It's the little things... - 02/29/12 08:47 PM
Here's my favorite post of the ten I have read this evening! Lots of good tips here about links, photos with more links, keywords, tags, intro sentences, videos and the list goes on! Read through to pick up a blogger point or two or three!
Via Richard Yates - Broker (Coldwell Banker Real Estate):
It's the little things...
It's the little things that can make a big difference.
When writing a blog post, The Title plays a key role in whether or not we attract the attention and interest of a reader. Our goal for every post written is to get the … (6 comments)
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3 Things You Should Be Tracking On Facebook - 02/28/12 01:21 AM
I always run through my ten comments of the morning and then select my favorite one of the day for a reblog. Well, here you go! I am anxious to go check out these three tips on Facebook. These are some great analytics to put in your blogging toolbox.
Via Christine Stalsonburg (Social Media Partners):
3 Things You Should Be Tracking On Facebook
1. Track ”People Talking About This”
People Talking About Thisis one of the new metrics for Facebook Pages. Unlike other metrics on your Insights dashboard, it’s also the only one visible to the public.
This number represents … (2 comments)
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What's Playing? There is just ONE movie theater in Calvert County Maryland! - 02/27/12 06:12 AM
What's Playing? There is just ONE movie theater in Calvert County Maryland!
Yep, one...no, not two.
Now that is a kind of interesting tidbit when you realize we have the most awesome school system around the Capital Beltway and the commuter times to D.C. jobs are just about an hour.
We have one Bowling Alley and one Panera, too. Things are really special here! Oh, several Starbucks, WHEW!
Once upon a time we even had one Drive In Movie Theatre and it was a big thing to do to go there as kids on hot summer nights.
So with these little … (4 comments)
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Don’t Do Déjà Vu If You Want Us to Work with You - 02/27/12 04:58 AM
Ten days in to marketing a property gives you a good idea whether you will hit the thirty day marker or under. If priced and presented properly, this is about all you need to get your Sold sign delivered. Time is not a Seller's friend.
Via Debe Maxwell - Search Charlotte Homes for Sale - Charlotte NC Neighborhoods (iCharlotteRealEstate.com Savvy + Company Real Estate):
Charlotte Home Seller Tips: If You Want the Best Marketing Team to Work with You, Don’t Do Déjà Vu
I recently met with and presented my listing strategies to a couple who previously had their home on the market … (4 comments)
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An AMAZING FREE Program! - 02/27/12 04:29 AM
I love a good tech tool and how does it get better than free? I also like the fact that they figured out how to do it in just under an hour. I'm going to log this free tool away in my memory bank to use later when I need it for a Real Estate project.
Via Greensboro, NC Real Estate Larry Story's Blog of the Triad! (Total Care Realty):
An AMAZING FREE Program!
Yes in some cases in our business Free is a four letter word that begins with F. But, in some cases that can also be good. … (3 comments)
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Get out your NEW kid in class hat and put a feather on it! - 02/25/12 06:32 AM
Get out your NEW kid in class hat and put a feather on it!
In my Realtor Southern Maryland Turf....
New Active Rain website format.
New Gmail website product daily usage instead of Outlook.
New WP site. New IDX. New Apps.
If that is not enough, new database to be 8i Top Producer Mobile on the go.
My head hurts.
Oh well...Get out your NEW kid in class hat and put a feather on it!
… (1 comments)
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Saturday is Something! - 02/25/12 06:19 AM
Saturday is Something!
Unusual goals today.
Excavate desk. Reactivate clean desk policy.
Overcome broken dishwasher consequences.
Overtake mounting laundry pile.
Drop by Saturday Services which are new in this area.
Get a Starbucks Treat. Overall, reclaim my space!
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/ MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (10 comments)
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Ex parté - not smarté. That was an expensive phone call. - 02/25/12 05:54 AM
Here is a good example of why it is important to let the agent you hire do their job. I like the expression that loose lips sink ships. I also like the concept that what you say can and will be used against you. Lips zipped and let the agent represent you effectively are great guidelines.
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, Illinois Homes for Sale (Evanston Condos & Evanston Single Family Homes):
Having just completed our inspection, my client and I were discussing the minor things we'd found. One of the items was not so minor, but it was mostly superficial … (0 comments)
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How To Create Your Own Google Maps - 02/25/12 05:43 AM
I love a good tech tutorial so what better subject today than how to create Google Maps for your Real Estate Blogs with a live, action, camera format than just a line by line description! This is good for a bookmark or a review several times!
Via John McCormack- Owner/Broker REALTOR, e-PRO (Albuquerque Homes Realty * www.AlbuquerqueHomes.com):
How to create your own Google maps.I frequently create neighborhood profiles and include in those profiles a Google Map of that specific neighborhood. I had a fellow Active Rain associate ask me what platform I utilized to create these maps. So I embarked on this How … (1 comments)
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Common Scents - 02/25/12 05:22 AM
This is really interesting. Buyers dart out of a home just as quickly if there are too many fragrances covering up a smell as from the smell itself. Fix the source of the problem is a great suggestion. Consider allergies, too, when using fragrances while marketing a home. Strong fragrances can have Buyers heading out the door by necessity.
Via Karen Bernetti (Staging4Smooth Transitions Connecticut Home Staging):
Home sellers can create spaces that appeal to prospective buyers by employing a little psychology and by engaging the 5 senses......You see, our brain takes all the sensory data it receives and transforms it into feelings and those … (2 comments)
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When you are selling your home..... Live like you are dying! - 02/25/12 05:14 AM
There is a lot if truth in this. Ask yourself questions. Have you used the item in the past six to twelve months? Will you? It might be best to make your own decisions now rather than have someone do it for you later and not find the important stuff!
Via Amy Hahn, REALTOR, Crystal Coast, NC (Pine Knoll Shores Realty):
When you are selling your home..... Live like you are dying!
I consider myself to be pretty darn organized. But occasionally, I open a closet or a drawer and find that I keep a lot of junk that I shouldn't be … (1 comments)
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Starting Monday on Active Rain... - 02/24/12 05:41 AM
Starting Monday on Active Rain...
Okay, RELAX. Behave. Take a Deep Breath.
I meant to start this the beginning of January.
Starting Monday on Active Rain...which means I will be in full gear by February 2012, there will be more..
Market Reports, Localism, Real Estate Posts.
Less Tech Posts. I love them but gotta leave them. Not entirely...but there will a lot LESS.
This was my overall plan. You just did not know it.
I will still throw in a few Tech Posts and Tech reblogs will still surface but Tech themes RELATIVELY speaking will be on the decline.
A girl's … (2 comments)
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How to Make MARKET REPORT GRAPHS - Accessories for your Reports - 02/24/12 02:34 AM
What a great post chocked full of graph and chart creation tips. I like to use SnagIt in lieu of the Print Screen and Paint tips. I am fortunate in the DC area to have a subscription to RBIntel for dynamic charts and graphs easily accessible on my iPhone or iPad.
Via CATHY BUREAU, MBA, GREEN, EcoBroker, SFR San Antonio, TX - Real Estate Broker (www.GreenHomeRealtySA.com):
In today's media world we are VISUAL LEARNERS so anytime we can use charts, graphs, photos, or videos to convey our ideas we are better able to capture our audience. On that note, we should also … (3 comments)
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The Birds, The Bees, The Woodpeckers and The Trees - 02/24/12 02:19 AM
What an interesting post! Check out the consequences of plants and insects! It becomes clear why home inspectors recommend these items be addressed once you read through this informative presentation. No wonder!
Via James Quarello - Connecticut Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC):
This is not a life lesson for a young person with raging hormones, though it may sound that way. This is about flora and fauna for the homeowner.
Most every homeowner is at least casually aware that any plants, whether trees, shrubs or other vegetation should be kept at a distance from the house. Plants against or over the … (1 comments)
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Custom Colors: What Paint Choice Reveals About Your Home - 02/24/12 01:59 AM
What an interesting post about color choices! I love some of these colors but tend to always, always select neutrals in my living spaces. I could imagine green or lavender or yellow but it would stop there. Neutrals work best for me!
Via Jon Solomon (Javic Homes):
Looking to brighten up your walls with a fresh coat of paint? Or perhaps you just moved into a new home and are in need of some color? Before you slap paint on the walls, be sure to look into what effect colors can have on you and your home.
Got the Blues? Light blue … (2 comments)
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Before I go get my New Listing Photos Today, I learned this from my TEN Active Rain Comments this Morn! - 02/23/12 03:47 AM
Before I go get my New Listing Photos Today, I learned this from my TEN Active Rain Comments this Morn!
I like the featured posts that explained the new HARP refi rules and regs for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac plus the highlighted post on Gift Guidelines.
I enjoyed a few posts with cheerful iClipArt.com and tips on why Flips can have nightmare home inspection issues.
That's my fave already for the Morn but boy did I notice some good ones to read tomorrow, too!
The first two were my instant reblogs of the day. Hey, I was just looking for … (9 comments)
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The HARP Deal - 02/23/12 03:07 AM
This gives a quick overview of some of the eligibility requirements for the new HARP refinance program. Check with your lender or Realtor for more information about this resource. This info is for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Via Kevin Kueneke (AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. Carlsbad CA Mortgage):
We are finally getting more specifics regarding The HARP Deal, the most recent version of the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac refinance program. Fannie's version of The HARP Deal is called the DU Refi Plus. Freddie's version of The HARP Deal is called LP Open Access.
Here are some of the details:
INELIGIBLE LOANS FOR THE HARP … (2 comments)
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"Gift Money" Acceptable Donors & Required Documentation - 02/23/12 02:45 AM
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about gifts, the gift paperwork required and the rules of the road on who is acceptable and who is not. Check with the loan officer to get up to the minute answers and guidance on this, too!
Via George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut:
A couple of days ago I posted a blog on "Seasoning Money", and ended the blog stating that I would post another blog on "Gift Money" Acceptable Donors & Required Documentation. After thinking about that a little more, I will actually be posting at least a couple of … (0 comments)
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The Holiday Quiet Before the Southern Maryland Spring Sales Storm - 02/20/12 09:54 AM
The Holiday Quiet Before the Southern Maryland Spring Sales Storm means..
Quiet phones today. Appointments on hold.
It is a quiet, glorious, sunny Southern Maryland Holiday.
No snow! But what all this also means is...
Tomorrow is a get up and go kind of Pre Spring Realtor Day!
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (6 comments)
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20 Incredibly Easy Ways to Use Pinterest in Your Business - 02/20/12 08:43 AM
Pinterest to me means pin your favorite interests on virtual bulletin boards to share and show for all to see. Here are some outstanding ideas to elevate this social networking tool from fun to a tool that helps get a Realtor's Marketing Job done!
Via Rebekah Radice Social Media Marketing, Management & Strategies (Manager of Industry Engagement, Better Homes & Gardens RE):
As social media continues to evolve so do the tools. Stepping up to the plate with a fierce vengeance is the new social media darling Pinterest. Haven’t heard of it? Let me give you a quick description before we dive … (2 comments)
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How to Market Yourself and Your Business on Pinterest - 02/20/12 08:23 AM
I am at the just having fun with it stage of Pinterest. But to take it to the next level, here are some real estate related ideas to implement to take it from fun to helping getting a Realtor's job done! For the time being, I am going to have fun a while! But look out....
Via Tammy Emineth (Personal SEO - Website SEO and Real Estate Marketing):
Tips to Market Yourself and Your Business on Pinterest
Pinterest is a highly addictive and fast growing social media platform. If you don't know yet, well, as Gieco says, "what? do ya live under … (2 comments)
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When Seller's List High and Buyer's Lowball - 02/20/12 04:28 AM
The first offer is a starting point. The first offer is someone who took the time and liked your home enough to make a written offer when the others did not. But the last point below is the best. Does the Buyer know and recognize when the property already is listed at a great offer price to start?
Via Cindy Westfall ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro REALTOR® (Prudential NW Properties, Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon):
When Seller's List High and Buyer's Lowball
How often have you heard "Let's add $10,000 to your suggested list price for negotiating room..cuz you know the buyer … (4 comments)
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Whitney Houston Memorial Today - 02/18/12 11:19 AM
Whitney Houston Memorial Today has stopped me in my tracks.
I almost NEVER NEVER never watch TV until very late at night and that is just some political shows.
I tape a few things here and there but TV during the day is almost always a NO.
I would rather live my life.
But this Whitney Houston Memorial is a different thing.
Her rendition of the Dolly song " I will always love you" is one of my all time favorite songs.
So here are the things that resonated with me during the Celebration of her Life.
Life is like a … (5 comments)
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New Third Edition of iPAD 2 for Dummies Released this Month! - 02/18/12 10:45 AM
New Third Edition of iPAD 2 for Dummies Released this Month!
Everyone relaxes a different way. When it is chill time for me, it is called my dog, a big glass of iced tea, and a good book on my iPAD.
So it does not take much stretch of the imagination to know which book I downloaded to read during my RELAX time.
Mind you, this from a woman who is motivated by soffit for the porch not jewelry, clothes, or anything else.
So I started at the back of the book and did the best apps chapter first. I had … (3 comments)
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Video Email...It Doesn't Get Any Easier Than This!! - 02/18/12 06:54 AM
I like to highlight good tech ideas. I have heard of this concept but have not narrowed down to a particular product or vendor to test. Anyway, enjoy the heads up on Bomb Bomb in the meantime. The name makes me think of Bam Bam from the Flintstones so it is easy to remember!
Via Melissa Mckinney~LetMeBragg.com (Keller Williams Realty):
Video email...It cant get any easier than this!!As some of you know for the last week i have been in Orlando FL at Keller Williams Family Reunion... I Learned SO much while I was there I feel like my brain is on overload!! … (2 comments)
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Waterfront Homes For Sale In Annapolis Maryland - February 2012 - 02/18/12 06:50 AM
Here's a fun post for waterfront property in Annapolis. It is a good post format for Southern Maryland, too. I may take a page out of this book and do a similar warerfront waterfront post concept for Calvert County as a whole. I use Diverse Solutions as my IDX so it is interesting to see a sample of IDX Broker utilized instead.
Via Stephen Howell, Annapolis Maryland Real Estate Agent (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage):
Are you looking for the perfect waterfront cottage or castle in Annapolis Maryland? If so, then you've found the right place to search for just the right Annapolis Maryland … (0 comments)
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How to Sell Like a Six Year Old & Exceed Your Goals - 02/17/12 09:41 PM
A local Girl Scout has not found me yet. My second in troop sales had no giraffe prize. But I do know when you complete the order, the Scout can then inquire how many will be good or the freezer to give as gifts or to enjoy on special days later in the year.
Via Nikesh Parekh (ActiveRain):
Yes, it's that time of year. Young girls across the country are descending on doorsteps to sell Samoa's, Thin Mints, and Do-Si-Do's. That's right. It's GIRL SCOUT COOKIE season.
My daughter just turned six and is a Daisy (Girl Scout in training). This is her … (2 comments)
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Are Holiday Weekends Quiet in Your Marketplace? - 02/17/12 07:52 AM
Are Holiday Weekends Quiet in Your Marketplace?
Well, Southern Maryland is located commuting distance to Washington, D.C.
So when the Government shuts down, Folks around here skedaddle.
They leave for trips to the Eastern Shore, visit family far away, or take day trips.
You've got the drift.
Your audience is elsewhere is the BIG picture.
So when you have a hot new listing coming down the pike, and you want to market it just right, Tuesdays or Wednesdays after a Holiday Weekend start to sound about right as the day to intro a new home for sale in Southern Maryland.
Did … (4 comments)
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Boca Raton Home Staging- Want Your Buyers to Fall in Love With Your Home? Then You Need To Know Their Hot Buttons! - 02/17/12 07:03 AM
This is a good short list for many areas of the country. It gives you something to think about when highlighting a home...master bath, closets, gourmet kitchen. This is a good target list for photos, repairs, updates, and ad verbiage, too.
Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Want your buyers to fall in love with your home? Then you need to know their hot buttons. Selling your home in Boca Raton, Delray or anywhere in Palm Beach County is no different from anywhere else. Your house needs to be in move-in ready condition and appeal … (0 comments)
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There is no “round to it” clause in a Real Estate Contract. - 02/17/12 06:53 AM
This makes me think of the round cooking potholders I used to have that remove hot dishes from the oven. They had Round Tuit written on them. This post does a great job of explaining Round Tuit concepts are not the rules of the road for real estate transactions, however.
Via Mary Douglas, REALTOR ®, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado (United Country Ponderosa Realty):
There is no “round to it” clause in a Real Estate Contract.
TIME is the essence of a real estate contract.
Dates and deadlines are in place for the benefit of the buyer; allowing the buyer ample time to … (0 comments)
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Perfect Portable Scanner For Real Estate Agents - 02/16/12 01:20 AM
I like the concept that you can scan on the road during an appointment with iPad in hand as the ony gadget in your mobile arsenal. This sounds simple, practical and useful for the Realtor mobile warrior. It is not a replacement forthe Fujitu but an additional standalone tool to Scan on the run with iPad alone in hand!
Via Sam Miller - Knox County Ohio (RE/MAX Stars Realty):
I have been a huge fan of tech gadgets and gizmos for nearly 20 years. The goal of using technology in real estate is to become more efficient and to be able to … (6 comments)
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Lessons Learned this Wedneday Morn from my making my ten comments on Active Rain - 02/15/12 10:58 AM
What are my Lessons Learned this Wedneday Morn from making my ten comments on Active Rain?
First of all, there is a site called www.floodsmart.gov to learn about flooding. It is the official site of the National Flood Insurance Program. Bookmarked!
There is a great Featured Post Highlighting the three S's on an FHA appraisal i.e. Safety, Security, Soundness. Reblogged!
There is a good chuckle awaiting on some Yoggi Beri real estate fashioned quotes. Learn to price and market your homes correctly to avoid déjà vu all over again. Another reblog on the spot. Great dialogs!
My goal is a reblog … (6 comments)
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What Yogi Berra Might Say About Selling A Home In 2012 - 02/15/12 08:38 AM
I love these Yogi Berra Real Estate Style thoughts. Read each one carefully so you get the gist of how his style of quotes can be applied to our current real estate market. If we learn from our past, it will not be déjà vu all over again to price and market homes successfully.
Via Century 21 First Realty:
Yogi Berra has said a lot of things about baseball, but what would he he say if asked about Selling A Home in 2012?
Berra was a fifteen-time All-Star, and the Major League Baseball MVP three times, in 1951, 1954 and 1955. While he … (2 comments)
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Seriously Stupid FHA Appraiser's And The Three S's - 02/15/12 08:26 AM
What a great recap of the safety, security and soundness issues that will get flagged by an appraiser. As a listing agent in Southern Maryland, I have Seller's do a pre listing home inspection first so these items can be addressed up front.
Via Michael S. Bolton-MN Appraiser (Michael S. Bolton,Inc.):
FHA guidelines state that a house has to meet MPR (minimum property standards) for existing houses, and MPS (minimum property requirements) for new construction. FHA is very concerned with the three S’s: Safety, Security, and Soundness.
When a Realtor was asked what the three FHA S's were, he replied, "Stupid, more stupid, … (2 comments)
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Off the top of my head, what did I learn from my TEN Active Rain comments this morning? - 02/14/12 08:12 AM
Off the top of my head, what did I learn from my TEN Active Rain comments this morning?
First, I reblogged some cool photo repository sites and gave thought to the suggestion that utilizing fellow blogger photos , with permission, gives them juice, too.
I reblogged a post with some of my favorite verbiage...i.e. price war and beauty contest. I noticed the link, too, at the bottom that said originally posted at a Wordpress blog. I made my mental note to do this, too. Wordpress first, here second, to kick off my NEW Wordpress blog.
I noticed another AR blogger using … (6 comments)
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Setting Up A Photo (Data) Bank To Speed Up Blogging - 02/14/12 07:06 AM
I like the list of photo sources here. I also like the concept of linklove by permission blogging some photos shot by blogging buds so they get the extra juice. The time saving concept of getting your photos or iClipArt.com selections ready is a winner, too!
Via Susanna Haynie -Colorado Springs Realtor When life gets you moving...719-321-0800 (Springs Preferred Realty, LLC):
This might sound strange but with the rise of Pinterest great visuals aka photos are even more important now than ever before. Your thumbnails might be the reason why people get curious enough to come and visit your blog and read your … (4 comments)
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What are the Top Five Apps this Southern Maryland Realtor is Actually USING this week? - 02/13/12 08:55 AM
What are the Top Five Apps this Southern Maryland Realtor is Actually USING this week?
This is a moving target. So I am going to do it off the top of my head as an answer to an Active Rain post query today from Gita Bantwal.
Mind you, this list is for this week only and who knows what adventures I will be on next week.
I am using the Pinterest app a lot. I even started a Pinterest for Realtors Group on Active Rain.
Warning Label. Do this late at night because it is highly addictive.
I also use new … (6 comments)
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Valentine's Day Trivia ~ Did You Know? - 02/13/12 07:52 AM
I like the tidbits about Jackie Kennedy's tour and the percentage of men versus women who buy Valentine's Day flowers. Looks like not that many other countries select to observe Valentine's Day. Riley Rover is in for a Valentine's Day treat in my Southern Maryland Beat, you betcha!
Via Dorie Dillard Realtor® Canyon Creek NW Austin TX homes for sale (Coldwell Banker United Realtors):
Valentine's Day Trivia ~ Did You Know?73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine's Day are men, while only 27% are women.
Only the U.S., Canada, Mexico, France, Australia and the United Kingdom celebrate Valentine's Day.
About … (3 comments)
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Pinterest - A Social Cataloging Community - 02/13/12 07:45 AM
Join the Pinterest Group on Active Rain, too, for some great ideas. It is like flipping through magazines and saving your favorite photos and sayings on bulletin boards in your room! Follow me...my handle is GoldenResults on all the social networking sites.
Via Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager):
Pinterest is basically a social catalog. It's a community to share collections of things you love. It's similar to a "like" on Facebook, or a "+1" on Google Plus. It's even like "Digg" "Delicious" "StumbleUpon" and "ReTweeting" but the difference at Pinterest is that it's all about "Pin" or pinning content.
According … (2 comments)
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A little blogging a day is the Easiest Realtor Way! - 02/12/12 08:34 PM
A little blogging a day is the Easiest Realtor Way!
Blogging is marketing. Marketing is blogging.
Once you embrace this it becomes easier to blog a little a day.
But sometimes this is just not possible. There's a catch up day needed.
Just did a seven post marathon. Whew! Back to a little blogging a day as the Easiest Realtor Way!
Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (2 comments)
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Fragrances and Songs wrapped in Memories - 02/12/12 08:24 PM
Fragrances and Songs wrapped in Memories...
So there is a fragrance that makes me think of my childhood best friend's Mom.
There are songs like California Girl that take me back to a moment in time that's fine.
There are photos that transport me, too.
It is a wonderful thing to do...just stop, smell, and listen for a spell. Some of the memories are swell.
… (0 comments)
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I will always love you by Whitney Houston! - 02/12/12 08:14 PM
I will always love you by Whitney Houston!
This goes down as one of my favorite all time songs.
It makes my short list.
I like that they are opening the 54th Grammys with a prayer for her.
I like that this song has been on my mind the last day.
Hey, Whitney, you always have and always will Rock!
May your family and friends and loved ones find peace and solace.
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (2 comments)
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Clean Desk Policy versus Clear Desk Policy? - 02/12/12 08:02 PM
Clean Desk Policy versus Clear Desk Policy?
No, I do not remember which one it is, but I do remember hearing that the RE/MAX Headquarters has this policy.
At the end of the day, hey, it is WHOOSH and all desks are cleaned or cleared or both.
So it took this Southern Maryland Realtor all day long, but needless to say, my desk may not exactly get the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, but it has respectable piles, contained dust bunnies, and a navigable path of things to do starting Monday Morn!
Clean Desk Policy versus Clear Desk Policy? It doesn't … (4 comments)
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My Norman the Conqueror Week is not going to be SWEET! - 02/12/12 07:44 PM
My Norman the Conqueror Week is not going to be SWEET!
It may be Valentine's Day this week but my Projects are far from neat.
Matter of fact, there are some doozies.
Quickbooks, New WP entries, New IDX usage, Docusign Webinar wrap up etc.
Yep, it is going to be a Norman the Conqueror kind of Realtor week.
But just to let you in on some FUN, Outback is scheduled, too! Yahoo!
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (0 comments)
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My Mom's Special Frothy Iced Tea Recipe - 02/12/12 07:24 PM
My Mom's Special Frothy Iced Tea Recipe captures the essence of a perfect Spring or Summer Day for me.
I have had this throughout my lifetime. So snow and all, this captures the essence and hope of a sunny day in spite of the cold winter Southern Maryland temperatures.
The trick is to use a Blender, scoop some of the froth on top, and top with a big lemon wedge. Oh, use a HUGE iced tea glass.
Anyway, mix three tbs Instant Nestea, three cups water, two quarter cups of sugar, and juice of one lemon. 3 2 1 it is … (2 comments)
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I got the Best Birthday Card...Twice! - 02/12/12 06:56 PM
I got the Best Birthday Card...Twice!
Just so you know from the start, my Birthday precedes Valentine's Day but that has given me a lifetime mission.
My goal is to remind everyone that these are separate and distinct holidays and nobody is supposed to forget.
So I did a double take when I saw my Birthday Card from my Brother and my Childhood Best Friend.
Sure as shooting, of all the Birthday Cards on the planet, they sent the exact same one this weekend.
It made me remember something really special.
Many Moons ago, my Dad told me about this really … (3 comments)
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I Know That's Not What You Wanted To Hear - 02/11/12 02:56 AM
This is a good group of lists to review. Sometimes you have to make choices based on facts. This means the real facts not the things you want to hear. This list includes a lot of the different news pieces we have to impart so you are empowered to make the right choice.
Via Karen Fiddler, Broker/Realtor, Mission Viejo ((949)510-2395,The Fiddler Realty Team/eVantage Real Estate):
I feel like so much of my time these days is giving bad news to good people! It's tough! Buyers and sellers are getting bad news from me. But honest news.
Short Sale Sellers … (5 comments)
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Forget The Chevrolet Song - 02/11/12 02:50 AM
Looks like a tour of the country starts here on Active Rain with these bloggers. I follow a lot of them so the few I have missed I am I am going to add to my must follow list. Let me go get started adding them to my subscription list due to to the Krushka's high praise.
Via Karen Kruschka - Prince William, Fairfax ,Stafford County VA Real Estate Service (RE/MAX Olympic Realty):
See The USAIn The "Rain" Each Day.
Every day on ActiveRain we can take journeys to all four corners of the US and Canada without ever leaving our home … (2 comments)
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So how do you celebrate a Birthday Weekend? - 02/10/12 09:14 AM
So how do you celebrate a Birthday Weekend?
I kind of forgot. Now that I remember it is my Birthday Weekend, let me see...
I think I will run in to Panera for some iced tea. Grab a cup of coffee or three at Starbucks.
Hit a quick church service and read a good book. Maybe catch up on some Post Newspapers.
Maybe mess with my new Wordpress Blog and IDX Solution.
Sit on the Porch and soak up the sun for a spell.
Wonder when I am going to finally clean up the Wreath Party stuff.
Oh, and best if … (6 comments)
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Selling Real Estate and the Art of Storytelling: adding narrative to your sales pitch! - 02/10/12 08:24 AM
This is really interesting. It is like the song every picture tells a story but instead of picture insert the word house. I want to check out the background of the Hope Diamond after reading this, too. It makes you think to do the Geneology of the house you are marketing. Get the oral history.
Via Kimo Stowell - Real Estate Merchandiser (JDS Consulting: Decor Design and Merchandising):
A good story doesn't cost a thing...so what's your story?
Lets face it just about everyone enjoys a good story, even the potential buyers looking at your property for sale. In Hawaii we call … (0 comments)
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My very first Active Rain post from almost three years ago! - 02/08/12 05:05 PM
Well, here it is in all it's glory....My very first Active Rain post from almost three years ago! Uh oh....Do not Blink...you might miss it.
From August 2009....
"I like the concepts of "Clouds" on Twitter. The top ten tools or things you are doing in your business is an interesting "Cloud." Here are mine:
FlipVideo, Fujitsu ScanSnap, Private Facebook Groups , Snag It, Buffini Pop Bys, Kindle, Twitter Hashtags #somdbrokeropen or #komenboardwalkathon or #somdhousetour MozyPro, Photodex, VSO Image Resizer, PDF Annotator"
Okay, that was the whole two sentences worth of my first Active Rain post.. I hope … (9 comments)
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Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- 4 Things to Do BEFORE Your Staging Consultation... - 02/08/12 02:46 AM
This list gives you lots of tips to prepare for a Stager to prep your home for sale. I like the listen to the professional tip always. I also like the point to hold off until the professional gives guidance on paint or color. Detach a bit a see that you have a product to market!
Via Kathy Streib-Home Stager-Palm Bch County South Florida - 561-914-6224 (Room Service Home Staging):
Home Staging Tips in Palm Beach County- 4 Things To Do BEFORE Your Home Staging Consultation. (and 4 Bonus “Don’ts)Congratulations, you are taking the right steps you need to take to help get … (3 comments)
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10 REASONS NOT TO STAGE YOUR HOME - 02/07/12 12:25 AM
This is a clever post! Staging helps sell a home in the least amount of time for the most amount of money. It is like putting extra photos on MLS. Some things just work and this is one of them. At bare minimum, declutter, paint, mulch and clean carpets.
Via Janet Jones, Kihei, Maui, Hawaii Home Staging/Interior Redesign (Just Your Style Interiors, LLC):
1. We want to test the market for 90 days. And on the 91st day? Price reduction--and 90 days worth of potential buyers who have already eliminated your property.
2. It costs too much money. I have never … (2 comments)
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When you say , "It's Monday, Realtors hear..." - 02/06/12 06:24 AM
When you say , "It's Monday, Realtors hear..."
Lots of phone calls to clients to catch up after the weekend showings.
Lots of paperwork processing to polish off that accumulated over the weekend.
Maybe an offer to review on a listing or two.
And Yoo Hoo, a blog post to do on a NEW listing or Sold listing with a great story to be told!
Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (4 comments)
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For the Sake of Negotiating... Oh How Much Fun It Is to Ride - 02/06/12 05:34 AM
This is in interesting point. During our office meeting in January, we were asked how many of us had already experienced multiple contracts on our listings. In a packed room of agents, half of us raised our hands. Good news to start the New Year.
Via Loreena Yeo, Realtor®| Frisco TX Community Ambassador (214)783-2210 (3:16 team REALTY ~ Locally-owned Frisco TX Real Estate Co.):
For the sake of Negotiating..... Lessons of Feet Dragging - yes, even in a Buyer's Market.
So, I've experienced the Lessons of Feet Dragging, Negotiating and Dragging just for the sake of Negotiating. It is not fun to … (1 comments)
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Creating a Looping Video Slideshow Display - 02/06/12 05:30 AM
I have this product but have not used it in a very long time. I remember the service was good and it was intuitive. Sounds like with these tips in hand I need to pull it back up and give it another whirl. I like the how to items mentioned below!
Via Amanda Eddy (Photodex):
Whether you’re a real estate agent or other small business owner, you may find yourself needing to play a slideshow on a display for potential clients. Maybe it’s for a tradeshow or maybe it’s for the walls of your office to play a loop of current ‘for … (1 comments)
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When You Go From Eggs To Bacon… - 02/06/12 05:25 AM
I really like this post. This says it all. Commitment versus participation...what a great way to explain it. In this market you need to be the bacon stage. With roughly ten percent of the market in my area selling, which means ninety percent are not, get out the frying pan if you would like Breakfast, or SOLD sign, served.
Via Dawn Maloney 330-990-4236 Hudson Stow Cuyahoga Falls Silver Lake (RE/MAX Haven - Northeast Ohio Real Estate Specialist):
When You Go From Eggs To Bacon…
Have you heard the old joke…
A pig and a chicken were walking by a church … (1 comments)
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Plenty of School Options In Colorado....and Elsewhere! - 02/06/12 05:18 AM
This is a very interesting compilation of school information and resources for many areas. The public schools in Calvert receive such accolades that this frequently is the reason I will be told up front that a family is moving to Calvert County.
Via Susanna Haynie -Colorado Springs Realtor When life gets you moving...719-321-0800 (Springs Preferred Realty, LLC):
When a family is moving there seem to be just a couple most important questions when looking or a new place to live: "Is it safe place?" and "Are the schools good?". "Learning" new school systems can be confusing, however, it's inevitable. Since I … (1 comments)
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What are your favorite kind of blog posts? - 02/06/12 05:09 AM
Talk about some great ideas for new and experienced bloggers alike! Even long term bloggers can get writer's block. My question I ask myself is "What did I learn today? " Then I am generally off to the races. This is a great Plan B when Plan A is for blogging ideas is just not working.
Via Susanna Haynie -Colorado Springs Realtor When life gets you moving...719-321-0800 (Springs Preferred Realty, LLC):
How many types of blog posts are there? Which blog posts have you NOT done yet?
1. How to/tutorial posts These kind of posts are pretty popular and readers usually love them. … (1 comments)
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Check out these fun healthy snacks! - 02/05/12 10:52 PM
Check out these fun healthy snacks!
My grocery cart looks healthier than usual.
I focus on less ingredients, more fruit and veggies, and less cooking.
Anyway, check out these snack ideas I am experimenting with this week.
Pistachios, tuna, shrimp, crabmeat in a can, blueberry bag mix, fruit containers and snap green beans.
That's just for starters but you get the drift. Try some snack newbies for fun.
You'll Retrieve Golden Results with Cheryl Ritchie, RE/MAX 100, for all your Southern Maryland Real Estate Services.
… (4 comments)
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What Every Realtor should have in their wallet! - 02/05/12 12:30 PM
What Every Realtor should have in their wallet!
Okay, let 's start with Real Estate License and NAR NRDS number.
Then let's add lockbox card if you use that method in your Marketplace.
Then let's add in the ICE numbers for safety. This means in case of emergency.
While you are at it, enter ICE on your iPad or iPhone as a contact.
Enter the important phone numbers or people who should be contacted in case of emergency.
Then add the other info above and below this line under your contact notes and under ICE , too.
Now we are at … (6 comments)
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Want 10% off at Lowe's? Work With a REALTOR®! - 02/05/12 10:08 AM
I have this set up and ready to roll out coupons for my Southern Maryland clients. What a great way to start making your new home fit just right for you and your family. Remind me to send yours when our home shopping is completed!
Via Liz and Bill Spear RE/MAX Elite Warren County Ohio: Cincinnati to Dayton (513.265.3004 www.LizTour.com):
Want 10% off at Lowe's? Work With a REALTOR®! Have you ever bought or sold a home and NOT had some home improvement work to do? New appliances, fresh paint, swapping out light fixtures.....chances are no matter which side of the transaction you're … (2 comments)
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Can Pinterest Be a Source of Your Referral Traffic? - 02/05/12 09:36 AM
Pinterest in just good plain fun. You pin your interests on bulletin boards you create. It must be like an electronic scrap board activity. Check it out and follow me on Pinterest.com/goldenresults. My favorite board on my site is called Golden Results.
Via Marilyn Boudreaux, Lake Charles Realtor Lake Charles LA Real Estate (Marilyn Boudreaux, Century 21 Mike D. Bono & Co.'s):
How many people had a bulletin board in their bedroom as a teenager? My bulletin board was an ugly dime store cork frame filled with thumbtacks of all my favorite pictures, celebrities, artwork, dried up dance corsages, spirit ribbons, school buttons … (2 comments)
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Active Rain Contests-Taking Your Hard Work To The Next Level - 02/05/12 09:30 AM
I use issuu.com/goldenresults for my listing presentation but had not thought to use it for articles and guides. What a great idea. It is exceptional looking but what a great idea to use it for a publication resource. Cindy Jones has another great Realtor idea!
Via Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (CJ Realty Group, Inc.):
Ever wonder what to do with all of the great blogs you write for Active Rain contests? Active Rain offers all of us an opportunity to create a great deal of content. A few years ago one of the contests gave me an "AH-HA" … (0 comments)
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Putting The Cart Before The Horse When Buying Real Estate - 02/03/12 12:53 AM
Via Doug Durren and Gloria Todor - Delaware County PA Real Estate (Century 21 Absolute Realty ):
Putting The Cart Before The Horse When Buying Real Estate
You probably know this expression “putting the cart before the horse”, well this is one way to describe a buyer who wants to start seeing houses before they have been pre-approved by a lender. Sure as a buyer you might have some idea of what you can afford, but until you talk with a professional, go over the closing costs and find out what you can afford for a mortgage, you are putting the … (4 comments)
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Ten things to remove before listing... - 02/03/12 12:47 AM
Here is a great tip list on things to remove and declutter to prepare your home to sell. Remove valuables, gun, money, photos, jewelry, bills, shoes, magnets, etc. Did I say magnets? Let me say that one twice. Talk about a photo challenge!
Via Lindsey Hasford (Coldwell Banker Vision):
Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean? Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.
10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of … (2 comments)
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Can you face criminal charges for cutting down a tree on your property in Maryland? - 02/03/12 12:37 AM
This is a good post to read in the Southern Maryland counties also. Laws are in place to protect the area within 1000 feet of the Chesapeake Bay. Review with the County first to determine what County requirements are already in place.
Via Richard Iarossi, Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate (Long and Foster® Real Estate, Inc.):
If you live on the water, or within 1000 feet of tidal water in Maryland, you had better be aware of restrictions imposed within this Cheasapeake Bay Critical Area. For instance, if you cut that tree down on your property to get a … (0 comments)
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Text Messaging 101-Over 60 different smiley faces - 02/02/12 02:10 AM
This is a fun post! I recognize the basics but had no idea there were this many smile variations for texting. Which are your favorites? Do you have any to add? I like the figure 8 for glasses or sunglasses best as an addition to my smile toolbox!
Via Mike Carlos Tallahassee FL Realtor (Keller Williams Town & Country Realty):
Text messaging 101-I have to say that the people that came up with all these really have alot of time on their hands...but I am glad for it because it is really neat! Tought I would share to get everyone up to spead.
… (5 comments)
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Top 10 Things to do To ENJOY Your Time Off - 02/01/12 07:08 AM
I like the Featured Post line below that if you cannot manage some time off then how can you manage the other components of a transaction or business? Batteries need time for recharge and people do, too. Sometimes time off can happen spur of the moment , such as in a family emergency , but mobile technology methods that are established and operational keep the business going smoothly!
Via Joni Staples, CRS ♥ Broker Associate (936) 650-9017 (Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Anderson Properties):
Top 10 Things to do to Enjoy Your Time Off.
10. Recognize that just because … (3 comments)
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