Kernersville Real Estate WorkHorse Blog

KISS

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 12:47:33 -0500

KISS standing for Keep It Simple Stupid. This something that it always comes back to. No matter how much technology comes out the real estate business always comes back to the simple art of personal contact. Even when we leverage with teams the personal contact is the most important part. Always respond back to calls or emails. This will gain more business as it the biggest complaint from clients that there is a lapse in communication.

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Tax Free weekend

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:45:19 -0500

Tax free weekend in North Carolina. This has become an annual event in North Carolina where certain Items are tax free that relate to school. It has met good feed back and allows for savings. The number of people in stores increases and there does not seem to crowds that keep people away. By allowing the tax free weekend there is a much needed break for parent who are saddle with the added expense of raising children. Just another reason to say "I like calling North Carolina Home"

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Wikis in Real estate

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:27:33 -0500

As Realtors are becoming virtual wikis will become easier to implement. As technology improves there is a better acceptance of this type of instrument. Youtube has a great video of the basic concept and I thought I would share it. I have been trying to go to this for sellers,buyer and contract. Creating scanned pdf documents and the availability of them to every one involved. Has any one used this type of thing within the real estate business?

The link below is worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY

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DPAs -The talk of the day

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:19:10 -0500

Down Payment Assistant seems to be the talk of the day. I have had several emails this morning for taking action and writing to legislatures. I have used the program on several transactions and have felt they work well. The buyer has to to be FHA qualified. The conservative approach of buyers having considerable reserves is very sound. Having these programs in place has given an outlet for this type of transaction. My thought is that by having this, therewould be no excuse for a shady transaction of kick backs and allow for credible buyers and sellers to get together.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Website Poll - help??

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:29:32 -0500

I am considering consolidating or merging my two websites. Please comment or vote on the most effective (and helpful) . Both are place fairly well in the search criteria for Kernersville searches on Google. The older www.BonnerTCR.com does fairly well and the newer www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com has done fair. as with my customer service I like to better than just fair. Both have call to action. has become a toss up as to which is best.

Any response would be great, Even keep old or keep new.

Kernersville Keller Williams Blood Drive

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:50:13 -0500

Kernersville Keller Williams Blood Drive is a great community event. This is an annual event that KW has done for a number of years. It is a small way to give to the community and be convenient for the public. Kernersville is a giving community and this has become a good outreach program for the Triad area that Kernersville is located in. The blood only has a limited shelf life and there is always a need for the supplies. Have a blood drive like the Kernersville event is a great way be recognized as a community supporter.

Visit Kernersville at www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Engaging Internet Leads and Inquiries

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:48:11 -0500

Engaging Internet leads can be somewhat elusive. With each new lead it is like feeling around in the dark for the light switch. Often consumers have been searching on the Internet and have gone through so many sites that the recall is not there. Contacting (other than automatic responders) soon as crucial. A judgmentneeds to be made rather the particular consumer needs a constant a contact program or occasional hello. Many people began the the search 6 months in advance and are not ready for full engagement. The drip campaigns with short useful information on the home buying and loan process are most helpful. I have used much community information as a way to create a dialog.

Has anyone been using community information in the correspondence in news letter or campaigns for Internet leads?

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Visual tour tips

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 07:43:31 -0500

Visual Tour tips are always great to get and try. I have been using this site for several years ( 6 I think). I do a number of things from personal brochure (which needs updating) to neighborhood tour. One item that I have been doing is putting a still photo just before the panorama. This adds a little extra visual to the flow of the show. Having to much information can have the effect of giving the sense of already seen the home. Most customers that get to viewing the VT have enough interest to have not rule the home out at the point of viewing. The idea for listing agents (and sellers) is to get showings. The home has to sell itself from that showing prospective. Please give tips that may add to better and more productive visual tours.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

NC Drought

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:59:34 -0500

The North Carolina drought is continuingand the lawns are beginning to show it. The has been warmer than usual temperature and less rain which has caused the lawns to begin to show it wear. This is begin to effect the curb appeal of listing. As first impressions are crucial there is only trim back at this point to help in the curb appeal. Short of wasting water to try and keep the lawn green there is little owners can do. Lawns will go into a dormant stage and bounce back as fall approaches.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Using ListingBook.com for customer service

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:29:00 -0500

I have been using www.ListingBook.com for a number of years. It began in the Triad area of North Carolina and is now going national with a few MLS systems. This has been a wonderful tool in that it allows the interaction with customers and clients that is needed in today's business and budget constraints. It does not replace the human touch and has a welcome addition to the human touch. By allowing a streamline approach to the home search, the website gives enough information for buyers (and sellers) to make informed choices in which homes to view. There are many features that agents and consumers can choose from and personalize the interaction from the website. Please let me know how you like the site or if you don't have it in your MLS.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Enjoy the 4th of July

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:04:58 -0500

With the hot summer months, we all look forward to the mid year break. This is the time to enjoy friends and relatives with cookouts and get together. Please remember the reason the this holiday. America is a wonder nation with wonderful people. The freedoms we have are a beacon to the world. Be safe as you travel and play

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Foreclosure griddlock

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 07:44:18 -0500

Several years ago we were looking at underwriters being gridlocked from all the refinances and purchases as there was a record number of loans. As we are reducing inventories of foreclosures there has become a matrix gridlock from the banks. This is delaying the recovery that could be solved if there were a procedure that would be followed similar to what owner occupied sales have to follow. Many of the properties are listed by remote wholesale company that have little knowledge of the area. The as is philosophy is creating the gridlock. There must be a lot of overcharges to the banks as there is little evidence of work done to prepare these properties to be sold in a manner to make a smooth transaction. At some point (and we may be there ) there is going to be a reluctance to enter into a contract on a foreclosure.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Outside blogs for less than dummies

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:21:10 -0500

The new Outside Blogs has got me totally stumped. I must be missing something really simple. What are the uses and how is this different the AR blog. It does look more visually friendly. Please give some suggestion on how to use this feature and where to go to research it.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Trulia Profile and effectivness

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:08:40 -0500

Recently Trulia has implemented a profile segment to be included with posting for listings. This is a great idea and hopefully will help enhance customer service. This is a call to any one that has created the profile and wondered what feedback there is at this point. Does the absence of the profile on the listing create a negative impression>? Are agent just not aware that it is some thing to be filled out. What are the thoughts on how this can better serve the consumer.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Clear Titles to real estate

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:26:37 -0500

It seems as much as we prepare there is always a new twist on things that can add work. Titles may the next round for Realtor to have a working knowledge. Clear titles are becoming more evasive as the numbers of foreclosures are rising and finding there way into the market. This may be become another pressure for price as the volume is creating questionable work. The idea of buyer hurrying up and then having to wait creates more of a reluctant posture to invest.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Is the IDX feed hurting consumers

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 10:02:56 -0500

The IDX feed may be hurting the consumer in that the information is becoming to readily available. Many aggregate site just pull the information into a national source and then distribute it in a bait and switch manner. As a listing agent it is prudent to market and get as much exposure as possible. The automation of the IDX has created an misconception that there are other homes out there. To serve the consumer it is best for each client to focus on obtaining a good picture of what they can afford, the features they need and the area they wish to live in. There seems to be a goose chase environment that has created an analysis paralysis for home buyers.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Eye catching name tags

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:52:34 -0500

One of the major goals for me this year is to get a name badge with the Real Estate WorkHorse Logo.

The idea for is to create conversation while in public. I have noticed jewelry that attracts attention from people. Not being a jewelry kind of guy I am looking to stand out in a informative way.

After searching the vendors there has not been any economically feasible solution. Does any one know of a company that can create a name tag with a logo (jpeg) . Having quality is also important. Everything I do has the logo and/or website when possible.

PLEASE COMMENT ON IDEAS,SUGGESTIONS OR VENDORS.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Office Space for Lease in Kernersville NC

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 14:32:32 -0500

Kernersville offer a diverse community with a vary of Industries providing a good job base. This Building is two years old and has preformed well as it is in growing area of Kernersville with great access to interstate. The spaces have been zoned for medical use as well as General Business. All inquiries are welcome. The international Airport and Fed Ex hub is aproximently 10 minutes away.

Check out the Kernersville area on www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Winston Salem Home New on the Market

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:59:56 -0500

1.78 Beautiful Acres with hard to find updated Brick Ranch Home. Recent updates included windows, Heat Pump and bath. Oversized detached Garage with oversized garage doors. Estate setting with mature landscaping and private setting. 4 Bedrooms and newly tiled kitchen.

Good access to interstate and located close to Kernersville. Established neighborhood with great schools close.

Visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/show.asp?T=1538440&prt=10003

Look for homes on www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Pictures on AR Blogs

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 16:42:28 -0500

I have tried for several days to insert pictures on blogs with no success. The insert/edit box opens, however the browser feature does nothing when clicked. Has anyone experience this issue or is this a setting on the personal computer. should the java setting be different. This usually works well. Any help would be most welcome.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Memorial Day

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:24:11 -0500

It is with the deepest admiration and appreciation that we should remember what this holiday is for. Wish all you see a safe holiday and take a moment to reflect what those who left us have done for us. This has become the start of the summer season and is a good benchmark for this. Often with holidays the true meaning is over looked. Also an explanation to children of what we are remebering and memorializing will serve the future for them to carry on.

Thanks to all that I have known and didn't know.

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Associates vs. Members Postings

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Thu, 22 May 2008 06:53:56 -0500

Please answer this questions about postings.

What is the difference between Associate vs. member postings? It seems the associate postings get very little response or feedback. Trying to learn the most effective to network can be one step at a time. Is there a way for response wit the associate post? There is probably a place on the AR site that explains this as have read most of the help sections. Thanks for any help and/or suggestions

www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Statistcs for Real Estate

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Wed, 21 May 2008 08:53:02 -0500

I was in a discussion yesterday about statistics for the Piedmont Triad area around Kernersville, NC. I became overwhelmed at the number of different ways one can assemble statistics. With focus of the housing industry being in the forefront of the economic news there obviously been an over statement of how bad things are for the general real estate industry. Each individuals has a unique situation with respect to their value. Often I have heard - I am giving the house away- when in actualityy the real estate had been refinanced and the equity was pulled out. Now the pay offs are net sellers very little. As consumers are looking at homes that are more in line with their ability to manage the median home price for our area seems to be less. My point is that this is not a reflection that homes have lost value. Many CMA reports are showing for me a level field or even a slight increase. Having a calm head will get every one through this perceived housing crisis.

What are your thoughts on Statistics

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Piedmont Triad Area Real Estate

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:20:47 -0500

The new group Piedmont Triad Area Real Estate professionals is most welcome as the area is really a metro area when combining Winston Salem, Greensboro, High Point and Kernersville as well as the many other towns that surround the triad. Many thanks to Don for starting the group as it is long over due. Often a google of the area does not give a true picture of what there is is to offer as the search is generally specific and only gives one city that may be somewhat less of the things that are offered. Real estate in the Triad has remained steady since there was not a huge increase in the prices of homes.

Look for Real Estate of the Triad at www.RealEstateWorkHorse.com

Educating clients to help serve better

Bonner Thomason CRS, ABR, GRI, e-Pro (Keller Williams Realty) — Mon, 12 May 2008 09:34:59 -0500

Occasionally I get questions that are not within the normal scope of what Realtors do on a normal basis. Recently I was asked about someone wanting to lease land for agricultural purposes. Educating clients so that the expectation is to high. This example was that there is not a central data base even with the local extension office. Often (like rentals) there may only be a sign at the end of the driveway. It is important to give clients value and create a genuine feeling that they are important beyond empathy. Even a quick calls soon (depending on the needs or question) to offer a suggestion is showing that there is concern helps. Small snippets of the realm of what Realtors do will often help in keeping us in the forefront of their mind.