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real estate: 10 Things I Learned Working with Internet Leads - 10/08/08 12:38 AM
Blogging has slowed as I have been focused on refining my internet lead generation skills these past couple months. It has been a long haul, missing my Active Rain friends, but I believe my internet lead generation program is now to the point that little needs to be done to maintain it.
Here are some things I have learned in putting together my system:
1) Pay-per-click actually works
2) Internet users are people too and like to be treated with respect and not by pushy salespeople.
3) Internet users are typically at the beginning stage of searching, so it takes time … (26 comments)
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real estate: Short Sale Specialist - 10/08/08 12:21 AM
So, it has come to this. Time and time again, I am hearing the phrase "short sale specialist" attached to some of the most "successful" real estate agents of the day. Some agents have found short sales to be a niche that is turning quite lucrative, but takes so much time to accomplish.
"Is it worth it?" I asked a "short sale specialist" recently.
The reply was an overwhelming "yes". This particular agent had average numbers for years as an agent, but know is carrying 147 listings, all short sales. In an office of over 300 agents, she and her team … (3 comments)
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real estate: First-time Homebuyers Tax Credit - President Bush signs Housing and Economic Relief Bill - 07/30/08 11:23 AM
Good news for first time home buyers with the Housing and Economic Relief Bill signed today (July 30,2008) by President Bush!
In the bill, first time home buyers who purchase between April 9,2008 and July 1, 2009 will receive up to a $7,500 tax credit!
For those who have been waiting, now is the time to buy. With this bill it is likely to turn things around in the housing market, which means purchase prices will likely go up in the coming months. Interest rates are still around 6.5%, which is historically low, but they might go up in … (1 comments)
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real estate: Bush Signs Housing and Economic Relief Bill - 07/30/08 11:08 AM
Relief for many homeowners facing foreclosure looks to be on the way as President Bush signs into law the Housing and Economic Recovery bill. In an article by JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer, the bill takes "several approaches to curing the ailing housing market".
HENRY J. PULIZZI and MICHAEL R. CRITTENDEN write in the Wall Street Journal about different aspects of the bill and how it is meant to stimulate the housing sector.
For those facing foreclosure, the bill looks to provide options and counseling to restructure loans for homeowners to keep their home.
First time home buyers benefit with a … (0 comments)
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real estate: Fannie and Freddie Takeover? - 07/12/08 02:06 AM
News on Friday, July 11th, shows once again the volitility of our market. Fannie and Freddie are in trouble and facing the possible need for further government assistance.
If you are in the real estate business you need to be aware of what is happening with Freddie and Fannie. I don't completely understand it, but it helped to read this article, "Economic Storm Brews as Fannie, Freddie pushed to the brink" by Rob Lever.
Weigh-in with your thoughts on the situation with Freddie and Fannie. What do you see as a solution?
Is a government take over the best scenario … (3 comments)
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real estate: Start a Group - Facebook - 06/10/08 01:14 AM
What a novel concept. On Sunday, I was chatting with one of my former wrestlers from the junior high where I used to teach and coach. It was his brother's graduation party and a perfect opportunity to connect with some of my former students and athletes.
Now in the real estate business, I am finding all sorts of ways to connect with people. An idea came up while talking to this former athlete, now 21 and attending college. He suggested starting a group on Facebook for the wrestlers to stay in touch and reminisce about the junior high days on the … (9 comments)
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real estate: Time to Cancel? - Yes. - 06/10/08 01:02 AM
The time has come to cancel my listing. In a post back in May, I asked the Active Rain world whether to cancel or not. With a plethora of ideas at hand from the community, we embarked on a new venture.
Now three weeks later, it has come time to call it quits. Despite pouring time and money into the listing; open houses, mass emails, raising the SOC to 4%, and calling a number of agents in the area, we had NO SHOWINGS.
So, since my sellers are not willing to go down in price (which apparently is the reason for … (3 comments)
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real estate: Be the Best Landlord! - 06/05/08 12:25 AM
How many times do you hear the horror stories of renters trashin' the place or not paying rent? Often, I know, and it scares so many people out of buying properties as rentals. Well, the fact is, bad news sells, so people talk about all the bad rental stories, so that's what people hear.
I can tell you from experience that all our rentals have been wonderful. Paid on time, every time and take care of the property.
Here are some things we do to help make good renters:
1) Thank the tenants for paying on time - just send a … (4 comments)
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real estate: Active Rain Running Challenge - 06/04/08 11:08 PM
Last year I was a PE teacher, football coach, wrestling coach, and basketball coach at a junior high and working out every day with the kids, running, lifting weights, and playing games. In June '07, I left my teaching career of 13 years for a career in real estate.
Now I notice a change in my ....uh, figure.... let's just say I'm not as fit as I used to be. It's time for that to change. I hear the best way to make a goal is to write it down and announce it to the world. So, here it goes:
My goal is to run a … (9 comments)
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real estate: Puyallup Relay For Life - 06/04/08 11:29 AM
In two more weeks, our office will be participating in Relay for Life to raise money for the fight against cancer. Being this is my first relay for life, I'm not quite sure what to expect. What I do know is that I'm participating for a number of reasons, one of them being for my friend.
My buddy was diagnosed with cancer in January and has been on a heavy regimen of chemo the past few months. His strength is drained and emotionally it has been a struggle. On top of that, he and his wife just had their third child … (1 comments)
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real estate: Stay Positive - 06/04/08 11:13 AM
Your attitude either draws people in or repels them. This week has been a lesson in attitude for me. Early in the week, I was down about the market, down about my business, and just allowing circumstances to dictate my attitude. In that frame of mind, problems just kept coming my way one after another. Then, I noticed others around me were talking negative and complaining, leading me further into "down" mode.
On Tuesday, I attended a seminar. You know, one of those sales pitch seminars? This one started with all this pep and energy that I was in no mood … (1 comments)
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real estate: Active Rain Community Support - 06/02/08 12:41 AM
Active Rain bloggers provide so much support. In the past few weeks I have had questions and situations that needed expert advice. I am so grateful to have Active Rain to turn to for answers and ideas. From Open Houses to GPS systems; whether to cancel or hold out for a buyer; referrals, websites, photography, and so much more. Active Rain has been my go-to place for answers in the wee hours of the morning.
Thank you, Active Rain and all those fantastic people out there who give truly good advice.
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real estate: Internet Masterminds - 05/28/08 11:43 AM
At Keller Williams in Puyallup there is a group meeting on a regular basis to discuss how to make a better internet presence. After a couple weeks, the group has provided some accountability to implement changes to personal websites, blogs, and social groups in an attempt to generate leads. It is exciting to hear what others are doing and share what I'm doing while coming together to build community and generate ideas. We'll see what comes of it. Would love to hear your ideas to improve internet presence.
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real estate: Ready for the Hot Season - 05/26/08 11:04 PM
With Memorial Day coming to an end, I am ready for the hot season to hit and I'm not talking weather. Time to take listings and write contracts for buyers. Let's pray for 2008 to be better than 2007! I believe it will be with interest rates lower and plenty of inventory. Let's Get B-U-S-Y!
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real estate: Team with Lenders - 05/25/08 04:05 PM
Wow, what a concept - team with a lender, or more than one lender. Different people need different programs, so why not team with a lender that offers a niche program and a differnent lender for another. Currently, I am teamed up with four different lenders, doing marketing strategies with each one.
I have my go to lender for conventional, another for FHA, still another for those difficult to finance clients (because she goes the extra mile to make something work), and one for straight team-marketing (he will get the loan if a client calls from his specific co-marketing brochures).
The … (5 comments)
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real estate: Setting up a Background - 05/23/08 11:03 AM
While filtering through dozens of blog posts I have noticed many have a unique background or brand. After looking through my profile and settings; searching for answers on how to do this myself, I must turn to those in the know. Please direct me to how to make my own cool background on Active Rain. Thank you.
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real estate: Open House Result Part 2 - 05/14/08 01:50 AM
Okay - so, you were anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.
The open house did produce more visitors than the last two combined. I had ONE visitor, actually it was a couple, so maybe that's two visitors. Anyway, the couple LOVED the home, but they needed a one-story and my listing is a two-story.
However, we did get to talking and I found out they did see my ad in the newspaper, so I guess the 65 bucks for a two-day ad found at least one person. Then, the couple might be buying something in the near future and seemed … (0 comments)
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real estate: Marketing Made Easy - 04/29/08 01:09 AM
Vision Service Group has helped me get my marketing plan moving forward with quality print media and one touch action plans that really work. Visit them at www.visionservicegroup.com When I started in real estate I had not a clue how to market, but after seeing what VSG had to offer I was sold. It has paid for itself many times over - saving me time and bringing in clients. … (3 comments)
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real estate: Real Estate Websites - 04/29/08 12:10 AM
Being relatively new to real estate, I am working on making a web presence and looking for advice on how best to do so. This blog has to do with websites. My site www.briansolinsky.com is up and running, but I would like to see some other sites that have PROVEN to be successful and receive suggestions about what makes them work? When is the ideal time to have people register? Please help this fledgling agent. Also, if you get a moment to look at my site and give some comments and suggestions, I would appreciate it.
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real estate: Downtown Tacoma Condo Market Update - 4/21/08-4/28/08 - 04/28/08 04:45 PM
The downtown Tacoma condo market remains sluggish to say the least. Another week passed with no solds and very few pendings. Buyers definitely have an advantage as condos sit, many of them vacant, looking for someone to take ownership. Prices have been reduced again and concessions are sure to be granted if buyers were to take an opportunity to purchase in the revitalized area of downtown Tacoma.
Watch for downtown Tacoma Condo market updates every Monday on Brian's Blog!
Search for condos at www.findwestwaRE.com or contact bsolinsky@kw.com for your own personalized search.
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Brian Solinsky CDPE, CNE, ABR
Puyallup,
WA
More about me…
Keller Williams Realty
Address: 615 E. Pioneer, Suite 203, Puyallup, WA, 98372
Office Phone: (253) 881-4240
Cell Phone: (253) 278-7857
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