Effective Internet Marketing

Real Estate Feeding Frenzy!

Sat, 20 Apr 2013 13:03:22 -0700

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I've been running so fast this year that I never stopped to think about where we're going in 2013.

It finally hit me today! We've got another feeding frenzy of buyers, in some markets.

For example: Here in my own county we had 28,000 listings just two years ago.

Today we have 3,200 listings - for a county with over 3 million people!

That's truly amazing. I hope you're having a great weekend!

What are you seeing in your local market?

Cordially,

Bruce

* * * * * * * * * *

National Anthem in Boston.

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:43:57 -0700

My thanks to Colin Cowherd for mentioning this event on his sports talk show this morning. Otherwise I probably never would have seen it. He called it one of his top 5 sports moments of all time.

This short video is very moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzMsagY7oRs

The ONE Thing. Multitasking.

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:35:36 -0700

I've been a big fan of Gary Keller's writing ever since 2005 when one of my first HouseHunt clients was kind enough to send me her personal copy of The Millionaire Real Estate Agent. That book opened my eyes to the power of building a team.

Now Gary Keller has a new book called, The ONE Thing. I'm not done reading it yet, but this book certainly contains some challenging ideas in the first few chapters.

For example, in chapter 5, Gary says multitasking does not work!!! This came as quite a shock to me, because I've always been jealous of people who could multitask. I thought they were getting more done, but Gary says that's only an illusion.

Multitasking is a bad thing which hurts our productivity. When we get distracted, it undermines the quality of our work. It can even be dangerous, and sometimes kills people. For example: Texting while driving is a very bad idea.

Something to think about.

Respectfully,

Bruce

Why I'm Canceling My Active Rain Account Effective Immediately

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 12:45:27 -0700

Uh oh! Brian Rayl tricked me with his ten point April Fool's post. :)

You must admit. He did get quite creative here.

So here's a reblog for Brian.

Via Brian Rayl, Dallas Park Cities TX Real Estate 214-699-1799 (B&B Realty Group - Keller Williams Dallas Park Cities):

I started on this journey here on Active Rain back on December 30th of this year. I gave it a valiant attempt, but have decided that Active Rain is no longer the place to post my blogs. Allow me to explain why I'm canceling my Active Rain account, effective immediately.

1) I've dedicated a good portion of time and effort into Active Rain over the past 3 months. There are so many things that I could be doing to better utilize my time in order to be more productive. Things like Facebook, Twitter, Angry Birds... I think the new season of Dancing With The Stars starts soon. Finally I will be able to watch it live instead of DVR. (People on Facebook always spoil the ending for me)

2) I've posted 123 blog posts including this one. Out of all of that, I've only gotten 6 featured posts. I mean, come on, that is less than 10% of my posts being featured. I've received 919 comments on those 123 posts. That is an average of less than 10 comments per post. I write good content darn it!

3) In 3 months of building relationships and showing my expert knowledge of the Dallas area, I have only received 1 referral. ONE!! You guys KNOW I'm the best, right?

4) Contests - COME ON! What a joke. I've entered almost every contest there is on Active Rain. Sure, I got 2nd place in one of them and got a ton of bonus points, but I really feel that the movie contest was rigged. I mean, come on, my entry was Star Wars themed, and everyone likes Star Wars! I should have been first. And I didn't win the Market Leader leads contest either. Again, a total joke.

5) After 3 months, I'm not even in the top 10 in points for my county, let alone my state. I have just over 80k points, but to get into the top 10 in Dallas county, I'd have to earn another 103k points. To get to the top 10 in Texas, I'd have to earn another 660k points! At this rate, it is going to take FOREVER to do that. Ain't nobody got time for that!

6) I wrote not one, but TWO posts about REBLOGS... and couldn't get a single reblog on them! Oh come on now!

7) Scott Nowling has stolen my blog signature. Plagiarism!

8) Nobody apparently wants to help a sick child. That makes me sad.

9) Not a single person has offered to help me in the Sensei/Grasshopper group or contest. NO ONE! Sure, I never asked for help, but I can't give all the time and expect nothing in return. Preposterous!

10) I was excited to meet Bob Stewart and Kerrie Greenhalgh at Keller Williams Family Reunion. I even got to meet Ben Kinney and Chad Hyams. I even shook ALL of their hands! Yet I'm still not ranking #1 on Google for Dallas Real Estate. There really is no justice in this world.

All of this tells me that Active Rain has been a huge waste of my time and that is why I'm canceling my Active Rain account, effective immediately. Please don't try to convince me to stay.

Happy April Fools Day everyone.

Did you like this article? Please take a moment to share it, like it, tweet it, or reblog it! I would also like to hear from you in the comments below, even if it is just a simple THANK YOU!

Brian Rayl, REALTOR®
B&B Realty Group - Keller Williams Elite Park Cities
214-699-1799
Brian@BBRealtyGroup.com
www.FindDallasHomesForSale.com

Search The Following Areas For Your New Home:

Highland Park, TX Real Estate   Addison, TX Real Estate Carrollton, TX Real Estate
University Park, TX Real Estate   Frisco, TX Real Estate    Richardson, TX Real Estate
Farmers Branch, TX Real Estatee   Plano, TX Real Estate Rockwall, TX Real Estate
Highland Village, TX Real Estate Lewisville, TX Real Estate Coppell, TX Real Estate
Grapevine, TX Real Estate   Southlake, TX Real Estate Irving, TX Real Estate

Today I Was Told by BOA My Home is Going into Foreclosure

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:52:34 -0800

Please read this real life story of an outrage being committed by Bank of America. If you know anyone who can help, please have them contact Gail Robinson.

If we shine enough light on this tragic situation, it CAN be changed.

Thank you!

Via Gail Robinson, REALTOR, e-PRO Fairfield County, CT (William Raveis Real Estate, Southport, CT):

After three years of filling out loan modification paperwork and sending it in, I was informed via a phone call today from Bank of America that my loan modification was declined on 2/1/13 as I didn't submit all the documents. Bank of America continues to state this as a reason for declining my loan modifications, but I give them everything they ask for and then have my HUD counselor review it for completeness. Anyone who knows me knows how organized and detail-oriented I am. I have a Ph.D. from Columbia University and that required an incredible attention to detail. I know I submitted all the documents required as I carefully reviewed every request and my HUD counselor, Michael Haynes, of the Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven reviewed them.

This seems to me to be a bogus excuse. I think they just don't want to do a loan modification. Although why BOA would want one more foreclosure in Bridgeport, Connecticut is beyond me. They aren't going to sell the home for more money than I would pay for it. I bought this home at the peak of the market in 2005 and paid $400,000. It is now worth no more than $250,000. I'm earning a good income now, my income tanked when my husband became ill with pancreatic cancer three years ago and our expenses have been high due to the cost of medications, travel, and treatment. We also lost his income when he became ill. We were both in real estate and the market downturn left us with less money at a time when we needed more.

As you know, my husband has Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer and he is getting hospice care in our home. I haven't told him yet that our home is going into foreclosure. BOA says to consider a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure or a short sale and just leave, but my husband wants to spend his final days in his own home. Is that too much to ask of a big heartless organization? Probably. But don't you wonder where all that Mortgage Settlement money went to? Weren't the lenders supposed to be doing more loan modifications instead of allowing homes to go into foreclosure? What the heck are they doing with that money anyways???

It makes no sense at all to me, but my hope is that if you would reblog this post that BOA will notice it on social media, reconsider their decision to foreclose, so that I don't have to tell my husband that our home is going into foreclosure. He's been going through a tough time over the past few weeks and my fear is this will cause him enough stress to push him over the edge emotionally and physically.

I trust in the power of AR to get the word out and in your love and kindness to support me at this time as I try to be strong for my husband. Thank you.

81 transactions in 2012!!!

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 16:09:37 -0800

I received this AWESOME email from Bruce LaMaster last night.

If you have referrals for Sacramento, please send them to Bruce LaMaster. Thanks! He will take excellent care of your clients. His direct number is (916) 952-3838.

And, if you want to work with more buyers, please call me directly on my cell. (714) 309-1945. I'm usually available up until 9PM PST, Monday through Saturday.

Cordially,

Bruce Brockmeier

Internet Marketing Consultant

HouseHunt, Inc.

* * * * *

THE SHORT VERSION OF A BIG STORY

September 2011 we got a lead on our El Dorado Hills site from a couple in Kansas looking in the 500-600k price range.

Tami (our buyers agent for that territory) made contact and set up a full day tour when they would be in the area a few weeks later. They did not like anything on the tour but Tami did get to start building a great relationship with the couple.

Over the next several months they made four more trips from Kansas and Tami would set up tours consisting of 8 - 10 homes. On the fourth tour, the couple informed Tami that they wanted to change areas and price ranges..... they would like to shop in the 800 - 1.2M price range.

To make a long story a little shorter last October (2012) Tami put these buyers - from Kansas looking at homes in El Dorado Hills, CA in the 500k price range - into contract on a 1.6 million dollar house.... Escrow closed last week 1/7/13 to be exact. Needless to say, these buyers are not in Kansas anymore, Tami's bank account is off to a great start for 2013 and the rest of the team realizies there is no such thing a a bad lead.

______________

Just in case you are wondering about the team numbers for 2012

81 transactions
21.7 million in volume

I think all but about 10-12 of those were House Hunt leads
________________

Anyway, thanks for everything folks. We are looking forward to a great 2013. Let us know how we can help.

           Bruce LaMaster
          visit us online at www.BruceLaMaster.com
   (916) 952-3838 ~ Direct   (530) 748-1856 ~ Fax

       "Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed
           to sell your parrot to the town gossip!"

Looking for a Tangible Way to Help a Family in Need?

Sat, 29 Dec 2012 18:13:50 -0800

Good evening ActiveRainers,

Let's all chip in and help Jason Crouch on this very worthy project!

God bless you for any contribution you make.

Thank you very much,

Bruce

Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):

PLEASE share this message wherever you feel led to do so. I don't ask often, and this could be life-changing for at least one family. I spent several hours composing the message below with my wife, Pam. Yes, I realize it's long, but I would encourage you to spend the 5 minutes it will take to read through it. YOU CAN HELP.

If you'd like an opportunity to have a real, tangible impact on a family this Christmas, please consider helping me spread the word and/or donating to help a homeless family that we've known for just over four months as we seek to provide a sustainable housing solution for them. You could help answer many prayers.

In an effort to provide some background information and something a bit more tangible for your giving, here is my wife's account of how we originally met this sweet family:

"It was a Sunday afternoon in late July. I had just dropped off my friend from taking her family to church, and as I came to the intersection of 35 and 183, I saw a man on the corner holding a handwritten sign. All I could read as I passed by was "...we don't know anyone in Texas..." I always look to see what cash I have when I pass by homeless people on the corner, and figure that is what God provided. In the tiny change drawer in the car was one quarter, so I thought, "Okay, God provided a quarter for you today." As I handed it over, I heard, "Thank you." I was struck to the heart. It was the one of the most sincere expressions of gratitude I have ever heard. That is not the way you thank someone for a quarter. That is the way you thank someone for saving or changing a life.

Now that I was beginning to feel true concern for this man, I opened the window and asked if he needed to use the phone. He said no, but they needed money to pay for the hotel they were staying in. The light turned green and I told him I would be back. I pulled the car over to the parking lot across the street and gestured to him to come over and talk to me.

It was VERY hot outside, so I asked him to sit in the rear passenger seat of the van and let the A/C cool him off. I began asking questions, and he told me a story of a family that spent all their money on a trip to try to start a better life here in Austin. His wife was going to school, and they were having trouble working because of the need to care for their child, and they had had little luck getting any kind of help from the system.

I went in the hotel and gave help with the hotel bill, and asked them to call me if they needed anything. The clerk didn't ask my name, but if he had, I was prepared to just say, "Samaritan."

When we began to get to know them, we found that we liked them a lot. We cheered each other up and encouraged each other. They have become our dear friends now, and all because we did what Jesus said, "Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you." Luke 6:30-31"

And now more details from me (Jason):

This family consists of a husband, wife, and their 8-year-old son. In 2005, they lost pretty much everything in Hurricane Katrina, which started things on a downward spiral, including their housing situation. They lost some of their personal records (both official and personal copies), which resulted both in additional legal hassles AND problems working within the "system" (Medicaid, food stamps, disability). Both parents suffered physical injuries in different circumstances as well. They moved to Texas from Georgia back in June/July so that she could pursue an opportunity as a chef at a prestigious culinary school which gave her a full-ride scholarship. They also wanted to start their lives anew and get away from some very bad influences in their other state.

All three family members have medical needs which require ongoing medication. Frankly, their son can only attend certain public schools because very few schools have the capacity to meet his special needs. While they would love to stay in the school he currently attends, this may or may not be possible, as the current housing venue (an acquaintance of mine) is only good through this month.

The wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) two months ago, yet she is still not receiving treatment for this illness, to everyone's surprise. MS comes in spells, so sometimes she is able to walk and function normally, while other times she is confined to a wheelchair for weeks and in terrible pain. She often passes out without notice.

Since we met them in late July, I think she's been to the hospital at least five times and she's currently hospitalized. She is in the midst of trying to get disability income approved. I haven't known anyone more worthy of receiving this particular benefit.The husband needs medication, but it's not easy to obtain without a visit to the ER and a huge monthly cost. Both the wife and son have now been approved for Medicaid (very recently), but the medication for the dad is cost-prohibitive until we can get Medicaid for him. I covered some of his medication costs and our church reimbursed for part of it, but it's simply unrealistic to pay the full amount each month without the Medicaid helping. Food stamps are in place in another state, but not yet approved for Texas for them. As a side note, the system is much more difficult to work within than you can possibly imagine unless you've been in real poverty yourself.

Thankfully, dad just started a new job four days ago, so this is exciting news for all of us.

They are attending our church now, having started there in August, and we see them often through the week. We've become close friends, and I really enjoy spending time with them. I truly feel blessed that God brought them into our lives. I would certainly consider allowing them to live with us, but since June, we've been housing another family in our home that had nowhere to go, so we simply don't have the room here.

GOAL: My hope is to purchase a used mobile home for $10,000 and get it moved to one of the local parks nearby we found which seems lenient with regard to both credit and the age of the homes they allow. The cost to move this will be around $1800 and the cost to hook up utilities is already covered by the park, so our total need is $11,800.

I'm confident that my friends will be able to pay the monthly rental fee within a couple of months for the lot (roughly $430 + utilities) once we accomplish this. Apartments aren't really an option for them, because of credit issues and the fact that the ones that seemed like real options will not allow a co-signer. Hotels are cost-prohibitive (cheapest decent place is $1700/month). Obviously, we would also welcome the donation of a mobile home in halfway decent shape if you have any contacts for this.

Going forward, my intent is to use this property for similar situations (i.e. homeless families) if this family moves on to something else later.

So, there you have it. At this point, I've raised $7693, and I'm awaiting a handful of other donations of unspecified amounts, so we're getting really close. I intend to share this story on Facebook, here, Twitter, and with a few friends from church. I hope that the power of social media (and prayer) can get this story in front of the right people. I think we can make this happen. If you don't know me already, I would encourage you to research with any mutual friends that we share and come to your own conclusions. We currently assist 5 or 6 needy families locally. I can assure you that this is a worthy cause, and we'll make it happen with God's help.

Quickly about me: I am a Christian, husband, father of four terrific kids, deacon in the PCA church, real estate broker, and friend to the friendless.

We are accepting donations of ANY size via PayPal or by check (or cash, if you are local and want to meet). If you want to donate via PayPal, our address is jasonpam@swbell.net. If you'd prefer to send a check, please make it out to me (Jason Crouch), and send it to my office address: 3636 Executive Center Drive, #200, Austin, TX 78731.

Thanks in advance for ANY help that you can provide. If you'd like to call me with any questions offline, my cell phone number is 512-796-7653.

- Jason Crouch

If you enjoyed this post, why not connect with me elsewhere or subscribe via email?

If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks!

An old lady, a shopping cart, and 4 rescue dogs.

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 18:50:04 -0800

It was a cold night here in Southern CA. Not cold in comparison with northern states, but too cold for an old lady to be sitting by a shopping cart. I decided to walk over and find out what was going on. A large dog, that was leashed to the shopping cart, let me know I was not welcome to approach. A little dog, sitting on top of the blanket covering the shopping cart, also started barking. Then two more heads peaked out from under the blanket and those small dogs starting barking too! The lady apologized for all the noise and explained she had been kicked out of the hotel where she had stayed for five months. She is fighting cancer but said there are VERY few hotels that will accept four dogs so she was stuck living on the streets for one night until she got paid the following day. All four of her dogs had been rescued. My wife and I adopted a rescue dog about two weeks ago, so I could immediately relate with this lady.

After hearing her story, I want back to my car and got her one of the jackets I purchased for handing out to homeless people. Then I drove over to the hotel that had kicked her out and paid for her night's rent. She was in tears. She said nobody had ever helped her before. Then she told me something amazing. She said she had been praying while I walked over to greet her. She said her prayer was, "Dear God, If you're busy right now with a sick child, that's okay. When you're done helping that child, could you please send me enough money to buy a cheeseburger." She was kind of shocked when she opened her eyes and I was standing there!

As Jesus said, hundreds of years ago, "It is better to give than to receive". While many of us shop for Christmas presents, please also remember there are struggling people in almost every community who can use our help. Thank you. I would love to hear any stories you're willing to share about helping others.

Cordially,

Bruce

Open house at 1670 Glen Canyon Rd, Santa Cruz

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:19:20 -0800

Come visit us at our last open house of the year at 1670 Glen Canyon Rd
OPEN SAT 12/8 1-4pm
1670 Glen Canyon Road, Santa Cruz

English Country Farm House

Imagine stepping back in time to a slower pace of life residing in this tranquil haven. This beautiful English Country farm house is situated on almost 2 acres of level and sunny land. This one-of-a-kind property boasts a rich history of families who have thrived in this very special home.

What a wonderful lifestyle this property offers you with a floor plan and yard ideal for both comfortable living and also for entertaining in style. There are numerous patios, deck areas, a covered porch and ample parking for gatherings. Enjoy the refreshing in ground swimming pool on the warm days of summer and the soothing spa on the cool days of winter.

The gorgeous back yard is the focal point from the kitchen and the family room. The master retreat has awe inspiring views of redwoods, the creek and mountains. The sweeping lawn is perfect for Easter egg hunts and there is plenty of room for a garden. This close-in, yet country, location is the ideal place for you to unwind and to feel the weight of the world lifted off your shoulders. Bring your chickens and your horse and leave your cares behind.

MLS# 81240818
List Price: $939,000.

Melody Russell
Real Estate Consultant
Keller Williams Realty Santa Cruz
Direct 831-332-3975
www.MelodyRussell.com

Congratulations to Mike Trout!!!

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:27:31 -0800

* * * * *

He is the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year, by unanimous vote!

His batting average was .326 which is exceptional.

He also hit 30 home runs.

Trout was the first player in baseball history to do two things.

He combined a .320-plus average with 30 or more homers and 45 or more steals.

He was also the first to score at least 125 runs with 30 or more homers and 45 or more steals.

I can't wait to watch him in the 2013 season!

* * * * *

Robust Recovery In Housing

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:39:34 -0700

"As FORTUNE predicted last year, a robust recovery in home prices is under way."

Those are not my words. Those are the words of Shawn Tully in the October 29 issue of Fortune Magazine which arrived on my desk today.

Most of my clients around the country have reported their markets have improved, but I'm not sure I'm ready to call this a "robust" recovery yet.

One excellent point in the article titled, Housing Is Heading Higher, is that new home inventories are incredibly tight in some markets right now.

Are you seeing a robust recovery in your market?

NEVER give up!!!

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 08:42:12 -0700

* * * * *

Last night the amazing St. Louis Cardinals made baseball history.

They were down 6-0 in the early part of the game.

Did they ever give up?

No!

They kept playing hard.

Final result?

They won 9-7 and set the all-time postseason comeback record.

Just a reminder to all of us to NEVER give up!

Have a great weekend.

Bruce

* * * * *

Only took 11 days!!!

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:12:28 -0700

Real estate is fascinating! Sometimes it truly is a Small World.

However, I thought really cool stuff like this only happened in the movies! :)

If you ever have referrals for the Minneapolis metro area, please call Larry Boatman.

Thanks and have a great week!

On Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 5:37 PM, larry@larryboatman.com <larry@larryboatman.com> wrote:

Bruce:

Ken was a HH lead on 9/12. Today we have a fully accepted PA. 11 days. $214,000.

That's cool, and here is more cool stuff about it.

Ken and his wife grew up in the same small Kansas town, Waterville, where my wife grew up. 600 people. My wife's mother taught both of them in school. Is that cool or is that cool?

Larry Boatman
Keller Williams Realty Integrity
7401 Metro Blvd, #350
Edina, MN 55439
952.358.9681 Direct
952.358.9581 Fax
www.LarryBoatman.com

Gaining momentum!

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:35:36 -0700

Home prices continue to rise nationally.

I'm receiving reports from my clients, in some markets, about limited inventory.

Then, last night, these were the three topics on the news as I drove home.

The Dow closed at over 13,500 - up about 11% for the year.

Sales of existing homes in August reached the highest level in over two years.

New construction starts are also at the highest level in over two years.

Well over 4 million homes will be sold this year.

Positive things are happening again.

How is YOUR market doing?

Eight closings this month!!!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:47:44 -0700

I received this cool email last Friday from Bryan Dunaway.

He's a very hard-working agent. Now his hard work is paying off with 8 closings.

If you ever have referrals for the Charlotte area, please call Bryan.

Or, if you want more buyer leads, please call me.

Thanks for reading!

Cordially,

Bruce

* * * * *

I have 8 closings this month and tomorrow will be writing an offer on the first house from the Concord site !! $409,000.00 !! I knew that was going to be a good move !!

Bryan Dunaway

Broker/Realtor®

Dunaway Real Estate Team

Wilkinson and Associates

704.906.9048 Call/Text

bryan@dunawayteam.com Email

www.dunawayteam.com Website

Two are better than one, If one falls down,the other
can lift him up.
Pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up !
Eccl.4:9-10

Bryan & Sharon Dunaway

Average price UP 77%!!!

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 07:27:20 -0700

Did you know internet buyers tend to bring more money to the table than your local buyers?

Here's a very impressive example from a great agent in the Florida Panhandle.

If you ever have referrals for Pensacola area, please send them to Jerry Ann Alumbaugh.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Bruce Brockmeier

Internet Marketing Consultant

HouseHunt, Inc.

714 309-1945

* * * * *

I am writing my 4th contract from House Hunt leads. The average sales price is now $348,000.00. Before House Hunt my average sales price was $196,000.00. Thanks!

Jerry

Jerry Ann Alumbaugh

CRS, ABR, GRI, CDPE

RE/MAX Horizons Realty

Office: 850.476.6000

Cell: 850-221-0437

Jerry Ann Alumbaugh

RE/MAX Horizon Realty

"Each Office Independently Owned and Operated"

1335 Creighton Road
Pensacola, Florida 32504

E-mail: jerry@jerryalumbaugh.com

Direct: 850-221-0437

Office: 850-476-6000

Fax: 850-479-7504

Pain? No. Dual Pain!!!

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:53:02 -0700

* * * * *

The past few days I've been doing research for a friend who needs to move.

I haven't moved for years so this is a learning experience.

Apparently I'm still easily amused. :)

I had to chuckle last night when I found this ad on Craigslist.

"Three bedroom, two bath home that has been recently remodeled with dual pain windows."

* * * * *

PERFECT is never easy!!!

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:38:06 -0700

* * * * *

My oldest son witnessed history being made on Wednesday night.

He went to a baseball game and saw the first perfect game ever thrown by a Giants pitcher.

The Giants have been playing baseball for 128 years.

Congratulations to Matt Cain!

* * * * *

Please Read Your Emails!!!

Fri, 25 May 2012 16:09:05 -0700

I'm ready to buy, or lease, a new car. Nothing fancy. Probably a Honda. Probably under $25K.

As part of my research, I've submitted email requests to several dealerships.

Here's one example of the requests I've sent recently:

We need a quote on a Civic LX lease. 36 month. Zero down program. Manual transmission. It appears that you have two in stock. We will be making a new vehicle decision soon.

Thanks,

Bruce Brockmeier

This is the response I received:

Your New Civic is Waiting!

Dear Bruce,

When would be a good time to come in and test dirve this wonderful vehicle? Honda has some Great Incentives for this month that you don't want to miss out on. Call me for all the details, I look forward to making your purchase an enjoyable one.

Warm Regards,

Internet Manager

Warm regards? That doesn't work when you ignore my question.

Bottom line? You can't sell your product, if you don't read your emails!

Okay. End of rant. Everyone have a GREAT holiday weekend while I'm out car shopping! :)

Huntington Beach sea gulls.

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:32:26 -0700

* * * * *

We have tons of sea gulls in Huntington Beach.

However, I've never seen so many lined up on a wall before.

Maybe they were watching the volleyball game? :)

* * * * *

Clippers!!!

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:03:28 -0700

* * * * *

Congrats to the Clippers for a very good year.

What an amazing comeback in game 1 against the Grizzlies. Best comeback I've ever seen.

I really didn't think they could win that game, when they went down by 24.

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul have helped turn this team around.

The comeback shows that we should never give up!

I don't know what will happen tonight, or in this series against the Spurs, but it's been a fun year.

Thanks guys!

* * * * *

"Just like the good old days"!!! :)

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:21:32 -0700

* * * * *

I received this happy email yesterday from Michelle O'Rourke in Montana.

If you have referrals for Billings, please send them to Michelle.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

* * * * *

Hi Bruce,

Our inventory is the lowest it's been in 3 years, and yes we are seeing multiple offer situations, just like the good old days :)

Michelle O'Rourke

Realtor - Sales Associate

Green Realty, LLC

4585 Mountain View Rd

Billings, MT 59057

cell: 406-855-4950

Office: 406-839-9141

Fax: 888-279-0979

michelle@greenrealtymt.com

www.billingsRealEstate-Montana.com

Clearwater Beach market report. Houses are flying off the market!

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 07:24:23 -0700

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Good morning everyone!

I received this great email from Sherry Lowrey last week.

Are you seeing similar activity in your market?

Is it the water? :)

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Hi Bruce - Yes, we're in the same boat over here in Clearwater Beach and surrounding areas. Houses are flying off the market. I don't know what's in the water but I'm gonna' start serving it up!! lol!! Amazing and grateful!

Regards,

Sherry Lowrey

Clearwater Beach and surrounding Beaches in Pinellas County

http://www.clearwaterbeachrealestate4sale-florida.com/

http://www.tierra-verde-realestate.com/

E-mail: homesbysherry@gmail.com

Sherry's Direct : 727-744-7824

Sherry Lowrey

Get Smart car?

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:08:41 -0800

With gas prices going UP and UP and UP, I decided to test drive a Smart car a few days ago.

It rides nice on the freeway, which was a surprise for such a small car. It had plenty of leg room for me.

I did not like the transmission. It has an unusual, slow shifting style. 5-speed automatic. The Smart rep told me it shifts much better after 1000 miles. Unfortunately, there's no way to verify that idea without buying the car and driving it 1000 miles. He says the transmission works better after it breaks in. I've never heard anyone say that about a transmission before. I'm a little skeptical.

Also, the model I drove was about $17,000 with tax and license. It had a/c and rims. Seems kind of expensive for such a tiny car. The engine is a 3-cylinder built by Mitsubishi.

I won't be buying a Smart car. However, it might be the perfect car for you - if you ever need to squeeze into HALF of a parking space! :)

Linsanity grips NYC!!!

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:58:41 -0800

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Jeremy Lin starts in seven straight games and the Knicks have seven straight wins.

Isn't it GREAT to see the amazing success this young man is having?!

I like the fact that he came out of nowhere to become a big star.

People who know him say he's humble. That's nice to hear.

He's already got a huge international fan base.

Now some people say he could have the number one selling NBA jersey this year.

Lin makes basketball more interesting!!!

A true inspiration.

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