Crye-Leike Blogger

Jackson Mississippi Open Houses Extravaganza, August 15th and 16th

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:31:43 -0500

Crye-Leike, REALTORS In Jackson, Mississippi Invite The Public To A Back To School Open House Extravaganza With Special Pricing Only During The Two Day Event

Crye-Leike, REALTORS in Jackson, Mississippi invite the public to a Back To School Open House Extravaganza on August 15th and 16th. During the two day campaign several Jackson MS homes will be open for touring with reduced prices on those homes good only during the special event.

"The Back To School Campaign gives buyers a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of our special pricing and will provide our sellers with the opportunity for a quick sale," said Crye-Leike Ridgeland Manager Pam Barr. "Crye-Leike has a passionate commitment to unsurpassed service to its clients. In an effort to continue this service, the Jackson Metro Crye-Leike Branches have designed this Back To School Campaign for our clients and the community to take advantage of amazing special prices."

Crye-Leike' Jackson Metro offices hope to meet and see many people touring homes at the open house extravaganza on Saturday, August 15th from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday, August 16th from 1pm-5pm.

Each open house will have a Crye-Leike Open House sign in the yard with a Crye-Leike balloon bouquet. All the open houses will have many directional signs as possible to attract attention and each home participating will have the full lists of homes with directions to hand out to the public on the day of the extravaganza.

"We are excited for buyers to see all the finest available homes we have on the market in the Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties of Mississippi," said Barr. "With the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers, with interest rates still at a historical low and with a good selection of homes on the market to choose from, now is a great time for anyone to purchase a home."

A full list of properties included in the special Back To School Open House Extravaganza and other property listings the Jackson Metro Branches have can be viewed on the offices' website at Jackson Mississippi Open Houses .

"Anyone who's interested in finding out more about the event can just stop by one of our offices or give us a call," said Barr.

Agents in Crye-Leike's Jackson Metro Flowood Branch and Jackson Metro Ridgeland Branch assist buyers and sellers in and around Madison, Rankin, and Hinds counties specializing in all types of real estate sales.

For more information on the Back To School Open House Extravaganza and for your real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact any one of our Jackson Metro Crye-Leike offices by phone at: Flowood Brach (601) 939-5160 or Ridgeland Branch (601) 957-3998 or e-mail the offices at jacksonmetro@crye-leike.com. Find the offices and their listings on the web at http://www.crye-leike.com .

Crye-Leike, REALTORS Congratulates Its Athens, Tennessee Brach Office On Being Voted As The Best Real Estate Agency

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 11:57:59 -0500

The Daily Post-Athenian 2009 Reader's Choice Poll Also Chose Crye-Leike's Athens Auction Team And Broker Sandy Phillips As The Best Real Estate Agents

Crye-Leike, REALTORS is proud to congratulate its Athens, Tennessee branch office on being chosen as The Best Real Estate Agency. The Daily Post-Athenian recently held its 2009 Reader's Choice Poll and the community voted Crye-Leike's Athens Branch as the number one real estate office for the second year in a row.

"I am so proud to be a part of this outstanding office," said Melonie Carideo, Crye-Leike's Athens Branch Managing Broker. "The professional, ethical and friendly staff and agents make my job an easier one. We are all so proud the community we serve feels we are doing a great job."

In addition to the entire office being recognized for its exceptional real estate service, the community also selected Broker Sandy Phillips as the top real estate professional in Athens again this year."

"I was very happy to hear the news that I was chosen by the people of McMinn and surrounding counties, to be the best real estate agent. I truly love what I do and enjoy helping my clients and customers find the home of their dreams," said Sandy. "It's an honor to serve the people of McMinn, Meigs, and Monroe Counties. I appreciate my customers and clients very much and I can't think everyone enough for voting for me."

Crye-Leike's Athens, offering Chattanooga real estate services, office picked up its third honor in the newspaper's poll for having the best auction team. The Daily Post-Athenian readers' chose Realtors Joe Stepp and Mike Graves as the top auctioneers in the community.

"It is great to work with an office full of some of the best Realtors in Athens," said Carideo. "I am so proud of Sandy, Joe and Mike who are great examples and role models for other agents. We aren't number one in this area for nothing - it's the people that make our office the BEST!"

Sales associates in Crye-Leike's Athens office assist buyers and sellers in and around McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties. They specialize in all types of Chattanooga homes for sale. The office has a Sunshine Committee dedicated to giving back to the community. Sales associates participate in and host various fundraisers to support local charities. Throughout the past year, the office raised thousand of dollars for charities including the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life, Susan Komen's Race For A Cure, United Way, and the McMinn County Rescue Squad's Annual Children's Gift Giving Campaign.

To learn more about career opportunities with Crye-Leike and for all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike's Athens office at (423) 746-0227.

Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike®, the nations 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,500 licensed sales associates based out of more than 130 corporate and franchise offices located in 65 counties through-out the eight-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage lending, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services referrals. In 2008, the Crye-Leike organization attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.

Crye-Leike, Realtors in Roswell, Georgia Presents “Support The Troops” Spring Carnival

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:45:14 -0500

Crye-Leike Crabapple/Roswell Branch Office Saturday, April 18, 2009 12:00pm -3:00pm 282 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA

Crye-Leike, REALTORS is proud to present its First Annual "Support The Troops With Crye-Leike" Spring Carnival at the company's Crabapple Roswell Atlanta real estate Office on Saturday, April 18, 2009 from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. The event is FREE, open to everyone and will be held at the branch office parking lot located at 282 Rucker Road in Alpharetta, Georgia.

"We're so excited about having a carnival - everyone loves a carnival," said Lauren Holmes, Managing Broker of Crye-Leike Crabapple/Roswell. "All we ask is for everyone who comes out to bring at least one item that we can donate to the troops serving overseas. So while we're having a good time... in return the troops will get some goodies from back home that will hopefully bring a big smile to their face."

The Realtors and staff organizing the event next month are asking for the community's support by coming out and bringing "Care Items" that can be easily packaged and shipped to the troops. The list of requested items includes: books, magazines, disposable camera, toiletries and any kind of hard candy or non-perishable snack.

"For each item someone donates they will receive a raffle ticket that will make them eligible to win a fabulous prize," said Jennifer Tierney, Assistant Manager at Crye-Leike Crabapple/Roswell. "So far our big prizes include a smoker and a custom dog house and we expect to add more as we get closer to the day of the carnival."

The FREE Carnival will feature a giant inflatable slide and moonwalk, face painting, a balloon artist and more entertainment opportunities for children and adults. The agents will also have plenty of FREE hotdogs, popcorn and cotton candy.

"We have been so inspired and moved by the sacrifices our men and women in the armed forces have been making overseas for the past seven-plus years that our plans for a spring carnival became all about supporting them and saying thanks," said Lauren. "Several of the agents in our office have close family and friends serving abroad so this event is very personal and we hope to see a huge crowd next month so we can make a big donation to the troops."

A special thanks to our sponsoring individuals and local businesses for the carnival that so far includes: Dickenson and Gilroy Attorney at Law, Ivy League Movers, Marsha Spear with Edward Jones, Dennis Hammond with Hammond Contracting, Alpha Home Services Inspectors, Q Care Simply Clean, Tweedie Griswald with Canton Street Mortgage, Terry Mechling with Allstate Insurance, Brinks Home/Commercial Security and Blade Landscaping

For more information about the Support The Troops Spring Carnival, to join as a sponsor, donate items and learn how you can get more involved please contact Crye-Leike, REALTORS Crabapple/Roswell by calling 678-240-2201.

Olive Branch, MS: 1st Time Homebuyer Seminar, Information on $8000 Tax Credit

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:29:43 -0500

If you have not owned a home in the last three years, you may be eligible for an $8000 tax credit on a home purchase. There is a free seminar to learn more. This event is on April 14th at Crye-Leike's Olive Branch real estate office. Please call 662-895-8300 for more information.

You may also be interested in previewing homes on the market. View Olive Branch MS Homes for Sale under $250,000 or learn more about living in Desoto County in North Mississippi.

Memphis Homes for 1st Time Buyers, Attend this free event to learn more about the $8000 tax credit

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:21:02 -0500

If you live in the Memphis area, and have not owned a home in the last three years, you may be eligible for a tax credit on a home purchase this year.

Attend this free seminar to learn more. This event is on Saturday, April 4th at Crye-Leike's office in Memphis Hickory Ridge area.

Search Memphis homes for sale.

Morristown, TN Area Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Crye-Leike Ron Mann Real Estate

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 11:10:39 -0500

Morristown, TN Real Estate - The Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce officially welcomed Crye-Leike Ron Mann Real Estate to the community with a formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held Wednesday, March 11, 2009. The franchise is Crye-Leike's newest, located at 4010 W. Andrew Johnson Highway in Morristown, Tennessee.

The new sales center is under the leadership of Owner and Managing Broker Ron Mann. He says his mission for the new office is simply, "a passionate commitment to unsurpassed service." Ron says to achieve that goal his sales team will stay focused on doing business with integrity, hard-work, pride, response, being a good neighbor and staying involved in the community."

"Opening an office in Morristown enables me to bring my expertise of rural land sales to an existing and successful real estate company," said Ron. "We are going to provide clients with a diverse group of agents who will specialize in all fields of real estate sales."

Mr. Paul LaBel, representing the Morritown Chamber of Commerce gave an opening welcome address following by the Rev. Don Miller who gave the invocation. Ron Mann, Owner and Principle Broker gave a short speech and invited all to stay enjoy refreshments.

For all your real estate needs and personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Ron Mann Real Estate at 423-586-3100. Owner and Managing Broker Ron Mann can also be reached directly at email: ron.mann@crye-leike.com.

Crye Leike Franchises, Inc. is actively seeking real estate franchises. For information regarding a franchise opportunity with the nation's fourth largest real estate company, entrepreneurs and real estate professionals should contact Kevin R. Joiner, President, at (866) 603-2470 or at franchises@crye-leike.com.

Photo Courtsey: Citizen Tribune, Morristown, TN

Crye-Leike’s Hendersonville Branch office Invites the Public To Attend 2 Free Informational Housing Seminars

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:47:04 -0500

First-time homebuyers seminar - Thursday April 2, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30pm Foreclosures & Short Sales seminar - Thursday April 16, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30pm

Crye-Leike, REALTORS Hendersonville TN real estate agents are offering buyers and sellers two FREE Informational Seminars at the company's Hendersonville, Tennessee real estate branch office. The seminars will provide FREE professional advice and information to prospective buyers and sellers who are considering a purchase or sale in today's tricky housing market. Crye-Leike helps buyers and sellers with Nashville homes for sale.

"I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who is even considering buying a home right now," said Crye-Leike's Hendersonville Managing Broker Jan Page. "These seminars will be filled with valuable knowledge on why now is such a great time for anyone to purchase a home and will give the public an opportunity to have their questions answered by many experienced Realtors."

The first seminar will be held on Thursday April 2, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Focuses on helping first-time homebuyers and anyone who hasn't owned a home in 3 years learn how they can take advantage of the $8,000 stimulus tax credit available to them this year.

"The new $8,000 stimulus tax credit is a wonderful opportunity for first-time homebuyers to make their move and become a homeowner. Anyone who hasn't owned a home in 3 years can also benefit from the $8,000 tax credit," said Page. "If you are currently renting, stop throwing your money away and start investing."
The second seminar will take place on Thursday April 16, 2009 from 6:30 to 7:30pm.

Focuses on educating anyone interested in buying a foreclosed home or short sale property.

"Foreclosed and short sale properties make up a large part of our current housing market," said Page. "The seminar will provide beneficial information on the variety of exceptional bargains prospective buyers can find right now through foreclosures and short sale properties. Our experienced Realtors can guide buyers through the process and show them all the great deals available now."

Location of Home Buying Seminars...

Both seminars will be held at Crye-Leike, REALTORS Hendersonville branch office located at 383 Johnny Cash Parkway in Hendersonville, Tennessee. All the agents in the office will be hosting the event and be in attendance to answer questions from prospective homebuyers and sellers.

In addition to Crye-Leike agents, the program will include expert representatives from Magna Bank who work with real estate clients in the lending and banking business. They will be available to discuss any financing questions and to help with getting pre-qualified to purchase a home.

"We want to educate prospective homebuyers on all the amazing opportunities available to them in this current housing market," said Page. "With so many homes on the market to choose from and interest rates being at a historical low, now is the perfect time for anyone to start investing in their future. We encourage the community to attend the seminars and let us help you realize why now is the ideal time to make your dreams of homeownership a reality."

The public is invited to attend the seminars and discuss topics including...

How and where to start looking for a home
Knowing what a buyer can afford
Why home inspections are important
Improving your credit score
Why now is a great time to buy.
Prospective sellers can hear what's happening in their local housing market instead of the generalized gloom and doom they hear in national media reports. Sellers can also find out about what things they can do to help sell their homes quicker in this current buyer's market.

"It's important for the community to be educated about what's involved in the buying and selling process," said Page."The seminars will be a wonderful opportunity for people in our communities to discuss what's going on in the housing market. We encourage everyone to come ask questions, learn about buying and selling their home, and discover their best options in today's challenging market."

For more information on the seminars or to register call Broker Jan Page on her cell at 615-300-6900 or contact Crye-Leike's Hendersonville office at 615-824-8008.

Memphis Christmas Event for Adults and Kids, Saturday November 21st

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:36:45 -0600

Tomorrow Crye-Leike is hosting the 5th Annual Silent Auction & Raffle benefiting Youth Villages.

The event is in Memphis on Saturday, November 21, 2008 from 10 am until 2 pm.

There are fun things going on for all ages...

Over 200 items to bid on at auction (gift baskets, gift cards, donated items from many sponsors)
Face Painting
Picture with Santa (children & pets)
Raffle
Refreshments
Cake Walk

If you live around Memphis, please come check it out! Crye-Leike office at 6525 Quail Hollow, Memphis, TN 38120.

Many in Crye-Leike do a lot of work to pull this event off, especially our accounting department.

Week 4 of Your 4 Week Online Marketing Plan

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:57:11 -0600

The goal of week 4 is to use your online marketing tools to make contact with people you don't know yet. (If you've missed a previous week here are links to Week 1, Week 2, and Week 3.)

Before I get into specific ideas for this week, take a look at the following list of questions. These are actual questions I found online (I'll share which sites in a bit). Are these people that you would like to meet? Are these people you would like to talk with?

What is the Germantown real estate market doing?
I am looking for real estate to invest in Hot Springs, AR...
Moving to Nashville, any advice?
Anyone have input on Chattanooga? We are moving there.
Where do you look for homes? I'm moving to Little Rock.
We are trying to figure out a good time to sell our Destin condo...
Moving to Fayetteville, school and home questions...?

ok... specific tasks for week 4

Share & Demonstrate Your Expertise. Visit online Question & Answer forums. Try the ones listed below and search for questions in your area. Answer where you can. Pose your own questions to stir discussion. Set a reminder on your calendar to periodically revisit.

Some Online Question & Answer Sites for Real Estate...

Post Your First Blog. Write a local interest article - about a neighborhood or local event. Include a link to your web site (use keyword rich anchor text). Post it to your blog. Schedule time on your calendar to post again next month or next week (more often if time permits).

Expand Your Reach. If you work at Crye-Leike, contact me to add your own article to the Crye-Leike web site local area guides. Or look at other posting to other sites like www.ezinearticles.com, www.localism.com

That's it for week 4, but that's not all I have to say about your plan...... Work on the things above and then come back next week to find out where to go from here and where to go if you still can't get enough. If you've had enough already... well congratulations! In 4 weeks you've just set up an online presence that expands past most people in your market.

"Save the Dream" Needs Your Help to Stop Home Foreclosures

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:59:50 -0600

Crye-Leike, REALTORS is launching a grassroots effort to Stem the Flow of Foreclosures. Harold and Dick are calling on you, our agents & managers, to reach out personally and help a family facing foreclosure. Please read the letter below from our Cofounders and help us "Save The Dream" for as many homeowners as possible.

Dear Crye-Leike Family,

There are now hundreds of thousands of families all across America facing foreclosure because they simply cannot afford their mortgage payments, or they owe far more than their house is currently worth. To make matters even worse, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports that approximately 50% of home owners who do lose their homes to foreclosure have never once contacted their lender.

With this stark reality in mind, we are writing to you today to initiate a system-wide Call-to-Action to the more the thousands of brokers, managers and sales professionals who are affiliated with us. We are asking each of you to help "Save the Dream" of home ownership for just one family facing foreclosure. We believe that we have both an opportunity and an obligation to help our neighbors and our local communities by trying to prevent as many foreclosures from occurring as possible.

This "Save the Dream" initiative may require several hours or even a few days of your time, but we are confident the end result will be well worth the effort, both personally and professionally. Specifically, we are asking each of you to find just one family in your local community who may be facing foreclosure and help them reach out to their lender or a housing counseling agency so that they can begin the process of exploring a loan workout solution and hopefully stay in their homes. If you don't know of anyone in this unfortunate position, we're confident that you can use your networking skills to find someone who needs this kind of help and approach them in confidence and with great sensitivity to the situation. Collectively, we can make a difference.

Here are direct links to two of the best resource sites available that you can use both to educate yourselves and to share with people in need of learning more about how they can help themselves avoid foreclosure:

One thing we have learned during our career as real estate professionals is that we REALTORS® are very focused on community service. You spend time every year supporting a myriad of very worthwhile causes like Habitat for Humanity, Youth Villages, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Toys for Tots and Make-A-Wish, to name just a few. You know firsthand that doing good deeds is indeed good business. More than that, we know you care deeply about your communities.

America got into this foreclosure crisis one house at a time, and we need to resolve it one house at a time. Please help "Save the Dream" for someone today. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Harold Crye and Dick Leike

View and share the full article at Help Stop Home Foreclosures - Save the Dream.

Unprecedented Conditions Call for Rationale

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:12:48 -0600

Join the Conversation! Start communicating what's happening in the housing market. Follow the lead of Steve Brown and begin restoring confidence right now.

Scripts, Tips & Quotes from the desk of... Steve Brown, Vice-Present & General Manager, Crye-Leike, Realtors

The whipsaw of the Dow Jones index, free fall of 401s, online minute by minute reports of the latest bank or business failure, sensational headlines in the daily paper and the "doom and gloom" of the nightly news can easily cause potential homebuyers or sellers to draw up in a ball. So how do we make any sense of all of this, considering that Alan Greenspan just said that we are in the midst of a "once in a 100 year event."

In The Words Of National Speaker And Coach Rich Levin... "STOP listening to the National News for real estate information." Many of the articles the media is reporting are dated; they report 2^ndquarter data all the way through September. WE are the best source of information about pending, active and sold data. We are just not putting out enough current data to our Sphere of Influence and media outlets.

Here Are Some Facts That You Might Want To Make Note Of..

October 11, at the Realty Alliance meeting, former high-ranking employee at HUD and now NAR consultant Brian Chappelle said, "Washington NOW Understands The Importance Of The Housing Industry To The Economy."

EVERYTHING is on the table. Same meeting, Steve Murray, author of Real Trends, said, "September was the 1st time sales nationally increased in 36 months, up 1.9%". He feels there is definitely pent up demand because the annual rate of sales is behind the 30 year average of 4.8% of all households in the process of buying, even in stringent credit markets and downturns.

October 15, NAR offered a 4-point plan to Congress to stimulate housing:

REMOVE the payback feature of the tax credit to first time buyers and expand the credit to ALL buyers of a primary residence.
Make permanent the high loan limits that would expire at the end of the year.
Use a portion of the $700 billion to provide price stabilization for housing.
Make permanent the prohibition against banks entering the real estate business.

October 15, at Crye-Leike's annual National Conference & EXPO, Dr. Lawrence Yun, Sr. VP and Chief Economist for NAR said, "Credit tightening and excessive pessimism is driving lower sales. The steepest declines in home prices are concentrated in areas of high sub prime loan originations; however, steep price declines attract buyers."

It reminds me of a Warren Buffett quote, "I sell when people are buying... I buy when people are desperate."

California has had sales increases for the past 5 months over 2007, up 65% over last September. Dr. Yun admits that we will likely see a general recession for the next 3 quarters, but housing may see gradual increases due to Congressional stimulus and attractive prices (possible change in the tax credit rules.) National sales figures are at 1998 levels, however, there are 25 million more people in the US today, 13 million more jobs and similar affordability, all pointing to pent up demand.

October 23, Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve for 18.5 years said, "A necessary condition for the current crisis to end will be stabilization in home prices... when prices finally stabilize the market freeze should begin to measurably thaw and frightened investors will take steps towards a re-engagement with risk." Congress and both presidential candidates realize that slowing the foreclosures and helping people to begin buying again is key to stabilizing prices.

So Where Is The Opportunity In All Of This?

First-Time Homebuyers: they don't have anything to sell, prices are cheap, sellers are willing to pay closing; Uncle Sam will at least give them a free loan for now, maybe sweeten the deal soon.
Investors: prices are at or near the bottom of the market, many sellers are willing to pay closing or make other concessions.
The Upper End: (over $500,000 for our markets) is soft because the move-up buyers haven't been able to buy their homes. If someone has the ability to buy without having to make a purchase contingent on selling, they can get a good deal.

Every crisis also presents opportunity. Some people made fortunes during the Great Depression. Many people will look back on this market in 2010 or 2011 and say, "I wish I'd have bought back then." Thinking long term, would you rather have your money in the stock market or in real estate? Think about it.

Read more real estate news visit Crye-Leike's News Room.

Week 3 of Your 4 Week Online Marketing Plan

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:43:17 -0600

The goal of week 3 is to use your online marketing tools to make contact with people you know. (If you've missed a previous week here are links to Week 1 and Week 2.)

Get a Link to Your Web Site. Ask a company you work with or an organization you're a member if they'll link from their web site to your site (preferably with keyword anchor text). If you have trouble finding someone, do it on your own on del.icio.us or digg.com.

>>>> Try not to participate in link exchanges or pay people for links. Search engines place more emphasis on links you earn.
Send Your Monthly Email Newsletter/Tip/Message. Email an e-card to your sphere. Schedule a day to send this every month on your calendar.
Get Your Own Press Release Published Online. Contact Crye-Leike Public Relations. Share an accomplishment or local story. Your name will show up online - featured as the local expert.
Contact a Buyer. Mention they can search homes on your web site. It has all the available listings & photos. If they find something of interest, you'll take them to see it. Make it a habit with your buyers.

I often hear people saying "I'm not getting leads from my web site." If you are thinking this, let's start with the first most important part of your web site promotion.... ask yourself "Have I ever told anyone I have a web site?" Have you shared any of the tools or benefits available by using your site?
Contact a Seller. Ask if they would like email updates of properties that are on the market - to help understand their competition. Sign them up for your email listings updates on your web site.
Contact a Past Client. Ask if they would like email updates of the listings that come on the market in their neighborhood... you know - so they don't have to go sneak a flyer out of the box to see the asking price.

See you next week for free online marketing ideas week 4.

Week 2 of Your 4 Week Online Marketing Plan

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:18:48 -0600

Set Up Your Profiles. The goal of week 2 is to check out a few social networking sites are and get your name out there.... Create your user names and passwords.... Set up your profiles. Click here if you missed week 1.

Someone asked me, "Uh....How long is this going to take?" The idea here is just a few minutes here or there. You could sit down and knock out the whole list now, or as you have 5-10 minutes in office duty or after checking your email etc visit a site.

Sites to visit...

√ www.MySpace.com
√ www.Facebook.com
√ www.LinkedIn.com
√ www.ActiveRain.com

Visit each of these sites and...

Create your account
Upload your picture
Add your phone numbers & email
Add your web site address (use anchor text with the keywords you figured out last week)
Update your profile with real estate services and experience
Make connections ~ Search to find people you know.

Social networking is all about interacting with other people. Visit these sites. Join groups. Participate. Search for people you know. It will build from there.

See you next Friday for Online Marketing Plan - Week 3....

Week 1 of Your 4 Week Online Marketing Plan

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:35:14 -0500

At Crye-Leike's National Conference in Destin, Florida I presented a session called "Internet Marketing: From your web site, social networking, ecards & beyond...". I annouced that I would share a 4 week plan to put some of these ideas into action. (If you are reading this on active rain, you've most likely done a lot of this stuff already...) but I am sharing here anyway.

How much will this plan cost? It's a plan that's almost free... the only expense associated with this plan is the cost for your own web site (for Crye-Leike associates that is $10/month). Everything else is free.

So here goes.... Week 1...

1. Review Your Web Site. If you don't have a web site, order one.

Are your phone numbers and email correct?
Is your picture up-to-date?
Does your about me information reflect your services and expertise?

2. Check Lead Routing. Visit your web site. Find one of your listings (or a contact form) and send yourself a request. Did you get the email?

3. Research & Determine the Keywords You Want to Target.

Select the top 5 keywords that you want to compete in. Review keyword phrases such as "Your Name Your Company Name" or "Your Name Realtor" or "Brentwood TN Realtor" or "Destin Vacation Condos".
Google's keyword tool measures popularity & gives ideas:
https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
Tip - When picking your keywords, choose plural or extended phrases. For example instead of just choosing "Denver Homes" if you choose "Denver Homes for Sale", you are now relevant in two searches with just one phrase.
Write down your keywords. (Again easiest to start with a focused list.)

Keywords in anchor text give you the most bang for your buck in search engines. In the coming weeks when you link to your web site - use the keywords in the link. For example: Joe Smith's keyword is "Midtown Memphis Condos". A link to his web site could be displayed as "JoeSmithRealEstate.com" or as "Midtown Memphis Condos". The underlined words - the ones you click - are called Anchor Text.

That's it for week 1. If you've done all this... you're already a step ahead. See you next week for week 2 tips....

Preview... Internet Marketing 4 Week Action Plan

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:08:28 -0500

Next week I am heading off to Destin, Florida. For the Crye-Leike annual conference and vendor expo at the Sandestin Hilton, held this time every year.

I am speaking in a breakout session on Thursday morning. The session is "Internet Marketing: From your web site, social networking, ecards & beyond..."

So many of us have web sites, but forget to tell people about them. Or we've heard of facebook or linkedin, but we haven't checked them out yet. Or even when you've been to all those places -- there are just so many choices of ways to market and network online... frankly it becomes overwhelming on what to spend your time on. Which areas should you focus? How should you use these sites?

In the session I'll discuss your web site and ways to keep in touch with your sphere online. I'll talk about the big sites you've heard of or may know and are already using (Facebook, Active Rain, MySpace, LinkedIn, Trulia, Zillow, Yahoo...) just to name a few.

You can connect with people.
You can blog.
You can join groups.
You can improve your search engine ranking.
You can help answer questions.
You can ask questions.
You can keep in touch with those you know...
...and reach out to those you don't know.

And we've all attended a session that's cool, where you learn a lot, but you leave and never put it into action. So, for everyone who attends.... I'll hand out a guide to take with you - your own 4 week plan to help get you started and focused. It will hopefully help you discover your own interests and direction.

See you in Destin! And for those of you that miss it, I plan to post a series of articles here to take you through it.

Top 10 Email Etiquette Tips

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:32:36 -0500

Here's the latest tech tip from Crye-Leike Information Technology....

Turn off the Caps Lock.
TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS YELLING AT SOMEONE (and it's hard to read).
Type a Subject Line.
A descriptive one-liner to summarize the content and grab attention.
Include an Email Signature.
Your contact info with the message (phone, fax, mailing and web addresses)
Watch the Acronyms.
LOL is it "Life of Loan" or "Laughing out Loud"?
Avoid Sarcasm.
Tone is easily misinterpreted in email.
Check Spelling.
Chec wiht a profesionnal. Doesn't look very professional. Turn on auto run.
Keep it to the Point.
Keep your message concise. Short. Easy and quick to read.
Limit Attachments.
Watch file sizes. Large files take a long time to download and fill up mailboxes.
Respond Promptly.
Don't make them wonder if you are checking your email.
Don't Forward Hoaxes & Chains.
You will not get a million dollars after forwarding to 7 of your friends.
Check for legitimacy on a story with snopes.com or on a virus with symantec.com.

First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:26:47 -0500

You may have heard about the new housing law... a quick mention on your local news or a comment overheard in the office? I doubt you're interested in reading hundreds of pages to figure out --- "What's in it for me?"

There's a great incentive for first-time homebuyers - a $7500 tax credit.

We've created a quick question and answer to show how it works.

Click here to learn how the tax credit for first-time homebuyers works.

It's only a temporary credit, but buyers are sure to love it while it lasts. Take advantage of the tax credit while interest rates are still low. Contact Crye-Leike today.

Relocation in Your Future? Look at Cost of Living Comparisons

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 14:36:09 -0500

When you are moving to a new city, it's important to figure out how far your money will go in the new place. Is it going to cost more to live there or will your dollar go farther? This is especially important to know when you're shopping for that perfect new home.

Crye-Leike Relocation services creates personalized cost of living reports that include a comprehensive comparative analysis between your departure city and destination city. This cost of living comparison will give you a clear picture of:

Comparison of Housing Costs
Mortgage Costs
Property Taxes
Estimated Home Utilities
Consumables
Health Services
Insurance Rates

Click here to request your free Cost of Living Comparison

Areas that we specialize in:

Relocating to Chattanooga?

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 11:19:49 -0500

If you haven't heard... Volkswagen is planning to open a new plant outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Here's a few articles on the announcement:

What does a VW Plant Look Like?

This next link is worth the few minute detour - if you are interested to see pictures of what a Volkswagen plant looks like... it's pretty cool.

Relocating to Chattanooga?

With so many new jobs in the city, we expect there will be some people relocating to Chattanooga. Crye-Leike's Chattanooga Relocation services team is here to help. The group provides comprehesive relocation services.... from finding and selling your home, to getting a mortgage, temporary housing, actually moving your belongings and learning about Chattanooga.

>>> Start by requesting some complimentary reports (cost of living, school reports, area guides) - click here for your Chattanooga Relocation guides.

Collierville Homes for Sale: 590 Landing Party Lane, Collierville Tennessee Real Estate

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 12:13:22 -0500

If you are looking for Collierville Tennessee homes for sale, check out this property.... Just listed in Collierville, TN in Steeple Chase neighborhood.

In sought after neighborhood & walking distance to lake/trails/playground all w/o homeowner's association fees.

With the new Piperton exit off 385 ~ just 2 minutes away, one of the more accessible Collierville neighborhoods.

View online at Collierville Homes for Sale

Rare find brings the outdoors in. Gorgeous walls of windows overlook lush landscaped yard.

Living Room      17 X 20         Master Bedroom   13 X 15
Dining Room      13 X 12       Bedroom 2             12 X 11
Kitchen                  13 X 16       Bedroom 3             13 X 11
Breakfast Area  11 X 10       Bedroom 4             14 X 11
Keeping Area     13 X 15       Baths   2 Full & 1 Half Bath

Covered Front Porch, Back Patio, 2 Car Garage, Walk-in Attic, Separate Laundry Room

Entertain with ease in the open floor plan, kitchen with island, abundance of cabinets with butler cabinets. Master bedroom down and luxurious master bath with double vanities, walk-in closet, whirlpool tub and separate shower.

Unique touches include 3-sided fireplace, bedroom window seat & nook, beveled edge mirrors, trayed and coffered ceilings, recessed lighting, tiered lush landscaping in backyard.

Ready to call your new home. Call for your private showing. View online at Collierville Homes for Sale

Also on craigslist's Collierville TN Home for Sale

Listed by:
Carol Williams
Crye-Leike Realtors
901-756-8900

How to Get Dropped from Yahoo

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Mon, 19 May 2008 17:17:47 -0500

This post is rather long... but please read... this to could happen to you. I need your help. Please comment below if you have a similar experience or if you are just shocked as well.

Are you tired of getting traffic to your web site from Yahoo? Want to make sure those pesky visitors stop coming to your site? Yep, you are hearing me right. There is a way that your site could lose almost all traffic from Yahoo.... and you decide is it the fault of Yahoo or McAfee SiteAdvisor?

I work for a large real estate company, but in the face of Yahoo and McAfee I seem to be a sticky bug on someone's shoe.

And so the story begins... Once upon a time....

McAfee has a product called SiteAdvisor. It is a toolbar you can install or a site you can visit and it will tell you which sites are 'safe' or not safe to visit. Recently Yahoo started incorporating SiteAdvisor ratings alongside Yahoo's search results. So when you search on Yahoo, it will automatically look up SiteAdvisor ratings and display them inline with the results - tell you if a site is safe to visit.

How McAfee Rated Crye-Leike

At the end of 2007 McAfee SiteAdvisor found crye-leike.com not safe to visit. A big red warning is displayed over our site (and all subdomains). I know this is a mistake. So I started trying to figure out how to get it corrected.

What Happens When You Try to Get an Inaccurate SiteAdvisor Rating Corrected...

Enter a customer service hell. Yes, it doesn't get worse than this. McAfee support for SiteAdvisor is officially the worst customer service I have ever experienced.

I have submitted requests online.
I have had online chat conversations with several people (all of whom take at least 20 minutes to sort of understand my initial question).
I have emailed their complaints department.
I have contacted their sales team.
I have emailed/called all the numbers, emails, web forms I could find.
I posted help in their forums.
I searched online.
I commented on other blogs.

I have been trying to get this corrected for months now. With this endless work our site was finally moved to the yellow 'retesting' category. However I have yet to receive an actual reply or contact about this.

Yahoo's Part

When Yahoo started incorporating the ratings in their search result, I contacted them. I wanted them to know that the information was not accurate. That I wanted it removed. That I had been trying with non-existent McAfee support to get it corrected. That Yahoo should take responsibility for what they display on their site. Yahoo's final answer, "Regretfully, Yahoo! cannot change a McAfee decision on a site's rating, as their decision is final."

Wow. It's one thing to have the wrong information to SiteAdvisor users, but its another thing to have wrong information for Yahoo users. I am utterly disappointed in Yahoo's sense of accountability for its own services. Yet another reason to use google.

I maintain that McAfee has made an error in their rating for crye-leike.com. If they are going to give a site a 'bad reputation' with a big red warning sign, they need to produce a program with more legitimacy - proven results - methods for correction - and some actual support. This impacts thousands of people who work for Crye-Leike and depend on the reputation of the brand name in advertising.

It is absolutely wrong what McAfee is doing to damage reputations of web sites with total abandon and disregard. It is also wrong of Yahoo to incorporate the results with no process for correction.

This blog post is the last thing I can think of to do to try and get the rating corrected on our site or at least try to make people aware of how McAfee and Yahoo are treating people.

Randy Ayers Appointed as General Manager of Crye-Leike Nashville Commercial Real Estate

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:43:10 -0500

BRENTWOOD, TN., - Crye-Leike, REALTORS is proud to announce the appointment of Broker Randy Ayers as the new General Manager of the Crye-Leike Commercial Division for the Middle Tennessee Region. Ayers will manager the day-to-day operations and oversee regional production based out of the Nashville Commercial real estate Division offices located at 1187 Old Hickory Blvd in Brentwood, Tennessee.

"We congratulate Randy Ayers for stepping up to the challenge to lead our Commercial Division at this challenging juncture in the housing industry," said Harold Crye, CEO & Cofounder. "I have the utmost confidence in Randy to take our commercial business activity in the region to new heights based on his vast experience and commitment to service."

"I look forward to taking on this opportunity to serve the diverse and dynamic needs of the Nashville commercial real estate market and the tremendous growth opportunity that exists here," said Ayers. "I continue to see downtown and midtown Nashville as the biggest potential growth opportunity for Crye-Leike on the basis of overall interest and the city's contributions to work with developers."

"My objective is to build on the solid foundation and great sales team that we have here at Crye-Leike Commercial and to increase our market share by attracting more dynamic people to this great company," said Ayers. "I see this as an opportunity to put my past experience and knowledge to the best use with the Crye-Leike brand that's unparalleled in the residential market and apply that synergy into the delivery of our commercial services like never before."

Broker David Stremic previously held the General Manager post for Crye-Leike Commercial in Middle Tennessee. He is stepping down to focus on the demands of his personal commercial Nashville real estate sales and production.

About Randy Ayers

Ayers, a native of South Carolina, has been an active Broker engaged in real estate commercial brokerage transactions for more than 20 years and has practiced with his Broker license the past 18 years.

Ayers is a licensed Broker in Tennessee assisting buyers and sellers in and around the Greater Middle Tennessee Region. He specializes in commercial real estate with a focus on investment and business brokerage.

Ayers is a member of the Williamson County Association of Realtors (WCAR), National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) the trade association for developers, owners and investors in industrial, office and related commercial real estate.

To schedule an appointment and for all your commercial real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Commercial General Manager & Broker Randy Ayers at 615-309-7100, email him at john.ayers@crye-leike.com and you can find the division on the web at www.crye-leike.com/commercial

About Crye-Leike Commercial

Crye-Leike Commercial, a division of Crye-Leike, REALTORS is a full service commercial real estate company. Its Brokers have a history of providing comprehensive brokerage, leasing, site selection and investment real estate services to clients.

Commercial Division Business Brokers work with buyers, sellers, investors, developers and landlords. Services include and are not limited to: helping clients secure office space, listing and marketing commercial property for sale, assisting in the sale or purchase of an existing business to full property management services. The company has locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi specifically tailored to the commercial market.

Chattanooga Real Estate Information Seminar for Buyers & Sellers: May 15, 2008

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Wed, 07 May 2008 17:11:17 -0500

Buyers, First Time Home Buyers, Prospective Home Sellers Encouraged To Attend

Thursday May 15, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm at the Crye-Leike Hixson Real Estate Office

Crye-Leike, REALTORS is extending an invitation to home buyers, first time buyers and prospective sellers to an Informational Seminar at the company's Hixson branch office in May. The program will be held Thursday May 15, 2008 6:30pm - 8:30pm. The Chattanooga real estate Hixson branch office is located at 5870 Highway 153 in Hixson Tennessee.

The seminar will provide free professional advice and information to prospective buyers and sellers who are considering a Chattanooga homes purchase or sale in today's tricky housing market.

"We are very excited and confident that the evening will be tremendously useful and informative to any buyer, first-time homebuyer and local seller who is unsure about getting into the housing market at this time of uncertainly," said Kathy Tucker, Managing Broker of the Hixson branch office. "Our goal for the evening it to set aside everyone's fear or hesitation about going ahead with a move into a new home and helping to educate them on the proper steps to buy, sell, find the perfect mortgage and so much more."

Joining Crye-Leike sales associates at the two-hour event will be representatives from:

Magna Bank's mortgage lending division,
Realty Title & Escrow closing services
Crye-Leike Insurance
Specialists in home inspection, staging &other home buying and selling services.

"We would love to hear from area businesses who would like to join us in this informative program with a door prize donation," said Kathy Tucker. "We anticipate a great turn-out and see the program as an awesome way for local businesses to showcase their products and services."

Along with door prizes, dinner will be served and everyone will receive a free package of information to help them with their own personal buying or selling decision.

"It's the hope of the Crye-Leike Hixson sales team that based on the turnout and success of this first seminar we will be able to offer more educational evening programs throughout the year," said Kathy Tucker.

For more information on the seminar and for all your real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact Hixson Managing Broker Kathy Tucker by calling 423-870-5202 or you can email her at ktucker@crye-leike.com.

Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Event: Crye-Leike's Memphis Whitehaven Branch

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:50:38 -0500

Day-Long Fundraising Event To Benefit Habitat For Humanity At Memphis real estate company Whitehaven Office - 1396 East Shelby Drive in Memphis

MEMPHIS TN Real Estate - Crye-Leike, REALTORS is proud to announce it's Whitehaven branch sales office is having a Parking Lot Sale on Saturday May 17th, 2008. All proceeds from the fundraising event will benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Affiliate Broker Beulah Daniel is organizing the day-long sale at the Whitehaven office located at 1396 East Shelby Drive in Memphis. The sale will take place from 8am - 4pm on the 17th.

"Giving of service to the community is a very important part of my real estate business," said Beulah. "The Parking Lot Sale is just a small part of our fundraising efforts this year to benefit Habitat for Humanity."

The event is part of Crye-Leike, REALTORS goal of raising at least $12,000 for Habitat in 2008. Beulah is encouraging her fellow associates, clients and neighbors to drop-off only gently used or new household goods, items and merchandise for sale.

"This is such a great organization that helps a lot of people in the Memphis area," said Beulah. "It's all about helping people become homeowners who might otherwise not have the chance to do so."

About Beulah Daniel, Crye-Leike Realtor

Since 2001, Beulah Daniel has been a licensed Affiliate Broker in Tennessee and Mississippi assisting buyers and sellers in and around Shelby, Tipton, Desoto, Marshall and Tate counties. She specializes in residential real estate sales.

Beulah is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) Graduate of the REALTOR's Institute (GRI) and a Certified Relocation Associate. She is a member of the Memphis Area Association of Realtors (MAAR), Northwest Mississippi Association of Realtors (NMAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). With MAAR, Beulah serves on the Scholarship Committee.

"I am very passionate about my service to the community and my real estate business and believe strongly in educating my clients regarding the buying and selling process," said Beulah. "I insist on a face to face meeting whether someone is a first time or second time buyer to ensure they're pre-qualified and understand the different types of financing options available in buying a home."

In 2006 and 2007 Beulah served as the Whitehaven Office Ambassador for Youth Villages, fundraiser.

For more information on the Parking Lot Sale, to donate items for the sale and for all your real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact Affiliate Broker Beulah Daniel by calling 901-396-8400 or you can email her at bdaniels@crye-leike.com.

Nashville Real Estate: Tour of Foreclosed Homes & A-Z of Real Estate Investing

A Crye-Leike Blogger, Angie Vandenbergh (Crye-Leike, Realtors) — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:43:50 -0500

Bus Tour Wednesday May 14, 2008 Will Feature Foreclosed Homes And Tips On The "A to Z" Of Real Estate Investing

NASHVILLE, TN., - Crye-Leike, REALTORS Real Estate Owned (REO) Division and Midtown branch in Nashville real estate has organized a half-day Real Estate Investors' Road Trip for Crye-Leike Sales Associates. The half-day bus tour of foreclosed homes with tips on the A-to-Z of real estate investing will be held Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

"We've had so many associates asking and looking for more information about finding Nashville home foreclosures, selling REO properties and investing in real estate," said Cindy Stanton Fey, Vice President and Managing Broker of Crye-Leike's REO Division and Midtown branch. "We decided a bus tour would be a great way to help our associates learn, experience and understand what's going on in our market."

The half-day bus tour will begin with breakfast at 8:00am and then consist of five stops over the course of the morning. Each stop will represent a "chapter" of sorts on a unique aspect of the real estate investing process.

The areas covered with each of the five stops will include:

· Foreclosure 101 - a guide to bank owned homes
· Red Flags - the inside scoop from a home inspector
· Tips to Flip - best repairs for maximum return
· Leasing Lowdown - information about rentals
· The Bottom Line - making it work, contract to close

"Foreclosure and finding great investment opportunities is the "buzz" in the market these days," said Stanton Fey. "The cost of the tour is free thanks to several sponsors, and I think everyone who joins us will gain valuable knowledge to help them work smarter with clients looking to find and invest in foreclosures."

Sponsoring the Real Estate Investors' Road Trip and Bur Tour are Crye-Leike's REO Division, Midtown branch, Property Management and Homes Services divisions. Additional support comes from Crye-Leike's ONE SOURCE business partners: Magna Bank, Crye-Leike Insurance and Tennessee title company - Realty Title & Escrow.

Vice President and Managing Broker Cindy Stanton Fey has been with Crye-Leike for more than a decade and the past eight years in management. She is a Graduate REALTOR Institute (GRI), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) and a Past Chairman, Young Realtors, with the Greater Nashville Assoc. of Realtors (GNAR).

For more information on the Real Estate Investors' Road Trip and for all your real estate needs or personal referrals, please contact Crye-Leike Midtown at 615-373-3456.