For anyone who has been reading my Top 10 lists over the past couple months, I apologize, but there's no funny stuff with this post.   This is a serious post that I've wanted to write for a while, but I knew it would take some time to compile all of the info, links, etc. into one place, so I've been waiting for a quiet weekend to do so.  I hope some of you find it helpful...anything we can do to share information and help each other sell some homes in this market will be beneficial for all of us in the long run...

Most of these websites are ideal for marketing listings, and some are just great places to visit for industry specific news and resources.  As most of us are already aware, the majority of buyers today are searching the web for their next home.  Realtor.com^®  found that 32% of buyers found their home on the internet in 2008, up from only 8% in 2001.¹  I think it's crucial that we utilize these findings to the best of our ability and maximize the exposure of our listings on the web.  Web exposure could be the determining factor when it comes to which agent gets the listing in today's market, or if any agent even gets it...in the case of a FSBO property.  I'm certain each of you has already had at least one seller ask you "Which websites will my home be on?"  So, here I go with my own list of favorites:

1)    www.Realtor.com  - This site is just a given.  MLS listings are automatically uploaded onto this site, which is the first stop for most buyers.  More consumers go to Realtor.com^® than any other real estate website when searching for their next home.²  One of the best investments you can make on this site is in their "Showcase Listing Enhancements" product .  This feature is not free, it must be purchased by you or your broker (the owners of my office have bought this for our agents, and it's greatly appreciated!)  Benefits include: your contact information & portrait on listing's page, multiple lead forms to collect buyer contact information, traffic reports for your sellers, custom headlines & property descriptions, and more.  Here is a full description: http://solutioncenter.realtor.com/Agents/ShowCaseListing.aspx  And here is an example: http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/173-Mary-Ellen-Dr_Charleston_SC_29403_1108465940

2)    www.Postlets.com - This is a free site where you can upload listings and create an "e-flyer" which can then be posted on sites like Craigslist, Facebook, and your own website, utilizing the html code given to you.   Once uploaded to their site, your listings are automatically syndicated to high traffic sites like: Trulia, Zillow, Google Base, and more.  Example: http://www.postlets.com/res/1879760

3)    www.Trulia.com - If your listings haven't already been syndicated to this site via another source (such as Postlets.com), you can do a search for the property and "claim it" as your listing.  You can also add a detailed profile of yourself to the site, which will show up along with your listing in a search. Example: http://www.trulia.com/property/1077229134-1116-Marquis-Rd-Charleston-SC-29405

4)    www.Point2Agent.com - This site offers the first 3 months for free and it's $9.95 for the standard membership thereafter.  Like Postlets.com, his site also syndicates to many other real estate websites once you upload your listings.  Virtual tours, viewing statistics, and your own website are just a few of its features.  Example: http://emilyshapiro.point2agent.com/Listing/ViewListingDetailsAuthenticated.aspx?preview=true&listingid=2968245

5)    www.tweetlister.com - This is my most recent discovery, but I'm pretty sure that it's been available for a while.  If you're on Twitter, you already know that it can be hard to find the time to "tweet" (post status updates) as often as you may like.  This site allows you to enter a listing and set a schedule to have your listing automatically "tweeted" for you once a day, week, month, etc.  Good for people who don't care for tweeting but want to get their listings out there.  Example: http://www.tweetlister.com/listing-detail.aspx?listingID=688e24be-126a-4b50-bdfc-5c0762b8c5b6

6)    www.Facebook.com - While I must admit that facebook can have its share of drama (those of you on here for a while know what I mean), I still think it's a good place to share your listings and other valuable real estate info with other agents and friends.  Personally, I do not have any clients as connections on Facebook (only a couple who are also good friends).  That's a choice each individual has to make themselves though.  I just don't feel comfortable knowing that people I'm connected to can post pretty much anything and everything on here - not sure if I want my clients to read on my profile page that my friend got totally smashed last night and can't remember where she left her car ;-)

7)    www.Realtor.org/realtormag - If you're a Realtor^®, then you are probably already familiar with this site.  It's the web affiliate of REALTOR MAGAZINE^®.  For me, I think the most useful area of this site is the Sales & Marketing section.  It has tons of prospecting tips and ideas, and even has handouts for consumers that you can download and personalize for free.  It's a good way to keep up with industry news, and it features great articles to share with clients.

8)    www.ExpressCopy.com - I haven't used this site in a while because I'm fortunate enough to be part of a company that has its own free marketing department...AgentOwned Realty plug ;-)  However, back in the day, I used this site quite a bit for flyers and postcards and I was always very pleased with the both their quality and their turn around time.  Plus, they have pre-made templates that you can customize to your liking for marketing materials, including door hangers and business cards.

9)    www.hud.gov - The site for The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development...extremely good resource for our industry.  They have valuable information on topics such as the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, forcelosure, and even buying/selling tips.  Here's a good link to help walk 1^st time buyers through the process:  http://www.hud.gov/buying/

10)  Okay, so I lied a little.  This post isn't completely serious.  Here's a link that could help get you through a stressful day in real estate.  Take a 15 minute break and play a game... http://www.freegamesonline.com/

¹ National Association of REALTORS®, Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 2008   

² Media Metrix - Number of unique users on REALTOR.com^® each month of 2007

1.   Immediately after showing you houses, your agent "tweets" that he hates his annoying new clients.

2.   Your agent can't show you houses on the weekend because that's when they perform their community service hours.

3.   You're doing your home inspection and your agent's assistant is filling in because she "couldn't reschedule her nail appointment".

4.   Your agent tells you to make a full price offer on a house that has been on the market for over 2 years.

5.   Every time you view a listing, your agent is trying to get your spouse alone in another room...

6.   Your agent answers the phone "Whaaas uuuuuup?!"

7.   Your agent does not have an email address...

8.   While your agent is writing an offer for you, they keep referencing their book "Real Estate Contracts for Dummies: How to Avoid a Lawsuit".

9.   Your agent tells you to write your earnest money check out to them.

10.You used to date your agent...

1.   This house is so much better...no stairs to climb, comfy carpet to lounge on, and an endless supply of porch columns to chew!

2.   Excuse me people...when will my doggy door be going in?  This builder is horrible!

3.   Hmmm...which new couch pillow do I start with?

4.   I hope that hot little Beagle next door sunbathes on the front lawn everyday!

5.   Aren't there any cats on this darn block?  How am I supposed to show off to Beagle babe?

6.   What were they thinking?  The pantry won't fit all of my treats, I can't reach any of these windows to watch birds, there's no sign of squirrels in the backyard, and there's no lap pool!

7.   Did I mark this corner yet? How about that one?  Well, I better just make sure...

8.   I hope the dogs at this new neighborhood park are smart enough to recognize my strong leadership skills...I refuse to follow around another old bullying sheep dog with no creativity!

9.   Wow, what an awesome Realtor we had this time...she let me ride in her car to look at houses, I got my own closing gift basket, and she didn't ditch my owners when they insisted I had to approve of the house!

10. What kind of yard has one tree?  One tree! How would she like having only one bathroom!

My pets enjoying "their house"

1.   Our garden just started blooming

2.   My apartment complex is having a singles social in a few months...and the guy in 4B is a total hottie!

3.   Sounds cool dude, but don't you have to like, mow your own lawn and change air filters and stuff?

4.   My psychic made no mention of a house in my future...although, she didn't say I'd meet a Realtor either.  Get away from me...this is all wrong!

5.   Mother would like to look at homes with me, but she is summering in the Hamptons until October and then she has some elective surgery to deal with.

6.   Rocky has so many friends at the community dog park...I think a move right now would really affect his social development.

7.   I can't leave my family's house until I find that treasure buried by my great uncle...I haven't wasted 10 years of my adult life digging up 5 acres for nothing!

8.   My neighbor finally talked to me and I just so happen to be seeking a new BFF.

9.   If I move, how will Ryan Seacrest ever find me...this address is all I've ever used to write to him...

10. I don't feel like packing

1.    Chief Hiawatha called...he wants his land back.

2.    Your buyers, set to close on a 2 bedroom 1 bath condo, just found out they are having triplets.

3.    The home inspection came in and it has more pages than "War & Peace".

4.    Aunt Mildred has been reconsidering giving your buyer that down payment gift ever since he ran over Fifi's tail backing out of her driveway.

5.    The buyer's agent faxed over an addendum requesting that your sellers remove their pet graveyard prior to closing.

6.    That huge 2 car garage your buyers fell in love with is now a 1 car garage...guess there wasn't really a transferrable termite bond after all.

7.    The lender just realized he accidentally typed in the wrong social security number when pulling credit for your buyer, John Smith.

8.    During the final walk-thru, you and your buyers discover a hidden entranceway to a ____________ (use your imagination and fill in the blank!)

9.    The oceanfront home your buyers have under contract is now under water.

10. You just found out that the co-op agent used to date the closing attorney...they swore they would never talk again.

Okay, so I'm going back to Monday for the Top 10...Tuesday just doesn't feel right!

Today's Top 10 was written with the help of my special "guest blogger" Thea Anderson, also with AgentOwned Realty of Park Circle ;-)

Top 10 Most Interesting Showing Instructions

1.    No matter what the bird says, don't let him out of the cage!

2.    Please call an hour ahead of arrival so seller can take meds.

3.    If dog is foaming at the mouth, please give a treat, located on kitchen counter...

4.    Seller requests no showings between hours of 12-3pm; exceptions may be made if soap operas do not air due to a holiday.

5.    Please do not come within 3 feet of Marilyn Monroe shrine.

6.    Jiggle key twice in top lock, while kicking the bottom of the door and turning doorknob to the left 3 times...if that fails, the kitchen window is unlocked.

7.    Do not touch 5000 piece puzzle on dining room table - family competition for home sale proceeds at stake.

8.    All showing requests must be accompanied by a preapproval letter, 2 months of bank statements, and employment verification.

9.    Please remove shoes, attach plastic bags around feet with rubber bands, put on face masks, and use antibacterial hand wipes before touring home...all required items are on table near front door.

10. Seller in process of exorcising home; please pick up keys and complimentary rosary beads at listing office.

1.  It's not you, it's me...I admit I have a fear of commitment and would prefer having more casual relationships with numerous listing agents for every home I see.

2.  I'm getting back together with my ex-agent...he sent me a beautiful postcard yesterday saying how much he missed me.

3.  My therapist thinks that I would do better off selling the house on my own...I need to become more independent.

4.  I can't work with you after seeing you eat that poor cow at lunch...

5.  You're a Democrat?!  Can you please drop me off at the next light?

6.  I just don't feel special anymore, what ever happened to the lunches, the long drives to see beach houses, the free koozies? 

7.  Oh my, did I forget to tell you my new cell number?

8.  My horoscope said that we don't make a good match...your birth date implies misfortune within my living space.

9.  If you can't donate half your commission to our local "Struggling Actor's Fund", this can't go any further.

10. The dog ate our listing agreement.

1.  Make sure you have some money in the bank to hold you over for a while...Ramen noodles may have gotten you through college, but it may be a few months till your 1^st closing, and you will need a lot more energy than that to be a productive agent!

2.  Pick a company that has good support services; helpful brokers, mentoring agents, good technology, access to continuing education, and weekly happy hours ;-)

3.  Never underestimate how important it is to be courteous to ALL other agents...you never know when you may have to show a buyer one of "Bob the Snob's" listings...

4.  Remember, ethics are essential in real estate...all the extra money you could earn being "shady" may as well go towards your future lawsuit fund!

5.  Here's a few just for the ladies out there: yard signs and stilettos don't mix!  You may as well skip the full make-up routine when showing 10 or more houses in 90 degree weather.  And on a serious note - be cautious out there!  If you don't feel safe with someone, ask a fellow agent or your broker to come along.

6.  Always be prepared (and optimistic) when you meet a client...this means keeping a box of blue pens, a stapler, blank forms of every kind, a camera, lock boxes, yard signs, and a mallet (for those yard signs!) in your car.

7.  You will get tons of calls from advertising sales people claiming that their ads or promotional products will get you more clients than you can handle...ask them for a free test run, a sample, or some testimonials, or else...all the people on your holiday gift list may be receiving tape measures with your picture on them this year.

8.  Don't blame yourself if some deals just don't work out or you just don't click with a client...ask an agent who's been in the business for decades...it's just going to happen, there's a bad apple in every bunch!

9.  Never "assume" anything...I think we all know the saying that goes along with that one!  Read the ENTIRE offer, ask the inspector a million questions if you have to, and make sure the closing attorney is actually OPEN the day of your agreed upon closing date ;-)

10.  Network baby, network!  Make sure your dentist, mechanic, mailman, and even the guy working at the local gas station know that you're an agent.  Most people only buy or sell a house a few times during their life, and you never know when that time will be for someone...

2.    Ask them if you or your seller was supposed to tell the buyer that the listing used to be a meth lab...after closing.

3.    Go door knocking...to houses that have real estate agents' "for sale" signs in the front yards...hey, they are hot prospects!

4.    Schedule 5 closings for next week and then head to Miami for your well deserved vacation.

5.    Tell them how much better you feel about yourself...now that you are selling things legally.

6.    Hand in a ratified contract for your listing, even though you handed one in for it yesterday. "But this one is for more money!"

7.    Tell them you are signing up with the new company across the street...the broker of which has been their archenemy since high school.

8.    Show up for "floor duty" after your Sunday brunch, complete with 4 Bloody Marys.

9.    Tell them you just saw your new buyer on "The People's Court", suing their last agent's broker.

10. Ask when you are eligible for your paid vacation and sick days.

Here is this Monday's Top 10...I am cutting it pretty close at 11:15pm!  Enjoy!

1.    The June edition of Men's Journal voted Park Circle to be one of the nation's "Coolest Communities" http://www.wciv.com/news/stories/0609/628104.html

2.    Awesome restaurants & bars like Sesame http://www.sesameburgersandbeer.com/   Evo Pizza  http://evopizza.com/index.html  Madra Rua Pub http://www.madraruapub.com/  and The Chart http://www.charlestonchart.com/

3.    Wonderful "Eco-Friendly" subdivisions like Oak Terrace Preserve: http://www.oakterracepreservesc.com/

4.    The area features a great community center with tennis, pool, baseball, and more http://www.northcharleston.org/Departments/Parks.aspx   Plus, a disc golf course http://www.parkcirclediscgolf.com/

5.    Park Circle always has terrific events going on...like the most recent Art Walk, Community Yard Sale, St. Patrick's Day celebration, and AgentOwned Park Circle's joint event with "The Chart" this past winter, supporting Toys for Tots...we raised 7 huge boxes of toys for donation!

6.    Every Thursday, there's a Farmers Market full of delicious foods:  http://www.northcharleston.org/Visiting/Shopping_FarmersMarket.aspx

7.    Army Wives is filmed in the Charleston area, and East Montague (the "main street" of Park Circle) is a favorite setting for them...in fact they were shooting right outside our office last week.  http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/army-wives/about

8.    AgentOwned Realty of Park Circle offers excellent service to the local community and the entire metro area, and it's a great place to work too...I mean, look were we are located www.AgentOwnedParkCircle.com

9.    The Noisette Project:  a residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational area being reshaped to form a sustainable community http://www.noisettesc.com/

10.  And of course, great priced homes! www.parkcirclehomesource.com