.

1. Site Search
Having a tough time finding what you are looking for on a particular site? If they don’t have a search you can use Google. Try searching for a keyword only on that domain. See example:

Use this format: Phrase or Keyword site:domain

Here is an example search:

Paperless site:MyTechOpinion.com

[Hint: If you are still having trouble finding the phase you searched on a particular site? Try using Google Cached version. It will highlight your search phrase or keyword.]

2. File Types

Outside of standard web documents, Google searches many other popular file formats. To restrict your next Google search to a specific file type, try this format. Start by searching your brand or name. You may find other people talking about your business in PDF, PS, PPT, etc..?

Use this format: “Search Phrase” filetype:extension

Here is an example search:

“Marketing Tips” filetype:pdf

Here are the file formats Google provides. Try running your search against:

• Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf)
• Adobe PostScript (ps)
• Lotus 1-2-3 (wk1, wk2, wk3, wk4, wk5, wki, wks, wku)
• Lotus WordPro (lwp)
• MacWrite (mw)
• Microsoft Excel (xls)
• Microsoft PowerPoint (ppt)
• Microsoft Word (doc)
• Microsoft Works (wks, wps, wdb)
• Microsoft Write (wri)
• Rich Text Format (rtf)
• Shockwave Flash (swf)
• Text (ans, txt)

3. Search by Number
Waiting for your new sign rider to be delivered? Do you have a tracking number? Let’s head to Google. Yes, Google will let us type tracking ID’s or patents. Type your Tracking ID, see below for example:

Try this demo UPS Search:

1Z9999W99999999999

Google’s search by number works for the following:

• UPS
• FedEx
• USPS
• Vehicle ID Numbers (VIN)
• UPC Codes
• §Telephone Area Codes
• Patent Numbers (Format search like this: “patent 5123123″)

4. Google Negative Search
Have you ever searched for a topic only to find unrelated results are returned? Why not filter the poor results by excluding a keyword. All you need to do is add a minus (-) sign before the word you would like to exclude. For example:

Use this format: Search Phrase -excluded word

Here is an example search:

Real Estate News -Mortgage

5. Google Phonebook Search

I’m sure you’ve used Google’s large phonebook directory before. Maybe when search Google local. But did you know you can query not only business listings, but residential too? For example:

Use this format:  bphonebook: last name, city   or   rphonebook: last name, city

Here is an example search:

rphonebook: Smith, San Francisco

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Save Money On Your Technology Purchases
• Google Business Search for Real Estate
• FREE Google Maps for your Mobile Device
• 8 ways analytics software will help build a broader audience
• Zip Code Facts for Your Real Estate Business

Here is the original:
5 Secrets to Better Search with Google

Here’s how a top mortgage industry economist sees conditions in the market at the moment: It’s all kind of “flat”, says Orawin, senior forecast economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association of America.

Original post:
Real Estate Outlook: State of the Economy

Several markets across the country are starting to heat up — if you know what to look for. Take across Florida — prices are depressed, sales are down in the double digits compared to a year ago, while foreclosures and short sales rule. However, it’s turning and the smoke is starting to rise before the flame ignites.

Hot Market: Seeing The Smoke Before The Fire

Often we discover by accident an incredibly timesaving tool, which we COULD have been using for years in our computer work, but just had not known about. Well, you will bless the day that you learned here about this true time saver.

Excerpt from:
Google Desktop: A Free Easy, Time Saver

As we’ve hammered home the point before, Americans have been scared witless by economists, most with personal agendas, that housing still has a long way to go before it hits bottom.

See the rest here:
Realty Viewpoint: Show HomeBuyers How Rewards Outweigh Risks

McLEAN, VA — Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.05 percent with an average 0.3 point for the week ending May 8, 2008, down very slightly from last week when it averaged 6.06 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.21 percent.

See the original post:
Little Movement in Mortgage Rates Seen This Week

how mapping can help market your sales history (or any data for the matter) on your website or blog using Google Maps. This week I will use maps to showcase local attractions for home seekers on your website. As you know, many buyers care just as much about the neighborhood /community as the home itself! Why not add a page to your website or blog that facilitates buyer neighborhood research without leaving your site. Search ideas are limitless, but to start buyers could search local shopping, restaurants, parks, schools, recreation centers etc.  

To accomplish my goal, I will cover two different methods. The first method will be for real estate agents using WordPress, and the second method is for all other platforms or traditional Websites.

For both examples you will need a Google Maps API key. If you do not already have an API Key for your domain, get started here before continuing.

METHOD 1: WordPress Users - Google Maps Plugin For WordPress

You are lucky; this is going to be an easy task. Matt Bercon has built a very slick WordPress Plug-In for adding maps to your blog with local search.  Start by downloading the plug-in here. If you need instructions on adding a plug-In to your blog read this. Once you’ve activated the Google Maps plug-In for WordPress, go to Settings then click WP Google Maps. You’ll see where you can insert the Google API key you acquired earlier. Also setup various aspects of the map(s) properties such as neighborhood or city, zoom level, map style, and whether or not to include local search.

If you’ll be including more than one map on your blog, this plug-in will allow you to override the global settings by including any settings you want changed. For example in your post you could include:

[wp-google-maps lat= 37.75999,lon-122.40091,zoom=12,width=450,height=350, zoomcontrol=small,map=true,sat=true,hyb=true,ter=false,searchbox=true]

METHOD 2: Other Platforms or Traditional Websites

OK, this method is pretty easy too! All because of Google’s powerful mapping technology, and their wonderful examples.  Many of which would be valuable on a real estate Website. The map I’m highlighting here includes local search and street view. (Street View although amazing, is not available in all areas.)  All the same ideas mentioned above would apply here. If this is the type of interface you would like to add to your real estate website, follow these steps:

1.) Start by copying the following code into the head of your webpage. Between the <head> and </head>. Also add your API Key we it says REPLACE THIS TEXT WITH API KEY

<script type=”text/javascript” src=”http://maps.google.com/maps?file=api&&v=2.x&key=REPLACE THIS TEXT WITH API KEY”></script>
<script type=”text/javascript”>
//<![CDATA[

var map;
var start;
var panorama;
var markers;
var currentMarkerNum;
var client;

function load() {
if (GBrowserIsCompatible()) {
var opts = { onMarkersSetCallback: processMarkers, resultList : G_GOOGLEBAR_RESULT_LIST_SUPPRESS, showOnLoad: true};
map = new GMap2(document.getElementById(”map”), {googleBarOptions: opts});
start = new GLatLng(37.759994, -122.400913);
map.setCenter(start, 13);
map.enableGoogleBar();
map.addControl(new GSmallMapControl());
map.addOverlay(new GStreetviewOverlay());
client = new GStreetviewClient();
}
}

function processMarkers(m) {
markers = m;
for (var i = 0; i < markers.length; i++) {
addListener(markers[i].marker);
}
showPanoramaForMarker(markers[0].marker);
}

function addListener(marker) {
GEvent.addListener(marker, ‘click’, function() {
showPanoramaForMarker(marker);
});
}

function showPanoramaForMarker(marker) {
if (!panorama) {
panorama = new GStreetviewPanorama(document.getElementById(”pano”));
}
client.getNearestPanorama(marker.getLatLng(), onResponse);
}

function onResponse(response) {
if (response.code != 200) {
alert(’No nearby panorama. Try new search or location.’);
} else if (response.code == 200) {
var latlng = new GLatLng(response.Location.lat, response.Location.lng);
panorama.setLocationAndPOV(latlng);
}
}
</script>

NOTE: You can use this tool to pinpoint the latitude and longitude of your neighborhood. Once you have those numbers, look for the following line in the script above:
start = new GLatLng(37.759994, -122.400913);

Replace 37.759994 with your latitude & -122.400913 with your longitude.

2.) Then look for

<body>

and replace with  

<body onload=”load()” onunload=”GUnload()”>

3.) Add the following where you want the local search map and street view to show up.  Change the width and height as needed.

<div id=”map” style=”width: 500px; height: 350px”></div>
<div id=”pano” style=”width: 500px; height: 300px”></div>

Congratulations! If everything went as planned you have local search and mapping on your website. Let me know how these maps have been applied on your site.

Other posts you may enjoy:

• Sidebar “Bling” Cross Promotes Your Online Presence
• RealBird’s New Features and New Business Model
• New Buyer Tour Technology Helps Real Estate Agents Bridge the Geographical Gap
• Mapping Done The Right Way in Your Next Single Property Site
• Interview: Brian Wilson of the Zolve Real Estate Network

Source:
The Trick To Adding Local Search To Your Website or Blog

The Internet used to be a highway of one-way information. Now, it allows everyone to talk back. Along with this open format comes a certain lack of privacy, in the form of an Internet bird known as Street View.

Google Maps’ Street View allows real estate buyers to stroll through listings they are interested in and check out not only the house, but the community as well. This view, while adding another dimension to an Internet home buyer’s experience, removes a layer of privacy for unsuspecting neighbors.

These street views are now being added to the popular website Trulia’s real estate listings. They are also being showcased on the blog StreetView Fun, which is dedicated to posting quirky findings from Street View and encourages its readers to post there too.

Imagine waking up one day to go online and view your street, and find a neighbor bending over in his PJs to pick up the morning newspaper. Not a sight you necessarily want to see.