Bob's Blog about Western and Central MD Real Estate

Dusting off some of the old school tools

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:16:57 -0700

Yep, back in the saddle again here at good ole Active Rain. How far has the RE.net come since it's infancy in what seems like years (only 2006.) Some might say it went back even farther than that on RealTown list server stuff at the creation of the ePro designation. Yeah, I know most of you new "Social Media Guru" are googling listserv to see if you should pontificate on it, write an eBook on it, or retweet it and now you can even "like" it.

What a lot of social media "experts" forget about the when jump into this, is the fact it will always be and continues to be a people business. I still dwell on a simple statement made by Jeff Turner a looong time ago. He is also is living example of it. YEO should trademarked and bundled up. It should be a prerequiste for every real estate agent that opens up a Twitter account and Facebook account. A lot of people think it's about the numbers (actually we have trained ourself to play the numbers) because we better our odds at gaining new business. If you have been in this business (or any sales business) sometimes it's not the quantity but the quality of the numbers.

Agents should be using the internet to bring themselves closer to their clients. In the process you will find that others will find you for your honesty and expertise in the field. RE.net doesn't lie. You will be found out rather quickly. Buyers and sellers are more intelligent than they every have been before with all the free information out there. You just need to show them who you are and that you know what the answer are. If you are online 8-10 hours a day (that includes blackberry and iPhone time too,) and you aren't getting new business or at least appointments from it, then you are doing it all wrong.

Close the lid on the laptop and get outside and network with people that will actually give you business. This is still a people business and the weather is fine. Harness the power of the internet, but use it to your advantage not as a hiding place.

Bob

AKA gotbob

Where do you spend your marketing money?

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:33:11 -0800

I found this on RISmedia and thought it would be good to forward on to you and have you start thinking about your web presence. One quick note about using “Real Estate” as a keyword, this is a most definitely a key search term but everyone is trying to achieve this high rankings phrase on their sites. Some people pay big dollars for that search term. But you have to ask yourself, do buyers and sellers REALLY search for “My town Real Estate” or is that just an ego search term for us in the industry? If you go for the smaller more local issues that surround your market, you will have a better chance at reaching out to the public. Sometimes it’s not just about “Real Estate” when building relationships with buyers and sellers. This is called the Long Tail. You start going for the smaller marketing terms in your area but you stand out as the expert in that area. I think we call it a Niche market. I can bet you, no I guarantee you that buyers and sellers are looking for more specific answers about the “real estate” in the area; shopping, schools, events, lifestyles, and the buying and selling process. They are looking for a lifestyle that matches theirs, not just “real estate.” I would think that knowing the area is more important that knowing that the house has 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Yes the house is critical, but what they get out of the area is very important.

Ask Dave Ringold, an agent in my office, what just five sentences and one picture did this weekend. Or better yet, just search “Fire on Bennett road Mt Airy“ It’s not real estate but he just got his name out in front of plenty (200+ hits) concerned people in the area. It’s just that simple. I have been hounding him forever to start a blog of his own, but he used our office blog as a starting point. (which is starving for new information)

Can you guarantee your current market plan will get your name in front of that many people that quick? Also ask him how much it cost him while you are at it? Will he get direct business from it? Not directly, but it did put his name out in front of plenty of readers (concerned about his market area.) Isn’t that marketing? Why do you put your faces on Shopping Carts, postcards, newspaper ads?

Everyone is looking for a silver bullet in this market, that silver bullet is WORK. Marketing campaigns take time and effort, but mostly consistently and they don’t have to be expensive. Every “Real Estate Expert marketer” tells you that as they sell you the latest and greatest product for hundreds of dollars. And everyone buys into it out of desperation. Stop spending useless money on get rich quick scams! They tell you that because they want you to consistently buy their product and keep them rich for the long term. Phone calls are FREE, most of the internet training that I can offer you is FREE, and emails are FREE. Note cards and holiday cards are inexpensive. Newspaper ads are expensive and ineffective. Dave Stevens sent out a YouTube video last night that made me think of this one. A vision of Students Today. (Mike Wesch has plenty of thought provoking experiments with his students called Digital Ethnography and check out his other videos as they are just as intriguing.) This is our future homeowner and they are graduating soon.

85+% of the buyers/sellers start on the internet
3% actually find their home in the newspaper or print.

Where do you spend most of your marketing money? If you are successful at old traditional marketing like print and park benches, just imagine how successful you will be by going after the 85%?

Just food for thought…I don’t want you to change your ways or anything. : )

Bob

AKA gotbob

Groan - Another Meme

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:07:39 -0800

OK this one isn't all that bad. Margaret Woda tagged me with this one...And yes it gave me another reason to comeback and play in the Rain once again. I have found other things to outside of AR has occupied a lot of my time and neglected to see everyone here. Although I must say that a lot of the original members have ventured aways as well on to other venues. This place has grown (not groan) so well and has help plenty of agent spread their wings and build their business.

Margaret has been one that has kept one foot in the Rain and outside of the rain quite successfully. I was pleased to see while going through my Google reader and reading Focus On Crofton that she recently joined my Brokerage. Now I have a reason to stop by her office (it's below my Regional Managers office...and you know me, I am always pulled on the carpet for something.) ; )

Back to the meme...

This one is rather interesting and as Margaret said depending where you would have tagged me would have inluenced the book I had within arms reach. I can't consider myself a voracious reader, however I do pick up a book or two.

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next two to five sentences.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book or the intellectual one. Pick the Closest.
6. Tag five people to do the same
*The one book that this can not be is the Bible*

So, what did you think I had next to me today??? No it wasn't one of those books. In my office, I have quite a few business and industry related books. At home it would have been Photography or Social Networking/Technology books. So here we go...turning, turning, lick fingers, ahh page 56...fifth sentence..

The danger of this stategy is that you will risk making a profit if the market falters or if the competition cuts the market share before you can raise the prices. The strength of this strategy is potential momentum. Starting a new-homes sales program is like starting a train. It take a while to get it going; but, once you do, momentum becomes your best friend.

Risk of making a profit??? That's not neccessarily a bad thing. So where did this excerp come from...This was a book that was given to me by a new home builder that appreciated some advice that I gave him. "Master What Matters" by Brian Flook. I have not read this one yet...obviously sparked my interest now.

What I learned today:::

I still don't like Memes!
I need to read this book soon
I really need to visit this builder again (B2B relationships)
Thank Margaret for giving me a reason to write here again.
I have a couple more books over there that need read.

I would love to pick 5, but not sure where to start. I will pick from the middle of my subscription list.

	Palm Beach Real Estate and Loans - Marc Blasi PGA National, BallenIsles, Mirasol - Marc Blasi - Palm Beach Gardens, FL Last Post: 11/16/08 11:19 AM Posts: 232
	Ann Arbor and Saline Michigan Real Estate Missy Caulk-Ann Arbor- Realtor(R)- Ann Arbor Real Estate - Ann Arbor, MI Last Post: 11/16/08 09:32 AM Posts: 467
	Teresa 's Blog Teresa Boardman - Saint Paul, MN Last Post: 11/16/08 07:33 AM Posts: 321
	Real Estate Financing, The Insider's Insight On Mortgage Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker - Allentown, PA Last Post: 11/15/08 11:13 PM Posts: 349
	ARDELL's Seattle Area Real Estate Blog ARDELL DellaLoggia - Kirkland, WA Last Post: 11/15/08 12:52 PM Posts: 488 Have a great day.

Bob

AKA gotbob

810C Heather Ridge Dr, Frederick, MD 2 BD 1 BA Condo

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 10:00:25 -0700

Need to start home ownership somewhere. Start with energy efficient Condo in Frederick, MD.

810C Heather Ridge Drive, Frederick, MD

810C HEATHER RIDGE DRIVE Unit: 20C, Frederick, MD 21701 View Map

NEW PRICE...Motivated Seller wants offers!!! Brand new windows, programmable thermostat, newer heat pump, lower level unit all means one thing - LOWER ELECTRIC BILLS. Submit offer now and you have the ability to pick the carpet color.

Details

Asking Price:

$129,900

MLS:

FR6755213

Sq. Feet:

868

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

149

Subdivision:

Ambertowne

Year Built:

1986

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Bob Carney
Asst Manager, ABR, ePRO

Cell 240-285-4918
Dir 301-831-7500
Email | Website

Bob

AKA gotbob

12 Brad Alan Dr, Knoxville, MD 21758 4BD 3.5BA

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:17:05 -0700

Looking to save money on your DC commute? Take a look at this newer single family home in Knoxville, MD.

12 Brad Alan Dr, Knoxville MD

12 Brad Alan Dr, Knoxville, MD 21758 View Map

Once in a life time you find a home you find a home of this quality at this price. Bright kitchen with 42 in cabinets, recessed lighting, and an island. Family room has office with french doors. Cathedral ceilings in the master bedroom. Spacious MBA with double bowl vanity and soaking tub. Beat the gas prices with MARC train's convenient location.

Details

Asking Price:

405,000

MLS:

FR6789790

Sq. Feet:

2700

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Galyn Manor

Year Built:

2005

Contact Info

Bob Carney
Asst Manager, ABR, ePRO

Cell 240-285-4918
Dir 301-831-7500
Email | Website

Bob

AKA gotbob

823 W Potomac St. Brunswick, MD 21716 4 BD 2.5BA Single Family Home

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 09:02:30 -0700

Looking for a great DC Commuter location? Check out this single family home in Brunswick, MD.

832 Potomac W Brunswick MD

832 Potomac W, Brunswick, MD 21716 View Map

Fight back the gas prices and home heating bills. All elec house (average $84 month) and very close to MARC train. No extra gas prices here. This 8 year young well maintained home offers a open floor plan in the living room and kitchen dining room with vaulted ceilings. Lower level walkout basement has spacious laundry room & two bedrooms CLEAN SHORT SALE Subject to 3rd party approval

Details

Asking Price:

$250,000

MLS:

FR6789784

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Commuter Favorite

Year Built:

1999

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Bob Carney
Asst Manager, ABR, ePRO

Cell 240-285-4918
Dir 301-831-7500
Email | Website

Bob

AKA gotbob

11245 Suffolk Dr, Hagerstown MD 21742 4 BD 2 BA 2 HBA

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 08:43:09 -0700

Looking for real estate around Hagerstown, MD? Check out this upgraded beautiful Single Family Home located in the Hamptons of Brightwood.

11245 Suffolk Dr, Hagertown, MD

11245 Suffolk Dr, Hagerstown, MD 21742 View Map

Large and in charge. This gorgeous Waverly model showcases a 2 story familyroom and stone fireplace. Double hung windows that are all tinted to lower your cooling bills in the summer. Enjoy entertaining guest in your gourmet kitchen or around your bar in the full finished basement. Hardwood floors and granite counter tops are only a few upgrades in this pristine home.

Details

Asking Price:

$495,000

MLS:

WA6800468

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

Subdivision:

Hamptons of Brightwood

Contact Info

Bob Carney
Asst Manager, ABR, ePRO

Cell 240-285-4918
Dir 301-831-7500
Email | Website

Bob

AKA gotbob

Trolling for Ideas

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 19 May 2008 10:46:51 -0700

Now that I have finished one of my personal task dealing with the Relay For Life in Frederick, I figure I would take on another...You have got to fill up all the free time we have on our hands lately with something creative. I haven't posted a tutorial or anything in a long time. Of course trying to keep up with JT and Cheryl Johnson is like running a marathon using a walker.

Anyways, I am looking for suggestions for a topic for a tutorial on Wordpress or Bluehost. What do you want that you haven't seen here yet? I want to try out some new gadgets like tool boy...like JingProject.com. or some screen recording tool.

I am not ready to write a Joomla post yet. My brain is fried...I will leave that up to Virtuallin show you.

So, whatcha looking for?

Bob

AKA gotbob

Looking for a 3 level Condo for a great price?

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:58:19 -0700

Look no further. This owner is offering closing cost assistance and/or Down payment assistance on this 2 Bedroom condo in Frederick MD. Take a look...

490 Carrollton Dr, Frederick MD 3 Level Condo

490 Carrollton Dr, Frederick, MD 21701 View Map

Remodeled and ready!!!

Here's your chance to own a 3 level condo under $200k. Down payment assistance available. THIS IS NOT A SHORT SALE close as quick as your lender allows. Unit is updated and waiting for you to move in. Fresh paint, new carpet, Ceramic Tile in the Kitchen and Brand New Bathrooms. Spacious bedrooms. You are going to be spoiled with all the space for the price. Convenient to shopping, restaurants and places of worship. Quick to major commuter routes and major companies like MedImmune & Bechtel.

This property is waiting for movers!

Details

Asking Price:

$179,000

MLS:

FR6704795

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

1.5

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

161

Subdivision:

Sans Souci Regime

Year Built:

1966

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Bob Carney
Asst Manager, ABR, ePRO

Cell 240-285-4918
Dir 301-831-7500
Email | Website

Bob

AKA gotbob

Assigning Domain Names to Subdomains on Bluehost

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:18:58 -0800

OK you learned how to create a Wordpress.org blog using bluehost on Agentgenius’ blog. Benn did a fine job at explaining it. If you haven’t started yet, here’s a couple pre-requisites to this tutorial.

You need a bluehoust account. CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP FOR BLUEHOST.COM NOW. (yeah, I get a referral, but come on you’re getting this info free)
Created a subdomain and installed Wordpress on it. (Use Agentgenius tut if not done yet)
A fresh pot of coffee. (or a six pack of your favorite beverage)

For the purpose of this Tutorial… I created “Subdomain.bob-carney.net” and installed wordpress on it. By doing this first, I can create a beautiful layout and get some links and information on it prior to launching it to the public. Maybe you want to test a couple variations and have a group review them. Just create another subdomain and install your blog platform on it. (Wordpress is by far the easiest, but its not the only open source software; nucleus and b2evolution) By the end of this tutorial, I will have www.gb4h.com as the assigned domain. You will still always be able to access the blog by typing http://subdomain.bob-carney.net.

On your Bluehost cPanel, your domain menu is where you will create your Subdomain and your Addon domain. The Addon Domain is where you going to click for this tutorial.

This next step takes place on your Domain registrar. For my domain GB4H.com it is registered at Godaddy. This next graphic is the Nameserver section. I changed them prior to make the changes on Bluehost, if you don’t do this first, you will be asked to enter your EPP code. This will need to be requested from your registrar. Godaddy has a link that you click to email to you. It’s much easier in my opinion to just change the Nameservers first.

Here’s your next step in the Addon menu. A key note here…DO NOT PUT “www” in front of your domain. In a sense you are creating another subdomain…in actuality, the “www” is a subdomain of your domain. (another note; if your domain is registered with Bluehost, use the drop down from top selection)

This is where Bluehost will link your previously created subdomain. (My subdomain is called “Subdomain”, I know creative!)

OK now, GB4H.com is assigned to Subdomain.bob-carney.net. They are one and the same anything that you do in cPanel to files will reflect in the other one.

OK, off to our wordpress site. Open a browser and type in your new domain. At this point when I type GB4H.com in the URL field, it takes me to my wordpress site, but the URL immediately changes to http://subdomain.bob-carney.net.

Sign in and head over to the Options tab. You will see the below fields with “http://subdomain.bob-carney.net” in both fields. This is what is telling the page URL what the blog domain is. So change the bottom one. You can change the top one too. I don’t see any problems if it remains as is.

OK now your done. You have just set up your blog. Like I said early this is great when you are creating a new site and don’t want the domain to show it off yet. Maybe you have the domain already on another blog…like wordpress.com (the free web-based wordpress blog)

One final tip before you go...since the site is new. Make this last change so you don’t lose any SEO opportunities. While you are in the options section. Go over to “Permalinks” and make the following change.

By selection the option with the title, you will enhance your SEO by including the title of your post URL. Google likes that. The later you do this in your blog, you will have to make changes to your .htaccess file (whole different post)

Well there you have it. Peace out.

Thanks to Josette Skilling for inspiring this post.

Bob

AKA gotbob

Getting ready to change my Static Website- Getting ready for a Virtual Assistant

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 09:17:55 -0800

I have been kicking this idea around about changing my static website for sometime now. Ever since I started blogging, I really never give that site much attention. I mean really, why do I need to have it? Well, for starters, it's another place on the internet for someone to find you. It has a Page Rank of 4. If you use it right, you can use all of these little sites to help your other sites gain popularity in your search rankings. If you notice one thing about my blogs and websites, I try to mention them on each of the other sites with some quality back links. And by that, I mean don't just mention your website like this... "You can visit my website at http://gotbob4homes.com and start your home search." You have to really use all that HTML will give you. Bold letters, alt tags and some descriptive anchor words. Like this... "When you are looking for real estate in Frederick MD, I would say stop by my website to start house hunting." Hover over the links...see that little gem? It's call "alt tag" you have it here when you highlight your words and click the Hyperlink tool (or ctrl-K for you power users) and put something in the description area. It helps Google define your website.

Back to me changing sites... In this whole process, I have been looking to learn Joomla, Mambo or Drupal to actually make my site. I know, you're like Joo-pal what? When you sign up on Bluehost, you have a free tool to install various website software called Fantastico. (If you are going to self host your websites, I highly recommend Bluehost. CLICK HERE TO SIGNUP FOR BLUEHOST.COM NOW.) Wordpress is one of them and that's the platform I use for my blog. Anyways, Joomla and friends are various open source CMS (Content Management Software.) They have a lot of components that you can really tie a lot of items up neatly in one place. It just takes some time getting used to and can be overwhelming to learn. But I wasn't giving up, I was just running out of time and also tired of paying for Advance Access to host my site, since I have all of this space. The traffic wasn't there to justify the expense.

One of the finer things about Twitter, is when you think out loud on there, people are listening. I was throwing out some of my concerns and thought about what I was doing. Mostly asking everyone if they knew an easy CMS application. Jeff Turner kept ribbing me, why would I even want to fight with Mambo or Joomla... CAUSE I WAS BOUND AND DETERMINED, that's why!!! (his suggestion was a wise one...use Wordpress for Content Management.) Believe me, I did that too. I have created multiple sites with that too.

But then came along, @Virtuallin, she approached me about my problem and offered to help. That she did...she offered to put something together for me to look at and then gave me the keys to break it. Not quite like that, but just as dangerous. Turns out she is the Joomla Queen. Go ahead and search for something related to Joomla, I am sure one of her many sites will show up. We have been working on it for a while now (mostly her.) And almost ready to unleash it on the world with my old domain on it. I will let you take a look at it shortly...I am not done tooting Cheryl Allin's horn. Yes, that's her real name. @Virtuallin is her Twitter name and also the play on words for her company. Cheryl is a Virtual Assistant. Whenever you think you're too busy to get stuff done, but not confident enough to hire a personal assistant for the office, you'll need to think about a Virtual Assistant. There are quite a few out there waiting to help. Cheryl does more than websites, but that is her specialty. Her prices are very reasonalable, even for a cheap skate like me. Not only did she put together a fine website, for a very reasonable price threw in her new Drip Mail program. (you need some like this to help maintain new leads.)

If it wasn't for Twitter and me thinking out loud amongst my followers, I would still be racking my brain. Cheryl has helped alleviate my problem and free up my time to look for business instead of maintaining my business. That's only one of the many benefits of a Virtual Assistant.

As promised take a look at what I used to have and what I will have soon.

OLD Advance Access Site New Joomla Site

Again, if you're looking for some great website help, think about calling (or Twittering @Virtuallin)

Yeah, that's coming from me...Mr. "I'll do all that techie stuff myself"

Bob

AKA gotbob

Wordpress: How to write today and post automatically in the future

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:01:30 -0800

Trying to keep up with your blogs while you are on vacation can be a daunting task. Not that I have been on vacation anytime lately. But if I ever was on a vacation, I would want my blog to post while I was on vacation so my readers wouldn't miss me. I stumbled upon a post that showed me how but forgot to book mark it so they would get some link love.

You always worry about losing your traffic because you neglect to post on your blog...now you don't have to worry...just do it ahead of time.

Here's how you do it. First and foremost you have to write your post ahead of time. We'll keep it simple with one, but it works for multiple post.

Write your post.
When you are done and ready to save, here's what you do 1st. (very simple)
Edit time stamp box to the date and time you want to automatically post
Click Publish on the Post Status Section
Click Save (NOT PUBLISH)

Wahlah...your post will automatically post on the date and time that you save it.

Bob

AKA gotbob

You've received a Hallmark e-Card = virus WARNING

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 05:01:45 -0800

Isn't that nice? Someone thought of you to send you the very best. Just delete it...it's a fake. You will get a virus.

A couple items to notice that it's a fake. First off, the spelling. It's received not RECIEVED.

And Hallmark will always tell you specifically who the card is from...it won't be addressed to you from a "friend" or "neighbor"

If you hover above the link that says click "here"... you will see that it doesn't have Hallmark.com in the address but an IP address with an .exe extension... that is bad. It will run a program on your computer immediately.

On Hallmarks website you can contact them to report the incident and what else to do. Here's the warning posted on their website.

At first Norton Antivirus, didn't do anything to the virus. But when I download AVG free version, the virus was deleted and quarantined.

If you really meant something from the sender...they would of sent you a real card!!!

Bob

AKA gotbob

8 Random Things About Me...I Have Been Meme'd

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 21:39:37 -0800

OK, I want to thank Midori for this, again painful experience, like once wasn't enough. I am not sure what other secrets that I could possibly share but lets give it a try...

I have had this book on my bookshelf for two years but have never read it...guess I'll do it tomorrow.
I seriously think I should be on Ritalin...Not that I'm hyper, I just cannot focus on one task at a time. I have to be running around like a chicken with my head chopped off or I'm not happy. Uhh look butterflies!!!!
I was a Radio station DJ at PSU in New Ken. We played Punk, when Punk was the only Alternative Rock. The Sex Pistols, Dead Milkmen, Depeche Mode, and we also play heavy metal. :) (yeah, you'll have an earworm after clicking the last one)
I was the President of the Chess Club in High School and was the A/V guy and stage hand for theater club - Total nerd!
My favorite movies are the old Monty Python movies; Search for the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and the Meaning of Life
Best days of Boating are the day you buy and the day you sell it. I had a 20 ft Bayliner when I was in college and we used to be on Three Rivers all the time...If it weren't for beer and gas back then I would be a rich man today.
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I really wish life was much simpler...I love technology but it has really changed the way we work and relate to everything and everybody in life. And I don't think its all that great for our kids future but its hard to break. I am sorry they can't have a childhood like we did...batteries not included!

In line with requirements of this meme...I need to name 3 people and one of which is someone from my external Socnet circle...hmm

Jimmy Gardner a Twitter Friend (His Meme)

Lisa and Robert Hammerstein since the link to me everywhere - Who are the Hammersteins? (Their meme)

Bob Hefferon because he is brand new to Active Rain as of today and already posted a blog. Hopefully he will participate.

Bob Carney REALTOR Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 1512 Ridgeside Dr Mt Airy, Maryland, 21771 US	Work: 301-831-7500 Mobile: 240-285-4918 bob@gotbob4homes.com http://focusonfrederick.com

Visit MyBlogLog and get a signature like this!

Bob

AKA gotbob

How to use Mail Merge in your Publisher files

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 15:43:42 -0800

I had a quick question from Pamela LeBlanc today about Mail Merge and Publisher. She is creating a post card for a neighborhood. She needs to pull the tax records from our MLS and merge that file onto her postcard. I thought I had already wrote about this, but I was wrong. I did one on Using Mail Merge on Microsoft Outlook.

So here’s how you use Mail Merge on Microsoft Publisher…

First you will need to get your data file. If you have a mail list already, you won’t need to build one from the tax records. This is also a good way to build your farm list. In Pamela’s instance, this is only going to be a one time use and she can delete the data file after she is done. Her Sellers want to offer a bounty to the neighborhood to bring a bona fide buyer (and close on the property.) It’s time to think outside the box! (she knows and I know it’s still in the price and condition that is the magic combination.)

Search for your neighborhood in the tax records for the homes you want in your mailing. I did a search for Wormans Mills but only found a few homes. Looks like the majority are called Park Place on the Tuscarora now.

Now you are ready for exporting the file. I leave it as “Tax Default” This way all the data fields are in the file for you to use. You might want a part of the tax record included in your mail merge like the transaction date to remind the buyer how long they had the house. (Not in Pamela’s use)

Now you have your data file. Remember where you saved it.

NOTE: If you are using one of the Workstations in one of the Long & Foster workrooms, you will not be able to merge this file to Publisher. You will need to save it, open MS Excel and then open that txt file. If it doesn’t automatically place all the fields into columns, Click on Data and then “Text to columns”. Save this file as excel workbook. This will be your new data file.

Open up your Publisher file (the postcard.) I prefer the postcard to be broken into two files one for the front and one for the back. Otherwise it is more difficult to print. So I will refer to the back of the postcard only.

Now under tools is the Mail Merge and Catalog Merge. Click and follow the series of questions. You are going to click next at the bottom after each step.
First you will add your data file that you saved earlier. The file will be “tab deliminated”
Next… Here you will set up your card. You will have a selection of fields to place on your card.
I sometimes just Use “Current Resident” instead of the homeowners name.
“Property Address” is the whole street address
Then the TaxParcelCity, state and zip
Notice the illustration below. I pushed enter after “property address” and Taxparcel zip only. It doesn’t look that way because the field title is longer than the actual data it is replacing.
Next will show you a preview of what your data looks like with real information. Needs formatting? Just click “previous” on the mail merge tool.
Now you are done. Print your mail merge document.

Budget tip: I usually print on 110 lb cardstock full sheets not the perforated type. It cost about $6 at Sam’s Club for 250 sheets (1000 postcards) After that I take my completed merge to Kinkos. They will 1/4 sheet cut them perfectly for less than $4. The post office won’t kick them back for not being uneven. One last thing, make sure you have your Presorted Permit stamp printed on the corner.

There you go you have your postcards with all addresses in place, and cut perfectly.

Bob

AKA gotbob

I am taking a poll of favorite Christmas Movies.

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:16:56 -0800

OK, as a request of my very good friend Kevin Lynott(a meteorologist with NOAA out in Wyoming) , today’s Fun topic is what is your favorite Christmas Holiday Season Movie. I have a few favorites that are always a must. Absolutely, National Lampoon’s Christmas Holiday Vacation is top of my list. Christmas Holidays with the Kranks (Ok, I’ll stop with the PC,) Elf, A Christmas Story…I like the newer movies if you couldn’t tell. Maybe your favorite is on this list from before 1991. Maybe it was one of the original Christmas Carols? I almost forgot about Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas.

TO VOTE You'll need to head over to Focus On Frederick.com

I know, I know Blatant attempt to drive traffic to my site...ba hum bug!!!! :)

OK NEVER MIND HEADING OVER... Here is the survey... VOTE!!!

Bob

AKA gotbob

SEO Gurus where are YOU?

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 17:39:06 -0800

I have a quick question. I am looking to drop my Advance Access website. It now has a PR of 3. See it at gotbob4homes.com. I really don't get much traffic but have built it up from page 50 on Google for my key words of "Frederick MD Real Estate" to page 1 see it here

Will I be penalized if I move it to say Point2Agent or make a new CMS website on my bluehost server?

Maybe if I mention Brad Carroll or Karen George their Google alert will go off. They have great insight to the whole SEO issue.

Has anyone done this before and how was your results? I appreciate your input.

Bob

AKA gotbob

The Latest Craze in Real Estate Social Networking

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 11:25:19 -0800

Yep, you heard it...Another Social network online! THis one is way tooo cool. You can change your profile page to reflect your personality. Add photos for your friends and collegues to see. There is even a section that you can have upload videos to your website. You even have the ability to send pictures and video straight from your phone.

People have always want more ways to network with others, drive tons of traffic to your websites. You can even up load your active Rain Link and get points for doing it...what more can you ask for???

So to get started...click on my "Real Estate World " badge at the bottom of the page and create your own account. (no you don't get referral points or notoriety for inviting the most people)

1. Upload your profile picture. This is very important...others will recognize your face before they will your name! Besides you don't want to go around looking like this.

2. Use the menu bar under "My Page" to edit your theme...this is where you will really set yourself a part from the others...rumor has it...the right theme also drives SEO.

3. Now that you have uploaded your profile picture, you now upload more personalized items like videos and more pictures of you at the beach or sloshed at a couple of parties.

4. Remember to contribute by blogging and blogging some more...this will make you popular by contributing to the site.

5. Here again...join up and socialize, drive business, gain internet popularity...solve world peace!

<

Visit Real Estate World

Bob

AKA gotbob

Adding Feedburner to your Outlook Signature

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:43:04 -0800

Missy Caulk had asked me about my Email Signature block the other day, so I had promised her that I would write up a quick blog about how to make hers look like mine. I add the Feedburner to help promote my blog subscriptions.

Few logistics first. I use Outlook 2003 as my mail client. I have only two email address accounts on it. Bob.Carney(at)LongandFoster.com and Bob(at)gotbob4homes.com. One is my companies Microsoft Exchange server and the other is my email service on my Domain from Godaddy. I have multiple other email addresses associated with my other websites, but they are set up on Bluehost to forward to my main email address.

The next item you will need is a Feedburner subscription. You probably have seen them around. They allow your readers to subscribe to your blog feed. I have added to my signature block a Feed Headliner. This little gizmo rotates through your most recent post in a an attractive block. (this can be used anywhere, not just in your email)

Now that you have both of them, you can proceed to the next step.

On your feedburner account, click on "my feeds" and then click on the blog you want to showcase. On the next screen you will see a series of tabs. Click on the Publicize tab and then click "Headliner Animator"

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Create the Headliner that you want. You can adjust size, color and layout.

You will have multiple ways to post this bugger on different blogging and socail platforms. I just picked the "Other Code" and pasted it in the HTML tab of the AR editor.

But that's not why we are here. Under the Headline Animator, I selected the "email signature" choice and followed the direction in the drop down box for Outlook 2003.

You can check out my other post on the email signatures if you need any ideas on what to put in your Outlook signature block.

Sorry for the delay Missy...hope this helps!

Bob

AKA gotbob

Someone Famous from Active Rain Came to my office today

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 16:54:21 -0800

But since my Active rain blog and my "outside" blog isn't part of the new beta version of the Active Rain Beta Platform. You will have to actually go to my outside blog to see who was at my office today.

See who stopped by my office.

Go ahead...you won't be disappointed. Really...

Click it... Ahh come on... I checked no one else posted this...Really!

Bob

AKA gotbob

We can't escape the bubble - its all around us

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 21:59:19 -0800

OK we are fighting the mass media on the housing bubble. We jump on the web 2.0 to help us be found amongst the 1.5 million real estate agents out there....

Now that's gonna burst!!!! (Was the for sale sign on Active Rain the start?)

Help me I can't escape the bubble!!!!

Bob

AKA gotbob

7 Months 100 post 2224 comments and friends too numerous to mention

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:21:11 -0800

I joined Active Rain almost exactly seven months ago. I feel like it was like years ago that all of this has started. Since I started here as you can see in the title, I have written 100 post and made over 2000 comments. I can only imagine how many post that I have read...it wouldn't be a true reflection of the number comments, it would be much more. Unfortunately, I didn't comment on every blog I read. (But I truly enjoyed them all.)

The amount of information that is shared here is simply amazing. The sharing, the caring...it is amazing how a virtual community comes together. There has been heartbreak, sorrow and pain, joy and happiness...each step of the way people pulled together and offered support, words of encouragement...everyone shared in their victories.

All of this because of blogging. Myspace or Facebook, I don't think have the same sincerity as ActiveRain...partially because of their online personality. How can you be a real person if your name is ROCKhardabs67, johnnyLOVErocket or lovemyDDs85? (no there aren't members with these names on myspace, but you get my point.) It's kind of hard not to be yourself when your name, address and phone number is pasted on everything you write...not to mention your picture. I am sure some of the comments could be cleaned up from time to time, but it is also OK that we vent. It helps us understand each other.

To think that I have grown is an understatement...to think I have reached the pinnacle is even more of an understatement. This is only a scratch in the surface of the technology world as it pertains to real estate. I still consider myself a student of the industry with everyday that passes. I have recent wrote about the Tom Brokaws statement about the Washington News Post and you truly have to embrace that idea...one day your newspaper will be delivered on your Kindle. If you are still relying on print to bring your business, how are you going to survive when it goes away? You have to stay out in front of technology and continue to build relationships.

Active Rain has been the catalyst of my online experience. I have always been on the internet, just never to this extent. You see what I have done on Active Rain above...but here is what I have done on the outside since starting here. I launched my own business blog called Focus On Frederick, went from a free blog to my own hosted blog, moved my static website from page 50 to page 2 on google, inspired the naming of other successful blogs, created multiple other blogs. On my biz blog I have written 129 post, but I am not sure how many comments I have made on other outside blogs. I have create multiple social network profiles...and the invitations continue to mount up for the newest latest and greatest network. I can't say I have quite found anything like Active Rain. It has truly been an experience that cannot be matched. Lately it hasn't seem to be the same as it was when we all first started, but it still has not been replaced. Facebook, LinkedIN, Plaxo, MySpace...just doesn't have the same magic. (even though the people are the same) :)

I feel bad that I haven't been around here making comments like I used to...maybe I have just hit a wall. I am sure it will come back around again.

Thanks to all my friends and acquaintances for pushing my along. You have spoke loudly through your industry related and off topic post, your comments. all the Emails and phone calls. Without you I would not be here writing my 100th post on AR.

In the mean time, I figured I would share a recap of a few of my favorite and not so favorite post with you.

So, when is it time to start a Team or Group?? How did it go for you? First met the famous Linda Davis here.
Covered Bridges of Frederick County Google at its finest almost 3000 views from OUTSIDE Active Rain
What do you do to help promote your listings? My biggest flop lowest views period.
Flickr email Photo blogging beginning of another addiction - photoblogging.
What state blogs on Active Rain the most? took the longest to research and write
Friday Night fun...its a stress reliever The most fun on a Friday night
Villages of Urbana and Urbana Highlands - Frederick MD the most client customer driven search
Oh no...I need more subscribers!!! Most subliminal and a little tongue and check
I made it to the Big time now!!! One of my biggest honors to be a part of...

Other blogs

Realestateshows.com my first comment
Top Agent SEO >> Top Reciprocal Linking Meanies when I became one of Karen George's sheep
Dear Abby/Teresa I feel like I have bad breath or something . . . . This wasn't about me, but I really related to it and moved forward from it. (got my first subcriber too)
POLL: Are You For or Against Dog Limit Laws? my first of many many off topic blogs MWA
A Break From Zillow Posts: Tumblr.com Tool Boy Turner is real
Adding A Drop Shadow In Photoshop Elements 5 Met the PS master
Something on Active Rain Smells - Maybe it's Dirty Diapers? Met my match on this one.
The MyBlogLog "STALKER" Widget: Should it stay or should it go? Realized not all widgets are real cool.
IF ONE GETS CAUGHT STEALING INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, SOMETIMES IT'S BEST TO PAY UP QUICKLY OMG she is real!!! There are those maps I have heard about!

I am sorry if I missed some of my favorite people on Active Rain...by no means was it intentional. Please help pay the bills by doing your shopping below. :)

Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device

Amazon.com Widgets

Bob

AKA gotbob

Tom Brokaw said Washington Post Print will be Dead by 2017

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:04:03 -0800

One more reason with a timeline for to get yourself established on the internet. Keeping up with the latest gadgets and email is not the way to keep up with technology. If your VCR is flashing 12:00 right now, how will you be able to stand out in ten years?

Brokaw added that, “there will never not be a need for professional people to take a complicated information, put it into a form that viewers and readers will need to know and want to understand.”

Content Marketing Today » Tom Brokaw: Washington Post Print Dead By 2017 — Okay, Then What?

Read the above link to see what prompted this blog.

How will you get your information out? I am sure in ten years there will be plenty of companies to charge you a large amount boat load of money to get your content and your face out in front of people. (Hopefully I am one of them.)

I have notice a trend in blogging. Lately, I have been concerned with web traffic. Every time I come across a website I check the traffic on it. Compete.com has become my friend. What I have been seeing is that most blogs have really started to grow around the spring of this year. Which is about the same time mine grew legs. According to NAR there are only 4% of us doing this in the Rank and file. What will that mean when all the “old school” marketers pull out of print and are forced to the web?

Click to enlarge

Now these sites are by no means the “blue chip” stocks of the blogosphere, but it is the same trend I have seen on quite a few blogs. Don’t believe me check it yourself. We are only on the tip of the iceberg. It is up to you to stay above water.

I know one thing, I will have my feet firmly planted on the web. I am not going to relinquish my spot to anyone…of course unless there is a price tag attached to it.

See this and more over at BobsBrainDump.com

Bob

AKA gotbob

Outside Blogs and keeping up with comments

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:43:15 -0800

OK, I am just having a brain fart and just don't want to research it myself... So I am throwing it out there for you to answer.

The best way to network is to go out and comment on other peoples blogs. This will in turn drive traffic back to your site...BUT MAN O MAN...it gets hard to keep up with them all. If you are constantly on outside blogs, how do you keep up with your comments? I have subscribed to them but that can be quite an email nightmare on top of my regular load. Unlike keeping up with the comments on Active Rain it is all in one place. Wordpress.com you have a list of comments made on other wordpress.com blogs.

How do you keep up with Typepad, blogger, wordpress.org... and etc, etc.

Does anyone have any easy way around this? Is there a site like MyBlogLog that keeps track of them? I have not jumped into all the social bookmarking site yet either. I get shouted at in DIGG. I am obviously not delicious

Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Subliminal attempt to get subscribers....Teresa will find this- she's subliminal

Bob

AKA gotbob

I made it to the Big time now!!!

Bob Carney Licensed MD/PA Real Estate Agent (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 07:12:56 -0800

Yep you heard me...made it to the big time. I am now an official character on the most famous and beloved cyber stories. Danger Bay!!!

In the middle of the night...poof...POP. I was gone. You will have to stop by Danger Bay to follow my adventures. Make sure you leave a comment. The most gracious writers love to hear from ya!!!

Also if you want to see my new cyber character... you need to go over an check it out!

Again Thank you Jay and Boomer for making me part of your Danger Bay!

Bob

AKA gotbob