Debra's Blog

Is there really Freedom of Speech? Ask Vlad!

2008-06-17T15:39:26Z

If there is, who sensors the information and judges if it is "worthy" or not?

People who know me realize that I am a quiet person and keep my opinions to myself, unless I feel that someone is being "wronged". In this case, it is Vlad Zablotsky, a blogger who gave his opinion about the company ePerks and the way they do business.

First of all, it is his opinion and everyone has one. Secondly, he is being sued by e-Perks for voicing that opinion on his blogs. How can this happen? There are billions of blogs on the web and anyone can say anything. Have you looked at television lately? HOW do they get away with some of the things they show on daytime tv. I haven't heard of any homemade butter makers suing "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter",

To me, it is the same thing. Vlad gave an opionion of the company. EPerks is telling him he cannot make his opinion public. Does that mean we must stop watching television and stop reading the paper, because we have stories based on truth with a little "opionion" added in.

Read the addional stories linked below for more information.

These are the facts, as reported by Andy Beard and Greg Swann

1. ePerks solicited editorial advertising (blog posts recommending their service) on real estate blogs

2. Vlad wrote such a post and was complimentary

3. Commenters on the post came in and talked about how bad the ePerks service was and how they felt they were swindled

4. Vlad writes a response piece to acknowledge reader comments: Is ePerks a gem or a Scam?

Get the story: ePerks Sues Real Estate Blogger, Blogosphere Unites to Destroy the ePerks Brand

Now, what is your OPINION? Are you a little reluctant to voice your opionion?

Let me know.

Debra Davis

Are You Ready for Home Ownership?

2008-06-04T17:04:47Z

Steps to Buying an Atlanta Home

There are five steps you should consider when deciding if you are ready to buy your Atlanta home or condo.

Review your employment. Lenders want to see that you have been employed on a regular basis for 2-3 years.

Evaluate your sources of income. Do you have a steady income? There are loans available for people who are self employed or sales people who are paid in an irregular pattern. Do you have money saved for a down payment and closing costs? Closing costs might be negotiated for the seller to pay when your contract is written. And do you have money saved for emergencies? This is a very important issue because you don't know what tomorrow will bring.

Analyze your current expenses. Do you have a budget? Can you handle the payments involved in purchasing a home and have money for unexpected events?

Determine if your credit history will ensure you will be able to buy a home. Do you have established credit and have you paid your bills on time?

And once you have answered these questions, ask yourself if you want to buy a home. If you still do, then are you familiar with what is required to qualify for a loan and are you willing to work towards preparing yourself to be a homeowner?

This is certainly a time you will need a skilled professional realtor to help you with any questions you have or issues that come up. I'd like to be the realtor to help you with your Atlanta home search. Give me a call at 770-238-0277.

Which Social Networks Should Realtors Belong?

2008-01-27T16:24:48Z

There seems to be a lot of social networks popping up and there is just so much time in a day!

Which social networks other than activerain, do you think are "musts" for a realtor? Thanks for your thoughts and comments.

Debra Davis

Snow Day Video on You Tube

2008-01-19T18:24:31Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8PyoKRZUW8

I'm not sure this will work, but I put the video on YouTube. It isn't as clear on YouTube as it is on the video. I would appreciate any help on how to make it clearer and better.

Your encouragement helps.

Thanks

Debra

Snow Day

2008-01-19T14:37:45Z

I am enjoying it. it is pretty and I made my first video with my new Flip camera. It turned out nicely. Now, if I can learn how to put it on Youtube.

Debra

Snow Day

2008-01-19T14:08:45Z

It is incredibly beautiful outside with the snow coming down. What a change for us in Georgia. It is a nice change but we have the problem of our power going out if there is too much accumulation of ice on the lines. Hopefully, that won't hapeen this time.

This is a great time to read more of the blogs on Active Rain and see what other agents are doing. This is such a sharing group. Thanks everyone.

Debra

Strategic Forum

2007-10-27T09:58:42Z

I am on my way to Las Vegas tomorrow for the By Referral Only Strategic Forum. I can't wait. It will be my first time in Las Vegas and my first Strategic Forum. By Referral Only has been a very important part of my business and has added so many new programs in the past year, I would advise anyone to give it a try. It is so much better to learn to ask for referrals from our clients and friends and family. We just need to ask!

I'll give you an update when I get back.

Debra

A Bright Spot in my Day

2007-10-18T18:41:17Z

I had the pleasure of talking to Margaret Rome from Coldwell Banker in Baltimore this evening. Sometimes you meet a person and feel like you have known them forever. Margaret is such a person. She gives freely of her time and knowlege to whomever needs it or asks for it. How special!

The market is changing in most parts of the U.S. and it helps to have someone to talk to about how to make your business better and overcome the negativity that is growing everywhere. Margaret is a bright spot in my life and I apprecate her inspiration. Thanks Margaret.

Debra

Great Agents

2006-07-19T20:31:00Z

Atlanta has nearly 40,000 agents. Many are working only part-time and expect to satisfy their customer's needs. It sounds like a good idea at first, but they soon learn they are only kidding themselves. You must be available on a full-time basis to achieve your customers goals.

I work very hard to be there for my clients. I want them to be able to ask questions and feel like they have someone on their side. It is important to be the line of communication in the process. That is why I take the educational approach to entire process. I want my clients to make informed decisions. This is my full-time profession and I love it.

Middle of Summer

2006-07-09T10:33:34Z

It is a beautiful day today to enjoy the weekend and look at homes. Since we have a buyers market, there are plenty of homes for them to see. Sometimes the more choices that are available, the harder it is to make a decision. There is no perfect house, but there is the "most perfect" for you. Find that home that makes you feel like you are "home". That will be the one for you.

Atlanta Real Estate

2006-07-08T18:22:13Z

Atlanta has been experiencing a slowdown in the market as a lot of areas have in this past year. Many new homes are continuing to be built, but the resale market is slowing. Atlanta and the surrounding areas, is still a good place for your home investment. Although the dollar value of homes is still increasing, those dollars will still buy more home than in many parts of the U.S., such as California, New York and Florida. We have many people from those areas relocating to take advantage of our market.

East Atlanta, including Gwinnett, Rockdale, Newton and Walton, are areas that many people are moving so they will be out of the hustle and bustle of "the City". These areas are growing in such a pace, there seems to be "hustle and bustle" everywhere. You can still buy property in these areas and an acre or more for your "yard". You can still find beautiful trees and birds singing. I enjoy that from my windows every morning.

My area of Atlanta has almost everything you will need. And if you need something that isn't here, I'm sure it is a short drive away.