Archives of real estate blog entries for April 9, 2007

Featured blog posts


It's Not About SEO. It's About YEO. - 07:23 PM
The focus on search engine optimization in blogging is a distraction.
For the Project Blogger competition, I've actually told Julie Ferenzi to stop thinking about it. She was becoming a little fixated on the search engines finding her and was spending a lot of time reading about how to get good search engine placement. It didn't surprise me.
SEO tends to dominate discussions about the benefits of blogging and it shouldn't. Don't get me wrong, I'm a geek. (Did I say that out loud?) I like the "science" of SEO. I read as much as I can on the topic. … (144 comments)

Broker Bryant's advice. Sound or foolish? - 11:01 AM
OK, I put up a post yesterday,(you may need to read it first) sharing an Email I had received from a consumer asking me for my advice. As promised, I am going to post my response below. First, I want to thank everyone for their responses, by reading through the comments it should help Mr. Consumer make an informed decision on the way forward. The point for my previous post was twofold. First I wanted us to be able to learn from each other and secondly I wanted the consumer to get additional input to help him with his decision. After reading … (72 comments)

Eyes Wide Open..... - 01:13 AM
Recently  I have been a little stressed, yes, in my own little real estate world, ok, maybe stress is not the right word.  I think the correct  term would be P-A-N-I-C! 
Part of my job as a Real Estate Trainer is research.  I spend at least 20 hours a week on research from all different sources, as ActiveRain has grown so has the information sources. I honestly spend a good 10 hours a week on ActiveRain.  Yes, all of you who contribute has made a contribution to how I train and what I train and in many ways have changed my thought … (61 comments)

Are You Looking at the RIGHT House but at the WRONG Address? - 07:18 PM
In the past couple of years now I have arrived at Inspections only to wait 30 minutes or more and then call to make sure the Inspection was still scheduled. I am at the address provided by the client and doubled checked with the agent only to find the contract was written on the wrong home. Perhaps in the correct complex, but the wrong unit. Or perhaps on the same street but wrong address number. Or the correct number but wrong street.
After finding my clients at the house they want it has turned out somehow the incorrect address was written … (21 comments)

Project Blogger - Meet the teams - 04:09 PM
 
Coach - Jeff Turner, RealEstateShows
Jeff Turner is the President and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. Over the past twenty years, he has been both a successful entrepreneur and a senior executive in a large corporation. He lead his last entrepreneurial effort, J.J. Grace, Inc., to the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies list. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grace College (Indiana) and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Ball State University (Indiana). Jeff is married to Racquel (Rocky) and they have six children. (That is not a typo.)

 Apprentice - Julie Ferenzi - Blog
I can't … (43 comments)

Yahoo Real Estate vs. Google Real Estate - 01:56 PM
… (23 comments)

Project Blogger: RSS Explained by a Pseudo Geek - 01:57 PM
Before launching into this explanation of RSS, let me state categorically that I am not a geek! However, I do have geekish tendencies. Often, that leads to me getting myself into trouble, which then requires the expertise of a true geek to get me out of! Let's hope that's not the case with this explanation.
With that disclaimer made, let me launch into a brief discussion of RSS, which was the last topic Ines and I covered in our Project Blogger coaching session.
Definition of RSSRSS stands for, among other things, Really Simple Syndication. (There, doesn't that clear it up for everyone? … (7 comments)

Internet Presence - It is a MUST - 01:01 AM
Look at the demographics below.Think about typical home buyers. First timers are usually 18 to 35? Over 80% of this age uses the web. What's the annual income of your typical buyer? Anything above $30K per year is 75% with numbers rising as income rises.
These people are looking for information on the web. They buy on the web. They sell on the web. They look on the web. And if they are looking to buy a home, the web is where they will turn. 
At the very least, you should have a website that has your contact information. However, in this day … (43 comments)

ActiveRain Blogs - You are What You Post! - 09:25 AM
ActiveRain grows daily by leaps and bounds.  I don't even remember how many fewer people were members when I joined eight or so weeks ago.
One of the reasons I joined was quality content - experts and professionals SHARING knowledge and CREATING quality content for each other and consumers.
I immediately jumped in with both feet and started trying to spread the love... My SECOND post was featured!  Analysis Paralysis...  I am very proud of my success on here and the credibility it is building for me on here with my fellow professionals and consumers that are now finding me online for the first … (29 comments)

Driving Prospects to Someone Elses Site - 07:31 AM
Are You Successfully Driving Clients To Anothers Website?
By: David Kucic (RA), GRI, ABR
       Hawaii Real Estate
       www.HawaiiPCS.com  
You work very hard to drive prospects to your website.  But are you sure that you are getting all of the potential prospects?  When they search on the internet for certain keywords such as Hawaii Real Estate, they may end up on one of the Active Rain pages like Honolulu County Hawaii, Honolulu County Localism or My Homepage rather than yours.
How does this happen?  Potential prospects will get to a main page and almost automatically forget how they got there when they see … (22 comments)

Rain in Southern California - Coming Your Way in May - 12:36 AM
Rain in Southern California? Really? What a novelty.!
We do get rain here, for those of you who don't know much about our area, but we can go many months without it. When it does happen it IS an event! And the traffic goes nuts.
Well, I am making a prediction here. It WILL rain in Southern California sometime in May. The exact date WILL be determined (now I challenge ANY meteorologist to take a bet on that one). And while we are not sure how much we will get, I am betting on a lot.
CALLING ALL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AR FOLKS!
I am organizing … (43 comments)

Active Rain finds New Hampshire - 06:34 PM
Monika and I have been on Active Rain since Nov. 1, 2006. Ann Cummings invited us and we haven't looked back. We read a lot and comment more than we post. It is very addicting and we have received a lot more knowldge than we probably have given.
We read a lot of posts about the public finding agents here and there and Monika has had a few public comments on her posts but we have never received a direct lead from Active Rain. No big deal because we always felt that someday it would payoff and we would be off and … (20 comments)

"Rate this post" - Should I be doing this? - 07:20 PM
I searched but could not find any information about the "Rate this post" area at the bottom of each blog. What is the importance of doing this? Is "1" the best or is "5" the best? Do others gain anything by having their blogs rated? Do I gain anything by rating other's blogs (other than being a good neighbor)? Is there a section on AR that explains the concept of rating?
Thanks,
Michelle
… (40 comments)

My name is Charlotte and this is my web - 03:32 PM
I am a new agent, a new blogger, and a new member of Active Rain.  
When Jeff Turner, my Project Blogger coach, asked me to take part in this contest I said yes without hesitation. 
Truthfully, after our first phone conversation my head was spinning.  I had no idea what Jeff wanted me to do or how to do it.  I didn't know what SEO was or how it worked, but I said YES to this competition because for all three of the above reasons listed at the top of this blog... I had absolutely nothing to lose and positively everything to gain.
I have … (37 comments)


Blog posts


Project Blogger - Meet the teams - 04:09 PM
 
Coach - Jeff Turner, RealEstateShows
Jeff Turner is the President and Founder of RealEstateShows.com. Over the past twenty years, he has been both a successful entrepreneur and a senior executive in a large corporation. He lead his last entrepreneurial effort, J.J. Grace, Inc., to the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies list. Jeff earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grace College (Indiana) and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from Ball State University (Indiana). Jeff is married to Racquel (Rocky) and they have six children. (That is not a typo.)

 Apprentice - Julie Ferenzi - Blog
I can't … (43 comments)

Eyes Wide Open..... - 01:13 AM
Recently  I have been a little stressed, yes, in my own little real estate world, ok, maybe stress is not the right word.  I think the correct  term would be P-A-N-I-C! 
Part of my job as a Real Estate Trainer is research.  I spend at least 20 hours a week on research from all different sources, as ActiveRain has grown so has the information sources. I honestly spend a good 10 hours a week on ActiveRain.  Yes, all of you who contribute has made a contribution to how I train and what I train and in many ways have changed my thought … (61 comments)

Listed as one of Money Magazine's Top 100 Cities in the U.S.! - 05:26 PM
That city is Orland Park IL and it is listed as the 45th best city to live in according to Money Magazine's 2006 list.  Money Magazine uses many different demographics to create their annual list.
I have to agree since Orland Park is one of the most popular southwest suburbs that I work in.  One of my brick and mortar offices is located in this bustling village.
I also have a web page created for Orland Park Real Estate and the surrounding towns which are also popular in the southwest Chicago suburb area.  Of course, as Orland Park's popularity grows and … (3 comments)

NEW HAMPSHIRE IS A TAX FRIENDLY STATE - 08:51 AM

 
 
 Buyers who are relocating often want to know how the tax burden of one state compares to another.  New Hampshire continues to have a low tax burden compared to other states. See how your state compares. 
  Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau and Tax Foundation
… (13 comments)

Mary Tennant & Rising Stars - 05:50 PM
I had the pleasure of attending a special Rising Stars this morning lead by KW Chief Operating Officer Mary Tennant.  Mary also happens to be the broker for my office.  At first I was very impressed that Mary took the time to do this, but then I thought that this was just another classic example of the KW culture.  Nobody is too big to do anything and everyone shares.  Mary's talk about how Rising Stars should be done was excellent.  Her words on how she got her start in real estate and her sharing of ideas and techniques was awesome.  I'm … (0 comments)

Project Blogger: Off to the Races - 06:29 PM

I’m a big fan of Formula One racing. As a kid, my grandfather worked for Mobil Oil and one of my proudest possession was a scale model of “King Nigel” Nigel Mansell’s Williams race car that he’d given me. It still sits proudly on my desk today.
So ActiveRain and Inman News‘ Project Blogger competion kicks off today - and I thought the F1 analogy was kind of appropriate. The green flag has just been waved and each team’s drivers have just set off on the big race.

Team ORCA
Just to refresh your memories; my apprentice (or driver, … (5 comments)

Guest blogger - 05:15 PM
Recognition can be a wonderful thing, not to mention opening doors of opportunities. I had been talking to Mary McKnight of Rsspieces.com and eventually the conversation turned to the subject of guest bloggers. (if you haven't checked out her site, I highly recommend it). 
I was fortunate enough to be offered a guest spot and just put up my first post there titled the websites of future. I'd like to thank Mary for the opportunity to expand my blogging skills (or lack thereof!) into another arena. The post ran really long so I've broken it up into a few posts. I'll be … (5 comments)

Postage Rates To Increase - 05:23 PM

I am sure you are aware of it -- The United States Postal Service is increasing rates again effective May 14th! 
If not this is a good time to become aware of it...  Just didn't want anyone else caught off guard!
I was reminded this afternoon as I went to the Celebration Post Office to mail a few of my well known hand written notes! If you are ever at a loss for what to write, check out this resource.
 The complete list of price changes by the USPS can be read here.  Thinking of the rate change I remembered this really … (14 comments)

What's It All About, Alfie? - 07:47 AM
After a very stressful week (and weekend), good stressful (see my blog on Feeding Frenzy to find out why), but stressful nonetheless, I woke up this Monday morning to read this Washington Post article about what happens when you put a violinist (among the greatest in the world) playing a violin (among the greatest in the world) out of context in a busy subway station in the middle of a morning rush hour.  I highly recommend you read it, and then I highly recommend that you stop for a moment and look around you and see what you might be missing.  … (6 comments)

SEND ME YOUR INFORMATION AND RECEIVE A REFERRAL! - 08:24 PM
I have been building a referral database for over 2 years. This is how I decided that my business will grow! I will add your information in my database and when a Realtor contacts me with a Referral it will go to you! I choose a qualified full time Realtor from every location in the United States! I look forward to working with you! Just post a comment with your email and you're done! … (53 comments)

Thoughts On Active Rain Blogging Couples . . . - 09:27 PM
There's a few couples out here that provide posts for Active Rain.  Probably the most well known two are TLW & Broker Bryant. 
This got me to thinking, how do other couples engage on Active Rain?  We've all had a little peak into how the Tutas' do it -  http://activerain.com/blogsview/62261/Who-Says-You-Can.  We don't get outside as much.  Although I believe this summer we'll read Active Rain from our lawn chairs on the back deck. 
Bob and I each have our own laptops.  Each day we both work towards commenting on at least 10 posts.  Many a time Bob has said to me, "What can I write … (8 comments)

Broker Bryant's advice. Sound or foolish? - 11:01 AM
OK, I put up a post yesterday,(you may need to read it first) sharing an Email I had received from a consumer asking me for my advice. As promised, I am going to post my response below. First, I want to thank everyone for their responses, by reading through the comments it should help Mr. Consumer make an informed decision on the way forward. The point for my previous post was twofold. First I wanted us to be able to learn from each other and secondly I wanted the consumer to get additional input to help him with his decision. After reading … (72 comments)

MLS Funny Of the DAY! - 09:29 PM
The MLS shouldn't really be the source of a daily chuckle, but it is a little more often than not I find a crazy quote, a funny misspelling or just a really, really bad photo that warrants sharing.  For some reason this one struck my funny bone:
"DOG (CHIHUAHUA) IN BACK YARD. CAREFUL NOT TO STEP ON IT"
I've seen be careful of dog, don't let in, don't let out, etc. etc. but I've never seen this one !
Got any funny quotes in your MLS lately?
 
… (5 comments)

Holiday Activity - 05:34 AM
The Easter weekend has passed.
When I did my daily MLS update I saw that activity over the weekend was minimal here in the Fredericksburg Virginia area.
Went to ActiveRain as part of my morning ritual and saw that postings yesterday were also minimal.  Was hoping that this subject had not been already posted.
Many years ago, more than fifteen to get close, there was a story told that people bought real estate without regard to holidays.  Guess that was to encourage people to take "desk duty" or sign up for "opportunity time" in offices that opted to be open on Christmas, Thanksgiving, and … (6 comments)

The Clock Has Started - 05:41 AM
Traditionally, this time of the year people start to look for their new home if moving is in their future.  Believe it or not, the school year is just about to end.  Those with families want to get the ball rolling so that they can get the children into the new school as the school year begins.
Am predicting that if the real estate market is to improve to any great degree we will see it in the next 4-6 weeks.  Relocation thoughts should have already been made and now comes the time for action if there is going to be any.
What are … (7 comments)

Holding off on putting in an offer on a property you like - 01:39 AM
 I have a firm policy that I dont compete with my clients.  If I find a property that I am interested in I ask any clients that are interested in the area if they are interested in property.  I tell them it looks pretty interesting and seems like a good deal.  If they are interested that is the end of the story.  If they say they are not interested I tell them I am interested and again ask them if they are interested because I dont compete with my clients.  Generally I am pretty happy with this policy.
I have a few … (2 comments)

First Post for Project Blogger - 03:15 PM
Hello from sunny California!  I wanted to make my first post for Project Blogger on my blog, www.LiveInLosGatos, a good one that encompassed many of the reasons why living in Los Gatos is so cool.  Today I spent some time discussing the parks (one county, one owned by the town) at the very center of Los Gatos life and why they are so significant. Here's a link to today's post on Vasona Lake County Park and Oak Meadow Parks in Los Gatos:http://liveinlosgatos.realtownblogs.com/greatplacesinlosgatos/vasona-and-oak-meadow/ So my toes are wet!  Swimming's not allowed at Vasona Lake though, so of course I mean this figuratively … (1 comments)

Hawthorn Hill Neighborhoods - 12:28 AM
Hawthorn Hill is located in south Marysville of 67th and is one of the only private communities in the city. It is a smaller neighborhood with only a few homes in a cult-de-sac layout. In the middle of the cult-de-sac sites a fountain that is nicely designed and which gives Hawthorn Hills an elegant feel. Hawthorn Hill overlooks the Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and some residents even get to see the North and South Cascades.
… (0 comments)

Agent Commissions - 03:35 PM
The other day, while at a public meeting, I briefly overheard a friend's conversation with his friend. Incidentally it was real estate related so it immediately caught my attention and not trying to be rude I just it came "I am listing it myself because I don't want to pay those damn real estate commissions".
The person's tone made me believe she despised everything a real estate professional does for a living and is just the scum of the Earth. At first I was a little angry and then hurt but as sometime has passed since hearing that comment I am contemplative … (8 comments)

The Foothills Neighborhood - 03:47 PM
The Foothills neighborhood is located in south east Marysville is comprised of rambler and two story homes. Being in the greater East Sunnyside neighborhood a lot of residents enjoy views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. The neighborhood has wide streets and shoulders for easy parking and travel which also make The Foothills very attractive as you pass on through. The Foothills also has a neighborhood park just of 58th, The Foothills City Park.
… (2 comments)

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