The time has come for some criticism of the blog and the blogger.
I want to know what you like about the blog, and more importantly, what you dislike.
Do you think I cover the issues fairly?
Too much economics or too little?
Do you want to see more nationwide or regional news, or should the blog stay focused?
What do you want to see more of, and what would you like to see less of?
Do you have any ideas for a new weekly feature? Let’s hear them.
Do you want to contribute to the blog? Let’s hear your ideas.
Two more things..
The message board is coming, I promise, it should be up shortly.
I’d also like to know how often you visit the site. Why? I need to know if the level of content is sufficient. For the once-a-week readers, I’m sure there is plenty, but for the 10x-a-day reader, I’m sure some topics get stale quickly.
grim
How about more information about Hunterdon County.
Do you know any similar site for Westchester county? if not, is it possible for you to get inventory information for the region?
i re-load this page like a maniac. I think i check it at least 8-10 times per day, depending on my work schedule.
I love everything you do here. I think it is a very fair view of the bubble, and what really makes this site a must view are all the great comments and conversations we have.
I would not change a thing, I think all the features you have are unique and informative.
great job and keep up the great work
I like this blog very much and visit a bout a dozen times a day. However, the information on individual house still weak, such as last transaction price/date, It is not your fault though.
RE info. is much less transparent, compared to stock.
I check the blog once per day, twice if I have extra time. For me, the quantity of content is fine. I get the RSS feed into my Google homepage, so please keep that going!
Do you think I cover the issues fairly? Yes.
Too much economics or too little? The amount is fine, but I sometimes need more of a layman’s explanation of the economic data and its effect on real estate.
Do you want to see more nationwide or regional news, or should the blog stay focused? I prefer NNJ focused.
What do you want to see more of…?
I would like to see more deliberate, logical, fact-based deconstructions of bubble denial arguments put forth by high-profile, public figures.
Also: Keep the stats coming – anything that you think is relevant, interesting or otherwise useful.
Thanks Grim, and keep up the great work.
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I have been a once a week visitor for about three months now. I am currently a once a day visitor and expect to be a multi-day visitor soon. I love this blog because I feel that the participants back up their responses with actual facts (with links)..be it media or statistics. Also, Grim, Chicagofinance, Metroplexual, Bubblex, the Sketic (s), & many Anons all have earned much respect with their thoughtful postings.
One thing that I would like to see more of is information and thoughts on Hudson County – especially Weehawken, Hoboken, and Jersey City. I live in Weehawken-and feel that the bubble won’t burst here?? – but I could be wrong.
Thanks Grim and everyone who adds quality information!!!
Grim,
I love the blog. Good job in all ways! I think I have been here since the beginning? Anyway I like the crowd you have gathered, a pretty eclectic bunch, but that is NJ isn’t it? Any way Thanks to CF for the very succinct and sage monetary advice. I just hope I add a little bit to the group in understanding the regulatory process. Anytime a development question comes up, I will do my best to anwer it. Thanks Jim.
THIS BLOG IS GREAT!!!!
I have learned allot, have had great stuff to read and the people, even on the left , are a hoot.
MATH IS POWER.
CDF
I would like to see more LOWBALLs and PRICE REDUCTIONs.
Grim – You do very good job on posting relevant news on the blog. I visit at least 3 to 4 times a day. I am looking forward to message boards, that will make things easy. Also I think you have done great with traditional Press as well.
I personally don’t have lot of economical background, that all the macro economic info is great learning for me. I have significant background in grass root lobbying efforts. That may explain why my posts have been more focused toward politicians & law. Though many folks on the board have argued against any political action, I personally think that is an effective channel.
I think in future historians will write about the impact that Bloggging had on general society. You are on the bleeding edge, my friend.
I think in future historians will write about the impact that Bloggging had on general society. You are on the bleeding edge, my friend.
SG,
I was thinking the same thing.
I think you’re right on the money as-is, don’t change a thing.
I’d suggest not making the site where it takes too much of your time — we don’t want you to join the ranks of other burned out bloggers.
I visit several times a day.
I’m glad you asked this.
There needs to be more balance and more positive talk about the real estate markets. All this doom and gloom is making people afraid unnecessarily. Anyone who doesn’t agree with the doom and gloom is immediately attacked.
I’ve not been here in a few days because I just got tired of the constant calls for boycotting open houses, people writing posts with the booyaa nonsense and a general lack of an appeciation for this country .
I generally like the blog.
Do you think I cover the issues fairly?. Yes.
Too much economics or too little? Just right
Do you want to see more nationwide or regional news, or should the blog stay focused? Stay focused.
Let me first start by saying I love the site and I love that it is focused on NJ. . . I dont really think the site can get better unless
I present some suggestions and although I realize you may or may not do any of them I do think they would add value.
I love you lowball section but aside from posting just the mls numbers would it be possible to post the
posting, description and pictures of that were available when the house was listed. I often do searchs so I can know what house was lowballed but this is time consuming.
Afterall, I want to know what the sentiment is out there. If people are lowballing and it is working, I want to know what kind of properties this can be done on.
I dont necessarilly want you to give up some all your tricks of the trade but I lets say I am looking for a housing in Town X. I would like to gauge sentiment in that town. I know you routinely post inventory updates. Could you explain to the users how they might be able to do this and get a guage of inventory in counties or specific towns themselves?
It seems that alot of people on this site are waiting for a bubble or overheated market to cool down. I would like to see some commentary on what happens when the people are that are waiting (like myself) start to jump in to the market. Is this cash sitting on the sidelines going to push up prices? Are we all going to be bidding against one another? Just some opinions about this would be interesting.
Also how does one contribute to this blog?
Out of curiosity, I would like to know if there was a way, I dont have realtors mls access, but i would like a way of finding out recently closed homes in towns I am looking at. Besides asking realtors, is there any other way to get this information?
I like the http://www.baristanet.com/barista/home.html site. But this gives limited info only in Bloomfield, Montclair and Glen Ridge, Would it be easy to add a feature like this one?
Lastly, please note I am not bitter about this, I had asked you to post the excel model you were working on that allowed you to do some calculations on the affordibility of housing. I know you cant respond or listen to everyones comments but just ignoring them is not really good.
A response to some of my suggestions would be much appreciated by all of you.
The hyperpole from the right could be toned town. We are a two party sytem last I checked (watch out for 3) and we should understand that the other side of the aisle is still American and entitled to an opinion and not be screamed down through the likes of limbaugh, hannity, or god forbid o’reilly. The way it has been on this board at times I think it is an authocricy, is that a word, where anything but the the right wing line is dogma. My apologies but that is how I see it.
You do a very nice job and the tight focus of the blog is a big plus.
While my area of concern is the Shore rather than NNJ, I find the blog very useful and without a doubt the best proxy on the net.
That said, if you could do something similar for the Shore it would be great.
I think you strike a good regional/state/national balance, and the state stuff is good as well.
If there is any criticism I would level, it is a desire for a little more commentary/analysis (don’t get crazy, nothing too extensive) on the articles posted. Judging by article selection I can come up with a fair guess of what you are thinking most of the time, but I’d like to hear it sometimes as well.
Finally, if you could pick up on local foreclosure activity I’d love to see it. I think that’s going to be the generator of news in the coming months and I want you to stay ahead of the curve.
I hit you at least twice a day just to make sure I don’t miss anything.
Also,
Grim-
The site is great! I visit multiple times per day.
I would love to see more “how-to” and discussion about recommended house inspectors, lenders, town reviews, etc. I would love to have a list of people to help me buy a house when I finally have a chance.
Ok, now a bit of a confession. I have a very close involvement with the building industry. He helped start one of the largest builders in Atlanta, has built many spec houses, was a “no money down” flipper about 30+ years ago, owned dozens of rental properties, and now owns a building product manufacturing company that supplies the commercial and residential markets. Oh, he also has a PHD in Finance. So, I might be able to get his commentary from time to time on this market.
I have a MBA from a NYC based school and have helped build/renovate several houses. I’m not in finance, but understand the basics, and hopefully add something to this forum.
I think you need to stay focused. You are a great balance to the RE PR machine, realtors, and most mainstream media. Selfishly, I want you to stay focused on Northern NJ because that’s where I’m looking…
JM
I think the blog is fine, but the comments sections (nothing to do with you) could stand some improvement. Too many political flamefests. Too many one-liners claiming prices are crashing etc. I’m not sure how to do this, but maybe turning off anonymous posting might help ?
And incidentally, I think you should start accepting ads via blogads and the like. Maybe they will be real estate ads (irony). You should get some money for your work. Add a Tip jar as well.
grim:
I seriously don’t know where you find the time. You are Houdini
[or a REALLY fast typist].
I admire your flawless grammer and syntax in all of the content. Oh yeah, the analytical? – yeah it’s OK ;)
chicago [chiacgo]
Why are people posting about their personal insecurities, opinion talk shows, and trying to limit freedom of expression, when this is a thread to comment on how Grim is doing?
Would like to see coverage of Edison township.
I view this site 10 times a day to read and understand updates and another valuable piece of information “Comments”.
This is an immaculate site.
KBR
Grim,
I currently visit once per day. Would be more if it weren’t for my school/work schedule.
I would prefer that you remain focused on NNJ.
Your fair, honest, thoughtful insights on economics and statistics are at an appropriate level of detail and are much appreciated.
What I don’t appreciate, as mentioned by others, are those foolish one liners.
You’re doing a fine job.
Regards,
Steve
The hyperpole from the right could be toned town. We are a two party sytem last I checked (watch out for 3) and we should understand that the other side of the aisle is still American and entitled to an opinion and not be screamed down…
This is a very thinly veiled reference to me. I’ve not screamed down anyone here. All I’ve done is to express my opinion just as everyone else has done.
Funny, in Osama bin Laden’s recently released tape, he calls for all Muslims to boycott American goods to hurt us economically. When I read that, I thought about a few people on this blog. Unrealtor comes on here at least twice a week with posts encouraging everyone to boycott open houses. Boyaa Bob is doing the same thing and not one soul has said one thing to upbraid either one of them about calling for people to imped the orderly flow of the real estate markets. So pardon me if I don’t see your side of the aisle as being patrotic.
Grim-
This is an EXCELLENT site. Keep doing what you’re doing- and the more “Economics” posts, the better!!
It’s terrific to read about how the “RE economy” is faring- the mortgage industry, etc. as it gives us a good fast forward to the future IMO.
Great site
Lowball needs to have more information about where this is happening…good area of town or bad area, what about the house….is it 2BR or 3BR, run down or looks great, # of days on the market etc???
I always read this blog (I get the RSS on bloglines). Whenever you update or post, I receive the post on Bloglines. I cannot get comments via RSS, so I need to read the blog for that. It’s very useful in that it is honest, I am tired of the desperate “Rah Rah Realtors” lying to us and telling us that the housing boom is still active. This blog has ended the price gouging that realtors try to garner.
Lately I have seen prices drop in Hoboken, but I am sure that they will drop further (Either Bubbleblog or Bubblemeter had that information – Hoboken’s inventory rose 34% YoY) This blog taught me that the real estate in NJ is overvalued but this is about to change. While it didn’t stop me from buying, it did enable me to stand up for myself in that I realized if I lost my “perfect house” I would find another one around the corner.
I wish you would turn the anonymous off because underage idiots say the most stupid things and upset the regular commentors. Yes, I believe in free speech, but some of these people are probably middle school students and seem to only want to irritate those of us who are actually trying to converse on topic. I remember on such “Anonymous” was a real a**hole to Michelle. This pissed me off, because the loser wouldn’t even give his name. That’s bull. If you have an opinion stand up for it.
This site is awesome. I check it often, at least once a day.
At the risk of enraging the fine folks of NJ, I WISH there was more national news, or at least stuff that was applicable nationally. Maybe one post per day? Or two?
It’s interesting to see the Jersey-specific sales info because I think it mirrors what’s happening all over the US. Plus, I wouldn’t want to deny the people of NJ there chance to see that great info!
But the more info that is related to the US in general, applicable to all markets, the better!!
The dialogue on here is great, very focused, intelligent and respectful.
Keep up the good work- decently priced houses for all!!
– Waiting in Seattle
Your blog absolutely rocks. :-)
I would like to see more pictures and graphs.
David
Bubble Meter Blog
MORE PICS!
Or actually, pics in general.
If you are discussing a particular house – show a pic of it!
If you are discussing a particular part of the state – show a map of it!
If you are discussing a person, show a pic of him or her!
Pics are always nice – visual representation of things makes a site more interesting.
Grim,
As I’ve said before, I think you do a great job with this blog. Between your postings and the clearly expert commentary by such posters as Metroplexual, Chicagofinance, RentingInNJ, Grim Ghost, and a few of the Anons has really helped me learn a lot about the real estate market.
I think the quantity of material you post is just right and one of the things I like and respect about this blog is that you back up your assertions/arguments with citations—keep that up. It gives legitimacy to this forum.
I don’t think you should change the focus from NNJ. You bring in enough national data to maintain perspective but I don’t think you can really be everything to everyone.
Finally, I agree with some of the other posters who think you should post a “tip jar”. I’m willing to pay something for this valuable service you provide which must take up a lot of your free time.
Thanks again for the great blog.
ReInvestor101 said:
“UnRealtor comes on here at least twice a week with posts encouraging everyone to boycott open houses.”
Hey ReInvestor101, if people had listened to your “buy now while you can” mantra, they would have paid:
$50,000 more for MLS 2268702
$75,000 more for MLS 2259341
$50,000 more for MLS 2253723
$60,000 more for MLS 2268017
$55,000 more for MLS 2246790
$30,000 more for MLS 2268671
Looks like the Open House Boycott is working!
Thankfully, your fellow citizens ignored your advice, instead looking at the data, and reality.
Grim, your site is great. I like it being focused on NNJ. I visit your site a few times a day. If people want more national coverage they can check out Ben Jones’ Hosuing Bubble blog (I go there a few times a day as well).
When you create the message/open forum section could set up a section for members to post recommendations/or complaints on books they’ve read about bubbles, investing, and macroeconomics? This might be a great service to people who want to increase their knowledge of what’s going on in the world and what has happened in
in the past.
OT:
Shaleish Gala said “I have significant background in grass root lobbying efforts”
What a scary thought!!! The only grass you are probably very familiar with…ahh never mind.
Grim: You are doing an excellent job, and I appreciate your insight and data you provide very much.
Is there anyway to ban the lefty’s? :) (not all dem’s, but lefty’s)
The test for banishment is simply all those who agree with the decision that was handed down on Kelo Vs. New London should be banned.
Would it be possible for you to include statistics for Middlesex County as well?
Let us know if you are having trouble completing routine data collection work…. I bet some of us can pitch in some time to help you.
Thanks for all the comments! Great feedback!
-grim
P.S. I just wish we had more libertarians around here..
This blog is great! It gives people like me (in my late 20’s) who want to buy a house a glimmer of hope.
Hi Grim – this is a teriffic blog, and I’m happy to see your traffic picking up. It’s also wonderful to have an east coast site that gets the news out faster (I like Ben Jones’s blog too but there is that lag)
More charts, and a photo sumbission option, would be nice, and more NYC data if you can get it
I don’t like the partisan stuff either but it’s hard to stop it from happenining every now and again…what is fascinating to me however is how people from all political views have uniformly come to the conclusion that the housing market is terribly awry.
Wish that they could do that in DC someday.
As for Boooyaaaaah bob, well, he irritated me but now I find him.. dare I say.. endearing. Go figure. He’s better than baghdad bob…
Thanks again Grim for a wonderful blog that has saved quite a few folks from making devastating financial decisions!
Anon 3:41AM What a scary thought!!! The only grass you are probably very familiar with…ahh never mind. Is there anyway to ban the lefty’s? :) (not all dem’s, but lefty’s)
I am not sure what you are taking at 3:41 AM in NJ? One word of advice, stop listening to Limbaugh or taking the stuff he takes.
Left & Right is for politics. I believe in Good or Bad for society. Sometimes, Dems come up with good idea, sometimes Reps come up with that. I will support a good idea and not any particular party.
hi grim
how about adding categories so it easier to revist information…
lowball category, inventory data category, economics, nj politics, nj job stats, mortgage stats, etc…
bobby
I have to agree with reinvestor101 to some degree. I know that this site is dedicated to the premise that there is a housing bubble but… Even though this is a position I agree with 100 percent a little less emphasis needs to be placed on the pure ‘negative’ wishing.
The industry puts out enough positive spin and I like a counterbalance but also would appreciate more unbiased analysis. Could we be heading for a soft squishy landing? Historically prices have never just flattened out for years to allow inflation to correct the problems but could it happen? After all there is a substantial real value to real estate unlike tulips, dotcoms, etc…
Rent but want to own!
I visit your site 2-3 times a day including the comments.
Can u please add middlesex and somerset counties as well.
Keep up the good work
JR
Adding Pictures will give this blog more look feel.
Once in a month I belive you should cover Edison.
Low Ball with a feature which can tell us about the city ( rating )
KBR
Maybe add something like a good/bad “buy” meter for the different counties and towns you are covering. Initially would be just the Grim Meter reflecting your view point but could expand in the future…
Here’s a $300,000 price drop:
320 Lupine Way, Short Hills
MLS 2261656
http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1057139140
This house closed last June at $1.3 million, and was put back on the market in October at $1.29M. After 100 days with no Greater Fools, it was taken off the market.
It’s been back on the market since March at $1.2M, and now the price just dropped again to $1M, with the seller looking at a $300,000 loss.
Real estate only goes up, except when it goes down. How many here could handle a $300,000 loss over 9 months?
Here’s another price drop today, this one for $40,000.
MLS 2261641
http://www.realtor.com/Prop/1057139135
The tide is turning people!
No pictures please! takes too long to load.
The blog is great. Like your style and if more was added that was applicable to the RE Industry in general/nationally, I’d visit every day, over and over again.
This blog is as good as Ben’s and would get a heck of a lot of constant traffic with the addition of just a bit more of national-type news.
Anything related to the economy as it affects RE in the US would be a terrific start.
To all those looking for more specific information about listings.
While I would love to post addresses and/or pictures, I tend to shy away from it.
The reason I don’t post pictures, is because I didn’t take them…
I believe pictures photographs displayed on the MLS are copyright of the MLS. I’m not sure that this blog would constitute fair use of that material. The last thing I want to have happen is to be sued for copyright infringement.
I used to provide a link to the property on realtor.com for the lowball properties. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to get that link other than searching for each MLS #, and cutting and pasting it.
It simply takes too much time.
I’d love if someone could post all the realtor.com links into the comments section. It would be much easier for me to cut and paste that data into the main post afterwards…
grim
Grim, it’s legal to display an image on your blog that is served from another location.
For example, using the following HTML:
<IMG SRC=http://homepics.realtor.com/image9/http/gardenstate/listings/large/038/2261549.jpg>
Shaleish Gala said:
I am not sure what you are taking at 3:41 AM in NJ?
That is when I work -quiet, creative time, stone cold sober. I am in the music business; which on that note is why I stay anonymous when I post. Shall I be a bit braggadocious? 1 of my songs is currently at the top of the current billboard charts. I’m also the person who has previously posted about actually writing the check for a house purchase.
To Grim…I am a Libertarian.
Grim,
I think that you have been doing fine work. I check the page every few days and I also find your postings on Ben’s page to be quite interesting. Living in the DC area I am more focused on what is happening locally, but your information does help shed more light on the bigger picture for me.
Grim,
Yes, I read every day, sometimes 10x a day, but I dont necessarily need 5 different items per day. I check back mostly to read additional comments to postings.
I would love if you incluede Ocaen County towns in your info
This is a fantastic site. We sold our house in August 2005 (lucky us) and have been holding on since then and renting, waiting for the market to drop.
I think the only thing I might add to this site is a place for people to note their experience in different areas of NJ, ie – town specific or county specific blogs. I would like to see what other people are hearing/seeing in the areas where we are looking and would like a place to post the information we are getting as well.
Thanks for all your hard work – It is greatly appreciated!
Can you please cut & paste your entire blog over and apply it to Southeast PA? This frustrated buyer would really appreciate it. [Just kidding, seriously-like your links.]
Pat in PA
A great blog that I am checking with increasing frequency now that the wife and I are looking into buying our first home.
Stay focused on Northern NJ. You’ve got a great site going here.