Archives of real estate blog entries for November 3, 2008

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Blogging is a Long-Term Strategy with the Potential for Short-Term Results - 12:25 AM
The title of this post was a quote from yours truly during the recent Real Estate Barcamp in Houston during a discussion led by Paul Chaney about social media and its effectiveness.  This pretty much sums up my personal perspective on the act of blogging as it applies to my business.
When I first started blogging four years ago on another platform, I used it just for personal opinions, rather than anything that I thought could actually help me make money.  You may be surprised to learn that many of my posts were political in nature, considering the fact that I … (109 comments)

What IS Customer Service? - 11:45 PM
What Is Customer Service What Is Customer Service?
My philosophy in life always reverts back to The Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you).  As a former registered nurse, I practiced medicine with that philosophy, as well as treating my patients as though they were a beloved family member.  I often found myself worrying about my patients, as if they were my family!
Real estate is certainly no different—customer service is of utmost importance in this business—operating a business by my Golden Rule standards, I’ve discovered is the only way to go!  Many agents that … (62 comments)

Listing Router New Pay Per Click Pricing Per City - 12:49 PM
Late last week the Listing Router Pay Per Click system was retroactively updated to reflect new, and in many cases, reduced pricing. 
If you have already set-up campaigns in the Listing Router admin pages, you don't need to change a thing.
If you have not already set up your campaigns and personal 'My Markets' section, you should make this a priority in your daily ActiveRain Active-ites. 
The new pricing matrix generally breaks down as follows:
65.5% of all available cities will cost $.89 per click. 32.5% of all available cities will cost $.1.89 per click. ~1% of all available cities will … (23 comments)

My Experience As Being A Name On A For Sale By Owner List - 02:45 PM
A couple of weeks ago, I posted my home for sale on Zillow.  This is the only place I posted it, I did not put it in the MLS or on any other website.  Apparently my name got placed on a For Sale By Owner list, and to date I have received at least 15 calls from Realtors. 
I do not mind the calls themselves, I totally understand that this is a method Realtors use to get business.  But let me tell what I do mind.  (My point of posting this is not to be mean, but give a homeowner's point … (112 comments)

YOUR Online Presence & The Aftermath - 03:07 AM
If there is one thing that I truly believe causes conflict with friendship and professional relationships is the behavior that comes with discussing and ranting about religious and political views. Okay, it's more than that. It's the trying to incite an online 'riot' of sorts.
Yup, we all have our opinions and when it starts getting mean, nasty and downright negative it's disrespectful to this platform as well as the intent of this network. A REAL Estate Network. Then to top it all off with the ulterior motive of trying to force ones opinion down another persons throat it is then that it becomes unprofessional and downright judgmental and prejudiced.
… (136 comments)

I have just been honored by a true hero - 03:25 AM


Pictured over on the right here is Master Sergeant of Marines William "Spanky" Gibson, saluting the Stars and Stripes on Board (he's a Marine folks) Camp Fallujah in Iraq. The picture was taken on October 20 of this year.
Before I get to the rest of this, it is important you know who my friend Spanky is.
You can read all about him by clicking here, but suffice to say he is the first serving member of any branch of the United States military to return to a combat zone having had an above the knee amputation. You can … (67 comments)

Active Rain Week In Review -10/26/2008 - 11/2/2008 - 11:50 AM
Couldn't get into the rain today.  That was quite a difference after being on several times a day for the past week. Found it a little un-nerving! Hmmmm, addiction or task anxiety?
But I'm back on, ready to share the results of all that perusing and wandering around. I've had a fascinating week.  I met some Active Rainers I hadn't come across before. There are so many people it is impossible to visit them all in a week, and I wondered how long it would take to visit every single one of the current 117,839 members' blogs.  A year? Two? How many would … (33 comments)

Meaningful Associations ~ How to Add Value to Your Associates List - 03:18 PM
It was just about two years ago, that I joined Active Rain and posted my first blog post.  The first 8 blog posts generated a grand total of 4 comments!   
Frankly, I didn't understand how to participate in an online community and had very limited understanding of the value that blogging would bring to my business.
I'll always remember the first individual who added my name to his associate list.  Ralph Roberts included me barely 2 days after I had posted my first blog.  Looking back, I wonder how much that first acknowledgment helped to sustain my nascent blogging efforts in those … (72 comments)

Every now again, AMAZING things do happen ! DON'T GIVE UP ! - 03:01 PM
Have you ever sat back and wondered why or how certain things just happen ?Have you ever wondered how you could be in the right place at the right time? I often wonder this. I have wondered this a lot lately. Today started as just an ordinary day. I woke to the telephone ringing off the hook with clients and customers which was a wonderful thing. Being some sort of rope in a tug of war game I wondered how I would get to all those who needed my services today. It was a crazy day and I have to say Friday … (78 comments)

Progress Report ~ Listing Router ~ Custom IDX ~ Searches & Localism! - 03:10 PM
We made some quick and dirty progress over the last two days. Here's what we are putting together. I hope this helps and we welcome suggestions and feedback. Good or bad....it's all good!
Here's what I set up with the Listing Router:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Next we contacted our IDX provider and requested links to the matching saved searches for the cities and communities we plan make available. This is an abbreviated list. He sent us the links and David created html pages for the links.
First....here … (48 comments)


Blog posts


Mybloglog Partners With Zemanta And Offers- What Else? Reblog Baby! - 06:03 AM
Reblogging has been going on for some time now..it did not originate with Activerain but it sure sometimes causes quite a stir.  I personally love reblogging...I must not be the only one because now....
Mybloglog partners with Zemanta and offers..what else? Reblog Baby! 
An Article about Reblogging from 2004 Reblogging January 2008 Activerain Reblog Revolution  
You know what I still feel the same way...You Can Reblog Mine Anytime!  How about you?  Still wondering if Reblog is a good thing? About the author- Midori Miller is a licensed real estate associate with CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty, Real Estate Trainer and … (9 comments)

The World Is Watching and Waiting.. Exercise Your Right.... Vote! - 10:39 PM
November 4th is approaching quickly and to be honest I'll be glad that it will be over...or will it?  I've never had an interest in politics ever in my life...up until now...
I can tell you that I tried several times to early vote..incredible lines..... causing me a little frustration but in truth..has made me smile..it tells me people care..and I hope come November 5th our country will not be divided...but accept who the American People have elected as the President of the United States! 
And all that passion so many have demonstrated throughout this election...I say take that passion...and do … (12 comments)

Real Estate Commission Rebate - 03:03 PM
So, what is the largest real estate commission rebate that has been given back to a buyer and or seller of a real estate transaction?  Does anyone out there know? I put the word out last week via Facebook and on my Twitter but haven’t got any good feedback.
The reason why I bring it up is because our powerhouse Boston agent, Thomas Cincotti is closing no a $2M condo this week.
The Commission - $50,000!!!
The Rebate - $43,000!!!  (remember this is NON-TAXABLE TOO!!!)
This will be by far our largest rebate back to one of our buyers to … (1 comments)

Google tells voters where to GO! See What FACTCHECK has to say - 09:38 AM
 
 
 
     There was no RAIN yesterday, so I decided to work for one of the national candidates and canvass a few neighborhoods, make calls and find out how New Hampshire was leaning ... just a couple days before the election
     I was surprised to find out that there were so many people who were still undecided.  When I asked them why -- they said they were confused and didn't know who to believe.   So I am writing this post to assist those who need more information so they can make an informed decision tomorrow.
       While there are several sites that have information regarding the truthfulness … (23 comments)

NC Legislature to draft law to modify business models - 01:54 PM
for any one who operates a non-traditional business. I recieved an email to this effect over weekend and I have posted the body below for AR members to read if you haven't already seen it.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
ACTION ALERT
October 29, 2008
From: The NC Chapter of the Appraisal Institute, Greensboro, NC
To: North Carolina Appraisers
It has been brought to our attention that staff members of the North Carolina Legislature are preparing draft legislation that would require anyone who holds a "professional license" in the State of North Carolina to have a "brick & mortar" store-front office that … (3 comments)

It's the economy stupid ! ! ! - 11:48 PM
Tuesday is election day. It comes none to soon for many of us. I personally have forgotten what was on t.v. before the race began. Now, we are faced with a decision. The Democratic candidate, the Republican candidate, the Libritarian candidate, Ralph Nader and in some places Ron Paul.
What to do?
For just a minute, let's pretend that the outcome will really make a difference. Let's imagine that any one of these folks will actually change the direction of the country. Now, I know this is hard. Things have remained relatively constant as long as I have been alive (note: … (0 comments)

Alyssa's 1st Halloween- Ladybug - 01:27 PM
Since even before Halloween, I received several emails and comments on my blogs telling me I had to post pictures of Alyssa's 1st Halloween.  So, by popular demand, here it is.
We had a kid costume party last weekend, and then she had a parade at her school on Friday along with a Fall Festival.  I couldn't get her smile once in her ladybug costume which is why it's taken me this long to post.  I wasn't sure which pictures to use.
So, instead of trying to find the "best" pictures, I figured I would just show you the wide range … (21 comments)

Come on ActiveRain, the Error Messages are Getting OLD - 01:35 PM
This is ridiculous!  It took me over 2 hours to most my last blog about Alyssa's 1st Halloween.  I would have given up, but I've gotten several requests from people wanting to see pictures, so I had to get it posted.
I understand AR is growing and that you like to use the toilet analogy, but it makes no sense when the same amount of people are consistently in line.  By that, I mean, the membership count has increased, but the amount of people online connected to the site has not changed.  We average around 1500-2000 people at any given time.
It … (23 comments)

Texas Expected to have Record Voter Turnout - 02:36 PM
Texas is expected to have about 68% turnout for voting in this election.  Since 1970, only once has the state of Texas exceeded 68% and that was when 2 Texas natives (GH Bush and Perot) were running and Clinton still won.
With the early voting over, Texas has already had 42% of registered voters vote in the top 15 counties in the state, which equates to 3.5 million people.  In the 2004 election, only 2.4 million voted early.
To put things into further perspective, Dallas County had 508,000 people vote which is 158,000 more than 2004.  People are definitely eager to get their … (14 comments)

I have just been honored by a true hero - 03:25 AM


Pictured over on the right here is Master Sergeant of Marines William "Spanky" Gibson, saluting the Stars and Stripes on Board (he's a Marine folks) Camp Fallujah in Iraq. The picture was taken on October 20 of this year.
Before I get to the rest of this, it is important you know who my friend Spanky is.
You can read all about him by clicking here, but suffice to say he is the first serving member of any branch of the United States military to return to a combat zone having had an above the knee amputation. You can … (67 comments)

Obama to bankrupt coal industry - his words! - 08:44 AM
This must be the first candidate in history to run on a program of bankrupting an entire industry! He has warned us that electricity prices will "skyrocket" and now we know why.
Even though this interview has been around for a while, it has not come into the public conciousness until now

We must not forget of course, about Joe Biden's "slip" regarding coal either. I have said it many times - a Democrat President with a Democrat Congress is not something this country can recover from very easily.
Thankfully we have John McCain and Sarah Palin.
… (37 comments)

FLASH!! FLASH!! FLASH!! Palin cleared by Alaska panel - 10:01 PM
Isn't timing everythin??! On the eve of the Presidential election, Alaska Governor and GOP Vice President candidate, has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the so-called "troopergate" inquiry in her State. Reuters is reporting that the "abuse-of-power investigation into the firing of the state's public safety commissioner.
The Alaska Personnel Board report, issued on the eve of the U.S. presidential election, ran contrary to findings from a legislative inquiry that concluded in October that Palin had abused the power of her office by pressuring subordinates to fire a state trooper involved in a feud with her family."
Reuters go on to … (34 comments)

You will probably think this is really corney ! - 01:55 PM

I spent many hours studying the issues, watching the debates and listening to the candidates and the analysis offered by experienced talking heads !  Then I learned that I was to be the site manager for the Fort Myers Beach sand sculpting event riunning Nov 4 - 9 !   So, last weekend I decided I would vote early !  The voting place was very well organized, well staffed and efficiently run.  The entire process took just over an hour.  It was interesting to watch all of the other early voters.
As I waited my turn I really felt like this … (7 comments)

A new blog - 11:49 AM
I couldn't resist the pull of Wordpress any longer and have launched a new WP blog covering Las Vegas Homes. As soon as I get a little comfortable with using WP, I'm going to make it a do follow blog as well and add in a few more plugins. Still on the fence as to which CMS I like better, Wordpress or Drupal. Each one has its advantages. I have more control over urls in Drupal than in Wordpress, although you can change them for both types of pages, like I did for this page about Las Vegas Senior Living. The … (4 comments)

Does Measure J Affect the Southwest Museum? - 05:09 AM
Measure J on tomorrow's ballot is a $3.5 billion bond for the Los Angeles Community College District.
But did you realize that a YES vote on this measure possibly endangers the Southwest Museum by turning the Museum into a campus? 
Zuma Dogg: Why Measure J (Nov 4) Means ADIOS To The Southwest Museum And It's Billion Dollar Artifcats 
Boulevard Sentinel  (Scroll down to the 14th article)
On the other hand Los Angeles Times takes the YES position and, curiously, although the article was posted in October, there are no comments.  Could it be that some comments have been deleted?  Did any … (0 comments)

Covered Bridge at Barnes Mill Homes for sale in Smyrna, Georgia - 09:52 AM
COVERED BRIDGE AT BARNES MILL HOMES IN SMYRNA, GA

or call 770-309-5297
The Barnes Mill Single Family Home community in Smyrna, Georgia is a unique collection of Traton build Homes nestled between the East West Connector, Hicks Road and backed to the beloved SILVER COMET TRAIL
The Barnes Mill development is situated on green and rolling hills and boasts an array of colorful craftsman style and some traditional style homes. Barnes Mill offers a Home Owners Association with Community Pool, tennis courts and playground. At the writing of this page home prices start in the mid 300,s. One special note … (0 comments)

6989 Rebecca Drive Wheatfield NY 14304 - 08:35 AM
6989 Rebecca Drive Wheatfield NY 14304 $218,900
3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car-garage.






Sure you can build a brand new home in Wheatfield NY for $159,000. The problem is with the new construction you will pay a lot more than $218,000 for that house and you won't have all the wonderful extras that this home has! Nor will you have the space that this Wheatfield home has!
The ten extras that this house has over Wheatfield New Construction:
Square Footage -- this home as 2,080 square feet Security -- full security system Landscaping -- over … (4 comments)

The Community of Dripping Springs, Texas - 12:57 AM
Dripping Springs is a small city in Hays County which is located 21 miles west of Austin. In the census of 2000, Dripping Springs reported a population of 1,548 inhabitants and 554 households, and among them 418 families. The population density of Dripping Springs was 468.07 people per square mile at the time of the census, and the city currently has an area of 3.3 square miles, all of it land. 41% of the households in Dripping Springs have children under the age of 18 living at home, and 61% include married couples. The median income in the small city is … (0 comments)

Mortgage Is Not a Bad Word: Steps to Getting a Home Loan in the Credit Crunch - 01:05 AM
The bad news about the economy is inescapable these days. Consumer confidence is at an all time low and it's easier to follow a tennis match than keep up with the daily rise and fall of the stock market. Even though everyone is carefully watching the bottom line, life does go on.
For those looking to buy a house, the current credit crisis can seem daunting. "Mortgage" seems to be the newest bad word. However, with some careful research and thoughtful consideration of long-term plans, it is possible to get a mortgage. Mortgage rates are historically low and housing prices … (1 comments)

Mortgage Rates Have Gone Haywire - 01:16 AM
This marks the third week in a row that mortgage rates have moved in one direction or another by more than .4 points. This is highly unusual. For some perspective for the 12 weeks from March 20th to June 5 mortgage rates held steady between 5.85 and 6.09. At this point mortgage rates are highly highly volatile. Here are mortgage interest rates for the last 4 weeks.
October 30, 2008
30-yr 6.46 15-yr 6.19 5-yr ARM 6.36 1-yr ARM 5.38
October 23, 2008
30-yr 6.04 15-yr 5.72 5-yr ARM 6.06 1-yr ARM 5.23
October 16, 2008
30-yr 6.46 … (3 comments)

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