Archives of real estate blog entries for October 13, 2006 (Page 5)

Blog posts


Online Back-up Systems - 09:39 AM
I use several different media to backup the information on my computers. Traditionally, I have always been comfortable using and external drive. I still use it religiously. However, when I am away for a couple of day and don't want to bring along another piece of equipment, I have found it to be more convenient to use MOZY for backing up client files and transaction data. The best part is that it will automatically encrypt and backup your data in the background.
This would be a great tool for agents on the go with laptops. If you schedule frequent backups (daily @ 12:00 pm), … (1 comments)

Use Send Out Cards for Cards and Gift giving! - 11:56 AM
Send Out Cards is a great program that I have started using with my clients to make mail-outs very easy. Especially those that send out birthday cards, anniversary, and special cards to clients. Everything can be done directly from your computer and you don't have to stand in line at any card store or gift shop.
Imagine not having to deal with stamps, licking the envelopes, or standing in line at the post office. Oh, you can also send out gift cards and money cards with this program. Can it get any better?
Take a look at the assortment of items available.
Making your … (0 comments)

Scam's, E-lenders and gullibility - 08:40 AM
I just  read another blog on this site about E-lenders higher rates, fees and general misrepresentation which range a bell as related to a new scam  that has just been identified by the police in this area.  It is not a new scam but just a variation on an old one.  Seems bulk email is being sent out from Canada offering consolidation loans and INSTANT APPROVAL.  All the potential customer needs is a job, telephone number and obviously a verifiable email account.  Respond to this email and you will be contacted shortly. 
So Joe Q public calls the number and a professional … (0 comments)

Friday the 13th Closing: "The Final Chapter" - 11:07 AM
Okay, so today I close on what has been a fairly trying and, at times, scary transaction. I represented a Navy family with orders to San Diego. He had already moved down to his new duty station, and she was left to sell the house on her own with two young and extremely active children. She was referred to me by another Navy couple I had worked with a couple years ago.
Mrs. San Diego was wonderful to work with. Although she was the consumate worrier and called me 3 or 4 times a day with endless questions and concerns, she trusted my opinions … (39 comments)

"Little Norway" - Life on the Kitsap Peninsula - 05:45 PM
Just west across the Puget Sound from Seattle, on the Kitsap Peninsula, nestled beside the shores of Liberty Bay, is the quaint town of Poulsbo, lovingly referred to as "Little Norway."
In the late 1880's the area was settled by several immigrant families who had traveled over from Norway. The location reminded them of the mountains and fjords back home. One of the families were from Paulsbo, Norway. For many years, Norwegian was the only language that was spoken in the region. As the village grew, the townspeople submitted there request for a post office. The Post Master misspelled the name, and it's been called Poulsbo ever since.
The port … (13 comments)

Is there such a thing as a FREE lunch. Yes, if there is "Scum" on the plate. - 03:13 PM
This is the email I've received today. I couldn't quite figure out what's the catch, but I am not buying it anyway. And I am sure there is some scam attached to it.
Customer Service28 TANFIELD ROAD,CROYDON,LONDON.                 Ref: BTL/491OXI/04                               Batch: 12/25/0304  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ATTENTION.Good day, we announce to you the draw of our programs held on the 1st of October 2006 in London. Your e-mail address with serial number 5388/02 drew the lucky numbers: 31-6-26-13-35-7, which subsequently won you the sweepstake in the 2nd category.You have been approved to claim a total sum of £2,500,000.00(Two million, five hundred thousand, Great Britain Pounds)in cash credited … (0 comments)

Apartment for rent! - 04:28 PM
All the real estate agents here talk about buying and selling.  Are there any agents out there that is active in apartment rentals?  Like I have said many times before, I am in Queens, NY and the rental market here is strong.  Actually too strong.   The landlords think that they have the LAST apartment around and that they are going to be super choosey.  (and I mean super choosey - is that they have a three bedroom apartment and they want a working couple ONLY).  There are some great benefits to being a rental agent.  I actually start out all my agents … (3 comments)

Loading... Loading... Loading... - 06:23 PM
Research has shown that it takes just a few seconds for people to make a decision about you and your website...whether they want to stay or go.  But what happens when the site takes forever to load?  Are people going to sit and wait?  It's not likely.  Most often people will click their back button and choose the next site on the list of search results.  And there goes your potential client.  It's easier for them to leave when they don't have to "walk out the door"... it's just a little click and no looking back. The loading time of your website … (7 comments)

Do you offer a Rebate? - 02:39 PM
Man, I can't believe how many agents in my office are being asked by buyers to give the buyers a rebate of their commission.  Is this what's next?  The buyer's already think they own the market and in my opinion they don't... at least not here in Naperville.  They want huge price reductions, the world on home inspection items and now they want to reach inside our pockets even more as a buyer's agent?  On top of that, on 3 occasions last month, the buyers went so far as to dump the agent they had been working with for weeks and then they … (5 comments)

Zillow My Home Sweet Home? - 08:53 AM
For the past week I have been taking a couple of classes required for a GRI designation (Graduate Realtor Institute).  It has been a fun week, and we covered all sorts of exciting topics, including Ethics, Fair housing, Taxation... you know, the good stuff.  Along the way we touched on a number of other subjects related to various areas of real estate, and some of the local differences.  I enjoyed it alot, and met a number of Realtors from other areas of Idaho.
The subject of Zillow came up during one of the sessions (no link, they don't need my link).  We … (1 comments)

Hybrid or Gas? What do you drive? - 09:04 AM
    Georgetown, Kentucky home of the largest Toyota Manufacturing
plant in North America, built the first American made Camry Hybrid.  For those of you who are not from around here, when Toyota has a significant new product, they also have a huge ceremony.  Yesterday at the end of 1st shift there were probably 2500 team members on hand to view the new car and have some free food.
    The Camry Hybrid, which comes from the number 1 selling car in America the Toyota Camry, is set to be priced at $25,900.  Using the Hyrbrid technology which combines gas and battery power … (7 comments)

Need a new smart phone .... - 05:13 PM
          Check out Wirefly for your new cell phone or smart phone.
I have looked up a lot of sites to find a new cell phone and this was one of the best ones I could find.  Most carriers and phones are available and the majority are free with a contract.  Some phones even have a free bonus such as, a bluetooth headset, ipod nano, and others.  
Some of the carriers don't even require you to be a new account holder to enjoy these deals. 
I have been considering a new Treo and they have them from cingular, which is my current … (2 comments)

To Spam or not To Spam? - 03:44 AM
I was surfing some websites and I  found  a very interesting link that seems kind something fake,  I do not believe if it is good or not, spam, etc, since I know that at first place the search engine #1 it is google, then yahoo, then msn and so on,  I do not remember  if askjeeves it's the 4th, it seems too good to be truth, It could be a spammer. I have not tested the system yet, I hope that maybe one of you tried it. http://www.strongestlinks.com/
… (2 comments)

It's the weekend baby! Wo Woo Wooooo! - 09:33 AM
Have you finished your prospecting for the weekend?
Are you setting your appointments?
Have you confirmed all appointments with your buyers/sellers?
Do you have your signs ready for your Open Houses? This weekend is the final weekend for the Raleigh Parade of Homes this will be a great opportunity for Open Houses in any of the New Communities.
Do you have your lenders on standby? This is very important so that when it is time to write an offer you can make sure you will be able to receive a pre-qual.
I love Saturdays I usually wake up early, go for a walk/run, make a … (2 comments)

How important is communication to you? - 11:32 PM
How important is communication to you?
Are you tired for saying the same thing over and over again, but you need to communicate the same information over, but to different people. Did you ever think that computers could help you? I have the solution with one word, email.  If you write it once then you only have to send one email, and only once, but to a group of people that need the same information. Now just think about how much time you just freed up for yourself.
You cannot over communicate enough in this business.
Even though email will help you do … (0 comments)

October Real Estate News - 09:46 AM
~ Here's our Oct 2006 News ~ 
… (0 comments)

Over valued market? - 02:10 PM
So I ran across this article today:
Click to read it
Basically, they have decided what major real estate markets will see the largest decline in values. They have determined where the peaks were & have guessed on where the bottoms will be.
Guess what? Cape Coral, Florida is first on the list. I don't care. I still think now is a very good time to be buying. Read my latest news report on Cape Coral, Florida.
The reason now is great is because sellers all pretty much now know that it's a buyers market (many were in denial up until recently). A buyer can … (6 comments)

Upcoming Meetings in Southwest Florida Next Week - 04:11 AM
Lee County REIA Meeting October 17th, 2006 at 6:30PM Marketing for Real Estate Investors By: Jeff Tumbarello, Real Estate Investor, Co-Founder SWFL REIA, Principal of Allied Mortgage & Trust Inc. Jeff will cover : a.. why you should have an advertising strategy b.. Why you should target your audience c.. How to select your media d.. How to use and not to use Magic and Tragic words for your copy e.. 15 ways to get more deals This is not a sales meeting, strictly educational Where: Harborside Event Center 1375 Monroe St, Fort Myers, 33901 Q & A with Seasoned Investor … (0 comments)

Just bought my first Marketing Vehicle! - 04:17 AM

Check out this sweet ride! Yes, I bought a used Uhaul truck for marketing purposes. I am going to get it painted next week and deck it out with vinyl lettering. I picked it up for $2500 and it runs great and the AC works even. As an investor if I pick up one deal from this, it will have paid for itself. I look to buy at least 2 more of these so if you see any around SW Florida for sale, think of me, and let me know! Happy Marketing everyone!
… (20 comments)

Billboards and poor marketing - 04:25 AM
OK, so I am on a marketing kick today! You know what drives me CRAZY?!? Poor marketing. Next time you are driving around, especially in SW Florida, look at the Billboards these companies are putting up. There is two in N Ft Myers for a certain development (around hancock and 41) that has the name of the developer and an arrow pointing but no website, email address and heck, I think maybe even no phone number! Check out the one on College parkway and US 41 of a mortgage company, again, no website! Now, I have checked into billboards and they … (19 comments)

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