Terry with ActiveRain is very helpful. I've been a member since 2006 when there weren't very many of us. I had to take a bit of a hiatus from real estate for the past two years, so my blogging efforts weren't what they once were. I finally realized that my new posts were no longer public and soon learned that now I have to pay to be published! What gives ActiveRain?!? I couldn't believe it! I'm still a featured agent for my city and rank fairly highly in my state so I was surprised to say the least.

I called the number at the top of my screen and got a voicemail answering service. I didn't leave a message, but low and behold - about 5 minutes later, I got a call from Terry at ActiveRain saying he had just missed a call from my number and asked how he could be of assistance.

I told him my story and asked what I would need to do to get going again - I'm working as a referral agent, so my needs for blogging aren't necessarily my top priority, but I love ActiveRain and learn so much that I was feeling a bit sad about the change.

Terry quickly pulled up my profile and said "you should be Grandfathered in"! With a quick keystroke, my posts were made public again and I was up and running in the methods I had become accustomed to and comfortable with. I can't tell you how much this means to me.

I'm finally in a place where I can dedicate some time to ActiveRain and my blog and have been looking forward to catching up on industry trends and learning from all you great professionals out there. If I had to make a financial commitment at this point, I don't know if I would be able to continue. With the generosity of Terry and all the folks at Active Rain, I'll be able to continue and hopefully my blogging and networking efforts will pay off so if I do need to pay for the service in the future, I'll feel more than happy to do so.

If you're new to ActiveRain and are hesitant to sign on with the fees, I would encourage you to give the free month a try. During the 30 days, try to post every day (and something more interesting than just a summary of your listings - let people get to know you and your interests), but more importantly - read other blogs and comment, comment, comment! The law of reciprocity will be made abundantly clear and you'll be shocked at how your SEO ratings increase.

I've learned more from ActiveRain over the past 5 years than I have from my own office and network of local agents. The stories, experiences and lessons learned from a network of 200,000+ agents is invaluable and has shaped the agent I am today.

Thanks again ActiveRain and especially Terry - I hope the good Kharma comes back to you tenfold!

I'm thinking of selling my house but I'm not sure if it's the right time. How much will it sell for? Can I afford a move? Where do I start? How do I find a Realtor? Don't let these questions stop you from selling your home. If you're not quite ready to jump into the market and want more information, you're on the right track. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.)   Think about your motivations for moving -work, family, size and condition of your current home,  
       change in relationship status, change in financial situation, etc.

2.)   Write down your goals for your real estate transaction - price, time-frame, where will I move, etc.

3.)   Contact me so I can help you evaluate the current market conditions in your area as well as the area
           in which you would like purchase a new home. We can discuss your motivations, needs and 
           review the market together. It may be the right time to sell, or it may be better to wait. With 
           the appropriate information, you'll be able to make an informed decision. If it's the right time,
           I will also help you find the perfect agent to sell your home.

I always say that using a professional in the real estate field is highly recommended. When you're looking for a house to purchase, it's easy to find a house with all the wonderful Internet information available in this day and age, but there are more factors involved in a real estate transaction which are best handled by an experienced professional. Correct contract writing, due diligence, negotiation, financial considerations, title insurance, settlement statements and other factors all come together to make a successful transaction.

As a professional referral agent, I provide a no-cost, no-pressure, no-obligation option to analyze your situation and help match you with an agent who will best suit your personality and who specializes in the areas you need. I have the experience and referral network to assist you in finding the best agent for you! I have a nationwide database and will help you not only find the best agent, but other services such as mortgage brokers, movers, contractors, and other professionals as well.

To contact Chrissy, the Real Estate Matchmaker, please call (720) 205-7546 or email RealEstateMatchmaker@comcast.net

Copyright 2010, Chrissy Harrison

Where do I start looking for a Realtor and how do I choose one? Don't let these questions stop you from following your dreams of buying or selling a home. Yes, there are many, many agents to choose from and it can be tricky to know what to look for. Here are a few tips to get you started:

1.)   Ask friends and family who they would recommend.

2.)   Write down your goals for your real estate transaction - price, area, time-frame, amenities, etc.

3.)   Call the recommended agent to introduce yourself and discuss your needs.
          If the agent answers right away or returns your call promptly, you're off to a good start.
          Talk about your needs and see how the agent responds.

4.)   Set up an initial meeting to discuss your needs and desires in person. This is a great opportunity
          to ask the agent how they do business and other questions pertaining to the transaction process.

5.)  If you feel comfortable, then go out to look at houses or list your house, if not, call
          some different agents.

Using a professional in the real estate field is highly recommended. It's easy to find a house with all the wonderful Internet and digital information, but there are more factors involved in a real estate transaction which are best handled by an experienced professional. Correct contract writing, due diligence, negotiation, financial considerations, title insurance, settlement statements and other factors all come together to make a successful transaction.

Another way to find a good Realtor is to use a professional referral service. The service can be a no-cost, no-obligation way to help match you with an agent who will best suit your personality and who specializes in the areas you need. For referral help, please call me - Chrissy Harrison. I am a licensed agent who specializes in agent referrals. I have the experience and referral network to assist you in finding the best agent for your needs. I have a nationwide database and will help you not only find the best agent, but other services such as mortgage brokers, movers, contractors, and other professionals as well.

However you choose a Realtor, make sure it's the best fit for you and your needs and congratulations on moving forward with your real estate transaction!

To contact Chrissy, the Real Estate Matchmaker, please call (720) 205-7546 or email RealEstateMatchmaker@comcast.net

Always use a broker you know and trust. According to Renee McGaw of the Denver Business Journal, as of today, the Colorado Division of Real Estate has deactivated "4,560 mortgage broker licenses." Back in 2008, the state instituted licensing of mortgage brokers and all of the state's brokers were given licenses with the understanding that within 1 year, they would complete the state's mandatory licensing tasks of continuing education, a licensing test and a criminal background check. Many brokers rose to the challenge and fulfilled the requirements by the January 1, 2009 deadline. According to McGaw, the state extended the deadline and gave numerous warnings of the looming new deadline, but as of August 31st, those who had not completed the requirements had their licenses deactivated.

Erin Toll, Director of CODORA said in the article (Denver Business Journal, 2009), "We are left with less than half the number we had Friday."  That number is down to 4,252, licensed brokers.

Why so many dropped? It could be simply a matter of attrition - with the changing lending regulations, credit freezes and harsh economic times, many brokers could have left the game and therefore not completed the licensing requirements. Hopefully, those out there still in operation are licensed, but that may not be the case.

 What does this mean for consumers? Theory would suggest that those brokers operating in CO are licensed and have fulfilled the state requirements. Reality might suggest otherwise. Consumers should double-check with their mortgage broker to make sure he or she is actually licensed. One way to veritfy is to visit the state's online database to search for licensed mortgage brokers, real estate brokers and appraisers: Search Here

Real estate agents - it may be time to check the database yourself to see if your mortgage broker made the cut - always work with a licensed, trusted broker.

To read the full article, please visit the Denver Business Journal Online (click the link or visit www.bizjournals.com/denver). Thanks to Renee McGaw for reporting on this important information.

Hot Air Balloon Festival over the Rocky Mountains - Erie, Colorado - Summer 2009

Image Copyright 2009, Chrissy Harrison

Real Estate 'Matchmaker' you ask? Yes, I say! Where do you start to look for a good real estate agent when you don't know one personally? I invite you to start here.

The real estate "matchmaker" is what I've been called!

I can help you find the best real estate agent to assist with all your real estate needs. Let me be the first person you contact so we can talk about the area you are interested in, your family and career goals as well as what type of home you like and I can help match you with an agent who specializes in the area to fit your needs.

As a fully licensed agent in Colorado, I have worked actively in the business. I've worked with many agents during my time as a Relocation Director for a local firm as well as through transactions with my own customers. I will make a match based on your personality and the agent's personality so you can feel comfortable throughout the buying and selling process. I will also match you based on the geographic location in which you desire with an agent who specializes in that area.

Not only can I help make that perfect match with an agent,but I can match you with mortgage professionals, movers, contractors, and other resources in the area!

Becoming a homeowner is a great accomplishment and let's admit it, can be scary at times. I'm here to help you find that perfect match in an agent who will help you every step of the way. I want you to feel confident, secure and happy with your investment and your agent!

Call me - let's talk! (720) 205-7546

My background is in Real Estate, Music Education (Kindermusik) and Construction (owner, Harrison Fence & Deck).

I'm a Boulder, CO native and love living here - in fact, there's nowhere else I'd like to be!

I've got an extensive network of all types of professionals in the Boulder County area as well as all over this great state of Colorado and I can pull from that pool to make a great match for you!

I'm a mother of two, and I love to get out into the great outdoors with my husband, my kids and my dog. We enjoy golfing, camping, swimming and spending time with our extended family who still reside in the area.

Thanks for reading and I look forward to helping you make your real estate match!

If you or someone you know are having trouble making house payments, or are facing a foreclosure situation, HELP is available. The Colorado Foreclosure Hotline can be reached at 1-877-601-HOPE (4673).

This is a FREE counseling line provided by the State of Colorado's Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce to help residents who are in need. A highly trained team of counselors is available to offer guidance and help.

If you are not late on your payments, but feel you may be in the near future, this is a good place to start to seek acvice on how to handle the situation.

If you are behind on your payments and are not sure what to do, call the hotline.

If you  have received a notice of foreclosure for your property, it might not be too late.

If you are having difficulty communicating with your mortgage company, the counselors can help.

Please contact the counselors at the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline. The counselors will give guidance and in some cases, work with the mortgage companies to come to a resolution so you can keep your home.

                           COLORADO FORECLOSURE HOTLINE                1-877-601-HOPE