Real Estate Virtual Assistant: Laura's VA Views

Has the MREA Lead Generation Model Changed in this Economy?

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:53:09 -0500

I came across this interesting video with Gary Keller talking about the differences in the KW Lead Generation Model in the current economy. It's interesting how when the book originally came out the explain that the Lead Generation Model was "Marketing" based, and "Prospecting" enhanced...and now its the other way around..in other words..make a connection first..market yourself later. What do you think?

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Brian Gardner Designs a NEW Wordpress Theme Just for Real Estate Agents & Brokers

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:03:19 -0500

Brian Gardner with Studiopress.com has been one of the masters of WordPress Theme designs for quite a while now. His designs are know for having "clean code" which in itself creates the optimum environment for having great search engine "readability". He has once again created a new theme, only this time its specifically with the Agent or Broker in mind!

AgentPress.com just launched today, and even more exciting is that he has teamed up with the MyTechOpinion Team to help develop theme content.

Check Out the Demo to see for yourself! If you've been considering using Wordpress for your outside blog and need a clean, elegant design the AgentPress theme has amazing built-in features, is SEO optimized and allows you to combine a compelling platform to market your listings, your blog content all is one stunning package!

For more on the advantages of using Wordpress for real estate websites..this is good reading!

Thanks Brian for designing another awesome theme!

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Time To Dump The Desk??

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 13:36:35 -0500

LOVE this blog from Clint on going mobile...and all the tools you need to get started. No need to be tied to your desk..and when you need to leverage some assistance..a real estate virtual assistant is ready to go!

Via Clint Miller (Real Estate Client Referrals, LLC (RECR)):

With the real estate industry evolving at the rate that it is, many agents have adapted to include the ability to be as mobile as possible. Gone are the days of meeting at the office or heading back to the office in order to get anything done. In fact, a good number of agents don’t even have an office. Their office has 4 doors, not just one…and it sports 4 wheels and bucket seats.

There is a mindset that needs to be adapted in order to effectively go mobile. You have to be really self-motivated. And, you have to realize that when you leave your house, you are working. You must also be able to be in contact at all times. And, you must be able to access anything you need at any given point in time. With that in mind, there are several things that one must possess in order to master the art of mobility:

1.    A good smart-phone – Don’t be cheap! Get a good smart phone…an Iphone or a Blackberry. And make sure you have a good data plan (I prefer the unlimited versions). More important than that, make sure you take the time to learn how to use it and put the tools available to you to your best advantage! There is no point in having it if you aren’t going to take the time to learn to use it.

2.    A good laptop – This pretty much goes without saying, but…when you get a computer, get something that seems to be WAY more than what you will actually need. That way, you won’t have to get a new one in a year because the cheap P.O.S. you bought isn’t big or fast enough. Get the super-gigantic hard drive. Spend the extra money for a hefty RAM upgrade. Also, invest in an external hard drive for back-up. Laptops are not that rugged…and are prone to injury. They are also prone to be lifted by unscrupulous individuals, if given the chance. Losing all your data will suck far more than losing the laptop.

3.    A flip camera (or digital video camera) – These will automatically make themselves a useful tool the first time you have to preview a home or make an online tour of a new listing. I would recommend you get both a video camera…and a still frame digital camera. Both have distinct advantages depending on the need.

4.    Docusign – Or, some form of reliable electronic document signing and processing software. (If you don’t know what Docusign is, hit up @Docusign on twitter. Tell her @TheRealClint sent you.) This is an absolute requirement. This way, you can sign offers, amendments, contracts, etc, right on the computer and then email them wherever needed. This way, you don’t have to worry about printing documents, having to get the required signatures, making copies, etc. From a time management standpoint, this ability to eliminate these types of useless delays is a major advantage.

5.    GPS – Clients can tend to be a bit uppity when you miss appointments because you got lost on the way there. And, nothing is more embarrassing then having them sitting in your car and not knowing how to get to the next home they want to view. Besides, you’re not a taxi. This isn’t a pleasure cruise. Get them where they want to be and do so in the quickest, safest way possible. Again, avoiding useless delays will be rewarded.

6.    MiFi or USB mobile broadband card – Again, don’t be a cheapskate here…get the mifi if it is available in your area. You will not be sad that you did. If not, make sure you have some form of broadband air card. You will need access to the internet on a screen larger than 2in X 3in at some point in your mobile career…and having one of these will make it much easier than trying to pirate wifi signals in hotel parking lots or having to find a Starbuck’s.

7.    A portable printer – Yes, a printer. That way, you can immediately print copies of documents and provide them to all parties in an extremely timely and efficient manner. Your clients will appreciate the added touch.

Remember, this isn’t just about mobility. This is about professionalism as well. Your reputation is on the line here. And, since you aren’t in an office, you had better be as good as possible because there isn’t any coffee pot to direct them to or free cookies to have them munch on while you get your proverbial "poop in a group". Don’t attempt to go totally mobile unless you plan on NOT falling victim to inadequate equipment and preventable delays. Both of which will cost you in the long run. If you are going to be mobile, you have to be able to handle any situation at that moment (as much as possible, anyway). And, these little technological marvels will make your life MUCH easier along the way.

If you would like more information on Real Estate Client Referrals and how we can help you get more clients, please contact Clint at 800-977-7058. Or, hit our fanpage on Facebook!

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FREE SEO Tool for ActiveRain Bloggers and Outside Bloggers!

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:53:28 -0500

As a blogger here on Active Rain it's obvious that we get excited over SEO, or free search engine optimization tips and tools that will make our lives easier. We put a lot of thought of thought into drafting and organizing posts that will help make our blogs easy to find by consumers using our keywords to search what interests them.

What if you could have a handy keyword tracking tool, right next to you, guiding you as you write a blog post? Well, now you can!

If you are a Firefox browser user, there is a new add-on called SEO Blogger that sits in your sidebar as you write, and optimizes your post by allowing you to pick your optimized keywords, and it will keep track of how many times you insert the words or phrases for you! (as you can see I've selected some keywords to use in this post, and it is keeping track of them for me;) You can use this search engine optimization software for your ActiveRain blogs and for your outside blogs and others like Wordpress. It's a great way to save time while blogging!!

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So, You're a Lurker...6 Reasons to Become an ActiveRain BLOGGER!

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:55:35 -0500

I wrote this back in 2007, and have gottena kick out of seeing how far we've come as a community.

I did leave AR for a while, wound down my blogging and have ventured more into Twitter and Facebook. But in doing so I realized that even though I love those tools, I'm not having quite as much fun as I do when I blog and read what others have to say...and here are the reasons why:

I know you're out there right now....

In fact as I type away there are 422 lurkers on Activerain right now. I wonder what you are thinking? Are you here as a consumer to learn more about real estate? Perhaps. But would be willing to bet that there are quite a few of you who are real estate professionals of some sort, checking us out. You've heard of Activerain, and read some posts. Our posts can be very informative, enlightening, creative, and downright CRAZY! Yes, we are a lively bunch aren't we? We are all different and have come here for different reasons, from all parts of the country and world. Why, What's up with that? I mean, it IS hard, and it takes so much investment. It's why we have joined Groups to study blogging!

I came here originally, to plug my business, and expose the idea of real estate virtual assistance to those I like to work with the most, real estate agents. But, what I got I didn't expect. I received alot more. So as you read this wondering if and when you should take the chance at this blogging thing, I say do it! And here are some reasons that you should consider, reasons that don't jump out at you at first:

1. Blogging Makes us Think

It forces us to organize out thoughts and ideas. It helps us to put meaning into our thoughts and "put it out there" to give it validity. I've received more inspiration in my business, my personal goals, and in life by the supportive comments and posts, and more importantly by the people who share them. Strangely though, I sometimes get more joy in learning about others, and what they think about.

2. Blogging Is a Way for people to Get to Know Our Goals, Skills and Dreams

In some ways, if these parts of us are not written, they can be forgotten. Blogging about my ideas and thoughts gives me a sense of accountability. Hey, I mean, its out there. What if someone is waiting for me to act on my ideas..? What if I'm inspired by someone else's skills, and that makes me better? I wouldn't want to miss out on that. I can always grow and learn.

3. You Are Visible, Not Invisible

Just look at how each post makes us more visible. Our great profile photos, smiling faces, and quality content can make a lasting impression. It also gives us a chance to change as we grow. We can compare ourselves to our peers, and seek to improve upon what is visible.

4. Your Voice, Uninterrupted

Yes, I have a personal life. I have a husband, darling children, a dog, and lovely home. But I have something else. A Voice. (no, not a crazy voice) A voice that isn't always expressed in everyday life, in my normal conversations. This is a chance to say something, uninterrupted. If we take the time to think through a thought, we can present it fully and entirely. There is magic in that.

5. Shameless Self-Promotion

Yep, I said it! Want some honest to goodness promotion? Blog with quality content and convert it to audience attention! With audience attention, comes COMMENTS. If we're lucky enough, those comments will make us think. The comments we receive can also show us how our voices can be interpreted in different ways. That can change you, or give you internal validation once again, and can even set thoughts into motion. Some commenters are even destined to be friends for life, I guarantee it.

6. Create Your Legacy

Talking is forgotten. It floats away. Blogging is forever, or at least until tomorrow. Readers will know us long after we can say anything about it. Search engines can help that happen.

So stop what your doing, think about what you want to say, put those thoughts together, and start blogging! We have comments waiting for you! And so much more...

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8 Ways To Use Photos To Promote Your Business Online

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 10:38:58 -0500

When potential clients are getting ready to relocate they start a search usually well in advance, and decide on a community before a home. Kevin and Monica have a brilliant way to create a community that comes alive online. They would be my first choice when it comes choosing an agent or referring one!

Via Kevin & Monica Ray Missoula Real Estate Specialists (Access Realty www.YourMT.com):

8 Ways To Use Photos To Promote Your Business - and best of all, most of them are FREE or LOW COST!

I didn't start out as a photographer, and I still wouldn't consider my photos "professional quality" although I see marked improvement each day. Since I've been in real estate, and especially since I started blogging, I have found that I really enjoy taking pictures of my community, events, and of course, of our listings. And, over the past two years, I have accumulated quite a collection of local photos on my computer which have been extremely useful for our marketing.

I take my camera everywhere I go and even have a small digital camera that I carry in my purse so I'm always ready when the "right shot" presents itself. Our whole family enjoys photography so it's become a great family activity.

Here's some of the ways we use photos in promoting our business:

1.) Help Sell Your Listings - The most obvious of course, is to help sell our listings. Most buyers are starting their search on the Internet and they want to see photos and virtual tours of your listings - the more the better. They say a good photo is worth a thousand words, and that is definitely the case in real estate. One thing that made a big difference for us was investing in a wide-angle lens which helps photograph small spaces.

2.) Improve Your Blog Posts - Blog posts are more interesting to readers when they have appropriate photos. Developing your own collection of photos will help improve your blog and can save you money if you don't have to buy stock photos or clip art.

I subscribe to Gerry Khatchikian from Red Lodge, MT on ActiveRain, he is able to use his photography skills to create a lot of interest in his area and his blog! He even has some photo quizzes that are fun. Check out Gerry's blog for some great examples of using photos for blogging.

3.) Get Into Video - You can create a local video with your digital still photos in a matter of minutes. We like Real Estate Shows but there are other great sites out there that will help turn your photos into a short video. We also use a Flip video camera for some videos but still like to use digital stills. Once you create a local video, Real Estate Shows will upload it directly to your You Tube account, or you can save the video to your computer and create CD's or upload to other websites or blog posts.

4.) Create a Photo Blog of your local area and post a new photo on a regular interval. We started the photo blog I Love Missoula a few months ago and have seen a huge increase in traffic to the site, which also links to our real estate site. If you tag your photos and use key-word rich titles, it will help optimize your search engine results.

We allow people in the community to submit their photos to us by email for possible use on the website. We are starting to get community photos and always give the sender credit, thanking them on the site.

5.) Post to Facebook - it's easy to create a photo album on your Facebook profile, so how about creating one of your local area? We have a photo album on Missoula, Missoula Nightlife, and Montana Living.

Another creative way to use your photos on Facebook is to create a Fan Page for your local area. You can post local photos and videos to your Fan Page OR submit a link to a great photo on your photo blog or regular blog. Fan Pages are easy to set up, and the best part - they're FREE!

Here's one of our Facebook Fan Pages - we have over 4500 fans in a short amount of time:

Missoula on Facebook

6.) Set up a Flickr Account - Flickr does an amazing job with search engines, and is a great way to showcase your photos. One important note however is to make sure you understand Flickr's Terms of Service - before you create an account - or you may end up disappointed. Flickr does not like the use of its site for commercial purposes. Make sure to read Matt's post, and understand what is and is not allowed on Flickr:

A Stern Warning (or lack thereof) Flickr is Watching You by Matt Stigliano

On Flickr, you are able to Geo Tag your photos so they will be even more likely to show up on Google when someone searches for that area or location. Groups are also helpful to join for networking and to gain exposure for your photos.

We have contacted local photographers on Flickr and asked for their permission to include one of their photos on our Photo Blog with a link back to them and have had success. Many times, people are flatttered by the request and it also helps to build community for your photo blog.

Flickering Local Photos - You Engaging Others (YEO) by Jeff Turner

7.) Upload Photos of Local Businesses & Food to rating sites such as Yelp.com. We use this as an opportunity to try new restaurants and just take a few quick snapshots on our visit. You can rate your experience at the restaurant or business and upload your photos to help people in the community get a feel for the location.

The photos can also make a great blog post down the road - I love photos that I can multi-purpose! We've turned this into a bit of a game and use it as an excuse to order a great dessert occasionally or a special drink.

Here's Our Review for Our Lunch at The Superior Soda Fountain

AND a Blog Post

Stop For Lunch at the Superior Soda Fountain

8.) Twitpic your photos or post them to Posterous - People love to look at photos and I'm still amazed at how many people click on photos when I send them across Twitter. Kevin uses Twitpic but I use a Posterous site that I set up - Missoula Real Estate.

Posterous tracks how many people view your photos and allows you to set it up so you can email a photo from your phone or computer to the site. Posterous can then automatically post your photo to your Posterous Blog, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr accounts - I told you, I LOVE TO MULTI-PURPOSE MY PICTURES! :) Posterous is a great way to automate posting to some of your sites.

It's fun to be creative in your marketing with the use of photos, and there are so many possibilities!

How do you use photos to promote your business? I'd love to hear what others are doing as well!

****************

Kevin and Monica Ray are Missoula Real Estate sales and marketing professionals for Access Realty in beautiful Western Montana. We provide services in, but not limited to: Missoula, Superior, Alberton, Saint Regis, Lolo, Clinton, Turah, Potomac, Florence, Corvallis, and Hamilton.

For more information on Missoula Real Estate or surrounding areas, they can be reached at 406-207-1185 or online at www.AccessRealty.net.

By TwitterButtons.com

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Branding: What Color is Your Brand?

Sun, 09 Aug 2009 12:28:29 -0500

Thoughts of the Day... Colors and Branding.

I love color. I'm also in the middle of changing up my branding and stumbled across this great little nugget. Although my colors have been chosen, now I at least know WHY I chose them..for how they made me feel. What do your colors say about you? Is this attracting your target market?

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Selling Real Estate Virtually.............

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:08:09 -0500

I think Broker Bryant and I were on the same "Virtual" kick today. I couldn't let this one get by..because he get's it!! The Virtual Real Estate Office business model is here, andf those that embrace it will continue to evolve with the technology!

Enjoy!

Via Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc:

Hi folks. Earlier this week Fernando Herboso wrote a post titled “The Future of Real Estate….I experienced yesterday”. If you haven’t already please take a few minutes to read his post. I’ll wait…………. OK....are you done?

Fernando's post is talking about having a real estate closing where the only time he met the Seller was at closing. The transaction was done mostly via email.

I was surprised in the comments of Fernando’s post how many agents thought this was risky or that it wouldn’t work. This has had me thinking for days now.

It’s made me realize how cutting edge my business model really is. My company Tutas Towne Realty is a virtual real estate business. What this means is I do not have an “office” and about 90% of my business is handled over the Internet. Selling and buying real estate with folks we have never met or spoken to.

In the last 30 days we had 10 closings. 9 Buyer sides and 1 listing side. Of the 9 Buyer sides we had actual "face to face" contact with ONE Buyer. I did meet the Seller although I hadn’t seen him in several months.

Out of the 8 Buyers, we didn’t meet face to face, we only spoke to ONE of them. All other communications were done by email only. Including the closings.

We showed ZERO properties before the offers were accepted. All offers were presented on properties we had not seen. They were foreclosures, short sales and some were regular listings.

The customers ALL got the properties they wanted and are extremely happy. We didn’t waste their time and they didn’t waste ours.

So you’re probably wondering how we do this. It’s simple. We market for experienced and qualified Buyers that are mostly out of the country. They are familiar with the area and they trust us to guide them in their purchase. We are brutally honest with them and we have systems in place to protect them.

We do “see” all properties before contracts are finalized. It could be me. It could be one of my agents. It could be one of our inspectors. But whoever it is we make sure to do a complete photo and video shoot that we then send to the Buyer.

We utilize Scribd.com to “send out” Short Sale Listing Packages.

We utilize Google Docs to get leads for Short Sales, for Buyers, to get offers and to pre-qualify and arrange showings.

I have numerous web sites set up to capture business. All potential customer/clients know how we work and have the option of not working with us.

So quit fighting the future and embrace it. If you think all Buyers and Sellers must see you “face to face” to do business then get over yourself. They really just want to buy and sell real estate. AND….they want it to be easy.

Want to learn more? We also use Google Docs for recruiting……

Bryant Tutas
Broker/Owner
Tutas Towne Realty, Inc
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker
http://CentralFloridaShortSales.com

http://ShortSaleSuperStars.com

***The content of this blog is solely my opinion***

Copyright © 2009 http://www.brokerbryant.com/ | All Rights Reserved

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FREE TOOL ALERT: Online Scheduling Software That Boosts Your Business and Your Leads

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:39:19 -0500

FREE Cool Tool ALERT!

Yes, It's that time again..the time where I jump on my blog in excitement, when my little fingers can't type fast enough to get the word out, about a cool new tool!

As a real estate virtual assistant, not only am a booking my own consultations and appointments, I am often asked to manage a clients as well. Booking showings, phone calls, coaching sessions and marketing webinars and teleclasses is just few of the reasons why scheduling has become a very important tool for today's business owner and their team.

In the world of fast driving technology in real estate I have become one of the many who is seeking better tools for working virtually and for being a mobile professional. As we step outside our old office and into our home office/car office being productive and efficient is key. The more online tools that I can access and embed for my use the better:) Such as it is with Appointy.com. This makes scheduling appointments fun and VIRAL!!

SO WHAT MAKES APPOINTY SPECIAL? Check out the scenario below:

Ana searches for a real estate agent. She finds a local expert (YOU) and books an appointment instantly.

All of her 150 friends in the Appointy network and on other social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, Hi5, Orkut, Friendster etc would get an update that she is going to meet her expert (YOU) on Sunday.

Eric, Ana’s friend decides to join Ana and books an appointment with the same expert (YOU) for another time. Again, Eric’s entire friend list got an update that he is going to meet the expert (YOU), by spreading word-of-mouth publicity virally.

If you have 10 clients with 10 friends each, you already have 100 clients in your area. Appointy.com helps you get those 10 clients by registering you in our search engine from where first clients will reach you. Be prepared to scale your business exponentially!

With the FREE account you get these features. (With paid versions there is added features)

A community of people will help your business grow exponentially.
(New ways to grow your business)
An easy to use 24x7x365 online booking system
(Your clients would enjoy taking appointments with you)
Daily, weekly and monthly availability in just one click
(Ajax powered very clean Interface)
Unlimited Staff, Service & Bookings
Customer Relationship Management Tool
(Export your data anytime in excel format)
INTEGRATE ON YOUR WEBSITE
Automatic Verification of client to stop false bookings*
Send text messages (SMS) or automated call alerts to clients (Appointment reminders to reduce client no-show, notes, offers, etc.)
Set your business hours based on the fact that each staff can perform service at different times of the day
Send courtesy "Thank You" message to your clients and accept ratings / feedback to improve your services.*
Multiple service booking at the same time
Allow your clients to select their preferred staff
Personalize your calendar by uploading your logo, business information, and interactive Google map of your location
Automatic appointment assignment to the most free resource. (If staff selected)
Set Service Dependency
Reschedule Appointments

I just think that these types of tools are the ones that will set up real estate offices and brokers of the future, putting the power of Social Media and online web tools together to build from ANYWHERE! It may not be for everyone, but its one type of service to get excited about.

(Disclaimer: Oh, and P.S. I do not get paid for any endorsements..! Please read all features and demos on the website for the most accurate info, thanks:)

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ActiveRain Teleclass Just For Real Estate Virtual Assistants

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:52:13 -0500

Attention Real Estate Virtual Assistants...

You are invited to attend this FREE teleclass about ActiveRain Real Estate Network sponsored by the REVA Institute.

I am very excited to be hosting this class to spread the word about this great network, the WEALTH of real estate knowledge, the new and beneficial features, and how making real, personal connections with new friends will create a dynamic aspect to your business.

Learn all about Active Rain; from getting started, optimizing your profile, points, blogging, joining groups, and taking advantage of all the tools it offers your business. By building your real estate education through ActiveRain you will learn brand new ways to assist your clients, and meet many new colleagues to call your friends along the way! What is better than that??

And while you're at it, check out the REVA Institute and all it has to offer to continue your education and support!

(Laura Monroe is the owner of Creative Agent Solutions, the founder of the Real Estate Virtual Assistants Group on Active Rain, and an active member since 2006. As one of the first real estate VAs to embrace Active Rain, Laura has successfully incorporated blogging and networking to create deeper personal relationships with clients and fellow real estate colleagues.)

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RE Bar Camp San Francisco: Top Real Estate Strategies You Need to Implement Right Now!

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 13:07:28 -0500

So I drove home from my second experience at RE Bar Camp in San Francisco with a bit of urgency..after experiencing some amazing sessions! When I walked out of Trulia Headquarters, I realized what I walked away with was not just "ideas" or "new technology" or "tips"..I walked away with some "in your face" implementation tactics that can be used NOW!

If you could take steps right now to increase your leads, increase conversion, streamline your website and your Social Media strategies, and actually track your ROI, I know you would feel the urgency I feel as well. So here goes: My brain dump from my experience from RE Bar Camp San Francisco.

Why Your Website is Failing..Creating a Website that Works

by Jim Marks of Virtual Results

After studying the statistics of what consumers are clicking on there are some clear standout strategies that you can take now on your website to give the consumer what they want. The basic concept that you all must be considering is the difference between Traffic Conversion vs. Branding.

If your website is all about you, then you are not giving consumers what they want. They don't care about you, they don't care how many designations you have and what they stand for. They Want LISTINGS! They want Information! According to statistics of what consumers click on the most, here are the Top 4 things to do on your website right now to increase traffic and conversions;

LISTINGS- Your Home page biggest feature should be "FIND YOUR HOME" "call to action" with a basic MLS/IDX function right there. Don't make consumers look for it, give it to them by framing it into your home page. (DON'T call it "Search the MLS", as only 17% if consumers actually know what the MLS is") You can have different levels of search functions. An example would be to have limited basic photos and details, before asking them to sign up or add their email.

MARKET REPORTS- Let your consumers know how the local market is doing? What are the stats? Put this info in layman's terms so that they understand what those stats mean to THEM. What is the information per neighborhood or development? They want to know what their neighbors house sold for and why?

WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH? Another popular call to action is offering a CMA so that they can find out for free what their home is worth? Convert these leads by giving them something of value! A free Market Report, a Community Newsletter are some ideas. (ok I added that in...)

Add YOUR BLOG TO YOUR WEBSITE- How many of you have a static website, and separate blog? That is SO 2006!!! Your Blog IS YOUR BRANDING! Remember how putting your dog on your home page was all the rage?? NO more! Your blog needs to be incorporated in your website, and it is there that you are free to share your voice, your personality, your photos..but remember to remain an authority on your community and balance your branding and flair with relevant information for your consumers! Even if your only blog is on ActiveRain, get it into your website!

Edutizing an Agent Population by Matt Dollinger

Learning to be a Local Expert does NOT just have to come from your experience or out of your head. It come from real life, in the moment information. And sometimes being the first to get that information out, makes you the front runner in being THE Authority in your market. So think about how you get that information and streamline the process so that your are getting relevant information for your consumers and your market. Some must have tools to have in your arsenal are:

Use Google Reader: Grab your favorite RSS feeds from blogs, online newspapers, real estate outlets and craft your information to give the consumers what they are looking for.
AGENT Metrics:
OutsideIn.com
MetroMix , YELP
Local Photos, FLICKR
Education.com, GreatSchools.net

Next, you must find out the correct delivery of this information for you target consumer. Do they hang out on Facebook? Do they respond to video media? Are they on Twitter? Are they Blog Followers? What is that they want the most?

You may need to do some experimenting to find this out, but here are some thoughts:

Have a 30 Day Facebook Campaign, a 30 Day Twitter Campaign etc. For 30 days track your statistics of how many people are clicking on your links, referring back to your website etc. Spend 30 minutes a day pushing the information out there and see where most of your hits come from. Then you will know what works and what doesn't. Keep your 30 Day campaigns separate so you can track them accurately. But once you know, you can create an even better strategy for getting you information out there so they can devour it from their expert! (you can track your links with various link shorteners, like BUDURL.com and others.)

Ask yourself these questions on an ongoing basis:

What did I learn?
How was it received?
What medium is better in my market?
Was the topic valuable?
How could I make this more effective?

Implementation is sometimes the hardest thing in real estate! What many of you may feel you need is a start-up plan to help you start implementing the strategies that you learn along the way. As fast as things change in RE Tech and Web 2.0 we just can't afford to sit and figure out HOW, when we just need to DO it!

This was just a taste of what I learned at RE Bar Camp SF..hopefully I can write more later, but I'm still wrapping my brain around it all! It is an awesome event!

It was so great to finally meet IRL, ACTIVE Brad Andersohn, Gena Riede, Calie Waterhouse, Heather Elias, Ines Hegedus-Garcia, Rocky Turner, Mike Mueller, Dale Chumbley, Kristal Kraft, Sandra Mathewson and see again all the friends from RE Bar Camp LA.

Special thanks to:

Andy Kaufman, Ginger Wilcox, Todd Carpenter, Brad Coy and Rudy Bachraty

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Make Your Twitter Profile Links CLICKABLE NOW! 2 Steps and it's FREE!

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 12:38:30 -0500

Sometimes you learn the BEST info by keeping your eyes and ears glued to your Twitter stream.So here is another FREE TOOL ALERT!

One of the things that has bugged me the most about creating a Twitter profile is the inability to make your links on your profile page clickable to your links..but NO MORE!

First, I must give credit to Lisa Duhamel at Virtually Ready for the new tool tip, I'm rebloggin her Tweet!

Now, before any of your links will be clickable to you or anyone else, you need install and use a Firefox browser add-on..and yes, so far its only Firefox and Flock..no Internet Explorer adds ons, so obviously it will be limited at first. (I should also note that the only way for users to see your hyperlinks is by installing the add-on as well.)

STEP 1: Install the Firefox browser add-on.

Step 2: Make your background links CLICKABLE! by following the steps here.

If you would like to try it out and see how it works, download the add-on, then check out my profile..I'm all linked up!

Happy Tweeting!

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Building Social Capital

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:11:13 -0500

When I read Missy Caulk's post on Social Capital, I knew that we had been "mulling around" the same thing in our heads. I was introduced to Social Capital at the REBar Camp in LA by Ginger Wilcox and Andy Kaufman and now have word for this...which should never be an after-thought. Some of it comes naturally...but I'll let Missy explain..she does it SO well;)

Via Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams-Ann Arbor):

At the ReBar Camp in Chicago, Bill Lublin did a session on Social Capital. That subject has stuck with me for a over a month and I have been mulling around in my little head.

What is Social Capital?

According to Wikipedia:

"Social capital is a social science concept used in business, economics, organizational behaviour, political science, public health and sociology that refers to connections within and between social networks. Though there are a variety of related definitions, which have been described as "something of a cure-all"^[1] for the problems of modern society, they tend to share the core idea "that social networks have value. Just as a screwdriver (physical capital) or a college education (human capital) can increase productivity (both individual and collective), so do social contacts affect the productivity of individuals and groups".

Social Capital is basically how we think and interact in different groups. The groups can be IRL (In real life) or our Online Social Networks, like on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Activerain.

I don't know about you, but I relate somewhat differently on all the social networks. Some people are good friends, some are aquaintances, and some well.....I don't really know them at all.

The point Bill asked the group at ReBar Camp was how do you feel if someone violates in some way the Social Capital of a relationship?

I like to think of it like this, when a new relationship starts you start with a full glasses of good will. As you interact with that person you are either adding to the relationship or taking away from it.

A good experience with a person adds good things in the glass. A bad experience takes away from the relationship. So you are either adding or taking away from the social capital you have invested in that relationship.

Here is an example:

Lets say you accept a friendship with someone on Facebook, and all of a sudden they violate that friendship by spamming you with listing in Timbucktoo?

Now I'm not going to ever live or sell in Timbucktoo, so how does that make you feel?

Now, I don't mind seeing your listings on Activerain or Facebook or you even Tweeting about them, but I don't really need to have email box full of new listings in an area of the country, that I am not going to sell in.

How to Build Social Capital

On Activerain we invest and grow our Social Capital by reciprocity. We comment on others blogs, we encourage them.

You build Social Capital with your neighbors when you mow their lawn, pick up their kids, etc..

You build Social Capital with agents in your area, when you call them back, return messages, and negotiate in a civil manner.

You build Social Capital when you interview and promote a local business through blogging.

Engagement

How many people can you really get to know on social networks? I know sometimes a random comment on Facebook or Twitter can afford you the opportunity to get to know someone. Something you said sparks a comment or two and a friendship can develop.

Social Networks are great for communicating with people all over the world. However, even in the World of Internet Social Networks trust is still critical to engage and get to know folks. I use Linkedin for Professional Information, Twitter for well.......many reasons. Facebook now that it allows up to set up our different groups is more manageable. I like it better.

Building Social Capital is about giving and not just taking.

I have quit just being friends with everyone unless they tell me how they know me on Twitter and Facebook. Last night I was scrolling down and someone put a porn poster on my site, at the bottom. That is not who I am or what I want on my site. He violated my Social Capital and was deleted.

Now go build some Social Capital. Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down and running over.

Photo Credit

***********************************************************************

Missy Caulk & Team can be reached at 734-216-2822 or email: Missy@MissyCaulk.com

Our TEAM of 6 buyer associates are available to help you relocate to Ann Arbor, Saline, Dexter, Chelsea, Milan, Ypsilanti Township, Clinton, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, or throughout Washtenaw County, MI.

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Considering a Real Estate Virtual Assistant? Know What You Are Paying For? Read & Learn

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:24:37 -0500

So you've heard about using a Real Estate Virtual Assistant, you've heard how its a great way to amp up your productivity and allow you to do more business.

You've heard that you can use a VA only when you need one..sort of pay-as-you-go and that sounds like it actually might suit your budget. All you need now are some hot prospects and to shop some pricing and rates..easy enough. You are are sure you can find your VA for $10-$12 an hour real quick.

But...you get a rude awakening. Your ideal VA is going to cost you between $30-$55 an hour, depending on the service.

Why? I bring this up only because of a common MISCONCEPTION. The word "assistant" is giving you the wrong impression.

Running a real estate business takes business savvy. Tech savvy, Marketing savvy, Financial savvy, Internet savvy, Social savvy and think outside the box savvy. It takes alot of talent to keep the momentum going..contacting leads, managing your database well, planning and EXECUTING marketing campaigns, learning all the new technology and staying on top of your online precense. All of this is an investment in your time..time that could be overwhelming you, to the point that you are having a hard time keeping up the momentum. I won't even mention balancing your people skills, phone skills, sales skills..that is your department.

So in the corporate world, busy executives like you know that having team members that can handle some of the time consuming tasks is what it takes to be the best CEO of their companies. They don't do it all. They have people. Talented and effecient people. Let's take a look at some of the salaries of these talented individuals who keep the CEO on top of his or her game.

From PayScale.com

Executive Assistant: Salary: $40,000-$60,000 annually plus benefits

Internet Marketing Specialist: $50,000-$70,000 annually plus benefits

Social Media Marketing Manager: $60,000-$120,000 annually plus benefits

Transaction Coordinator: $30,000 annually

Webmaster: $45,000-$55,000 annually

Photoshop Professional: $40,000-$55,000 annually

Website copywriter: $50,000-$60,000 annually

Add in for free: real estate knowledge, training and experience

The above positions are the basic specialties that you will find in my particular business and many VA's like me. We are trained, we are experienced and we run our own companies as our own CEO's. We pay our own taxes, our own insurance etc. just like you. We pay for our office equipment and supplies. We pay for our training. All of it..just like you! We are worth our pay-scale just like you!

40 hours per month with a VA is an average of $1400. $1400 equals $16,800 a year. No employee taxes, no office equipment, no benefits. So when and if you start looking for your "assistant" ....get that word out of your head, and look at what you are really getting. You are getting a full fledged professional who takes their business very seriously..as much as you do.

Get to know your partner, they will get to know you, and after a while you will be amazed at the fabulous and effecient business you are running. Partnering with a real estate virtual assistant is an investment, an investment in you!

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Real Estate Agents in California: Are You Prepared for July 1st?? Pass it On!

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:22:05 -0500

Hey, check this out this reminder. I wanted to pass this along! (this kind-of stuff is good to know...pass it on..)

Also, if you do marketing for Real Estate Professionals in California make sure you have this info on hand for printed materials!

Effective 7-1-2009!!

SB1461 Disclosure of License ID Number Requires a Real Estate Licensee to place his/her License Identification Number on all first point of Contact Marketing Materials and on Home Purchase Agreements

SB 1461 (Negrete McLeod) Disclosure of License Identification Number (Chapter 284) Effective 7/1/2009, this bill requires a real estate licensee to place his or her license identification number on all first point of contact marketing materials and on home purchase agreements which they negotiate. First point of contact materials includes business cards, stationery, advertising fliers, and other materials designed to solicit the creation of a professional relationship between the licensee and a consumer. The Department of Real Estate (DRE)

SB1461 Disclosure of License ID Number
Senate Bill No. 1461 CHAPTER 284 - An act to amend Section 10140.6 of the Business and Professions
Code, relating to real estate. [Approved by Governor September 25, 2008. Filed with Secretary of State
September 25, 2008.] SB 1461, Negrete McLeod. Real estate licensees.
This bill would, on and after July 1, 2009, require a licensee to disclose his or her license identification
number on specified solicitation materials, as defined, and on real property purchase agreements when
acting as an agent in those transactions. The bill would authorize the Real Estate Commissioner to adopt
regulations in that regard. The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section
10140.6 of the Business and Professions Code is amended to read: 10140.6. (a) A real estate licensee shall
not publish, circulate, distribute, or cause to be published, circulated, or distributed in any newspaper or
periodical, or by mail, any matter pertaining to any activity for which a real estate license is required that
does not contain a designation disclosing that he or she is performing acts for which a real estate license is
required. (b) (1) A real estate licensee shall disclose his or her license identification number on all
solicitation materials intended to be the first point of contact with consumers and on real property
purchase agreements when acting as an agent in those transactions. The commissioner may adopt
regulations identifying the materials in which a licensee must disclose a license identification number.
(2) For purposes of this section, “solicitation materials intended to be the first point of contact with
consumers” includes business cards, stationery, advertising fliers, and other materials designed to solicit
the creation of a professional relationship between the licensee and a consumer, and excludes an
advertisement in print or electronic media and “for sale” signs. (3) Nothing in this section shall be
construed to limit or change the requirement described in Section 10236.4 as applicable to real estate
brokers. (c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to classified rental advertisements reciting the
telephone number at the premises of the property offered for rent or the address of the property offered
for rent. (d) The amendments made to this section by the act adding this subdivision shall become
operative on July 1, 2009."

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Wishing All My Special Friends a Happy and Blessed Easter!

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 22:11:35 -0500

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Inspire The Child

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:08:05 -0500

If you don't know Rocky Turner you are missing out. When the frustration of the daily news makes you wonder why we can't accomplish more to help make this world a better place, log on to Mothers Fighting For Others and find out what this woman has done, and is doing not just for children in Africa, but for us. She shows US what we can do when we help. You never think you have it in you, until she shows you.

Read below, visit her website and get invloved.

Via Racquel Turner (Mothers Fighting For Others):

Inspire The Child

Breaking The Cycle Of Poverty By Educating Young Kenyan Women

Inspiration is the spark that leads to change. Our dream is to create a home for orphaned girls filled with love that will give them a new family. Inspire The Child will also construct a new educational facility for K-8th grade girls. This facility will prepare the girls for a brighter future and support their re-introduction to society. The school will provide counseling and medical attention, and teach them the skills that will empower them to be a strong and independent new generation of Kenyan women.

Mothers Fighting For Others wants to build a home. We want to build a school. We want to build a small community for these girls to learn, to be loved, to believe and take pride in themselves, and to dream big. This is the just the beginning of the journey. I am so grateful to be going down this path. So, I'll be heading back to Kenya next month to scout out three parcels of land. We'll have a better idea of what our needs will be next month.

I am so excited to get started on this program. I hope you are too!!

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Get Exposed with Postlets & Social Media! A Great Way to Tell Your Friends & Followers About Your Properties

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:32:59 -0600

This is so cool! It's no secret that syndicating your listings to as many places as possible is key to reaching buyers or sellers in the media that they are comfortable with. While I was doing some syndicating of listings the other day I was happy to notice that they now make it easy to add your Postlets property ads, to your favorite social media sites, Twitter, LinkedIn, MySpace, FriendFeed, and of course Facebook.

Just another great way to let it all hang out

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My First Bone to Pick with ActiveRain

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:27:43 -0600

Hey Guys..you know I love you. I loved you for a long time. 3 Years in fact. You've allowed me to share my stuff with other resepected individuals and real estate professionals on this site. Because of all the real estate networking I've been exposed to all areas of real estate...Lending, Selling, Buying, Marketing, Staging, etc. and businesses and business owners representing them.

There were may times when I could do go the Home Page menu that had the RE Professionals divided into categories of expertise...I could find my fellow Virtual Assistants, Stagers, Agents, Brokers, etc in a nice link from the home page and it would take me right to their category...sadly its no more.

And it sort of makes me mad. I thought this was a network that supported everyone in the industry..not just Agents, Brokers and Lenders..? Now..it looks as though unless you read my blog that says I AM A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT, you wouldn't know that. My profile would not be linked to my fellow colleaugues.

So unless, I'm missing something here...it would be really great our profile categories back again.

I've come to AR a million time to find profiles of people to network with that weren't just Localism bloggers. It would be nice to have a way of finding them again. Are they even on here..?

Am I missing something? If not..I humbly submit my BONE to PICK.

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10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant- Day 3

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 18:15:50 -0600

Delegating to a Real Estate Virtual Assistant doesn't have to be difficult or expensive! Welcome to Day Three of Outsourcing Ideas you can let your real estate VA handle for you! This is a quick and easy to read resource you can always come back to:)

Delegation Day Three

Problem: BLOGS: You need help writing them, need ideas about what to write about, need help getting through writer's block, and need help posting them consistently with some knowledge of SEO, keywords and links, and back links.

Solution: Have your VA set up Google Alerts for your Town, Community, Neighborhood or Farm to track excellent resources for your blogs and have them come to you AND your VA. Your VA can then sort relevant topics, links etc. and send them to you to keep the writer's juices flowing. If you need help writing the content a VA can help you get started and will make sure you have the basics of SEO included. Once finalized and proofed, your VA can post the blogs on Active Rain, and any outside blog you may have, as well as syndicate your links to your Social Networking sites. (More on that later!)

There's one good reason to delegate something to a Real Estate VA!

A real estate virtual assistant is like the missing piece of your business' puzzle. Having someone available to you to help you with the the 'small stuff' while you focus on the big picture - the things that will earn you the most income is key. Once you get that into place, you'll be growing your business faster than ever before.

(P.S. If you don't want to wait for the rest of the series and are needing more info please SUBSCRIBE and ..check out Real Estate Virtual Assistants: The ULTIMATE GUIDE)

See Day 1

See Day 2

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10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant- Day 2

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:20:40 -0600

Delegation Day Two

Problem: Your web-generated leads & past clients are not being properly followed up with, put into 8 X 8, 12 Direct, 33 Touch, or 5 or 10 Year Campaigns because you are too busy taking care of other day to day tasks. Before you know it you are back logged with leads who are not being followed up with.

Solution: Have your VA design and create a system of email drips in your Top Producer or other CRM program, as well as setting your Touch system up for you in an Action Plan. Then delegate your VA to make sure your touches are going out. If you are not consistently touching your leads, someone else will!

There's one good reason to delegate something to a Real Estate VA!

(P.S. If you don't want to wait for the rest of the series and are needing more info..check out Real Estate Virtual Assistants: The ULTIMATE GUIDE)

See Day 1

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10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Real Estate Virtual Assistant- Day 1

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 12:25:03 -0600

Welcome to Day One of the 10 Days of Outsourcing to Your Virtual Assistant!

I'm going to coach you through the process of working with a VA by showing you a sample task you could send to your VA today to make your life easier and free up your time to work on the true business building tasks.

So, join me for this blog series - for only a few moments - to read through the things you could unload onto a VA quite easily. The first step to working with a VA is understanding what it is that they can do for you and just how EASY it is to get there.

The format will always be the same (without this intro text) and it will be quick, painless and easy to read in a matter of minutes. I want to illustrate just how easy it really is!

Let's begin! If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to e-mail me:)

Delegation Day One

Problem: You're spending too much time on the computer adding your listings, listing photos, videos, and virtual tours to your various websites, Craigslist, syndication sites, and keeping up with updates, price changes, as well as migrating the information to your Active Rain blog, your hosted blog, and Social Media sites.

Solution: Delegating these tasks to a real estate virtual assistant can eliminate those hours from your week or month and allows you TIME to spend on your "income-producing hours" like power calling your leads, touching your contacts with the letters and emails you never seem to get around to. Your VA will systemize, and automate your task list to ensure a successful listing launch every time!

There's one good reason to delegate something to a VA!

(P.S. If you don't want to wait for the rest of the series and are needing more info..check out Real Estate Virtual Assistants: The ULTIMATE GUIDE)

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Xobni Combines Outlook Contacts with Social Media and makes Connecting Super Easy!

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 23:07:35 -0600

Well..I did it..I recently downloaded Xobni (Inbox spelled backwards) and am really liking it!

Xobni is a plug-in for Outlook that allows you connect to your contacts by having a super fast email search function, attached conversations, AND connect to them directly through Social Networking like Facebook, Skype and Linked In.

Here is a screen shot of the famous Brad Andersohn. At first I thought it might be even more disctracting but the more I use it, the more I like it. There a ton of features I'm sure I haven't tapped into yet, so if you are a user, feel free to share your opinions:)

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Don't Let 2008 Slip into the Blogosphere! 3 Ways to Use Your Blogs of 2008 to Revitalize Your Website!

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 13:58:34 -0600

Happy New Year!

As I reflect on all that we have accomplished on ActiveRain in 2008, I have to sit back in awe of the amount of growth in members, and in blogging talent! So much hard work has taken place in this challenging year and I have still learned so much and am anxious to learn more in 2009!

With all the blogging-mania here on AR, don't let the awesome blog content you wrote in 2008 sit in the blogosphere! Re-organize it, summarize it, and FLAUNT it on your website in the form of new pages of content to target and attract your ideal clients!

Not only will it refresh your website and give you more Google-Cred, you will be creating a library of sights, sounds and information for your potential business!

I am sure that this year your blogs have provided great content to your readers, but what's happenning with your website..? Is it still just the same ol Home Page, About Me, Seller info, Buyer info, Listings etc?

Here are 3 ways to revitalize your content for your website to help you get started:

1. Re-organize your blogs into material for your "Ideal Client". Target the content to attract them at all stages of information gathering. Whether its First Time Home Buyers, Buyers or Sellers in your Farm, you can add a page or two that "speaks" to them, and direct them to other pages on your site.

Example: Attract buyers/sellers in/to a particular community by re-organizing community or event content. Use your videos, and photos to make it come alive.

2. Develop different pages for each type of media you use. Since clients are different in the way they organize and collect their information, make it easy for them to find the information they are seeking in the media that speaks to them. Take your Photos, videos, podcasts, and webinars and put them into "Collections" or albums on your website. Tip: you can also take your newsletters and create down-loadable and viewable PDF's. MyTechOpinion.com offered a great resource called Issu-Smartlook which allows a reader to open your documents from your website and see the pages in full color!

3. FLAUNT an on-line MEDIA Page, and have it ready for 2009! Did you speak at events, give any interviews in the newspaper or on TV? Travel to NAR, NYC Connect, or earn more certifications? Take those achievements and put them in the form of press releases, articles and create links to those events if you can. If you are an expert and growing and achieving don't be afraid to show that side of yourself. Your ideal clients want to trust you, get to know you, and your achievements are a large part of it.

Re-Charge, Re-define and Re-Vitalize your hard work in 2008! Wishing you all the best for a prosperous 2009!

*******************************************************************************

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PROMO Alert! Real Estate Webographer & ZipForms Partner Together to Provide Technology Training!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:33:22 -0600

OK..so I just found this out! (Ok, I peeked at my present this year..:)

Real Estate Webographers is offering a promotion in partnership with ZipForms to become a certified Real Estate Webographer for only $49.00...that is $150 off the normal price!

If you have been looking for a program that details many of the technology programs used in real estate today, you need look no further than REAL ESTATE WEBOGRAPHER . Whether you are getting up to speed yourself or are training an assistant, OR are a virtual assistant yourself, this program covers many of the technology platforms used in real estate:

ZipForms, Relay Transaction Management, AgencyLogic Single Property sites and more.

This technology program is the only platform that allows you to test drive the platforms while you are learning. As real estate virtual assistant and a visual learner these modules are invaluable to quickly learning and implementing these processes.

Just wanted to share and hope you take advantage of this promotion..its a great present to give yourself!

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