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By: MARK TAPSCOTT
Editorial Page Editor
April 16, 2010
When 10 of California’s largest private foundations announced their agreement in 2008 to put $30 million in new grant money into minority communities, Greenlining Institute Executive Director Orson Aguilar wasn’t all that impressed.
“That’s a start,” said Aguilar, who led a campaign for AB 624, a bill in the state legislature to force the Golden State’s private foundations with assets of $250 million or more to make public extensive data about the demographics of their officers, managers and grant recipients.
The bill was withdrawn when the foundations caved in to demands by Aguilar and other left-wing activists that they give more grants to organizations in minority communities.
Leaders of the foundations knew what would happen if they kept fighting the bill because for many years they had seen Aguilar’s Greenlining Institute in action against banks: He and his allies would put demonstrators on the foundations’ doors shouting charges of racism, demanding “change” and “justice,” and disrupting work in every way possible.
It had worked for years against the banks and now it was working again; only this time against California’s private foundations.
But more recently Aguilar has taken the tactics that worked so well in California on the road. He and other Greenlining leaders are now working with powerful allies in a growing national campaign to gain access to immense resources held by private foundations, many of them family philanthropies devoted to causes that were dear to their founders.
Greenlining Institute: A five-part series on political extortion
Day One:
Day Two:
Day Three:
Day Four:
Day Five:
About Authors
Once Aguilar and his allies get access to those billions of dollars in resources, they will be used to fund more campaigns for even more money, including tapping into government programs and tax-funded budgets.
Greenlining’s tactics are simple. The organization targets a state — so far they’ve gone after foundations in Florida, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey — and sends a letter to selected foundations “inviting” them to participate in a survey on the racial makeup of their officers and grant recipients.
The results are then used to duplicate the California AB 624 campaign in which the targeted foundations cave voluntarily to Greenlining’s demands. The mere threat of such a campaign is often enough to panic foundation leaders in the targeted states to surrender without firing a shot.
Greenlining “has always had a presence in Washington,” according to the group’s Web site, but a permanent D.C. office was opened last year to facilitate the national campaign and joint efforts with groups like the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy.
Last march, NCRP held a Washington, D.C. news conference to unveil its suggested criteria for judging private foundations: To satisfy the criteria, the foundations had to direct at least half of their funding to minority communities and another quarter to “advocacy, organizing and civic engagement to promote equity, opportunity and justice.”
The foundations also had to add minority representatives on their governing boards, and make their grants for “general operating support” for multiple year terms, thus avoiding accountability issues and assuring long-term revenues.
Just in case any of the targeted foundations thought about rejecting NCRP’s criteria, Rep. Xavier Becerra, D-Calif., was there, thanking NCRP and its allies for “giving us in Congress something to work with.” Becerra said a federal tax exemption represented “revenue foregone” by the government and he said Congress “has an obligation to make sure such tax dollars are well-invested.”
In other words, accept NRCP’s criteria or face the prospect of losing your federal tax exemption, which would seriously damage or kill most private foundations.
Aguilar and NCRP’s executive director, Aaron Dorfman shared speaking duties last November at a forum titled “Racial-Ethnic Diversity and Foundations in New York City: The Lessons From the California Experience.”
The forum was hosted by the New York City Collaborative for Fairness and Equity in Philanthropy. It resulted from briefings of the collaborative’s leaders by Greenlining operatives on how the New Yorkers could duplicate Greenlining’s successes.
Among Aguilar’s remarks was this statement: “Now that the electorate is increasingly speaking for greater regulation and scrutiny, the responsibility for overseeing foundations can be transferred from community organizers to Congress itself.”
It was the perfect handoff to Dorfman.
So far, no federal legislation similar to AB 624 has been advanced in Congress, but, as the New York forum illustrates, the campaign to duplicate Greenlining’s California success on a nationwide basis shows no signs of letting up.
About the authors:
Tori Richards is a veteran broadcast and print investigative journalist with CalWatchdog, a project of the Pacific Research Institute. Mark Tapscott is editorial page editor of The Washington Examiner.
Get the Right Image With Text to Flickr & Twitter With One Cell Phone Message
Send an image to Flickr and have it post to Twitter automatically.
By James Kimmons, About.com Guide
I've written about how valuable Flickr has become in my image management, and my ability to access them from multiple computers. I've also told you about Twitter, and using it for real estate alerts, and even document sharing, in your local market.
Now, with SnapTweet, I can send an image from my cell phone up to Flickr and, when I insert a special tag, it will also post with a title and description on my Twitter account. This is one text message from my cell phone, and I've accomplished two things. I've used it to send pictures of new construction in the area, as well as to inform my readers and followers about events and civic projects in my area.
My new camera phone, with a 3.2 MP resolution, allows me to take large and detailed photos that have sufficient quality for most of my web work. After all, many of us were using large cameras three years ago with lower resolutions. With many predicting a future for micro-blogging, the shorter more recent breaking news post, my cell phone and these two free online tools are going to help.
Before this new phone and higher camera resolution, I was always catching myself without my large camera, or out of battery power when I needed it. I realized that I always had my phone, and a spare battery in my pocket, so I upgraded to get the image resolution to allow me to never be without a camera when I needed it.
Using Technology for Real Estate Brokerage Growth & Agent Retention
Using Technology Development to Change The Way You Do Business
By James Kimmons, About.com Guide
There is certainly a great deal of pressure on our industry. It's not just the changes brought on by the Internet. Consumers are becoming more demanding, and there is continual pressure to lower real estate commissions. Of course, the Internet is spurring many changes in how we deliver our core services as well. One argument for lower commissions is the efficiency added by new technology.
Rather than lamenting the technology changes, or avoiding investment in new technology solutions as long as possible, why not embrace it and let it help you to change the way that you do business? Technology investment can pay back in many ways, and that includes possible major changes in how you charge your clients for services, and how you compensate agents.
This is the first article in a series I'll write on using technology to change your brokerage business. In this one, let's talk specifically about our current compensation models. Let's look at a few things about human nature and the business needs of our agents first:
- Most of your agents are also struggling with technology.
- Your agents are reading about the need for them to have an effective web presence that probably includes blogging.
- They are also getting into social and online business networking.
- Some of them have more knowledge about the tech stuff than you do.
- Realizing that the Internet can be a major source of business outside of brokerage leads, they are examining their options.
- Most agents would respond well to a brokerage that provides them with business-building solutions.
- Your agents realize there is a cost for tech in money and time. Done right, they'll trade commission split percentage for a system that works for them.
The franchise or large brokerage that first makes maximum use of the technology available to them will be a major force in the future of real estate. Providing a turnkey and technologically advanced office and marketing environment to agents, retention will be much higher, and production the same. What are the major points to consider?
- A brokerage Web presence that fosters agent individuality and automates some of the lead distribution based on agent involvement (multi-author blogging)
- A backbend lead management solution that allows remote access, agent management of their leads, and reports for agents and brokerage (Intranet)
- Leverage of cell phones, SMS text messaging and social networking to disseminate information and leads to agents, and to receive information from them.
- Document storage, transmission and receipt systems for remote access. This would include training documents, videos, transaction documents, etc. (Intranet)
- Online faxing (yes there is still a lot of faxing going on) that delivers PDF files to computers for out-of-office access.
- A package of solutions that negates the need for a desk in the office if that's what the agent wants.
It is very possible to provide world class support to your agents with them rarely entering the office. Even training can be done remotely now at little or no cost with videocams and high speed internet access. The other side is the cost savings that will result from not tying up 100+ square feet of office space for each agent.
Which Is Better For You - A Netbook or a SmartPhone for Real Estate?
As netbooks get smaller and cheaper, it's not a tough call to make.
By James Kimmons, About.com Guide
Netbook for Intranet Access
®Jim Kimmo
Now, with the netbook phenomenon hitting the technology world, what's your best choice for a real estate mobility solution? Keep in mind that cost really is no longer a consideration, with netbooks running about the same, or even less than fancy cell phones. You say you can get your phone subsidized by the cell provider? True, but now they're doing the same for netbooks. AT&T and Verizon began the process with $99 netbooks for a two year contract.
Now, let's consider a nine or ten inch screen to that tiny two inch cell screen. And, with many of the 10.1 inch screen netbooks sporting 90%+ size keyboards (compared to notebook computers), we're back to our old standby touch typing. Sorry, but there's simply no comparison in my book. Speaking of my book, here's what I'm carrying, and what I'm doing with it:
- HP Mini 2140 Netbook with 10.1 inch screen, 92% notebook size keyboard, 160 GB drive, and 1 GB RAM.
- All of this is in a sub-3 pound package, and sports a realistic 6+ hour battery life with the 6 cell battery.
- Using WiFi or my cellular broadband modem, I'm in range virtually 100% of the time, and able to work on the Web or do email at broadband speeds.
- Using a Webex WebOffice with custom real estate databases, I'm able to do contact management, prospect management, lead, listing and transaction management from anywhere.
- In my consulting, I use the built-in VGA camera for video chat, as well as using online screen sharing for instruction.
- I am writing this article from the HP Mini, and my typing is every bit as fast as on my desktop full size keyboard.
- I search the MLS, display listings to clients, and print them out with a bluetooth connection to my HP 460 printer.
There is no comparison to functionality on the Web. The netbook takes you to a whole new level, with continuous Internet access, and the screen and keyboard necessary to do real work out of the office. Oh, I don't even use the office much anymore, preferring to work from coffee shops, or even in the car when it's convenient and I'm waiting on that buyer late for appointments.
Note: Subsequent to the writing of this article, I became an affiliate with Webex. However, no links in this or any other article on this site result in any payment or credit to me in any way.
Tips and Tricks for Getting the Most Out of Your iPad for Real Estate Business
By James Kimmons, About.com Guide
I had my iPad the first day possible, and have been working ever since to find the best, easiest and least expensive solutions to do as much with it in my real estate business as possible. Why reinvent the wheel when you can take advantage of my research and testing, as well as the large number if apps I bought but found not to be what I needed.
You'll find some great solutions here to make your iPad a real business tool.
 Jim Kimmons
Worse than a kid at Christmas, I met the Fedex person at the truck to get my iPad. Read in this article what comes in the box, as well as my impressions of this amazing Apple product.
While it would be nice to have a USB port to print locally, you can accomplish this task using an online service called PrinterShare This service is easy to use, with the installation of software on your computer, and the sharing of your attached printers.
 Apple
Pages, the iWorks app for word processing is a beautiful solution for anyone who wants an easy to use word processing application that works well with images and tables. And, there's even a template for a real estate listing flyer to get you going quickly.
 Jim Kimmons
While there are floor plan apps for the iPhone, none had been designed especially for the larger screen of the iPad when I was looking. I'm glad, as it helped me to find this vector drawing application that not only does my floor plans, but also allows complex drawings for flyers and other marketing materials.
 iStockPhoto
I've written about the amazing features and abilities of the Evernote online note capture service. I use it a lot, and now will use it even more. You can email your iPad documents to your Evernote account, pick them up on any computer, and get them back on the iPad when you want.
 iStockPhoto
I've used Sugarsync for a long time now as my backup solution. It works in the background, making mirror image copies of all of my documents as I change or create them. Now, I also find that it helps me to manage, store, and retrieve my iPad documents.
 ® Photo: Jim Kimmons
You can do just about anything you need in a spreadsheet application with Numbers on the iPad. Check out this short article about templates that provide fast and professional client sheets for mortgage comparisons.
 iStockPhoto
Using Keynote on the iPad to create a presentation is easy, and the ability to resize and rotate images with your fingers is fun as well. But, the huge value lies in the types of presentations you can create, and the professional look when you sit in front of a buyer or seller with the iPad. Learn here also about a cool free app to capture website screen shots to use in your presentations.
 © iStockPhoto
One of the first projects on my new iPad was learning what I needed to know to post to my WordPress blogs on the go. Learn at this short article about the WordPress app for the iPad, as well as how I also post with the browser to my regular admin interface.
In the short article at the link, I give you four ways to get your voice notes out of the iPad via email. Three also convert your voice to text. Learn why I like them all, and which are best for your needs.
Via William Feela Realtor 651-674-5999 No. Branch,MN (WHISPERING PINES REALTY):
Many people don't realize that if you have a private septic, that you need to pump the tank every2-3 years. In fact, many counties here in Minnesota now require proof that you did.
Spring is one of the best times to do this maintenance. One of the big reasons is because, Private Septic systems can freeze in the winter if there isn't enough snow during a really harsh cold spell. The reason for pumping in the spring, is that this gives your system a chance to get the micro bacteria growing again. These little creatures create heat while in the process of breaking down the matter you put into the system.
This heat will ensure that your system doesn't freeze in a severe cold snap. Think about it...A frozen system is not good! Very costly to thaw out or pump every couple of weeks.
Do yourself a favor and if your system needs pumping...DO IT NOW!
Via John Mulkey, Housing Guru (TheHousingGuru.com):
An article in the Wall Street Journal has reported that Goldman Sachs Group and one of its vice presidents, Fabrice Tourre, have been charged with fraud in a civil complaint filed by the SEC. The complaint alleges that Goldman failed to disclose to purchasers of CDOs, collateralized-debt obligations, that the selection of the underlying mortgage backed securities had been influenced by Paulson & Company. With the bursting of the housing market bubble, the CDO investors lost $1 billion, Paulson raked in profits of $1 billion, and Goldman earned $15 million for handling the transactions.
 And while the stock market and business writers are focused upon this story, an article in the Financial Times is, for me, far more interesting as it pertains to current issues in the housing market. It seems that a real estate fund managed by Goldman Sachs has lost 98% of its $1.8 billion in equity. Adding an interesting twist to the story is the fact that Goldman has chosen to return the keys to some of its investments back to the creditors, in effect choosing “Strategic Default,” an oft criticized option when chosen by defaulting homeowners.
To complicate matters for those who speak of the “morality” of not honoring one’s obligations, it was Lloyd Blandfein, CEO of Goldman Sachs, who recently described the efforts and actions of his company as “doing God’s work.” If Blankfein’s assessment is correct, then, it would seem that the question of the “morality” of strategic default may have been resolved for all of us.
Finally, while the SEC “appears” to be vigorously pursuing the case against Goldman Sachs, some might ask how the regulators were able to miss the offenses when they were committed. And what many would like to see is “perp walks” by the heads of companies who enriched themselves and their cronies at the expense of millions of homeowners and investors; but such action seems unlikely, with perhaps only a few “scapegoats” suffering for the misdeeds of their companies. It is good to see some action being taken, but it would be far better if our regulatory bureaucrats and politicians would do their jobs by providing the oversight and enforcement of the regulations already in place.
The Housing Guru: The expert source for all your housing questions
12 Terrific Moving Tips When You're Moving Your Home
Great Moving Tips to Make Moving Your Home Easier
From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide
Who can't use some moving tips when they're packing up their whole life for a new home? If you're among thousands of people who have picked up and moved their family to a new home or a new community, you have fresh memories of some of the ups and downs or thrills or frustrations of moving.
Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and more smooth. Read here for help to get your life, and your possessions, organized for a peaceful and exciting move.
Make a list.
Write everything down! You'll thank yourself later. Before you pack even one box, create a simple record keeping system. Create a computer-printed list of numbers with a space to write the contents. Or have a spiral-bound notebook for the job. You'll place a number on EVERY box you pack and list the contents on your list. Don't put the list down unless it's in a place you'll call Packing Central. This is where you'll find your labels, marking pens, box tape, and other supplies. When describing the box contents, be specific -- "A-D files" is better than "files", and "Tulip dishes" rather than "misc. kitchen".
Have plenty of supplies.
Don't make me say this twice-- you'll need LOTS of boxes--probably more boxes than you think, and having enough boxes will make your life easier! (If you buy your boxes from a moving company, you can always return unused boxes for a refund. If you got them free from the grocery, just toss any leftovers.) Have about 10 boxes set aside to use for last minute items on moving day, such as bedding, clothing, and cleaning supplies. You'll need strong plastic packing tape to close up the boxes securely. Use unprinted newsprint (newspaper can stain your items) or packing paper or bubble wrap to wrap and cushion household good. Again, you'll need lots more supplies than you think, so get extra so the packing can go smoothly. Return any unused supplies after the truck is packed.
Utilize wardrobe boxes.
These tall boxes are perfect for bulky, lightweight items such as comforters, pillows, and blankets, as well as clothes that need to remain hanging. Call your mover to ask the width of the wardrobe boxes they'll be bringing. Then measure the clothes in your closets (including coat closets) to see how many wardrobe boxes you'll need. You can also use them for closet storage boxes, shoe boxes, and other bulky items such as fabric bolts, large baskets, or gift wrap tubes.
Don't make the boxes too heavy to lift, however. One mover told the story of someone who put a bowling ball in a wardrobe box! When the box was lifted off the truck the bottom gave way, sending the bowling ball on a wild ride down the ramp, across the street to the gutter, then down a hill where it finally came to rest in a roadside ditch. (Is that a strike or a spare?)
Strategize wardrobe box use.
Moving companies will be happy to deliver boxes ahead of your moving day. Or if you're doing the move yourself, get things organized as early as possible. A few days before your move, fill some sturdy handled shopping bags with bulky closet items such as shoes, sweaters, belts, and jeans. On moving day, fill the bottom of the wardrobe boxes with some of the shopping bags, then add your hanging clothing. Pack hanging items tightly so things won't move around and fall off of hangers. Finally, cover the shoulders of your clothes (a dry cleaning bag works well), then add a few purses or sweaters on top. You'll have fewer boxes, and closet items remain together. Also, the shopping bags will make it easier to retrieve your belongings from the bottoms of a tall wardrobe box.
Color coordinate.
Designate a color for each room in the new home, such as yellow for kitchen, orange for dining room, etc. Apply colored stickers on the box near the box number. In your new home. Put a matching sticker on the door to each room. The movers will know where to put everything when they arrive at the destination. It's also helpful to post a big sign on the wall in the room where you want boxes stacked, ("Boxes here please") to keep them out of furniture and traffic areas.
For more moving tips, go on to Page 2 and find out more about strategies for filling wardrobe boxes, making a cleaning kit, and using "personal" boxes.
Top 5 Home Improvements That Help You Sell
From Coral Nafie, former About.com Guide
Are you selling your home soon? To get the best price, take some time right now to get it ready to sell.
While you may need to tackle some basic repair issues first, these simpler cosmetic improvements can help polish up your home and set the tone for a quicker sale.
Remember to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer before your house is listed for sale.
Start with these 5 tips, then go a step further. Check out our extensive tips on Staging a Home for Sale.
1. Put Clutter in Storage
Hiding your home’s good features behind piles of clutter will only make it harder for buyers to fall in love with your home. Box up anything you won’t be using in the next few months (including holiday decorations, seasonal clothing or sports equipment, old toys, etc.) and send it to a storage facility. Remove any pieces of furniture that look less-than-perfect or make a room feel crowded.
See more:
Storage Solutions
Storage Basics
2. Welcome Buyers at the Door
Step outside and take a look at the front door. Potential buyers will likely spend at least a few minutes here as the realtor gets out the keys to your home. Make sure the door is clean and that any glass is sparkling. Polish the hardware (or replace if necessary) and repaint the door if it is in poor shape. Finally, add a fresh doormat, mailbox, and pretty pots of greenery or flowers on either side of the door.
See More:
How to Add Interest to a Front Door
3. Remove Outdated Window Treatments
Dreary draperies, torn window shades, or bent mini-blinds will do nothing to sell a home faster. Remove these outdated items and replace them with simple white mini-blinds or wood blinds cut-to-measure at a home center, This is a fairly simple fix that can refresh your rooms in just one weekend.
See More:
Windowcovering Basics
4. Install Closet Systems
Crowded closets stuffed with clothing and household items make it look like there isn’t enough storage space. Go through your closets and store (or give away) anything that’s not currently needed. Once the closet is empty, install a closet system from a home center and refill with just enough of your stuff so the closet looks organized, but not cluttered.
See More:
Closet Web Sites
5. Showcase Wood Flooring
Worn, dirty, or badly colored carpeting can turn buyers off in seconds. If you have hardwood floors however, the fix is easy. Tear out the carpeting and expose the wood. Buyers won’t have to wonder what’s underneath the carpet and will likely love the look and patina of hardwood flooring.
See More:
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
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Johnny Sarkis
Woodbridge,
VA
More about me…
Long and Foster Real Estate
Office Phone: (703) 986-5700
Cell Phone: (703) 400-9660
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