Building an Online Referral Network - 04/30/07 11:52 PM
Online Referral Network 
After several positive comments on one of my recent posts about building an online referrals network.  I thought I would create a Group called Online Referrals and I would like to invite you to look at this group and give me your feedback.
I think one measure of our success is the ability to provide quality referrals to other businesses who are in our community, like Kansas City and Olathe and who can benefit from a quality referral. Of course we want to know the individual we are giving the referral to, so it's important for us to get to know the individual and … (43 comments)

Success...where is IT! - 04/30/07 10:24 PM
Success, what does that mean for you?  Albert Schweitzer once wrote, "Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success.  If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."
Here's 7 simple steps I came across that I trust will help you achieve your happiness and success.
Believe In Yourself:  Identify your natural talents and abilities. Do what you enjoy adn what you do best.  Focus on your strengths and not your weaknesses.Develop a Vision:  Define your path and start working your plan.  Write down a vision for you and your life.  Be Specific! What do you want out … (20 comments)

What do you SEE! - 04/30/07 09:55 PM
Ever watch a movie and come away with that one liner you just can't get out of your mind?  You repeat it again to someone else and they say, Oh yeah, I remember that one!  They repeat it to someone else and before you know it, the whole office is talking about it!
Well, I'm asking for your help in putting together a listing of those "one liners" that you remember from a movie, a play or theatre that gives you inspiration, food for thought or just a good hearty laugh or two!
Here's one I remember that I like and here's why.  It comes from "Patch Adams", where there's a … (8 comments)

Billy Graham and Oprah - 04/26/07 11:41 PM
Billy Graham and Oprah
A friend sent this email to me and I was touch by the grace that was displayed by both.  My hope is that I can share my life in as many of the same ways as these two have shared.  I make no apologies for this content, but I would like to stand firm in my commitment to put my interest behind those of my clients and my friends.  Thank you for allowing me to share this story. 
Last year I watched Billy Graham being interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on television. Oprah told him that in her childhood home, she use to … (8 comments)

Building a New Home: Trim Secrets - 04/26/07 09:07 PM
Secret Tips when you Trim Windows and Doors
Every want to have a nice tight 45 degree corner with no gaps that creates that perfect fit.  Well you can have it!  Here's a few tips used by the professional trim carpenters who build those beautiful new homes.
Before you measure and cut your trim pieces, use a tri-square and set it at 3/16th of an inch.Lightly take a pencil and the tri-square that has been set at 3/16th of an inch and mark along the side you are placing the trim on all the way around your door or window.  Note: do this very lightly so as not to leave any impressions in … (8 comments)

Themes or Chaos? - 04/25/07 11:41 PM
Are Themes Useful, or do they just get in the way?  
Are themes used in staging new homes anymore?  Do you consider the exterior style of the home and where it is located to define a theme for the interior of the home?  How many themes should you use in the presentation of a new home?  Are there some themes that you would stay away from as offensive to buyers and sellers?
I'm really interested in understanding how to transition from room to room using colors and whether or not themes are important.  Sorry, I just couldn't resist this picture as I was thinking but … (11 comments)

Color in Staging - Grape and Green! - 04/25/07 10:51 PM
What are you doing to sell your home quicker and for more money? 
Okay, I'm a guy, but I do like color and the color of the exterior and interior of a home matters.  I live in Olathe, Kansas in Johnson County and there is a standard response I hear when it comes to "What color do I paint my walls? or What color of carpet should we purchase?  The standard response I hear is use Johnson County biege!  Walls, carpet, everything...!  I don't agree with this comment in Olathe and in today's market. 
I believe buyers are looking for a warm and an inviting feeling when they enter a … (17 comments)

Building a New Home: Consolidated List - 04/24/07 11:25 PM
I have had such great comments on my posts for "Building a New Home" here at activerain.com that I thought I would take a tip from another activerain blogger.  The tip was to go back through all my posts related to building a new home and creating a page listing all the posts.  So, here it is, a quick reference to date of the posts made here at the Kansas City New Homes Blog:
Building a New Home: Roof Pitch...fastball or curve?
Building a New Home: 10 Common Kitchen Mistakes
Building a New Home: Framing, Level and Square
Building a New Home: Structural Floor Supports
Building a New Home: Resources
Building a New Home: Will the … (2 comments)

Technology in Real Estate: HS Access on the Go! - 04/24/07 10:53 PM
High Speed Internet Access using your Cell Phone. 
Have you ever been in a position where you needed to access the internet using your computer, but you were at a client's home, or on the road or making a presentation?
There is a service provide by JuneFabric called PDAnet that allows your Treo (windows or palm version) or other PDA smart phones to be used for a high speed internet access for $34.  Using no other equipment but the hot sync cable that came with your phone and a data plan subscription from any of the phone carriers.  This software and the hot sync cable is all that is … (3 comments)

Building a New Home: Drive Up not Through! - 04/23/07 11:43 PM
Putting in your driveway.  What will it cost you?
You only need 3-4 inches (thickness) of concrete to put in a good driveway at your new home.  It's really fairly easy to calculate what is will cost you to put in the driveway.  Here's a concrete calculator from concrete.com that will assist you with the amount of yards of concrete you will need.  Concrete is sold and figured in yards, not feet, so using this calculator breaks this down for you.  For instance, a 9 foot by 9 foot area, 4 inches thick equals 1 yard of concrete.  You will need to call the concrete companies in … (6 comments)

Selling your Home: Where do I spend my Money! - 04/23/07 10:20 PM
Curb Appeal - if you can't get buyers in the door, you can't sell a buyer your home!
In the Sunday addition of the Kansas City Star was an article on Improve your home's curb appeal.  There were three items mentioned which would provide improvement to your home.  I would like to add to my comments to these items based upon comments of home stagers, realtors and landscapers.
Yes, a realtor can provide comparables (even one from Olathe :-)) that will provide information on the highs and lows in your neighborhood and the average days on the market, but that really doesn't tell you the whole story.  … (6 comments)

Real Estate Tips: Who wants more Referrals? - 04/23/07 01:05 AM
9 Things to Do for More Referrals
I think we all want to have more quality referrals.  Here are a 10 things you can try to put your referral business in a position to attract more high-quality referrals. 
1. Earn the RIGHT to get referrals. Bring high value quickly to every buyer or seller and exceed your clients' expectations.  Focus on the "process" not "product." Putting your buyer or seller first in the process will get them to think about the "big picture" and allow you to be referrable.
2. Focus on a client-service model.   When it comes to staying in touch with your clients, don't just wing it. Have  a plan you consistently use.  … (4 comments)

Building a New Home: Roof Pitch...fastball or curve? - 04/23/07 12:11 AM
Roof Pitch...standing or sliding!
Many popular new home roof designs in the Olathe Kansas area are changing from a steep pitched roof to a roof pitch that is easier to walk rather than slide down!! 
The roof pitch on new homes are known to builders to be a 4/12, 5/12 or 6/12 roof pitch.  Several builders around the Olathe area call these a California Style roof.  They are a lower silhouette design.  Okay, so what does the 4/12 pitch mean?  It means that for every 4 inches of rise (side B) you move vertical 12 inches (side A).  Here's that geometry lesson again for you mathematicians!
If you want to keep the water running down your new home roof, … (16 comments)

Community: Are you involved? - 04/19/07 11:04 PM
Olathe Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Are you involved in your Chamber?!
This is a follow-up to my Free Publicity post about getting involved in your community.  Getting involved in your local chamber can be a great asset to you.  You meet a lot of interesting people and can get involved in giving back to your community.  I think the Olathe Chamber of Commerce is one of the best in the country, but then again I'm from Olathe and I love what Olathe has to offer! 
What make's the Olathe Chamber different for me is the weekly coffee meetings every Thursday at 9:30 am.  The Olathe Chamber meets at … (6 comments)

Real Estate Tips: Free Publicity - 04/18/07 11:25 PM
Seven Ways to Snag Free PublicityI came across this information on Free Publicity, I agree with points 1-5, however, 6 and 7 require more talent, understand and information.  You can get hurt or shine in the last two steps.  You should  contact professional assistance in conquering these steps if for no other reason than to get information on what it takes to put these together and succeed at it."Publicity is a great way to get your business known in the marketplace. And when it's free, you simply have to take advantage of it. Try these seven ways to snag free publicity to … (31 comments)

Real Estate Strategies: Neighborhood Nuisance? - 04/17/07 12:30 AM
Are you being a Neighborhood Nuisance?
Are you farming a neighborhood, subdivision or area?  What are you doing to let the neighbors know you are the expert in the area?  Have you setup a web site for the neighborhood where neighbors can have information on the neighborhood Home Association?  Can neighbors advertise garage sales, neighborhood parties and special events?  How about FSBO's placing their homes on your site for FREE? 
You can use create your own web pages or use templates like those from a company called www.homepartners.com.  They will provide you with the backend functionality and you create the front end … (34 comments)

Building a New Home: 10 Common Kitchen Mistakes - 04/15/07 11:08 PM
10 Common Mistakes in Kitchen DesignsOne of the most popular rooms in a new home is the kitchen so it's important to get this one right. Treat yourself to a beautiful kitchen that allows functionality. 1. StorageTry to think of all the items that require extra space.  The good china, containers, food storage, the broom, mop, trash, cleaners and accessories.  Decide what you want to store and where you want to store them. Place storage excessible to the use of it, like the spices by the cooktop. Also, consider the size and type of appliances you will be needing, the range, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, etc...
2. … (0 comments)

Building a New Home: Framing, Level and Square - 04/14/07 11:44 PM
Framing a New Home is one of the critical components of a building a new home. 
If you frame a new home with a simple rule, you will allow the rest of the home building to go much more smoothly and with greater ease.  Keeping the walls level and corners square are very critical to trimming out doorways, setting cabinets, putting counter tops in place, etc...  If you allow the framing to get out of balance, you will create a loss in time and materials later in the construction process.  It will take more time to make the cuts to fit … (0 comments)

Neighborhoods: Arbor Creek - 04/12/07 11:53 PM
Arbor Creek and Arbor Landing are one of the most unique subdivisons in the Olathe Kansas area.  These subdivisons have several benefits not available in other subdivisons. 
Some of the benefits of this subdivision are a shopping center, medical center, animal hospital, cafe, sweet shop, video shop, dry cleaners, elementary school and so much more...  Then, just on the west side of the intersection of the 159th and Mur-Len corner is a Price Chopper, Starbucks, Pizza place and other shops.  Then on the north west corner of this same location is a new Jr High School called California Trails.  Check out the Olathe Schools link. 
This subdivison is located just … (0 comments)

Building a New Home: Structural Floor Supports - 04/11/07 12:45 AM
Traditional Floor Joints versus Wooden I-Beams
Some builders are using this new laminated wooden I-beams for floor joints versus the traditional 2x8, 2x10 or 2x12 floor joints.  Some of the reasons for using these laminated wooden I-beams for floor joists in new home construction is they are lighter, easier to handle and span longer distances than the traditional floor joints.  These 100% fabricated beams use wood chips that are pressed and glued together with not even a 2x4 for a top and bottom plate to create the I-Beam.  They may have an improved stiffness and strength and can span greater distances than regular dimensional lumber of the same size, … (0 comments)

More SEO Strategies - 04/10/07 11:30 PM
Have you heard of Dr. Wilson?
I have subscribed to Dr. Wilson's FREE newsletter and get these on an occasion basis.  I'm always interested in finding out ways to help me get my real estate web sites noticed and to bring in qualified leads. 
Just a note, Dr. Wilson doesn't flood your inbox with spam, which I say "thank you".  I have read several of his articles, but was curious as to whether or not anyone else has subscribed or read any of his books, newsletter or other stuff?  
Dr. Wilson's Plain-Spoken Guide to Search Engine Optimization is designed to clarify what SEO is all about so … (10 comments)

Real Estate Tips: Stop the Confusion - 04/10/07 12:21 AM
Control vs Confusion 
How many times have you taken a buyer to multiple showings and by the time you are finished, the buyer was so confused they couldn't remember what they saw?  Many of you may already practice this, however, for those that want to help the buyer and allow you to stay in control of the real estate process, try this.
Once you have shown three listings, ask this question. "Now which one of these homes (or real estate properites) would be your first choice"?  Then rate the properties (write it down on the listings). 
When you get to the next home, you would ask, "Now considering the home … (4 comments)

Real Estate Strategies: Free Appraisals! - 04/09/07 11:36 PM
Benefits of Free Appraisals...True or ...
For those that may not be aware of the FBI investigations in the real estate business, there was a recent article in the April 8th, Sunday Kansas City Star, featured on the front page regarding "Real Estate and Mortgage Ventures".  (you can search the KCStar for Zwego and Investigations if this link doesn't work)  The article talks about the destruction that may cost dozens of sellers, buyers and tenants millions of dollars in losses from bad loans and foreclosures, according to an examination of property records by The Kansas City Star.  This alleged scheme involved many individuals from mortgage brokers, appraisers, … (5 comments)

Building a New Home: Resources - 04/07/07 11:53 PM
I came across three real estate books which provide some excellent new home resources. 
General Home Building Books
Better Houses, Better Living by Myron FergusonWhat to look for in your new home--and mistakes to avoid!
 
The Well-Built HouseAn insider's guide to construction, written by a professional contractor.
 
Your New HouseThe alert consumer's guide to buying and building a quality home
 
Do you know of any other real estate resources which would be of value in new home construction?  Let me hear from you!
David L. BrittKansas City Real EstateOlathe Homeswww.heritage.net
… (9 comments)

Real Estate Tips: Spring Cleaning - 04/07/07 11:04 PM
Now that spring is here, it's time for us agents to do some "Spring Cleaning" in our own real estate businesses.  Here are some reminders for giving your business and a Fresh Look! 
8 Top Spring Cleaning Topics
1. Your Attitude - They say your attitude is 90% of your success.  It is easy to let the winter blues affect what your think about your future.  I guess I'm an eternal optimist and I do my best to try to be positive in just about everything I do.  But, it's not easy.  Try to surround yourself with other people who will give you a lift and cheer you up.  Find something … (0 comments)

Building a New Home: Will the Builder Last? - 04/07/07 09:23 PM
Is your Builder still around?  Did your builder take care of you after the fact? 
I have talked with several real estate buyers and sellers about building a new home and one of the most common questions I get is, where to you find a builder that has a good reputation, builds a quality new home and will backup what they build! 
I recently heard of a builder, or should I say, General Contractor, who was building several new homes. Then in the middle of building the new homes, he ran off with the cash from the custom build jobs and left a couple from another state high … (7 comments)

Technology in Real Estate: Treo 700wx - 04/06/07 01:59 AM
 Treo 700wx and Technology
Okay, here I am again, upgrading my technology.  I have used the Treo 600 and 650 in the Palm OS model, but now I'm jumping into the Windows Mobile world with the Treo 700wx. 
So, what I would like to know is who is using the Windows Mobile OS in their real estate business and how are you using it?  What software are you using to allow you to be more attentive to your buyers and sellers?  Are you using any software that will allow you to calculate your buyers or sellers estimated closing statements.  I used Chicago Title's software called ChicagoAgent.  … (39 comments)

Building a New Home: Basement Tips - 04/06/07 01:05 AM
Here in Kansas City, when you build your basement for your new home, you might check with your builder to see if a "Keyway" is used in the basement construction.  Using a "Keyway" provides for a longer life to your new home.
When building a basement for your new home, a footing is poured first with metal rebar proportionally spaced in the footing and extending upward to create a sold attachment of the basement walls and the footing.  This is a common construction practice, however, the creation of a "Keyway" in the footing is sometimes overlooked.  It takes a little more time to place the "Keyway" in the … (4 comments)

Olathe vs Overland Park, Why? - 04/03/07 01:49 AM
Olathe vs Overland Park, Why?
Some of you may have heard clients, friends or real estate agents say, I don't want to live in Olathe, I want to live in Overland Park.  I got to ask this question, Why?  What's the reasoning behind it?
The City of Olathe Kansas will celebrate 150 years in existence with an older heritage than Overland Park. 
Olathe (o lay' tha): Shawnee Indian word for "the beautiful, has grown to a population of approximately 120,000.  Olathe's planning area encompasses approximately 80 square miles of which there are 19,202 developed acres and 33,030 vacant and available for development acres.  Information courtesy of Olathe Chamber of Commerce (http://www.olathe.org/)
The … (2 comments)

Technology in Real Estate: Is your domain name giving you Credit? - 04/01/07 03:22 AM
Technology: Getting the Proper Credit
How do you use your real estate domain name in linking your real estate website? Do you use www or non-www in your domain name?  The following addresses are considered separate websites by search engines:
http://www.yourdomain.com  (the "www" version) http://yourdomain.com  (the "non-www" version) If you use both when setting up your websites thru your ISP (internet service provider) or domain register, you may be missing proper credit.  Buyers, sellers and clients will see the same web page, but the search engines won't relate to the link popularity the same. If the "www" version of your website has 300 hits and the "non-www" version … (8 comments)

Real Estate Strategies: Motivating Buyers - 04/01/07 02:24 AM
Interested in motivating Buyers to take action?  Buyers are motivated by different things in different locations.  So learn to identify the factors that will motivate buyers to action and build your marketing around the specific target audience.  Here are 10 questions to ask yourself about real estate buyers.
The Ideal Buyer Work Sheet
What demographic age group does your ideal buyer fall into? Are the buyers married? Do they have children? What income bracket does the buyer fall in? What is the buyers educational background? Have your buyers bought or sold a home before? What kind of occupation(s) does your buyer have? What is your buyer's … (5 comments)

 
Britt%20david%20fsb%20large%20print%20adj Rainmaker_large

David L. Britt, MBA

Olathe, KS

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty, Diamond Partners, Inc.

Address: 13671 S. Mur-Len Road, Olathe, KS, 66061

Office Phone: (913) 322-7432

Cell Phone: (913) 226-5830

Email Me

Decided to build a new home? Need answers to difficult questions on building a home? Want to know how to talk to a builder? Just need general information on building a new home or need a consultant to help you with building a new home, you've come to the right place!


Listings

Links

Archives

RSS 2.0 Feed for this blog

Find KS real estate agents and Olathe real estate on ActiveRain.