I love Facebook, I love Twitter, LinkedIn, and on and on my list goes.

But I have to say, I had a bad day with FB today when I was out and about and checked my phone to see that someone had sent me a message about a possible message I had sent them.

Subject matter: NOT to be discussed in the presence of minors.

I was horrified that anyone I was friends with could have possibly been sent some icky adult themed message with my picture next to it like I actually sent it to them. So, I decided to investigate and wanted pass on some information to my fellow Social Networker extraordinaires in the Real Estate Business.

Tip 1:

If you get a Facebook message from a friend you don't usually hear from DON'T OPEN THEIR MESSAGE!!   I haven't seen any information on the web about getting or speading a virus just by opening the message, but I'd like to recommend weighing on the side of caution and just DELETE the message all together. Matter of fact, if it's someone you haven't heard from in a while and they are sending you a link, it's probably SPAM of PHISHING.

Recommendation: Delete the message and send them one or write on their wall to see if they really sent you a message about _______ topic? If they didn't, then you know it was your best judgement to not open that message and look, you reconnected!!

Tip 2:

If you get a Facebook message from someone that has a TON of other names attached to it, and has some outrageous subject matter unlike your personality as they know you, probably PHISHING.

Recommendation: REPLY ALL to the message and state the truth in your own words, then REPORT AS SPAM to notify Facebook staff immediately.

Tip 3:

If you see a link that doesn't start with http://www then you may not want to EVER click on that. The one I received started out with something other than that and it just didn't feel right. Gut feeling is usually right on.

Recommendation: If you get those links, avoid them like the plague!!! Go to google and in the search just start typing the first few characters and see what options you get. I don't recommend actually going to the page but usually the description will give an indication of the type of site it is.

Social Networking is an amazing part of our business so we never want to have our reputation tainted by an irritation like these. So always be cautious!

Good luck everyone!

Heidi

After a couple rounds of flu and colds, my business partner, Becky Coet and I managed to wrap up our 2nd annual Erie Commons Food Drive and collected around 600lbs of food for the Erie Food Bank.

Our goal was to beat last year's total of 800lbs but unfortunately, with the downturn in the economy, we weren't able to make it but, once we arrived at the food bank and started sorting out the food with their staff, we realized that quantity doesn't matter as much as quality.

Many residents of the community made special trips to the local stores and purchased items just to contribute to the drive. We were overwhelmed by the amount of thought and heart that our neighbors put into their donations.

Becky and I stayed at the food bank to help the few ladies sort the food we brought in. We had 3 huge areas of bags and it was amazing to see the systems they had in place.

Sort each canned item, then separate them by expiration date...and on and on it went.

It was a real eye opener to see all they had to do just to be able to give to the members of the community who needed their efforts the most. We appreciate them allowing us to give this year.

If you want to learn more about the Erie Food Bank, visit www.eriespark.com . You will find information about their needs and who to contact to donate your time.

We truly enjoyed donating again this year and look forward to making this a yearly tradition in our community.

As a follow up to last years success, Becky Coet and myself decided to continue with the tradition of giving back to our community! As members of Keller Williams-The Red Door Group, we always want to be agents constantly give back to the communities we service.

We have teamed up with the Erie Food Bank this year and are looking forward to delivering over 800lbs of food and other food bank items. With our community continually growing, we know we can exceed last year's donations and look forward to increasing what we can collect from the community each year!

This is such a feel good activity for us and we look forward to doing this each year!!

We will be delivering bags donated by local grocers by Friday, October 16th to have residents of our community fill them up with items from their pantry. We will then head out by 9am on Thursday, October 22nd to pick up the bags to deliver to the food bank. It's such an easy way for our community to contribute to such a great facility.

If you'd like to participate or have any questions, we would love to hear from you!

Email at: heidi@thereddoorgroup.com if you'd like to participate with us!

When I started in this business a whopping 1 year ago. I had set my goals pretty high and half way through my first year, I thought, maybe they were a little too high? It took me 6 months to have my first closing and I was seriously thinking I did this at the wrong time in my life.

But as a lover of Dr. Seuss, I stumbled into my daughters book library and found "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" It added a new motivation!!

My goals went something like:

1. Make ________ amount of $$!

2. Have _______ buyers,

3. Have _______ sellers,

4. Get ________ certifications,

5. Attend _______ meetings

You get my point...there were a ton of blanks to fill in!!

Well, although some of those still have yet to be determined...I did accomplish one that I never wrote down because I thought it was impossible...

2009 NORTH METRO DENVER REALTOR ASSOCIATION

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR!!!

I finally realized something as I went up to accept my award!

I FINALLY FOUND WHERE I BELONG!!

I could never have done this alone, it truly does take a village...

My husband has been so supportive of me doing this for so many years and I truly couldn't have done it without him! He is my rock, and I love him very much!!

I started this journey in 2001 working with a builder and working with my mentor, friend, and all around amazing girl, Amy Ballain!! If it weren't for her always being a shoulder to cry on, a true leader, and the most amazing friend, I don't think I could have accomplished this in my entire career!! She truly is amazing!!

Another special moment was to receive this from the prior year winner who is someone I had worked with during the builder days...Ben Ellefson. As he gave me a big hug, he told me, "enjoy it, and help other new agents!"

I WILL!!

I have a new perspective and it's amazing how much good MOJO is in the air right now, I feel on top of the world and I'm truly grateful for all that I've been blessed with this past year!

So for all you new agents out there! Lean on those who are there for you and if you reach out your hand, chances are, someone is reaching back!! I always want to make a difference and be there for others as they have been there for me!!

THANK YOU TO MY REALTOR COMMUNITY! IT TRULY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE AND I ADORE ALL OF YOU!!

heidi :)

Check out a New and Improved Price on a stunning home in Vista Ridge!!

1731 Crestview Lane

Erie, CO 80516

$419,900

(a $20,000 price improvement)

This home won't last long at this price, you won't want to miss out on this opportunity!!

2713 Square Feet

4 Bedrooms

2 1/2 Baths (one even includes a Laundry Chute)

Great Garage Area that is Heated, Sealed Floor, and a Work/Storage Space (great for anyone that wants that room outside)

Stunning Rear Yard with a Vegetable Garden, Yoga Pad, and Outdoor Kitchen

Please give me a call at 303-601-7016 or check it out on the MLS# 811507 

So I've been hearing rumblings and reading articles around about a possible extensioin of the tax credit that is currently in place until December 1st (technically November 30th if you want to be picky).

I have mixed feelings about this, if it is being uttered amongst the community. Right now, buyers are feeling a push to get into a new home by the deadline because the expectation was that the credit would expire. This is good.

If it gets extended there are some factors to consider:

1. What if its better than the current credit? Well, that would definitely be a point of contention for the buyers who have already closed on homes in order to receive the current credit. Thankfully, it sounds like this will not be the case, but its definitely something to prepare our clients for right?

2. Will the urgency disappear with current buyers? Okay, so if it's decided to extend it, and buyers are rushing to find a home now in order to meet the current deadline, will this delay their urgency to the point they will possibly slow down and back off from homes they are currently considering?

3. If it doesn't get extended, what happens to the increase in  home sales? I have to admit, I think that the credit has definitely helped the economy. To see an increase this past year has been pretty astounding. I personally worry that if this doesn't get extended, there will be a drop because there is no motivating factor around purchasing a home (some buyers still don't realize the long term benefits of home ownership so if the government needs to use the credit like a carrot, so be it, at least it gets some movement.)

I'm sure there are other factors to consider with this and it may be an ongoing debate for our fearless leaders...I'm all for whatever will help us do our jobs and help buyers get into a home...as Tim Gunn would say... "MAKE IT WORK".

Heidi :)

Last week was a very strange week. I was on my way back from working with a client in Aurora when I noticed a large animal near the bridge on Erie Parkway. I looked over and low and behold...

A MOOSE!!!

Not a deer, or an elk, or a large dog, an actual MOOSE! (yes, these are animals that people thought I may have seen instead)

Now, I consider myself an outdoorsy girl and pride myself on my knowledge of the outdoors, but never in my life have I come across a live moose...I was so excited I ran inside and told my husband and he thought i was kidding too.

Now I know its a long drive from Aurora but why would I dream up a story about seeing a moose as a way to start a conversation?

So the next day I was constantly looking out my dining room window and staring into the field waiting to see another sighting. I was being doubted so much that I was actually starting to doubt my own eyes and think "did I really see a moose in Erie or am I seeing thing?"

Sure enough, the Erie Police Department and the Division of Wildlife (DOW) were out combing the area by Coal Creek because they got a call that morning from two men that were working nearby.

Both myself and my hubby went out with phones and cameras waiting to catch a glimpse of the magical moose that I SWEAR I saw!

A few hours later, a lot of waiting and a few Nutrigrain Bars                                                          donated to the Erie PD officers and the moose, my moose, emerged from the creek. By this time, the DOW had a horse trailer, a vet, and a tranquilizer gun to safely move her from our little town back into the mountains where she rightly belonged.

I got some great pictures and sent them into 9NEWS and sure enough, it made the 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 o'clock news that night...I was so proud. The DOW and the police department were so kind to all of us spectators and allowed the adults and kids to get up close to our rare visitor.

So...not only does Erie provide a fantastic community, it also provides a taste of wildlife!!

Have A Great Day!!

Heids :)

I once had this crazy notion that money grew on trees and that my worth was dependant on the amount of "stuff" I had to show how valueable I was...

MAN...WAS THAT A MISTAKE!

Well, I've had the wind taken from my sails since the years of wastefulness and overindulging. I left a nice salary, my husband was "let go" from a steady job and we had to scrimp and save to make our mortgage. He got a job waiting tables, went down to basic cable, sold excess that we didn't neet, you name it! And we totally relied on family to help us with our then little one while we worked our tails off. But in all honesty, it was a brisk smack in the face that we needed to get back to basics  and I'm thankful for that!

I wasn't raised in excess, my folks worked their _____ off for everything they had and you know, I had a pretty darn nice childhood! Do I want my daughter to grow up thinking that everything gets handed to you when you're a grown up??  

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!

 (This photo was taken just after my dad completed 12 grueling weeks of radiation treatments for throat cancer, yet another time he worked his ____ off...so proud of my dad!)

This is what's important!

This past week I was watching the TODAY SHOW the other day and they had the author                        Kurt Anderson talking about his book "Reset" which pretty much discusses that we should all make our lives simpler and get back to the basics. I'm going to pick it up and really dive into it but wanted to share it with all of you in case you feel the need to do a little re-evaluating yourself...

 If the economy wasn't in the state that its in right now, would you re-evaluate your current lifestyle?

I then received an email from my dear friend and mentor, Amy Ballain, who passed on a message she received from a Jack Canfield book. I couldn't help but think that some higher power was telling me to just keep on the track that I'm on?? Maybe?? I'm always re-evaluating what I'm doing to get on a better path, it's just me.

But you know, I'm truly glad I got smacked in the face financially. I now have a greater appreciation for the things I have. I can say now, that if I won the lottery today, I'd live the same way tomorrow. I wouldn't spend money on expensive clothes, I wouldn't drive a fancy car, and I'd probably still clip coupons and shop at Costco every 2 weeks. 

(this is considered a big night out now :)

I love my house, I'm proud of our "used" cars (the one pictured is my hubby's :), and I'll brag all day long about the workout pants I got at Target for 60% off! This is who I am and I'm glad I'm back to basics.        

And last, I think this has made me a better agent because I GET IT! I know what it feels like to want something so bad that you sacrifice material things to get that special something! So next time you go shopping in a high end store, think of the Sheryl Crow lyrics that said,

 "it's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

 Good luck out there everyone!! I GET IT!!

Heidi :)

Disclaimer: The photo of the book above is used to get the word out about the book. In no way am I using the information provided in the book as my own, I was merely inspired by the topic of the book. I hope that more readers pick this up and are inspired by it's message.  

On July 29th the Mayor and the Trustees of Erie held a State of the Town meeting open to the public and it was a great turnout. Attendees were informed of the bright future in store for the town and what a great bunch of people working diligently to truly make Erie the next place to call home!

Topics that were discussed at this meeting ranged from the Erie Airport to new Urban Level Development followed by a Q and A session that nearly every attendee chimed in on.

As a resident of Erie and an active member in the community, I felt it was truly necessary to know what the future holds for the town. Growing up in a small town, its difficult to see too many changes that can make that small town, bigger, and often times less desirable to the residents, but I have to commend the Mayor and the Trustees for their diligent efforts to make Erie a hub for residents as well as commercial growth as well as maintaining a "small town" feel and community. 

Some notes that I took are as follows:

Community Park Update: Currently under construction and will run to the adjacent areas to the East and North of the Erie Community Center. This is the last capital improvement before the next elections and the park is scheduled to be completed in the Spring of 2010.

Public Relations: Numerous Surveys were conducted by the Ayers PR firm to study the perceptions of the town and how to better understand and target those misconceptions (if applicable). The Town of Erie wants to see how others perceive Erie and use those results to create a marketing campaign about the town.

Trails Systems: This topic was a hot button for many active, outdoors lovers. The trails systems surrounding Erie are expanding and the town is working on getting many communities connected to the town itself.

Trustees are working hard to get more transportation to and from Erie from the Northern Colorado area. This will include changes to I-25 and Hwy 287. $733,000 of stimulus funds are being used to complete bike lanes from the heart of Erie out to I-25 to eventually allow for less commuter car traffic and allow residents to bus and/or lightrail from Erie to Denver. For more information click here to see the town's progress.

Urban Development has also been a highly discussed topic around town. The location for this is tentatively South of Thomas Reservoir. At this current time, it has been accepted but it's just a matter of when the housing market will allow for construction to commence.

I look forward to hearing about all the updates on these matters and hope that this was a resource for those of you looking at Erie as your new community!

 1731 Crestview Lane

MLS #783616

This home is nestled in the beautifully master planned community of Vista Ridge. Tennis Courts, Community Pool, and the Colorado National Golf Course only feet away.

This beautiful 2 story home has just over 2700 finished square feet and includes a full, unfinished basement.

Many thoughtful details have been added to this home such as:

* Laundry Chute at Main Upper Bath

* Outdoor Kitchen complete with a Gas Grill, Sink with Hot/Cold running water, and a Beer Fridge.

* Vegetable Garden

* Yoga area that looks over Stunning views of the foothills.

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So many more lovely features to take in, visit the virtual tour for more details!http://vu.realbiz360.com//Listing-176146.html