Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate's Blog

Sensei/Grasshopper -- Follow Up And Question

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 17:03:21 -0700

My follow up is primarily a question: What benefits did you receive as a mentor?

I hope the contest was as much of a benefit to Paula Bradford as it was to me. I am currently traveling by Jeep to the tip of South America. I am researching the real estate along the way and working on referrals and consulting as I go. (www.LatinAmericaByJeep.com).

I wondered if I would really be able to participate and then decided if I can accomplish my real estate tasks anywhere in the world, I could easily be a mentor to someone in the rain. Since I started the contest at a late date, I looked for a recent post in the group with no comments and found Paula. It was easy to connect. I called Paula and she answered (I love agents who are available).

As she and I talked, I found that it brought back memories of my successes and how I accomplished them - first benefit for me. Then I though of some closely related ways of doing things that will help in building my own referral business - second benefit for me. I also had the chance to talk and get to know Paula (she is a great agent and person) - third benefit for me. I also had the satisfaction of helping and listing another job well done to my list - a fourth benefit for me.

I hope that everyone who was active in this contest has the same feelings and received lots of benefits too.

I would also like to invite you to "Like" my Facebook Page so I can share many of the great photos and stories along the way.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

International Women's Day

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:26:57 -0800

In honor of International women's day, I would like to invite you to join me in making a Kiva loan. Thousands of women build businesses, improve their lives, educate their families and more with the help of these loans. It is so much more dificult for women to improve their lives -- for example 70% of the world's poor are women and two-thirds of iliterate adults are women. You can help change this by giving a hand-up, not a hand-out. Please join me on Kiva by clicking here.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Why Should You Include Facebook in Your Marketing Plan?

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:54:49 -0800

Should Faceboook be Part of Your Marketing Plan?

It amazes me how many agents and other business people are overlooking Facebook. I am currently traveling in order to learn more about my market. I consult and handle referrals to and from Latin America. I left Wyoming and am now in Mexico. My blog is www.LatinAmericaByJeep.com. I talk about my blog and Facebook page with everyone that I meet.

And do you know what? I have only found a couple of people (out of hundreds) who are not active on Facebook! I was going to share information and photos on just the blog but found that even with my blog --- I need a Facebook page (LatinAmericaByJeep).

It became even more obvious when I read recent research from a reputable and trusted source, The Pew Research Center. A recent report shows that 67% of adults online in December 2012 used Facebook. The number for women is actually 71%. The report goes on to explain that Facebook users are more open to new views and ideas (for example: your products or services) and that they are more trusting when they establish relationships through Facebook.

For more insights about social media marketing see Pew Internet: Social Networking. Then make a commitment to join Facebook Fridays and to really get to work on your Facebook business page.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Fridays's Fotos -- Meet My Foxy new Neighbor

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 20:41:04 -0700

I just noticed that I have a new neighbor. Normally this redhead is very shy but I did get this photo early this evening.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Silent Saturday - Wyoming Sunrise

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sat, 18 Aug 2012 08:16:07 -0700

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Friday's Fotos - Do You Want to Know a Secret?

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 17:50:51 -0700

I was excited to get a photo of these two fawns right after I took the photo of the big buck in the cemetery in Salt Lake City. I posted it earlier today and you can see him here:

Fridays's Fotos -- A Big Surprise

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Fridays's Fotos -- A Big Surprise

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 15:31:03 -0700

I was recently at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah and saw this magnificent buck in a cemetery which is just down the street. I was really amazed to see him there enjoying the big city.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

How We Help With Your Purchase of Real Estate in Latin America

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:02:39 -0700

STEP #1 - GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER.

More and more US and Canadian Citizens are purchasing property in Latin America.

Purchasing real estate anywhere is a complex task and can be confusing and stressful. This is even more true for a Buyer who wants to purchase in another country. We believe that effective communication can make the process much easier for you. We begin by communicating through email and/or by phone.If you really are interested in purchasing in Latin America it is time to do some soul searching and answer several crucial questions.

Do you 100% want to buy in another country and why? Will the property be a second home, a retirement home, or an investment? Do you just want to move to another country? Are you considering the purchase because of a lower cost of living, an employment change, retirement or does the idea of a fresh new start capture your imagination?

Have you ever lived in another country? How much have you traveled in other countries? Have you identified the country and local area where you want to purchase? Have you talked with others who have purchased in other countries? Have you considered language, customs, and behaviors that are unique to the area? Have you taken a realistic look at your finances and budget?

STEP #2 - VISIT THE AREA(S) THAT INTEREST YOU

Before you purchase in Latin America, it is essential to visit the area where you will buy your new home or make an investment. If possible, it is best to rent for at least six months to see if you really are the type of person who is comfortable moving to another country. Most of the people that we work with fall in love with the new area and make friends and are excited to continue with a purchase but there are always a few times where it does not work out. Please don't buy until you feel 100% certain that it is the right decision for you.

STEP #3 - TAKE YOUR TIME

This is an extremely important decision that you are considering -- we try to help make certain that you are never pressured into buying before you are ready. We feel it is extremely important to make certain that the professionals we introduce keep your interests in mind at all times and that we are in constant communication with them and with you to oversee things as you learn about your potential new location.

STEP #4 - FINANCING

Financing is rare in Latin America especially for someone from another country so in most case you will be looking at a cash purchase. If financing is important to you, let us know and we will see what options are available.

STEP #5 - LOOKING FOR THE PROPERTY

We introduce you to local professional agents who understand their particular market and have excellent reputations. We keep in constant communication with them and with you as you look for properties. We stay involved throughout your search to make certain that you find the best possible property.

STEP #6 - MAKING AN OFFER

When you are ready to make an offer, we review the terms and conditions with your local agent to make certain that there will be no unpleasant surprises and that you have been informed of all the differences from a transaction in your home country.

STEP #7 - NOW WHAT?

Procedures are different in all countries so we work to keep you informed and protected during the transaction. We will recommend procedures which may or may not be customary in the area where you purchase. For example: in Mexico, title insurance is not commonly used and even an excellent agent may not suggest it. For your protection, we will strongly encourage it's inclusion.

STEP #8 - SETTLEMENT

We will oversee the transaction and make certain that important matters are covered for settlement. We will also see to it that you are completely informed about utilities, taxes, homeowner associations, etc before you finished.

STEP #9 - A LITTLE EXTRA

If at anytime during your search and purchase, you feel you need extra help, we are willing to come and meet with you, view properties, meet with any involved parties, etc.

STEP #10 - KEEPING IN TOUCH

After you purchase in Latin America we will keep in touch with you. We will provide information about other ex-patriots in the area and other information that will help you get the most enjoyment of your new home in Latin America.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Wordless Wednesday -- My Noisy Neighbor

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 20:13:22 -0700

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Here is a Great Way to Help Others -- KIVA - Not a Handout but a Hand Up

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:20:19 -0700

Have you heard of KIVA?

Many members of ActiveRain are helping by making micro-loans to people who need your help from all over the world. Get a free $25 Kiva trial but don't wait they are going fast.

Today you can try it and make a difference for free with no future obligation (Of course, as I've discovered helping others is contagious and you will probably continue to help).

For a limited time, Reid Hoffman, founder of Linkedin, is sponsoring free trials.

The funds go to the people that you select (I know they get the funds because they repay them and then you can loan again). KIVA has a fantastic rating from every place that I can find to rate charitable organizations. I love the idea that we are not handing money over -- but rather helping people by lending to alleviate poverty. The worldwide network of KIVA leverages the internet and works with micro finance organizations to help create opportunity around the world.

Typical loans are as little as $25 and do a world of good. Learn how it works. Try a loan now.

Others on ActiveRain who are making loans on KIVA include: Juli Vosmik, Peter & Linda Pfann, Emily Read, Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, Kristie Kruger, Richard Ruggaber, Ralph Gorgoglione, Cynthia Larsen and Erica Ramus.

Get a free $25 Kiva trial but don't wait they are going fast.

Have You Posted to Wednesday Wordles Yet?

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:39:59 -0800

Have you posted to the new group in ActiveRain -- Wednesday Wordles?

Have fun and create word clouds that you can use in your marketing materials. Watch for different ideas in the group and share some of your own. The images can be created at Wordle.net. Then you can modify them with different colors, shapes and fonts.

Here is a basic tutorial about Wordles:

Fun in the Rain -- Wordles

This Wordle was created from information on the AR page for the Wednesday Wordles Group. If you are a member, see if you can find your name hidden in the image.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Free Wordles for Valentne's Day

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:40:12 -0800

Here are three Wordles that you are free to use for your Valentine's Day cards or anywhere online.

Or if you would rather receive a card, just send me your mailing (not e-mail) address and I will send you a real card.

The text that I used for these Wordles was the poem How Do I Love Thee? by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth and breadth and height

My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight

For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.

I love thee to the level of every days's

Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.

I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;

I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use

In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.

I love thee with a love I seem to lose

With my lost saints, ---I love thee with breath,

Smiles, tears, of all my life! ---and if God choose,

I shall but love thee better after death.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

We Want You to Join a New Group in the Rain -- Wednesday Wordles

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:12:51 -0800

We want you to join a brand new group in the Rain -- Wednesday Wordles.

This group is a place to share any Wordles that you have created. Wordles are "word clouds" that are created from text or from the text on a web-page.

The images can be modified with different colors, shapes and fonts. They are fun and can be used in your posts or printed materials. You can create you own Wordles at Wordle.net.

We would also love to see any tips, tutorials or interesting ways to use your Wordles.

One basic tutorial is:

Fun in the Rain -- Wordles

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

SEO and Your Images

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:10:21 -0800

Have you stopped and considered SEO and Your Images?

One of the most important things about writing for the web is to remember to write for the viewer and not just for the search engine. It is critical to have a visually appealing site or your viewer will leave and probably never return.If you only use text, your page is not going to be very interesting so you should add pictures and/or images.

But search engines are not able to interpret your images. In a sense the search engine is just like a non-visual human browsing the web.

You may have heard of the term "Alt" used to give accessibility to the visually impaired. It stands for alternative and is text used to describe the image. If you do a good job describing the image you will allow the search engine to understand the image and it will increase the value of the page.

Some basic things to remember when you write your "alt tags" are:

Keep it simple,
Keep details relevant to the image and to the page,
Don't make it too long,
Don't forget to write for both the viewer and the search engine,
Don't try to fool the search engine by loading with keywords.

If you remember to take care in selecting, naming and describing your images you will have a much better site. Both the viewers and the search engines will appreciate your efforts.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Lynn B. Friedman - Look What She Has Done in the Rain

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 22:11:22 -0800

You may recognize Lynn B. Friedman because she has given a lot of her time and energy to create the 2012 Big Jumpstart Blog Challenge.

I met Lynn by reading a comment she made about a year ago. I went to her blog to see if I liked her posts with the idea that if they were as good as the comment I would subscribe.

To my surprise, she had not written any posts. I then looked at some of the other comments she had written on various posts and they were all thoughtful and well written. I subscribed to her blog and sent her an email telling her that I had subscribed so she needed to start posting.

She soon started posting and now has written over 420 posts with 4 of them featured, invited over 20 members and has become an Ambassador. Now she has put together a great challenge.

Lynn has always shown her willingness to support and help everyone in the Rain. If you haven't met Lynn, you should -- right now. Stop by her blog -- and I hope you subscribe.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

My Top Ten Rules for Content on the Web

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 22:20:05 -0800

You have a great topic and now you just want someone to read your post and to come back for more. If viewers don't like your site or blog they leave and they may never return.

How can you keep them? You need to follow some basic rules for the content of anything that you write.

Here are my top ten rules for content on the web.

Make your content accurate and original. Even though you may know your subject, research can give you fresh ideas and possible tips that you might have missed. If you use material from someone else, give credit to them -- don't plagiarize.
Only one idea per paragraph. Don't write one long block of text. Break up your writing by expressing each idea in a single paragraph.
Start each paragraph in journalistic style. By this I mean, put the heart of the paragraph first and then go on to explain it.
Make your content clear & simple. Keep your text to a minimum. Read and re-read to make certain it is clear and easy to understand. Use spell-check. Misspelled words and poor grammar will hurt you.
Keep content up to date. Remember your research. Don't give out-dated material or you will lose your credibility.
Use bold & colors for impact. If you use a few bold or colored words to hit key points, it will get more attention from your reader.
Use good links.Let the reader know where you are sending them by describing it in the link. Never, ever use "click here".
Use lists. Lists make complex material more simple. Readers hate long paragraphs and lists can take their place.
Make your content easy to use. Readers are used to text which is left-aligned and find it difficult to read centered or right-aligned text. Keep them to a minimum. Sub-headings can also help your readers and keep them interested.
Be consistent in your style. Templates are great. Find your own voice as you write and stay with it. You want readers to recognize you and to return because they have an idea what to expect.

These rules are simple but they will help keep your readers on your pages and they will encourage everyone to return over and over.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

From a Comment to a Subscription

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:47:04 -0800

There are many ways to meet interesting people and in this case I met Nancy Hankin by reading one of her comments.

The comment was fantastic and then I found that her posts were very interesting so I subscribed to her blog.

I like the way that Nancy describes herself as "In the People Business Since 1965 Using Old Fashioned Service with New Fashioned Technology!"

I've often felt too many people feel you have to choose between technology and giving people oriented service. I also feel that a lot of agents feel that you must be in real estate 24 hours a day and everything else is way down the list. I really hate to see so many friends killing themselves with stress (I've been that way too).

Nancy is with RE/MAX Real Estate Consultants in Palm Desert, CA.

I had a fascinating conversation with Nancy when I asked permission to write about her. We discussed business, pets, clients, having a balanced life, technology and ActiveRain among other things.

Here is the post that inspired me to subscribe to her blog and to write about her:

"Fourteen years ago I was stuck in bed for three months from cancer surgery. The doctors told me it was a miracle I was still alive (I had stage 4 melanoma) and I needed to REMOVE STRESS from my life......so I asked God for help. I told him we needed to make a living down here and real estate was considered the 17th most stressful job under the Presidency. I asked Him to either show me what other job I could do....OR, could he take over and just bring the clients to me......so I wouldn't have to stress......and I quickly added 'and make them nice.' I am still in real estate and doing just fine, and all my clients have been super nice. Many have become my friends. I also take a day off to go golfing and lunch with my friends and a half day off to play bridge. I take anywhere between 3-10 day vacations at times and my clients have actually waited for me to return from vacation. I am the sole support of my family and I live in a nice home in a nice area......ALL BECAUSE I TOOK THE TIME TO ASK FOR GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION. Try it......it definitely works!"

I think Nancy is someone that can inspire all of us.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

This Isn't Las Vegas

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:11:14 -0800

This isn't Las Vegas. It seems that often it is assumed that since I am from Las Vegas that all my photos will be from Las Vegas. Today I had a chance to watch sled dog races in Southwestern Wyoming. The Race ran from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Park City, Utah. I really enjoyed the race except I forgot my snowshoes and when I decided I wanted to get closer for photos to share, I had to struggle a couple of hundred yards through chest deep snow. I hope you think the photos are worth it.

The race is the International Pedigree Stage Stop Race and is the biggest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. It started Jan 28th and will end tomorrow. Communities along the route had all kinds of community activities as the race would pause for each stage.

I didn't get to the events so I missed out on the Dutch oven dinners and snowshoe softball. Maybe next year.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Are You Bored?

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:46:38 -0800

Are You Bored?

Well, don't be.

Sit down, relax and listen to one of the recorded Webinars or tutorials from ActiveRain University. I just completed a Webinar, "Farming on Facebook", and it was packed with great information about using Facebook for your business.

Newbies might like "Rainmaker Orientation" while more experienced bloggers will find some great tips in "SEO". Tutorials range from "Writing Your First Blog Post" and "Inserting a Picture" to "Referral Network" and "Youtube Blog".

There are tutorials and Webinars that will be interesting to everyone and they are all packed with great information to help you.

Take a few classes from ARU and put some life in your business.

I think Ya Gotta Luv ActiveRain University -- they certainly luv us .

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Fun in the Rain -- Wordles

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:06:25 -0800

I just had a featured post (What is the Last Thing You Taught Someone?) and I promised to write two more posts. Here is the first one. It is a basic tutorial on Wordles. Wordles are "word clouds" that are created from text or from the text on a web-page. The images can be modified with different colors, shapes and fonts. They are fun and can be used in your posts or printed materials. You can create your own Wordles at Wordle.net.

Here is a basic Wordle made from the ActiveRain home page:

In this image, I changed the colors using the drop down color button, I selected the custom pallet and used colors similar to the ones in ActiveRain:

I used the Layout button and changed the Layout:

This time I changed the font using the menu from the Font Button:

I used the color button to get a totally different look:

I went back to create a Wordle and inserted a block of copy (Latin America paradise4gringos.com Gary Coles real estate My specialty is referrals to Latin America If you have a referral for Latin America I would love to help find them a home for retirement or investment.). If you notice the two-word phrases are separated:

This time I keep the two-word phrases together by replacing the space between words with a tilde character "~" (Latin~America paradise4gringos.com Gary~Coles real estate My specialty is referrals to Latin~America If you have a referral for Latin~America I would love to help find them a home for retirement or investment.) Now those words and names stay together. This will work for longer phrases too.

The size of words is determined by how many times they show up in your text. You can add the words over and over several times to get them to be larger. I added the word "big" and typed it three times to get it to show as large as anything in the image:

This time I deleted the word "big" by right clicking on it and then clicking on the remove button:

To save an image the easiest way is to use your print screen feature (Shift and PrintScreen in Windows). Here is the screen shot:

Now I crop the screen shot and have my Wordle all ready to use or I can then add text, rotate and do other things to the image depending on my software for working with photos.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial on Wordles. Have fun with them.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Stop, Look and Listen --That's How to Find Topics for Your Posts

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:53:12 -0800

Are you serious about finding topics and creating great posts for your blogs? One of the things that slows down many bloggers is the search for topics.

How can you find some great subjects. My advice is Stop, Look and Listen.

Stop -- Too often we are so absorbed in our day to day work to pay attention the things around us. It is like the old saying, "Stop and smell the roses". We need time and interests away from the day to day pressures. When life is balanced we find interesting things that it is fun to share. I always feel sorry for the individuals who only post their listings because they are not truly involved in the fantastic culture that is established here in the Rain.

Look -- there are thousands of topics if you look for them. It can be just observing your surroundings as you drive down the road, something you see in a listing, a trait you observed in a buyer, your family and pets or an article that you just read in the China Daily.

Listen -- what fascinating things are your friends, family and peers talking about? Maybe you heard a great idea in the sermon at church or the cry of an eagle got you thinking about our magnificent world. it is amazing the amount of topics you will hear about if you just pay attention to everything around you.

Topics are unlimited if you just Stop, Look and Listen. Now go have fun with your Blog.

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

ActiveRain University - Ya Gotta Luv It

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:22:37 -0800

Ya Gotta Luv it - I'm talking about ActiveRain University.

Just think about any website or software that you use and ask yourself, "Do they provide excellent training to help you use the site or product?"

Think about the sites you visit: Facebook, Twitter and others -- chances are there is no significant training unless you pay extra or go to a third party site. Most sites and software companies must not even have live people because there is no way to reach them.

ActiveRain is the greatest -- there is an ActiveRain University with great classes and more to help you make the most of AR. And there are live people you can contact and you will even know their names and what they look like.

Here is a quick look at ARU:

Help -- with a huge list of FAQ's that answer the most common questions in easy to understand language.

Video Tutorials -- this includes over two dozen great tutorials and recorded Webinars that you can visit any time.

Classes -- these classes are held live on-line and there are a lot of them. There were 31 classes offered in January. Of course some of them were repeats to make it easy to attend, but just think of all that information waiting for you.

Newsletter -- You can sign up for AR's daily newsletter -- great ideas every day.

Guides -- here you can find written manuals to get you started and to learn advanced techniques.

ARU blog -- you just have to look at this to see all the great material they present.

Again, I think Ya Gotta Luv ActiveRain University -- they certainly luv us .

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

A Year of Growing Rich: Overcome Fear to Reach Your Goal

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:13:21 -0800

A Year of Growing Rich: Overcome Fear to Reach Your Goal

This is the 40th week of a 52 week motivational journey and I want to invite you along. Each week, I will touch on one of the chapters from Napoleon Hill's book titled A Year of Growing Rich and subtitled "52 Steps to Achieving Life's Rewards."

If you would like you can pick up a new or used copy from Amazon for as low as a few cents -- a great investment in your future. Previous posts in this series can be accessed by clicking here.

"Fear is the greatest single obstacle to success," says Hill. "Too often, people let fear rule all their decisions and actions. They yearn for nothing but security".

Maybe you don't think of the word "fear"in your life. But if you don't take certain actions, what is holding you back? Hill seems to think that it is "fear". It may be fear of failure, of making the wrong decision, of not having all the information needed, or of many other things -- but it can still be described as "fear".

Fear is not necessarily a bad thing -- it is only bad when it controls our actions.

Hill says, "But we must control fear rather than permitting it to control us. Once it has served its purpose as a warning signal, we must not permit it to enter into the logical reasoning by which we decide upon a course of action."

Hill explains that successful people overcome fear and take action. They must not procrastinate and they must always take that first step.

"Remember that no one walks the road of life alone. One of the most consoling -- and truest -- assurances given to us is found in the Bible: 'Fear not, for I am with you always,'" concludes Hill. "Faith in those words will give you spiritual strength to meet any situation."

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

What is the Last Thing You Taught Someone?

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:12:03 -0800

The 2012 BIG Jumpstart Blog Challenge has created a lot of awareness and interest in many things -- but one thing has always been very visible in the Rain and that is members sharing experiences and the best ways to do things.

The ActiveRain philosophy (Weltanschauung) says:

"ActiveRain believes that it is in the best interests of real estate professionals to build a community that is focused on educating one another. ActiveRain believes its future depends on members of all experience levels openly sharing their experiences and best practices with others in the field. This communal dialogue offers a unique opportunity for professional growth and is the way to share in the dynamism and excitement that constitutes the modern real estate business."

As I read this I stopped and started thinking about the things that I have shared or taught to others here in the Rain. I also realized that I have several topics that I would love to share. In the next few weeks, I promise to have posts telling about Google Voice and Wordles (Word Clouds). I also plan to put together a Webinar about creating more referral income (if I have enough interest).

Here is a Wordle created using the text from this post:

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.

Recap for Weeks 3 & 4 of 2012 with Update on Yazmine

Gary Coles Latin America Real Estate (Venture Realty International) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 14:32:23 -0800

The December Posting Challenge kept many of us in touch and I am continuing with a recap each week. I'm behind so here is the recap for weeks three and four of 2012.

My office manager Yazmine (a Siamese and great friend) has developed severe kidney problems and many of you have asked me to continue updates.

Yazmine has been doing much better. I have been giving her subcutaneous fluids most days. Most of the time she doesn't seem to mind the needle but once in a while her little meow sounds just like someone saying ouch. Today I was getting ready to give the shot and she said ouch just before I was ready to give the shot. Then she looked at me as if to say, "Oh you haven't stuck me yet, have you?" --- Just like a little kid.

As part of my plan to build business, I have been using SendOutCards. I sent them to many of my old customers and prospects to start the year. The response has been fantastic so I have been very busy the last two weeks just following up with the people who are getting back to me.

The cards are quick and easy to send. Most people love getting a personalized card in the mail. I usually include photos that relate to the person I am sending them to and I can send them in a matter of minutes. The price can't be beat -- it is the best marketing that I have ever done.

If you would like to learn more they have an excellent short video. Or call me or even scroll to the bottom of this post and send a free card to anyone you like.

And how here is one of my file photos of Yazmine:

Follow my blog as I give you tips and fun facts about Latin America, expatriates, relocation and making referral income.

Latin America -- Isn't it about time you learned more about the opportunities for YOU?

Viva Latin America

If you are looking to

Buy or Sell real

estate contact

Gary Coles

702-508-8440

garytcoles@aol.com

Do you have questions about real estate in Latin America? We are glad to provide assistance if you are considering a real estate purchase in Latin America

www.Paradise4Gringos.com

We LOVE Referrals

As a thank you for reading my blog, send a real card NOW to someone you are thinking about. Postage and card are free - Just click on the SendOutCards Logo.