Destination Unknown........

Have you ever seen the movie - The Abyss? Actually, one of my all time favorites! This story kind of reminded me of it for some reason. Anyhow, I can't believe what some people will do.....can you pay for this property with non-existent money?

And to think that some Real Estate agents are unethical.......haha!

Website to Sell Nonexistent Real Estate
By JAYMES SONG Associated Press
Writer
Posted: Today at 6:47 a.m.
HONOLULU — Real estate is often a
long-term investment. But 10,000 years? Lo'ihi Development Co. will soon start
offering oceanview lots speculators won't even be able to stand on for many
millennia. That's because they're currently submerged more than 3,000 feet below
sea level - on an underwater volcano called Lo'ihi, located about 20 miles
southeast of the Big Island.
His Web site will be renovated in the next
couple of weeks to officially begin selling parcels for an introductory price of
$39.95. Buyers will receive a brochure and a "deed," but much like Internet
groups that claim to sell stars, they probably can't call themselves
owners.
"What's the scam?" said Norm Nichols, co-developer of the online
venture. "If you really think there's something here that you can't live with,
nobody's forcing you to buy it. It's meant to be fun."
The Web site
advertises, "Lo'ihi Seaview Estates: Real Estate for the Future. Grand Water
View Front Lots." A photo of the sales office is a raft in the middle of the
ocean.
Nichols and his business partner, Linda Kramer, both Honolulu
entrepreneurs, envision online chat rooms and newsletters to discuss everything
from street names to what kind of government to install. They want to hold a
"homeowners association" meeting - a boat ride over the volcano - every April
Fool's Day.
Scientists don't really know when, or if, Lo'ihi will break the
surface of the Pacific Ocean. Many guess about 10,000 years, but it could be
much longer than that.
Stephen Levins, head of the state consumer affairs
office, said the offer could be a problem if it were serious. "However, if the
Web site is clear it's a parody and you're not going to be receiving an actual
interest in real estate, that's something else," he said.

Talk about your deep-thinking oysters????...........

Zillow? What's a Zillow?

We have all heard of it! (Haven't we?) Zillow is one of the many "home value" sites out there that allows you to research the "zestimate" of your next potential home or the home that you currently live in . It is a great tool for buyers and sellers but it is not rock solid advice that should be followed to the "T". While I encourage buyers and sellers to be educated themselves and know their market I also ask them to remember that each piece of information they gather is not religious doctrine. Be careful!

While Zillow is a great starting point for research it is best to engage the assistance of a professional Realtor(R) when determining your price point for selling or making an educated offer. Following is an article that explains the benefits as well as the short-falls of Zillow and others that want to be like them.......Also, before reading the article (or after - didn't mean to be bossy there!) I encourage you to visit Zillow and research your own home. Is the information accurate? I know that mine wasn't nor were several of my friends and associates. There is a place for you to edit information, however, Zillow will still override and be the most commonly viewed. Tell me what you think......

When shucking........CAREFULLY shuck!

Getting the Price Right On Home Value Sites