On Home Pricing is the sky the limit? - 11/30/09 06:34 PM
Great script of the day about consequences of overpricing homes!
Via Joe Pryor.com Realtor Oklahoma Investment Properties (Redbud Realty):
When I was a younger man I used to hunt ducks and geese with my older brother. He is one of those people who was born 300 years too late, otherwise he would be pushing west into unknown territory. I used to call him Natty Bumppo. We had a leased property that was right next to the refuge around Tishomingo Oklahoma where tens of thousands of geese would stop on their way south. We would get up at 4 in the morning to go have … (0 comments)

Effective Link Building on Bing - 11/30/09 06:33 PM
Great tips below!
Via Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235 (Second Self Virtual Assistance):
Yes, Google is the dominant force in search engines at the moment.  But that doesn't mean you should ignore Yahoo and Bing altogether in your link building efforts.  While Yahoo's share of searches is declining, Bing's is continually on the rise.  And, if Microsoft's deal with Yahoo goes through, Bing will pretty much take over Yahoo anyway.  Here are some tips to create effective link building on Bing:
Branding - Create your brand and market it everywhere: website, blog, forums, social media, etc. Network - Seek out "professionals" … (1 comments)

How to use Diigo to Organize your ActiveRain Blog Bookmarks - 11/30/09 06:31 PM
I am just learning to use my bookmarks to use as reblogs more often!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
ActiveRain has a great feature called blog bookmarks where you can bookmark a post on the ActiveRain platform and return to it later to read.  Bookmarking is a wonderful tool, but unless you have something in place to help you to come back to that bookmark the chances are that post that you thought had so much useful information will sit and collect dust.
There is a solution and it's called Diigo. 
 
… (0 comments)

Repairs That Help Sell Your Home .. in any market... - 11/30/09 06:30 PM
This is always discussion worthy!
Via Eric Reid (Renaissance Realty Group ):
Repairs That Help Sell Your Home
Most sellers know of some repairs that need to be made to their home, and a lot of sellers have many items on that list, but not all repairs are equal or, rather, not all home improvements rank high in the buyer's mind.
Finding out which repairs will help you sell your home helps you create a good, solid fix-it list to work on. A study aimed to take the guess-work out of where to spend your repair dollars. According to the study, the top … (0 comments)

200 Great Real Estate People to Follow on Twitter - 11/30/09 06:28 PM
Anything Twitter catches my attention!

Via Stefan Swanepoel (Author, Speaker & Trends Guru):
Many agents often ask me at seminars where do they start with Twitter?
How do they make contact with great people on real estate?
Who can they learn from? Etc. etc.
Well to make it easy I have compiled a list of 200 Interesting and Influential People on Twitter. I have made it so easy that you can view all their profiles on two pages and with two clicks follow all of them.
 

 
I am following all of them, I suggest you do to:
List … (1 comments)

How To Increase Your Traffic from Twitter - 11/30/09 06:12 PM
Anything Twitter catches my attention!
Via Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235 (Second Self Virtual Assistance):
By now, I'm sure you've heard all about Twitter.  Even Oprah has hopped on the Twitter bandwagon and tweets regularly.  Thousands upon thousands of businesses have found major benefits in Twitter as well.  Here are a few simple and easy ways to increase your traffic from Twitter:
1. Include a link to your Twitter account on your blogs, website or any other internet materials you use.  There are several online resources that provide cute, free Twitter buttons to use for this.
2. Don't use up … (0 comments)

Google Wave: How to reply - 11/30/09 06:10 PM
I have Google Wave but need to practice using it with some AR Bloggers!
Via Cheryl Johnson, Bob Taylor Properties, Inc., Los Angeles, CA:
There are two simple ways to Reply to comments when having a conversation in Google Wave.
You can insert a Reply to anywhere in the conversation.
1.  Find the comment to which you want to Reply.  Or just place your Reply after the most recent comment in the conversation.
2.  Hover your mouse over the bottom border of the comment, and a double blue line will appear.  Click on the double blue line.

 
Clicking on the double … (1 comments)

How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog - 11/30/09 06:03 PM
I love the "how to" Tech Tips!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
How To Create and Use iFrames and Tables on Your Blog
Last week I promised to create a post explaining how to add iFrames and tables to your Blog posts.  Instead of making this a long drawn out technical "How To" tutorial, I decided to make it really easy for those of you interested in using this feature.  It is HTML based and does require a little HTML skill, but I think the way I'm about to show you will totally simplify the process and keep you from … (0 comments)

INVESTORS- The Dirty Dozen Pre-Qual Questions...and then some - 11/30/09 05:37 PM
Great Questions List for Investors!
Via John Occhi, ePRO, Hemet-San Jacinto CA Real Estate, 951-443-6259 (Allison James Estate and Homes):
As an REO Listing Agent, specializing in the local market of Hemet and San Jacinto, CA  bank owned (REO) real estate, my listings generate a lot of activity in the real estate investment world.Real Estate Investors are unlike first time buyers.  They should never be emotionally attached to any single transaction; for the real estate investor it is all about the numbers and what makes sense.  Whereas the first time home buyer or even the repeat buyer, is looking for a place to … (2 comments)

How to Winterize your Pets ... Holiday Tips for Pet Owners - 11/30/09 05:26 PM
Would not and could not miss an opportunity to highlight this article!
Via Joan Whitebook, ABR,e-Pro,CEBA Southern New Hampshire (Buyer's Option Realty Services):
   The holidays can be a stressful time for both humans and their pets. 

Get your pet ready for the holidays and for winter.
- Don't use glass ornaments. They may break and cut a your pet's feet and mouth. - No edible ornaments. Your dog or cat may knock the tree over in an attempt to grab them. - Whether your tree is live or ornamental, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. - Keep the tree in a room that … (3 comments)

Highlights of "The Power of Full Engagement" - 11/30/09 05:15 PM
I asked a few agents what were their favorite parts or lessons were from the Buffini Richmond Event recently. I dove into the REBAR Camp that same day but I was curious about their favorite take away lessons. One agent mentioned the number of times you have to continue to call back a customer. Another attendee mentioned the rhythm of your day. The next agent elaborated on this and mentioned the book, "The Power of Full Engagement." I was intrigued so I downloaded it on my Kindle. The main point is that we manage energy not time. The company studied uber successful athletes … (2 comments)

How NOT to Price Your Home - 11/28/09 06:41 PM
This is so very true!
Via J. Philip Real Estate LLC Briarcliff Manor, NY:
How not to price your home:
Take your mortgage balance. Add your credit cards. Throw in your cars. Add a generous portion of all the money you borrowed from relatives.  Pile on your down payment for that other house you have your eye on. Last but not least, give yourself an extra 50 grand just for being you.  Get a blank look on your face when you are told that the buying public doesn't care what you owe.  Wait. Wait some more.  Decide you'll stay after all.  Here's a … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Church Suppers - 11/25/09 09:26 PM
Southern Maryland Church Suppers are a Fall Ritual in Calvert County. I hit them all. Family members, Friends, Clients, and Neighbors all get in their dressed down duds to enjoy a Southern Maryland Feast. This time of year there are lots of Ham and Oyster Suppers. The next one is at Trinity in Prince Frederick, MD on Saturday Dec 5, 2009. A bunch of us just went to the Crabcakes and Ham Church Supper at St Paul's last weekend which was sensational! I think Mt. Harmony outdid themselves this year on their Ham and Oyster Dinner. I missed the one at … (3 comments)

Christmas Client Party...Throw your own Wreath Making Dinner Party! - 11/25/09 08:52 PM
Christmas Family and Friend and Client Party...Throw your own Wreath Making Dinner Party! It's that time of year again. The day after Thanskgiving I go to my Friends' Farm and we start snipping holly and magnolia and pine branches from the trees. Then we load it up in my old car that has survived almost 20 years worth  of Wreath Making Dinner Party Preparations . Then I drive home and unload each of the piles onto my Porch. More friends bring cuttings during the week preceding the Wreath Making Dinner Party. Each early evening, I go out by the Beach and pull … (5 comments)

What Books are NEW on your Kindle Lately? - 11/25/09 08:27 PM
What Books are NEW on your Kindle Lately? I download books on the Amazon.com Kindle when I have just read a review or heard someone mention a book that sounds interesting and I just can't wait two seconds flat to dig in and start reading it. Unfortunately, the new Ted Kennedy and Sarah Palin books were not yet available on the Kindle so I had to cave in and go to the Bookstore. I tend to gravitate toward Business and Biographies that are NEW Arrivals to summarzie simply. But the list goes on and on, so what Books are NEW on … (3 comments)

Elvis Presley and Real Estate - 11/25/09 07:56 PM
Elvis Presley and Real Estate? Okay, what does Elvis Presley have to do with Real Estate?
I love to read, and as you know from my Kindle Tales and Calvert County Library posts, and Nook mentions and Barnes and Noble expeditions, I like books of all kinds and all shapes and all subjects coming at me rapidly. Something in a book about Elvis Presley always stuck with me. It mentioned that if he had just taken the things he did for fun, and also turned them into money making ventures, what a difference it would have made. I like to ponder this … (4 comments)

What are your Top Ten Tech Tools Today? - 11/25/09 07:36 PM
What are your Top Ten Tech Tools Today?
This lists changes every few months as more products hit the market, but off the top of my head, my Top Ten Tech Tools Today would be:
www.Xobni.com which spelled backwards is Inbox. It works with Microsoft Outlook and revs up the search speed for every attachment, conversation and data for a particular contact. But the coolest part is that it also pulls up the contact's facebook photo so you know what someone looks like before you meet them.
Fujitsu Scan Snap Scanner is a rapid fire way to scan docs on both … (15 comments)

Using ping.fm to distribute your single property websites to your social networks - 11/25/09 05:58 PM
C
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
One of our favorite members - Janie Coffey - put together a set of video tutorials on how to best utilize the RealBird service. I included below one of her screencasts about an advanced (but simple) technique using Ping.fm with RealBird to quickly distribute your RealBird single property websites to multiple social networks and social bookmarking sites - with one click. 

Introducing the RealBird Tutorial and Case Studies wiki
We started a new website - a wiki hosted by Zoho - and posted the first set of RealBird tutorials. It is a work in progress and … (0 comments)

Good Tweet Deck Tutorial - 11/24/09 09:05 PM
I've got TweetDeck Loaded on my laptops and the more I use it, the more i appreciate it's features.
Via Jane Peters Los Angeles Living, Los Angeles Homes (BRC Realty Group):
This is a good overview of Tweet Deck.  If I find something that goes into more detail I will update:
 
Buying or selling real estate in Los Angeles can be an overwhelming process.  Contact Jane Peters, Los Angeles realtor specializing in absentee owners, out-of-town buyers, and those who need that extra attention, in order to make the transaction a smooth, trouble-free, and fun experience.
Search Los Angeles Homes for Sale.
… (1 comments)

How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale - 11/24/09 08:55 PM
This says it simply and  throughly but covers all the points that I like to make anyway!
Via Melinda Peterson Grants Pass Southern Oregon Real Estate Cafe (Real Estate Cafe):
How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale on Howcast
How To Stage Your Home For a Quick Sale. You don't have to invest a ton of money to make your home more appealing to potential buyers - a few tips and tricks might just do the trick.
You Will Need
Flowers Storage space Pillows Time to tidy up Good coffee Frozen cookie dough
Step 1: Start outdoors
For homebuyers, … (1 comments)

What's In A Web Browser Anyways? Back To The Basics. - 11/24/09 08:42 PM
This answers all the questions I have been having about Firefox and Safari versus Internet Explorer!
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
What's In A Web Browser Anyways? Back To The Basics.  Whenever I write a post about techonology and mention using Firefox or Safari I get emails and comments with the following questions:
What is Firefox? I can't use Firefox because I have to use IE for my MLS. Why do you say you use Firefox and Safari? I want to use Firefox but it is just a habit to use … (0 comments)

My Wrap on Virtual REBarCamp - 11/24/09 08:34 PM
This was a fabulous FREE Webinar Event. I hear it is in the works to possibly attend the second REBAR Camp right before the Inman Convention in January. If so, mark your calenders. It is outstanding outpouring of social media information..i.e roughly 27 classes in 30 minute segments rapid fire all day long. Fantastic!
Via Mike Mueller (Tech and Social Media Consultant):
Just a quick post. Nah… make that more of a giant thank you! The first ever Virtual REBarCamp was held yesterday and if you were one of the more than 2,000 people that attended there’s a few people you need to … (1 comments)

Sometimes the Best Things in Life are FREE: NAR 2009 Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers Just Released! - 11/24/09 08:20 PM
Sometimes the Best Things in Life are FREE: NAR 2009 Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers Just Released! The things that are FREE, like the companionship and loyalty and fun of a Golden Retriever, a good, long walk along the Chesapeake Bay, a great book to read...some of these are the best things and FREE as can be! The just released NAR 2009 Profiles of Home Buyers and Sellers can be downladed by agents off the www.Realtor.org site from the Realtor store right now for free. It is a  wealth of statistics on Home Buyers and Sellers for 2009! Stay tuned for … (4 comments)

Quick sharing to Craigslist, Backpage and social media - Productivity update #2 - 11/24/09 08:03 PM
Real Bird and Active Rain are a winning combination for your listings.
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
As promised, we continue to roll out productivity upgrades to the RealBird Listing Publisher. Here is the second feature which should reduce the time it requires to perform important repetitive tasks such as reposting your RealBird property websites to Craigslist and to social media. The more clicks we save for, the more likely you will actually use the features. So our theory goes ...
Last week, we made a downloadable PDF file available that should help you keep track of repetitive tasks with a simple checklist. … (1 comments)

Slideshow ads of your RealBird listings on Backpage.com - and on local online newspaper sites - 11/24/09 08:01 PM
RealBird always has great features to advertise your listings.
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
John Slocum was kind to let us know a few weeks ago that he could successfully post his RealBird property ads on Backpage using the new, high-impact RealBird embed code. Not only BackPage takes the RealBird slideshow code with all its glory, but it also produces very nice search engine ranking for your listings.
Most of you know the value of posting your RealBird single property websites to Craigslist, but I thought it is good to emphasize the importance of posting to Backpage.com as well. With our new RealBird Quick … (0 comments)

Putting RealBird to work - free Webinar - 11/24/09 07:57 PM
In case you missed this Free Webinar notice by Real Bird, here's how you can sign up for the class  scheduled Noon East Coast Thanksgiving Eve! See you there!
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
Just a quick reminder that we are conducting a new, free Webinar next Wednesday about how to best utilize RealBird.
Topics include:
Win more Listings!  Promote your Listings more Agressively!  Find more Buyers!  Brand and Promote your Real Estate Practice!  Leverage Social Networks like Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter to stay connected with your sphere of influence!  When: Nov 25, 2009 | 9 AM - 10 AM PST You can register for … (3 comments)

Week of 11/16/09- Real Skillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies - 11/24/09 07:50 PM
Rebecca's posts are always action packed and well worth reading and reblogging in case you missed one!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
Week of 11/16/09- Real Skillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies
Create and Manage a Team-Authored Blog:  8 Steps to Reap SEO Gains Subscribe to a free trial to Marketing SHERPA to read this article with great tips on how to create and manage a team authored blog.  Team authored blogs make sense for real estate professionals … (0 comments)

5 Real Estate Take-Aways from PubCon Vegas 2009- Matt Cutts on "What Has Google Done for Users Lately?" - 11/24/09 07:47 PM
I just found  some more gotta do Google stuff to add to the to do list!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
5 Real Estate Take-Aways from PubCon Vegas 2009- Matt Cutts on "What Has Google Done for Users Lately?" One of the best sessions I attended at PubCon 2009 Las Vegas was Search Engines and Webmasters-The Smackdown.  It was a session featuring Matt Cutts of Google and Nathan Buggia of Bing discussing their views of search and their companies unique offerings in the search space.  I was very interested in Buggia's confirmation … (0 comments)

How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts - 11/24/09 07:21 PM
Here's a great tutorial on how to use Scribefire to enhance your Active Rain Posts!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
How To Use ScribeFire to Enhance Your ActiveRain Blog Posts  
Scribefire.com is a great 3rd party add-on to the Mozilla Firefox Browser.  Lately, the emails and calls have been coming in about how to setup AR Blogs, get API's, and how to use Scribefire with ActiveRain Blog posts.  First off, the reason I mention Scribefire is that it is one of the few third party apps I have found that works well and doesn't conflict with the AR Network HTML … (1 comments)

Neeld Estate in Huntingtown MD Residents Need Help from Storm! - 11/23/09 08:19 PM
Neeld Estate in Huntingtown MD Residents Need Help from Storm! The storm damage will be on Channel 9 News tonight showing that the Homeowners along the Neeld Estate Beach closer to the Breezy Point Harbor are being deluged with water again. The recent storms have obliterated the beach and all that is keeping the water from coming in several of the homes is the relentless effort of the neighbors to pile thousands of sand bags and hundreds of tires along the front of the homes. Until you see this, you cannot fathom the devastation. I took an old tire down and some … (0 comments)

35 Places to List your Real Estate Business Online for Local Search - 11/21/09 05:31 AM
Rebecca Levinson posts the best Marketing Ideas. Here's an action list!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
35 Places to List your Real Estate Business Online for Local Search  
BestofCitySearch- Nominate and vote for local businesses. Free BestoftheWeb Local- Business Listing allows contact information, hours of operation, consumer reviews, about us.  Free CitySearch- Directory of local services.  Can create ads and set a budget.  Citysearch has a Mobile App for IPhone, a mobile app forBlackberry, and Palm Pre.- PAID Set a Budget.   CitySquares.com-  List your Business profile.  Free Dex Knows- Local … (5 comments)

Top Ten FREE Tech Tools : Highlights of Yesterday's Virtual Real Estate Bar Camp Webinar - 11/18/09 10:08 PM
Top Ten FREE Tech Tools : Highlights of Yesterday's Virtual Real Estate Bar Camp Webinar was one of my favorite classes offered  for the Real Estate Tomato's FREE all day Webinar. The class was hosted by  Steve Rosenbaum at www.SteveRosenbaum.com. His favorite FREE Tech Products are Jing for screen recording, Gimp in lieu of Photoshop, Audacity for sounds, NVU for html editing, Dropbox for LARGE file sharing, YouSendIt for emailing large files, FileZilla for fttp client, Alltop for Blog Resources, Popurl for relevant popular urls, and Stuff to Tweet for yep, stuff to tweet. I will be looking all these up and … (9 comments)

Friends of Calvert Library in Southern Maryland - 11/18/09 09:51 PM
Friends of Calvert Library just mailed their Brochure in Southern Maryland which announces their recurring  "Gently Used Book Sale Event "on Thursday January 7 from 5-8PM as a SNEAK Preview for members only. The Public Sale  hosted by Friends of Calvert Library is Friday January 8 from 12-4PM  and Saturday January 9 from 9-3PM. They can be reached at Friends of Calvert Library P.O. Box 1611 Prince Frederick MD 20678 or www.folcalvert.org. The books are almost NEW at a couple of dollars apiece. Join this fun and worthy Library Book Event in Southern Maryland!
For your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services, contact Cheryl … (0 comments)

INTERESTING INFO ON WHO IS BUYING AND HOW THE HOUSING MARKET HEALS FROM THE BOTTOM UP - 11/18/09 09:02 PM
This article has a lot of facts I did know and some new fun ones to learn!
Via Florida Pines Realty, LLC:
The market always heals from the bottom up" according to Paul Bishop, National Association of Realtors Vice President of Research. According to the recently released sales numbers 47% of buyers this past year were first time home buyers.  Surpassing the previous high record of first time purchasers set back in 1991
 "These buyers are critical to housing and a general economic recovery ...they absorb inventory, free existing owners to make a trade and stimulate related goods and services " said Bishop.  He … (1 comments)

How to Cut Your Real Estate Blogging Time In Half and Re-purpose Your Content Three Ways with the Time Saved - 11/17/09 07:33 AM
This is a great idea list on how to add sauce to your spaghetti...i.e. add the tasty stuff quickly and efficiently.
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
How To Cut Your Real Estate Blogging Time in Half and Re-purpose Your Content Three Ways with the Time Saved
One of the burdens challenges of being a content creator is providing consistently focused content that will be of interest to your readers.  If you are blogging 3-5 times per week or more content creation can become difficult for many real estate bloggers.  Now if … (4 comments)

Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program - 11/17/09 07:04 AM
This is definitely something to pass along as we approach the Holidays!
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
Thanks to Xerox sending out a Thank You card to our soldiers is simple, fast and free.    At this time of the year we can take some time out to teach our children about giving thanks and living in gratitude. The best way of course to teach gratitude is by being a good example of being in a thankful state of mind. You can gather your children around your computer right now and go … (1 comments)

5 Reasons Why - 11/17/09 06:47 AM
This "Five Reasons Why" says it short and sweet why we should have a Facebook Business Page!
Via Mike Mueller (Tech and Social Media Consultant):

It’s no secret I’m a fan of the Facebook (Fan) Business Page.  I also have a few real estate clients.  Hence it’s no surprise that I have built quite a few Custom Facebook Business Pages for real estate agents.  Here’s a few:http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemueller/sets/72157622207611298/detail/
Not a single day goes by that someone doesn’t ask the big question
WHY? Make no mistake it’s a very valid question. 
Here’s the 5 reasons I think every agent needs a Facebook Page:
 “SEO” – a … (2 comments)

LinkedIn - The Red Headed Stepchild of Social Media - 11/17/09 06:45 AM
This looks like a great event for today! Check it out!
Via Mike Mueller (Tech and Social Media Consultant):
Educating Real Estate Agents On How To Use Modern Technologies To Better Their Business Will Never Be The Same!
On November 17th, 2009 dozens of the most respected educators in the real estate industry converge to host the first of its kind, Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.
Virtual Real Estate BarCamp is a 1-Day Learning Extravaganza. From 9am until 4pm PST, three concurrent webinar "rooms" will each host 9 different sessions, for a total of 27 different presentations. There is something for everyone and … (0 comments)

Simplify Your Online Life! - 11/17/09 06:25 AM
I'm going to have to try YooNo. My only hesitation is that I have to use Internet Explorer for contracts so will Firefox ad IE be compatible?
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):
How To Be In More Than One Place At The Same Time on Your Social Networks. Simplify Your Online Life!  I have been experimenting with different programs to help make my  social networking more efficient. The biggest thing I look for in programs whether they be add-ons to Firefox or actual software to install on the hard drive is how much … (0 comments)

How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign - 11/17/09 06:01 AM
RE/MAX 100 in Southern Maryland hosts a yearly Komen Boardwalkathon. These tips will catapult the charity event into the STARS!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
How to Use the Power of Social Media and Local Businesses to Fuel a Local Charitable Online Marketing Campaign
 
It's the time to pay thanks and what better way for real estate professionals to become actively involved in their communities than to put the power of social media marketing to a charitable use online?  Today I am going to use the GiveNGoble Campaign to illustrate how you can use … (0 comments)

It's Time to Think About Local Search and How You Can Make an Impact Online - 11/17/09 05:59 AM
I'll be reading and rereading this article. It's action packed with great ideas.
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
One of my favorite sessions at PubCon Vegas 2009 was the Local Search and Mobile Optimization session.  I have been following local search for the past five years from a marketing angle.  Quite awhile ago I realized that the SEM field would have to address the needs of consumers.  Consumers want to research and have a need to find local vendors online.
The local online space is fascinating because it's a space where the national players can be beat.  Here's … (2 comments)

How To Select a Real Estate Agent to Purchase a Home - 11/17/09 05:03 AM
What a great, well written article well worth reblogging on Active Rain!
Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):
There are four simple reasons the time is right to buy a home NOW!
1.  The inventory to select from is high.
2.  The interest rates are very affordable.
3.  New legislation created a STIMULUS package to encourage home sales.
4. The buyers market could soon be turning into a sellers market. 
 
                                
On November 6, 2009 the President signed an extension for the first-time home buyer credit of $8,000. The legislation also INCLUDED a move up buyers credit for a $6,500.  With basic … (2 comments)

How YouTube Can Promote You AND Your Business - 11/17/09 04:54 AM
You Tube Blog that says it all in a Recent Active Rain post!
Via Pamela Cendejas, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 692-3235 (Second Self Virtual Assistance):
Have you ever thought about how YouTube can promote you as well as your business?  It's really quite easy and the YouTube account is free.  With millions of people accessing and sharing videos via YouTube every month, you would be crazy not to consider using YouTube for promotional purposes.  Here are only a few of the ways you can use YouTube to promote you and your business:
1. Personal Virtual Tours - While a "professional" virtual tour is really not much … (2 comments)

The Best of NAR 2009 Expo - Real Estate Technology - 11/17/09 04:18 AM
This is REALLLLY neat! A Reader's Digest Film Version of the BEST new stuff at the NAR Expo!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
The Best of NAR 2009 Expo - Real Estate Technology
NAR each year is always packed with great sessions, speakers, topics and presenters.  There's no way to see and do it all!  One of my favorite parts of the Convention is walking around, meeting people in the hallways, hugging old friends and shaking hands with new ones. This year, William Shatner was one of the special guests at NAR, but unfortunately, I didn't get the chance to sign … (1 comments)

FREE Cell Phone Google Business Directory 1 800 GOOG 411 & FREE Google Business Products - 11/13/09 08:44 PM
Dial  1-800-GOOG 411!  It's a FREE Google Business Phone Number Directory for your cell phone ! Not only is it FREE plus it can connect you, text you, or just give you the Business phone number you do not have synched yet to your cell phone. I just experimented with this and also with Google Voice this week. This additional FREE Google Voice product transcribes your Voice Messages on your cell phone to text or EMail! There are phonetic errors but the gist of the message gets through with correct phone numbers. Then I got so curious to see what else Google had to help run … (4 comments)

Have You Ever Wondered ...... - 11/12/09 04:13 PM
This is a great set of instructions for doing signatures or arrows on Active Rain Posts!
Via Liz Loadholt- AgentOwned Realty- Covering SC:
 Have you ever wondered how I got my Mama Liz signature? 
 

 
Here's how --- 1) sign your name 2) scan your name 3) save as a jpg 4) go to picknik.com   --- it is free 5) sign up for an account   --- it is free 6) upload photo 7) click on create 8) click on stickers 9) click on awareness ribbons 10) click on the breast cancer (pink) in my case 11) place it where you … (3 comments)

xobni is Awesome Outlook Add On Tech Tool (Spells Inbox backwards) - 11/12/09 01:00 PM
Visit www.Xobni.com for a FREE awesome Outlook Add On that takes minutes to appreciate. I heard about this on a recent Starpower  CD and of course have to check out the coolest and latest tech tool for Business. One feature alone is enough to want this. The Xobni screen shows up to the right of your Outlook Inbox and starts with Facebook photos of the EMail Sender. Then there is a visual list of the attachments, conversations, networks and the list goes on for each EMail Sender  that you highlight in your Inbox. Check out www.Xobni.com and let me know your … (6 comments)

Managing Widgets for Your Outside Blog - 11/10/09 05:23 PM
Here's a ReBlog on inserting Widgets for your outside Active Rain Blog!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
Many have asked how to add, remove & change the order of your widgets on your outside blog.  So, today I put together a short tutorial on how to do all of this.  If you are not familiar with how these widgets work, watch this simple 3 minute video & it will walk you through step by step.
If you are having trouble viewing what I do on my screen, click the full screen tab & watch.
 

 
If you are not … (1 comments)

Inserting Video onto Your Active Rain Blog - 11/10/09 05:22 PM
Here's another great tutorial on inserting videos in your Active Rain blog!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
I just finished reading Erin Golding's post: How on Earth Do You Blog So Much and in there, she made the following statement:
(I can't figure out how to embed videos into my ActiveRain blog so if anyone can help, that would be great).
I wanted to make sure she got the answer, so the first thing I did was read through the 80 comments thinking for sure someone had left a link to a post on how to do this.  To my surprise … (2 comments)

Inserting Links into Your Blog - 11/10/09 05:20 PM
Here's some instructions on inserting links in your Active Rain blog!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
I get asked several times a week by members on how to insert links into blog posts.  So, I decided it was time to do a blog post about how to do this.  Watch the short video below as I walk you through the process of adding links & unlinking on your ActiveRain blog.
As always, do not forget to label your link! It takes only a second but can really increase the power of your blog exponentially!
If you are having trouble viewing … (0 comments)

How to Insert Photos into your blog & Placing Properly to Make Them Pop! - 11/10/09 05:19 PM
Here's a great refresher on how to add photos for your Blog Post!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
The number 1 question that I get asked each week by new members is how to insert photos into your blog and move them around.  I would guess this question comes up anywhere from 3-5 times each week.  Adding photographs to your ordinary blocks of text in a blog post can take your boring posts to another level. 
However, many are confused on how to insert photos, or use the different components of ActiveRain's photo editor, so I am going to break … (2 comments)

Creating & Uploading a Custom Header to ActiveRain and Your Outside Blog~ A Video Tutorial - 11/10/09 05:18 PM
I did this with Mary O'Hara's help, but here are the directions to add the Custom Header on your own!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
I get asked often how I created my custom header for both my ActiveRain Blog and also my Outside Blog.  The process of creating one is actually pretty simple to do.  Instead of doing a tutorial with screen shots, I thought it might be easier to see how I created my header & uploaded it in a video format.  So, I made a generic header for my blogs today & taped it as I made them.
… (0 comments)

Voting for the Best Listing Post has Opened! Check Out the Finalists & Vote Now! - 11/10/09 05:16 PM
This is a good post to sift thru the links and see some great examples of listing posts!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
Well, the listing contest was a great success!  We had 52 entries!   Now comes the exciting part.  Here are the top 10 entries and a survey that follows to allow you to vote for your favorite post.  Remember, when picking a post, choose your favorite based on the content & creativity of the post, NOT the quality of the listing.  Voting will be open until Sunday, September 20th at Midnight.
Please take a few moments & view … (0 comments)

ActiveRain Channels - Real Estate Technology and Tools - 11/10/09 05:07 PM
Active Rain is the Google of Real Estate! Check out all the information on the Channels!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
ActiveRain Channels - Technology and Tools - It's A "Discovery Channel"
Everyone knows how excited I get about all the new, cool, and useful technology that's available here and out on the web. Turns out, and it's no surprise, that I'm not the only one who loves to share tech tips and tools with others.  Many of us create posts on AR, sharing our findings and information with others in hopes that it will be helpful to them in … (0 comments)

Is Your Blog Seen By the Public? If Not, Your Competitors Thank You! - 11/10/09 06:28 AM
This makes you a big believer on the outside site along with the AR site!
Via Jeremy Blanton ActiveRain Corp. (ActiveRain Corp.):
Last evening I read a really interesting article over on HubSpot about the differences between businesses who blog and those who do not.  Did you know that companies who blog receive 55% more traffic than one who does not?  Over the past few weeks I have helped many of our members figure out how to have their blogs be seen by the public and show up well in the search engines in my Blogging Basics 101 webinar and many had no … (8 comments)

Tracking "clicks" on printed flyers - Using bit.ly with RealBird on your brochures - 11/10/09 06:21 AM
Real Bird always has great marketing ideas for Real Estate Agents!
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
The great thing about blogging on ActiveRain is that the community many times helps us with real-world examples - case studies that we could hardly produce ourselves. The collective creativity of the RealBird members - on and off ActiveRain - is way bigger than what we could produce on our own. This was the case with Mike Conner's example of online marketing results with RealBird and this is the case with the next example.
The credit goes to John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver. John had a great … (0 comments)

Top Trends in New Homes | Smaller, Cozier, and More Cost Effective! - 11/10/09 06:06 AM
Notice the Garage Trend below! If you need a Garage in Southern Maryland, visit www.GaragePrices.com .
Via Stanton Homes - Penny Hull Raleigh NC Custom Home Builders (Stanton Homes - Triangle NC New Homes):
New Home Trends
Top Trends in New Homes Today's Homes are Smaller, Cozier, and More Energy Efficient Here's what homebuyers and builders are focusing on in today's new home market! 
- Focus on Smaller Homes Many builders are shifting from a focus on homes in the 2500 to 3500 sq ft range to homes mainly in the 1600 to 2500 sq ft range.  The average and median square footage … (0 comments)

The New (and dry) AgentPlus!! - 11/10/09 05:38 AM
RE/MAX 100 has a fax to scan to email service already in place, but if you do not, this type of service at this price is great!
Via Chris Sweeting (AgentPlus Inc.):
AgentPlus got wet last week but we're dry and have a great new price!  Take a look at our latest comment for complete details!
Today's document solutions are pretty amazing with e-signature, email, pdf's, and the new MLS systems being deployed.  Believe it or not, the fax will stick around for years to come!  A new time saving tool for real estate agents is AgentPlus, a fax-to-email service for the times … (0 comments)

RE/MAX Agents offered advance training soon for Re-BuildUSA.com 203K and Lowes Program - 11/09/09 05:49 PM
Dave Liniger announced at the RE/MAX Rally in Baltimore, MD yesterday that RE/MAX Agents will be offered a new program with RE-BUILDUSA that utilizes the FHA203K fix up program with RE-BuildUSA. This will give agents a vehicle to take homes in poor condition and provide financing for buyers to see the sale to fruition. For more details, visit 877-USA-203K or visit www.Re-BuildUSA.com. He also mentioned a gift card from Lowes when RE/MAX Agents register for this class. More details are to follow!
… (0 comments)

Beach Business Group Invites you to Be Part of the North Beach MD Holiday Parade - 11/09/09 05:39 PM
Everyone is welcome to be a part of the  North Beach MD Holiday PARADE on Saturday December 5 at Noon from First Street to Seventh Street along Bay Avenue in North Beach. Parade Participants meet at St. Anthony's Parking Lot at 11AM and Parade Viewers can stake their spot before Noon that dayl You won't want to miss this North Beach MD Holiday Parade!
Decorated Bicycles, Tricycles and Wagons, Marching Bands and Elected Officials, Teams, Cheerleaders and Youth Groups, Motorcycles and Old Cars, Pets, and Floats representing businesses, organizations and churches are all part of the Holiday festivites in this Southern Maryland  North … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Twin Beaches Wellness Expo In North Beach Md Nov 8 2009 - 11/09/09 05:37 PM
Explore the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection at the Southern Maryland Twin Beaches Wellness Expo In North Beach Md Nov 8 2009. It is hosted from Noon to Five PM at the Holland Point Civic Center located at 919 Walnut Avenue, which is Rt. 261, in North Beach MD 20714. The admission is free.
If you attend the Southern Maryland Twin Beaches Wellness Expo In North Beach Md Nov 8 2009 you will discover topics ranging from Yoga, Zumba, Belly Dancing, Reiki, Acupuncture, Chiropractic Energy Healing, Nutrition, Massage, Weight Management to information on Healthy, Locally Grown Foods.
You'll "Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie", RE/MAX … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Events in Chesapeake Beach MD - 11/09/09 05:34 PM
Mark your calenders for  the Southern Maryland Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Events in Chesapeake Beach MD.

Southern Maryland Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum Events in Chesapeake Beach MD this Season will include a B&O Museum Field Trip. Details are still in the works, but on Saturday January 16 you can be pulling out of the Station to visit the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD which is the birthplace of American Railroading. Call the Museum to reserve your spot today! The next fun event is a Polar Express Reading Event on Tuesday Dec 22nd at 6PM. No Reservation Required! There's also … (0 comments)

What You Oughta Know About Blog Commenting - 11/07/09 06:07 AM
The concept  and value of back links plus grabbing attention and increasing brand awareness through Blog comments is explained well here. 
Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Immaculate Homes):
Much has been said about blog commenting here on ActiveRain, but what about blog commenting out in the real world? I'm talking about commenting on blogs that are not on the ActiveRain platform. Do you comment on other blogs within your niche? Do you try to grab the attention of the big boys? Why would you want to? How can commenting on other blogs help you? 
 
Commenting on high profile blogs … (11 comments)

What Apps Do You Use For Your iPhone? - 11/06/09 01:55 AM
I cannot wait until Verizon gets the IPhone in our marketplace. I am collecting apps like good recipes!
Via Jason "Need more business?" Sanders - Business Networking Specialist (www.TheValuePagesGroup.com):
Yesterday I wrote a post about how I just got my new iPhone.  Through the comment stream, Melissa Brown suggested that we list the iPhone Applicatoins that we're using.  After writing a really long comment, I thought "This would make a great blog post!"  So for your reading pleasure, these are the Applications I've downloaded so far: Facebook
- This App is awesome.  Everything I do on the computer I can now do … (1 comments)

Smart Mobile Solutions Launches New iPhone® App for DocuSign - 11/06/09 01:52 AM
I am looking forward to this concept in our market area!
Via An Bui (DocuSign):
We recently announced the release of ESIGNControl, a new Apple iPhone application from Smart Mobile Solutions. Available now from the iTunes® store, ESIGNControl enables you to use your iPhone to track, view and control documents sent for electronic signature. Smart Mobile Solutions, a specialist in applications for mobile devices, created ESIGNControl using DocuSign’s software development kit (SDK) and through active participation in the DocuSign DevCenter. By using DocuSign’s developer resources such as the DocuSign Developer Center, Smart Mobile Solutions blended its expertise in mobile computing to create a … (0 comments)

5 Easy Upgrades that Raise House Value - Coldwell Banker TV - 11/04/09 08:43 PM
These are great tips on how to get your home sold without emptying your bank account.
Via Darrin Friedman - Coldwell Banker Chevy Chase:
… (1 comments)

Know Your Forms - New RESPA Closing Documents On The Way!!! - 11/04/09 08:25 PM
This looks important to review before the turn of the new year!
Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
Come January 1st, 2010, as a REALTOR or a consumer at the closing table things are about to change as far as the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Settlement Statement (HUD-1). Links below will allow you to print these out to familiarize yourself with them. Both now are three pages in length. The highlights:
Revised Good Faith Estimate (GFE) GFE tolerances on settlement costs (1/8 point allowed to be in error) Revised Settlement Statement (HUD-1) Revised definitions for … (0 comments)

RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco - 11/04/09 08:21 PM
I am looking forward to Raincamp coming to the Washington, D.C. area.
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
RainCamp is Coming To San Francisco
The ActiveRain RainCamp Tour is Official!  Our first ever RainCamp in Seattle was sold out in just two weeks.  Now there's a demand by many of our members and non members to bring RainCamp to cities all across the Country.  As you can imagine, this is a huge undertaking for our staff and team. There are so many details that go into setting up this event, but our members and guests are not only worth it, they deserve … (1 comments)

Adding a Facebook Fan Page to Your Point2 Website - 11/04/09 07:52 PM
This is a great how to post to bookmark and reblog! It reminds you to promote your Business Fan Page!
Via Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty):
                                                                                                                                                           
As a Realtor who has a decent grasp of social media marketing, I am constantly looking for ways to drive traffic to the various sites I have including my website. In fact my website is my most important marketing vehicle because I OWN IT!
There are many great sites online that I have a very good online presence at including Active Rain but what if one day you woke up and Active … (3 comments)

Steps to Repair Outlook Failure to Send EMail the last few days if you use MRIS - 11/04/09 07:43 PM
If your Outlook Program stopped sending EMail the last few days and you use MRIS and or Verizon in the broad D.C. Area and surrounding states, here are the steps to remedy the glitch. MRIS said Verizon stopped using a certain port, i.e. they blocked the port MRIS used, which on my Treos and Laptops was port 25. Change it to port 587 for the outgoing server but then do not forget to hit the FINISH on the screen that is  VERY hidden so this change of ports is saved. Then you can send EMails again!
The steps are: Open Outlook, click … (0 comments)

Blues Jam in Maryland Virgina and DC - 11/03/09 06:17 PM
If you're looking to enjoy some good blues music in Maryland, Virginia, or D.C., one of Steve "Wolf" Crescenze's regular Blues Jams would be a great place to start. Steve "Wolf" Crescenze hosts four weekly Blues Jams in the Maryland, Virginia and DC area. A Blues Jam is an event where the host band plays an opening set to warm up the crowd and also provides the equipment necessary so visiting musicans can showcase their talent along with other Blues musicians.
Steve "Wolf" Crescenze's Blues Jams include Wednesday night  Blues Jams at Beach Cove Restaurant in North Beach ,Md. Also, every Thursday is … (2 comments)

Carousel Restoration - 11/03/09 05:46 PM
Restorations by Wolf,  which is a Carousel Restoration Company located in Southern Maryland,  is owned and operated by Steve Crescenze. This  unique craft caught Steve's attention roughly twenty years ago. He was shopping on the Boardwalk in Ocean City on the Eastern Shore and walked into a shop that had some miniature carousel horses displayed. This started the journey from teaching Shop Class in Charles County in Southern Maryland to becoming one of the top Carousel Horse Restoration Companies in the country.

The Carousel Restoration Comany, Restorations by Wolf , advertises through the internet and through  The Carousel News and Trader Magazine. This  is the only trade … (0 comments)

Real Estate Blogging - The Steps & Cycle For Success - 11/03/09 04:33 PM
This is worth reading and rereading a few times on Active Rain!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Real Estate Blogging - The Steps & Cycle For Success
Are you a REALTOR or BROKER Blogging? Why are you Blogging? Who is your audience? What are you Blogging about?  What are your ultimate intentions? What are your goals and desired results?  Do you have a plan in place for success?  Of course you do, or you wouldn't be here.  
Here's a simplified concept that may help give a better understanding about the steps and process of Blogging.  There is nothing worse than doing … (1 comments)

FREE Online Technology Tools and Services for Your Business - 2009 - 11/03/09 04:31 PM
All you have to say is tech tool and you have my undivided attention!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Top FREE Online Technology Tools and Services for Your Business - 2009
Last year around this time, I created a Blog post with links to the "Top 200+ FREE Sites and Tools" for your Business.  Hard to believe that was a year ago.  This year is focused on some sites and tools I actually use more frequently, and think you might too.  There are so many great sites that offer some fantastic services, it's a challenge to keep up with all of … (0 comments)

Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs - 11/03/09 04:29 PM
I think these posts are fantastic. Bringing them to your attention again!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs with RSS
What is syndication and why should you "Syndicate Your ActiveRain Blogs?"  Driving traffic and exposure to your Blog is the primary reason.  RSS - Really Simple Syndication is a great way to connect your ActiveRain Blog to other Blogs and websites.  Members on ActiveRain have an RSS feed button located on the sidebar of their Blog.  Click on it to see your options and how it can be used to expand your reach to a larger audience via … (1 comments)

Apture - The All In One Tool For Social Media Content - 11/03/09 04:26 PM
I had overlooked this post so it is  definitely worth reposting!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
Apture - The All In One Tool For Social Media Content
Apture is a pretty nifty tool that allows you to select and control the start and stop times of Youtube Videos, Embed a real-time Twitter feed of a user or search phrase, Embed Interactive Google Street View Maps, and make your Blog posts and websites come alive with a single player and embed code that includes all the above and more.  Apture now has a free online service (Builder) that will allow you to … (0 comments)

The Google Story - A Video Story Book - 11/03/09 04:22 PM
I recently downloaded the Accidental Billionaires on my Kindle. I am trying Google Voice with text message translations of voice mail.
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
The Google Story - A Video Story Book
This just came out and was put together by the folks over at Google.  A two minute video that I expect will go viral shortly.  Takes you back from the beginning before Google, in 1995, when two mathematicians meet for the first time at Stanford.  Then you're fast forwarded onto the present "Google Wave!" It's Creative, It's Brilliant... It's Google. :-) "It's already had over 100 views!!" Get … (1 comments)

50 Sound Real Estate Blogging Tips - 11/03/09 04:15 PM
I wish I had found this sooner! This is a great list of tips!
Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):
50 Sound Real Estate Blogging Tips Most of my blogging efforts revolve around delivering sound real estate blogging advice.  The articles generally take me at least a couple of hours to develop, format, publish and broadcast.  I have dozens and dozens of ideas that are just waiting to be developed and published, but as we all know, the mostchallenging thing about blogging is carving out the time.
Then it strikes me. Micro Blogging on Twitter would be a fantastic solution to my dilemma: a ton of ideas, … (2 comments)

Will Brokers Guarantee Our Quest For 1000 Registrants For Virtual REBarCamp? - 11/03/09 04:12 PM
This webinar has caught my attention! Just may attend after house tour !
Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

“You buy the pizza, we’ll deliver the education” Brokers, imagine providing your real estate agents the ability to learn from industry leaders, top marketing professionals and social media experts without leaving the office or paying for speakers to visit your destination.
This is what Virtual RE Bar Camp (VREBC) can do for your office.
Your entire office can get the educational experience that REBarCamps have provided to thousands of agents across the country.  Bring the power of this event to your … (0 comments)

Never miss a client inquiry again - The RealBird Message Archive has an RSS feed now - Productivity update #3 - 11/03/09 04:04 PM
Real Bird has great posts every time. They make my action list regularly!
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
One of the issues we have been working on regarding RealBird's lead capturing functionality was making sure that prospective clients' inquiries actually reach you. Email inquiries and showing requests were sometimes lost in space. Either because of spam filter settings or simply because sometimes emails go unnoticed due to information overload.
In May, 2009 we introduced the Message Archive for RealBird members and started to store all of your prospects' and clients' inquires and even consumer-to-consumer forwards for the RealBird Listing Publisher and the RealBird … (0 comments)

Week of 11/03/09- Real Skillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies - 11/03/09 03:54 PM
I read and reread everything Rebecca writes! Every post has great information!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
Week of 11/03/09- Real Skillz Freebie Picks- Free Online Reads and Real Estate Marketing Resources for Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Companies The Case of Modesty, In An Age of Arrogance-TIME Arrogance is easy to find, but doesn't modesty provide a more valuable commodity?  This article does reference technology and it made me think about the case for modesty in social networking and blogging.  Modesty in Social Networking and blogging means to inform rather … (0 comments)

Batchphoto Is A must For The Realtor - 11/03/09 03:35 PM
This is a great idea! I love the time saving aspect of this product!
Via Chad Lariscy (Blairsville Realty):
How many of you have procrastinated in downloading your pictures from your digital camera because you just don't want to take the time to process the pictures, re-size for uploads, add filters,  touch them up, or even organize them into folders? Well I know from experience that if you are in the Real Estate, pictures sells houses, and the more pictures you have the better the chance you have of someone taking a look at your clients property.
Well have I got a … (2 comments)

ActiveRain Photo Blogging Group Presents The A B C's Of PhotoBlogging - 11/03/09 03:29 PM
This is  a really interesting and informative piece on photoblogging with Active Rain!
Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson (RE/MAX Associates):
ActiveRain Photo Blogging Group Presents The A B C's Of PhotoBlogging
For many members of ActiveRain, this post will be mostly redundant. But as a refresher, let's start from the beginning. In the beginning there was Adam and Eve, we will skip over that part and get to the good stuff.
A Photo blog tells a story with a photo, augmented by words to position the story and expand on it. The first element of this is then … (1 comments)

The ActiveRain Point System - 11/03/09 03:08 PM
I did not realize that reblogging added points nor that Featured Posts added a bunch of points!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
The ActiveRain Point System
ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community.  While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.
ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which … (4 comments)

Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines: Post 7 of a 7 part Series - 11/02/09 08:14 PM
Lastly, the Final and Seventh Section is an Honorable Mention. This section may be for Politicans who have  noteworthy accomplishments in Southern Maryland. Or , these  entries may also later become a place  for my  friends and extended family members , that have defintely  earned the titles of Southern Maryland Unsung Heros and Heroines, who may be  seeking employment in our  area and who deserve the attention  and support I will be giving them for this  plus for  their charitable activities.
Post 7 of a 7 part Series Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines is not complete without mentioning George Owings, a Southern Maryland Treasure. 
If you are searching  for a Southern … (0 comments)

5 Tips on Choosing The Right Days to Market Your Real Estate Services Online - 11/02/09 06:56 PM
Rebecca always has great marketing ideas on Active Rain...here's a schedule of the best Post days for various social networking tools.
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
How to Choose the Right Days to Market your Real Estate Services Online
Effective real estate marketing online has a lot to do with timing.  There has been a lot of research conducted, mainly for industries outside of real estate (i.e.retail,hospitality,automotive) on the best days and times to market services and products online.  Implementing the right timing to deploy marketing campaigns into your online marketing … (2 comments)

Elder Care in Southern Maryland - 11/02/09 06:20 PM
If you are looking for Elder Care in Southern Maryland, you have discovered a rare gem with Lee Ann Stedman at Circle of Care located in Prince Frederick, MD. Lee Ann Stedman opened her Southern Maryland Elder Care business, Circle of Care, LLC in Southern Maryland in 2001. Circle of Care is dedicated to helping you keep your loved one in a family home environment. The Caregivers assist with activities of daily living including companion care, housekeeping and personal care. There are roughly 75 caregivers available to serve in the Southern Maryland. The staff and caregivers have completed reference checks, skills … (0 comments)

Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Southern Maryland - 11/02/09 06:16 PM
If you are searching for information on Guiding Eyes for the Blind in Southern Maryland, or the Bay Region in Maryland, or would like to locate a puppy raiser in Southern Maryland, contact Kathy Sirois at www.Volunteer.guidingeyes.org or EMail her at wcsirois@aol.com . She is an experienced 8 year “puppy raiser “volunteer in both Anne Arundel and Calvert County. Kathy is a puppy raiser for each service dog for roughly 14 months. Upon completion, the puppies go to the Yorktown Heights, New York Kennels which is the location where the pups continue training until they are certified to become a dog for … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines: Post 5 of a 7 part Series - 11/02/09 05:55 PM
The Fifth Section of the Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines Series is a thank you to all the Southern Maryland Service Providors  and Businesses whom you will meet along the way that make Southern Maryland the place where you want to both play and stay every day. 
Post 5 of a 7 part Series Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines needs to start with the people you encounter every day or so that make your day special. I am a big Starbucks fan, a big Panera fan, and a big Reader so you've got it, the folks at these places make my … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines: Post 4 of a 7 part Series - 11/02/09 05:51 PM
 
The Fourth Section of the Southern Maryland Heroes and Heroines Series will cover past clients and what they do now to be the welcome wagon, or SERVICE BUS, for newcomers to the Community. This can include the Child Care Provider or the House Cleaning Business  just for starters. 
Post 4 of a 7 part Series Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines needs to begin with knowing you have found a great place for your children's daycare when you first arrive in Southern Maryland. Laura Watkins, Petite People Child Care, can be reached at LWatk2980@aol.com or via phone at301-855-6734.. She attends meetings with Daycare Providers in the area so … (0 comments)

Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines: Post 6 of a 7 part Series - 11/02/09 05:25 PM
The Sixth Section of the Southern Maryland Heros and Heroines Series is a deserved recognition to some of the people who provide valuable services for our Southern Maryland Residents. In particular, I'd like to start with Kathy Sirois at Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a group of "Extraordinary People Creating Exceptional Guide Dogs" in Southern Maryland. I would also like to highlight Lee Ann Stedman, who founded and operates an Elder Care Business in Southern Maryland, Circle of Care, LLC. Post 6 of a 7 part Series Southern Maryland Unsung Heroes and Heroines would not be complete without mentioning these local Heroines! 
… (0 comments)

Building, Managing, and Protecting Your Online Reputation - 11/01/09 10:11 AM
I heard a suggestion on a Brinton Webinar to set up Google Alerts for the top 50 sphere of influence folks in your farm as a topic to communicate with them about when they are in your "Google Alert" news!
Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):
How Do You Manage And Protect Your Online Reputation?
A few weeks ago I was reading an article about "BIG Corporate Companies" that were missing the boat by not getting involved in Social Media. "They are missing out on the ability to track and manage their brands, their names, their business and reputations" or something to that … (3 comments)

Building A Real Estate Community Means Growing Your Internet Presence - 11/01/09 07:20 AM
This article really cuts to the chase on the benefits of a strong online presence!
Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):
Building A Real Estate Community Means Growing Your Internet Presence
Real Estate professionals are savvy to the fact that the majority of their consumers are online shopping for homes.  Now with the expansive presence that real estate professionals can have online through various forms of social media marketing and content strategies like blogging they can take a proactive role in engaging with consumers online.
Some real estate professionals question the viability … (5 comments)

 
Austinedit Rainmaker_large

Cheryl Ritchie Southern Maryland 301-980-7566

Huntingtown, MD

More about me…

RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com

Address: 2049 West Street Suite D, Annapolis, MD, 21401

Office Phone: (301) 855-5215

Cell Phone: (301) 980-7566

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