Life In Southeast Oklahoma

Active Rain is A Blue Ribbon in My Box!

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:31:13 -0600

We don't always have to take home the "Grand Prize" to be successful but it's nice to take home some symbol of our accomplishments. Accomplishing goals within themselves is the ideal but still when we get something that says to the world that we DID IT, it helps to complete the satisfaction of the effort.

That's one of the things that points and page rankings do for Active Rain Members. I read Toula Rosebrock's post this morning, ACTIVE RAIN - MY MISSION....IT"S NOT IMPOSSIBLE!!! about accomplishing some of her goals here on Active Rain in terms of page rankings for her areas.

There is something that points and page rankings do also that I haven't seen addressed. Our determination to do well within this network and to be consistent in our efforts, our comments and blogs that are helpful to others, our postings of our listings and the type of information that we put out there can indicate to other members how we would take care of any referrals sent to us. Work ethic and client attitude comes out in our blog posts.

There's usually only one grand prize, only one first place in each division at the county fair, but I have some blue ribbons stuck back in a box in a closet that say to me that I did well and I tried hard to get the grand prize. I'm proud of those blue ribbons.

Active Rain, you've become another blue ribbon for me as I think you have for many others! I feel like there are soooo many here that are Grand Prize Winners - those are the ones that I keep learning from - hopefully I'm learning.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Integrity Realty
Integrity Real Estate
Lake Raymond Gary Homes
Fort Towson Homes
Valliant Homes
McCurtain County
Choctaw County
Broken Bow Lake
Lake Raymond Gary
Raymond Gary Lake
Commercial Property List
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Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Time to Downsize? Need Smaller Home? Choctaw and McCurtain County Oklahoma - in Idabel, Hugo, Garvin, Swink, Millerton, Fort Towson, Sawyer, Lake Raymond Gary?

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:55:45 -0600

Has your family gotten smaller but your house hasn't? Is the size of your home getting to be a burden or the big lawn too much to take care of you're thinking you might like something smaller and/or easier to care for? Do you just need to downsize?

I can help you sell your home and find one that's just your size. Call me, Judi Barrett at Integrity Real Estate Services. We know Choctaw County Oklahoma and McCurtain County Oklahoma. We can help you know what your home can be expected to sell for and what a smaller home should cost.

I work in Idabel, Oklahoma

Hugo, Oklahoma

Garvin, Oklahoma

Millerton, Oklahoma

Swink, Oklaoma,

Fort Towson, Oklahoma

around Lake Raymond Gary.

Let's visit.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

FHA 203K Mortgages Streamline Renovation/Purchase McCurtain County Choctaw County Hugo Idabel Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:19:31 -0600

Ken has written a great post that my customers, clients, and fellow residents in McCurtain County Oklahoma and Choctaw County Oklahoma could benefit from thinking about.

So if you're looking at a home and it needs repairs AND you think it won't qualify for an FHA loan, think again...it just might as long as you qualify for the loan, there's an FHA loan that deals with homes that need renovation.

READ ON.

Via Ken Cook, FHA Home Loans 678-439-8683:

So you or your client have found a home in a great area in the client's price range. Only one problem: it's in bad shape. The HVAC system is 50 years old, the roof is 40 years old and the windows may as well not even be closed. Plus the kitchen has vinyl floors in 3 different patterns and the counters are all laminate with burns and holes and scars.

Not to fear! Meet the FHA 203K Streamlined renovation loan.

Eligible Improvements Virtually any kind of improvement is eligible provided it becomes a permanent part of the real property and adds value.

Additions to the structure

Kitchen or bath remodels

Finished basement or attic

Patios, decks or terraces

Roofing and landscaping

Safety, energy efficiency and electrical upgrades

Handicapped accessibility improvements

Luxuryitems are not eligible

Swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, gazebos, barbecue pits, saunas or alterations to support commercial use

The maximum loan amount must be within the FHA loan amount maximum for the MSA where the home is located and must include the purchase price and the renovation amount. The maximum renovation amount is $35,000 and the minimum is $5,000. Under $5,000 we can do with an escrow of repair funds. A minimum of 10% contingency reserve is required and must also fit into the FHA loan maximums for the area where the property is located. (Any balance remaining on the contingency will be applied to the principal balance and may not be used for additional repairs.)

Yes, it takes a little longer to close an FHA203k Streamline loan than it does to close a standard FHA loan. If you are an agent and you are concerned about that extra couple of weeks just think of it this way: You may make a sale you would not have otherwise made. You may help a buyer get into a home in the area where they wanted to live instead of where they "had" to live. You can be a real hero for someone.

If you are in Georgia I can help you with the necessary paperwork and give you a short class in how to use the FHA 203K Streamline Rehab loan to purchase, sell or represent homes in today's economy. Never hesitate to call me at any time and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

Ken Cook - Georgia - FHA, USDA, VA and Conventional Home Loans (678) 439-8683

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

What Sold It? Day 2 of 30 - The Feature That Sold It! Sawyer Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:52:51 -0600

What Sold It? Day 2 of 30 - The Feature That Sold It! Sawyer Oklahoma

Do You Have a Home or Other Real Estate for sale in Southeast Oklahoma (Hugo, Idabel, Sawyer, Swink,Valliant, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary)?

Check out our SOLD Page on Integrity Real Estate Services Website.

And there are more listings that I need to add to that page, have just been too busy (selling them! :))

Stay Tuned for 28 more Days of "What Sold It?"

I'm going through my SOLDS (without revealing which property I'm
talking about, to protect the buyers privacy) and tell you what feature
sold the property.

Day 2's Feature That Sold It, is well kept and well planned landscaping and plantings.

An attractive yard, both front and back, including patios and porch areas can have a major influence on the emotional attachment that a buyer develops when they view your home.

The front of the home provides the curb appeal that attracts and draws in a buyer and makes them want to view the home..

If it looks that good on the outside and shows that you as the homeowner take care good care of your yard, encourages buyers to see the inside of the home.

On the other side of the coin though, a poorly kept front yard and entry area says that the home is probably poorly kept also and can discourage buyers from looking in a major way.

Landscaping comes in all sizes of budgets. If you're willing to do the work yourself, you can be repaid handsomely for your sweat equity. It can also be a fun thing to do together as a family and usually children love to plant shrubs and flowers.

Looking at magazines or online can give you ideas and plans. Your county extension agent can provide very good information. Most landscapers will provide estimates and ideas.

Articles to help you with landscaping ideas:

Color, along with form, line, texture and scale, is one of the basic elements of landscape design...read more

HGTV's Landscaping Pages

Better Homes and Garden's landscaping on a budget.

Photos courtesy of Morgue File to protect client's privacy, no client's homes were used.l

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

What Sold It? Day 1 of 30 - The Features That Sold It! Hugo Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:32:40 -0600

What Sold It? Day 1 of 30 - The Features That Sold It! Hugo Oklahoma

Are You Thinking of Selling Real Estate in Southeast Oklahoma (Hugo, Idabel, Sawyer, Swink, Valliant, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary)?

Check out our SOLD Page on Integrity Real Estate Services Website.
And there are more listings that I need to add to that page, have just been too busy (selling them! :))

Stay Tuned for 30 Days of "What Sold It?"

I'm going through my SOLDS (without revealing which property I'm talking about, to protect the buyers privacy) and tell you what feature sold the property.

Day 1's Feature That Sold It, is a beautiful massive rock double faced fireplace.

Romance sells homes.

It just does!

A fireplace adds romance to a home

and it does not have to be an interior fireplace.

How about a fireplace outdoors on the patio? Exterior living spaces that incorporate a fireplace also add romance to the property.

Want to add a interior fireplace and don't want to spend a lot of money, electric fireplaces that can be set in place and plugged up can provide much of the romance and ambience of a real fireplace.

Don't want to deal with the mess of wood? How about a nice gas fireplace that man's best friend can warm himself in front of?

Check out these fireplace articles:
Outdoor Fireplace Designs - How to Plan
Prices for electric and gel fireplaces with some nice styles.
Ideas For Creating a Faux Fireplace

Want to sell your home or land in Idabel, Fort Towson, Valliant, Swink, Hugo, Sawyer, Garvin, or Millerton... I'm the lady that you need to call!

The first fireplace photo is courtesy of Flickr user Visualthinker.

Second fireplace photo is courtesy of Flickr user Grumpy Chris.

Third fireplace photo is courtesy of Flickr user tinyfroglet.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Examples Of How To Use Your Blog To Create & Enhance Business Relationships.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:37:26 -0600

George has put together so much information categorized into packets. I'm reblogging in case you missed it and also will make it very easy for me to find this post again.

Thanks George for all of the great posts that you write.

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

Bob Stewart announced a new ActiveRain Challenge on Thursday called Using Your Blog To Enhance Existing Relationships. The purpose of the Challenge is exactly what it says but please follow the link to get all the details.

My purpose for blogging is to provide information and to better educate Home Buyers as well as to keep Realtors that follow my blog. I have taken many of my blogs and created packets as well as flyers that I give to my clients and Realtors whom I call on.

Examples of blogs that I have created packets for my Borrowers are:

First Time Homebuyer Seminars.....Part #1.

First Time Homebuyer Seminars.....Part #2.

First Time Homebuyers Seminars.....Part #3

First Time Homebuyer Seminars.....Part #4

Major Impact on Credit Scores (edit/delete)

Credit Scores Where Did They Come From & What Are They???

Why Are Credit Scores Different Between Credit Reports & Reporting Agencies???

Most of my business comes from Realtors who refer me to their Buyers, so a major part of my work week is to stop by Realtor Offices and provide them with information on loan programs like FHA, CHFA, VA, and USDA Mortgages.

FHA The Main Loan Program In Connecticut!!!
FHA & CHFA Condo Lists
PMI Changes Making FHA and VA Much More Go To Loan Products
FHA Condominium Approvals
HUD Website Great Resource For Homebuyers

CHFA Not For Just First Time Homebuyers.
New Tax Credit .................... Connecticut Housing Finace Authority (CHFA)
CHFA ................ Federal Recapture Tax

VA Mortgages

USDA Loan Program
USDA Loan Program ........... Part II
FHA Appraisals

I also provide flyers that Realtors use and make part of their Open House Packets. Lately many of the Realtors that I partner with have also started to include these flyers as part of the material that they leave at each of their listings. My most popular flyer that Realtors request is the I wrote the following blog about.

Open Houses Not Just For Realtors...A Great Marketing Tool For Loan Officers Also!!!

There are many blogs that I have written, that I have then converted to into material that I hand out to my Borrowers and Realtor partners, such as resent blogs that I have written on FHA Condo Approval changes. I see a major part of my job as a Loan Officer keeping the public and especially the Realtors that I partner with, informed of many industry changes that we are experiencing these days. Writing a blog and then using the blog to create flyers to hand out to my Borrowers, and Realtor Partners, is a great way for me to do that, and I would encourage others to do the same.

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Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, andConventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Tuesday's Tool To Share - Magic Jack Phone System - Yes It Works!

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 07:39:12 -0600

Tuesday's Tool To Share - Magic Jack Phone System - Yes It Works!

I've tried Skype and it did not work well for me. I have Vonage and use it for a fax line. Most of the time it is fine, when there is a problem it's due to my cable carrier and not Vonage with the problem. I pay a little between $300 and $400 per year for Vonage and am extremely proud of my savings! It's a good deal in my opinion.

So when I saw the Magic Jack system on tv, I was doubtful that at less than a $100 for 5 years, it was going to work.

Then I listed a home where their phone number was a Magic Jack Phone System and it was working fine. Next I sold a home and when the new buyers moved in, they got Magic Jack for a phone system. So I had to try it.

It works great for me. When you order, they send you a USB plug with a phone line plug in the other end. You plug it into a USB port. It self installs and opens a window to set up your phone number, etc. In the photo, I whited out my number and address. It does keep that displayed for you and has your 911 address displayed.

You can dial from your computer if you want with the software that I've used as a photo for this post. With the computer that I have it plugged into, I prefer to use a standard phone, since a cordless works fine with it.

I don't know how it handles faxes...since I have Vonage set up for that, but will try a fax machine on it later this week.

AND I do not receive anything whatsoever for this post about Magic Jack from Magic Jack.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Monday Motivation - Get Acquainted With Yourself

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:37:52 -0600

One of the greatest moments in anybody's developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is...Norman Vincent Peale

Sometimes the best time to get acquainted with our selves is in the quiet of the night, looking out across the water, listening to the lapping of the waves...

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

FHA Appraisal Expiration ........... Change

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:16:48 -0600

This is something that you need to know about if you are considering financing with an FHA loan.

For my clients in McCurtain and Choctaw Counties Oklahoma. Please take note!

George Souto knows his stuff!

Via George Souto (McCue Mortgage) FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages CT.:

The third and last change that we have been notified of this week is a change to FHA Appraisal Expiration. FHA Appraisals use to be good for six month, this was both good and bad. Good because if an appraisal was done on a property, and the deal fell apart, the appraisal would still be applicable for a six month period, and the new Buyers/Borrowers would continue to use the same appraisal, because it was attached to the FHA Case Number. Therefore, they were able to save money on an appraisal. The Bad part is that if the reason for the deal falling apart was because of appraisal issues, or the house under appraised, those issues would continue to be a problem for six months, and you could not get away from them by doing a new appraisal.

With this change FHA has reduced the appraisal expiration to 120 days for all existing and new construction properties effective with case numbers assigned on or after Jan 1, 2010. This change aligns FHA with current industry practices.

This again is both good and bad. Good because you are able to replace an appraisal that had issues or under appraised sooner. But likewise it is bad because an appraisal that did not have any issues will now be good for only 120 days in stead of the previous six month.

This concludes the changes that I have to report on for now, but keep in mind that these three changes that I have blogged about, are all Program Changes, there are other changes that have also been made that are Investor Changes. Investor Changes are an additional layer of qualifying requirements that are imposed on by Investor which are over and above those made by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and USDA. Those changes will differ from Lender to Lender depending on whom the Lender is selling their loans to. The best way to keep up with these changes is by having a good working relationship with a Loan Officer that will keep you up to date on them.

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Info about the author:

George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

8 Myths of Staging to Sell - Busted.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:37:36 -0600

Via Donna Ross - Home Staging, Sydney, Australia (Great Impressions Real Estate Staging & Consulting - Sydney):

Home staging (or property styling as it's commonly known as on the Australian property scene) is really an art, not a science. One of the many things a professional home stager understands is that it's the house that's up for sale, not the home owner's bread baking ability or taste in music. So, from the sublime to the rediculous - here's 8 myths of staging to sell - busted!

1. Buyers can see past my stuff
No - they can't. 95% of house hunters shop with a 'what you see is what you get' eye. You'll be maximising your chances of a better and quicker sale if you take the time to clean out, clean up and keep your look simple.

2. Baking bread, brewing fresh coffee and playing soft music will make a buyer fall in love with my house.
Maybe once upon a time this was true - but most would-be buyers are onto that old trick. It's more likely to trigger alarm bells, with many wondering what it is you're trying to hide. Your buyers will be happy with a place that looks and smells clean.

3. I'll need to clear everything out to help buyers see themselves living here.
This is only partly true. Wall to wall family photos are distracting, as is your porcelain rooster collection. These things are best put away. But don't go overboard, otherwise you'll end up with a look that feels cold and sterile.

4. If it's an original feature - it adds value.
Sometimes yes - but often no. Generally a property built less than 50 years ago without being updated is more likely to appear dated, rather than classic.

5. My place isn't worth staging.
All homes are worth taking the time to present in a positive light to buyers. The trick to knowing where to start and what to do is in having a good idea of what buyers in your target market will expect, along with learning more about what competing properties in your area are offering.

6. Empty rooms look bigger.

This is rarely the case. Buyers will always prefer to see how a room is used and what will fit in it, rather than be left to guess. Very large rooms can also be too intimidating for some. Even borrowed furniture can help buyers get an idea of scale and give the eye something of interest to focus on.

7. Converting a bedroom into a home gym won't be a problem.
Bedrooms are one of the most valuable commodities of the 'for sale' property. Having a home gym set up in a bedroom will prompt buyers to wonder why that is. I remember once looking at a house where this was the case. When I came across the bedroom with the gym in it, I immediately began to question if a bed would even fit. Always give the rooms in your house a purpose.

8. No need to worry about wardrobes and cupboards.
Home storage is a big deal to most buyers and is surprisingly valuable. Prospective buyers will open storage cupboards in kitchens and bathrooms, so keep them tidy. Keep only what you're using on a daily or weekly basis, and pack the rest away ready for the move.

Have you got a staging myth you'd like busted? Share them with me here.

Donna Ross

Great Impressions Real Estate Staging

"I love helping Sydney home owners and real estate agents catch the eye of choosy buyers with their 'for sale' listings, with fast, simple and inexpensive decorating fixes."

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Stage-Show-Sell..SOLD in two weeks .Example #2 Birmingham

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:32:24 -0600

Look at these before and after pictures. See what preparing your home for market can do??

Via Virginia Tatseos (Stage-Show-Sell):

My realtor is real happy with Stage-Show-Sell...Example #2 Birmingham

This home has been on the market, priced was to high, for 18 months. The realtor that chooses to work with me :-) had the seller stage the home with, of course, Stage-Show-Sell and priced the home where it needed to be.

Price, Location and Condition is a winning combination that resulted in an offer in the first two weeks.

The vacant empty bath looked cold. It just didn't pop at all

Bath is very inviting now. The separate glass shower was a real treat for the buyer

This is typical of Cape Cod homes in the Birmingham Area.

The space at the top of the stairs, if not defined, is hard to imagine

Just a few pieces of furniture gives the room a purpose

The Master Bedroom was painted blue and of course vacant

It's hard to imagine where the furniture would be placed in the room

After with the right furniture placement facing the TV and fireplace

What dining room??

Very nice yard was easy and fun to stage.

We wanted to draw the eye to the back of the yard to show how deep it is.

Stage-Show-Sell, offers affordable home staging solutions in the Birmingham - Bloomfield and surrounding areas in getting your home ready for the market. We service both home sellers and realtors. We have the experience, our own rental furniture and accessories to stage many homes. We specialize in Estate work. The house can be put into our hands for the whole process of getting the house on the market

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Stage Rooms for Their Intended Purpose When Selling a House

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:28:17 -0600

Via Marianne Sweet, Home Sweet Home Staging, LLC Rochester Hills, MI (Home Sweet Home Staging):

Reblogged from my page on www.mioaklandcounty.com and http://mioaklandcounty.realestatetomato.com/

When potential buyers view a house for sale, they need to see rooms presented as they were intended. The master bedroom shouldn’t be an exercise room, the bathroom shouldn’t be a pet station, the garage shouldn’t be a storage unit, and unless you have more than 3 bedrooms, resist the urge to make one an office.

This is especially important when it comes to dining areas. People want to see where they will gather for meals and entertain their loved ones.

I recently staged a 900 sq. ft. house for a client who was using her dining room as office space. As you can see (amongst the considerable clutter), a desk definitely does not belong there. Aside from being the wrong use of the space, it was also the first thing visitors saw when they came in the front door … NOT a good first impression.

After completely clearing out the area , I moved the table and chairs that were overwhelming the small kitchen and created a proper dining room.

Visitors can now see that there is room for a full size table and 4 chairs at the very least. Showing a dedicated dining room, the intended purpose for this space, adds value to this petite house and answers an important question for the buyer.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

This Home Only Looks Like a Million Bucks - But it's not.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:03:55 -0600

Via Kathy Nielsen Atlanta Georgia Home Stager (Georgia Interior Solutions, LLC):

This Home Only Looks Like a Million Bucks - But it's not.

There's a myth out there that home staging benefits the high-end homes only. This couldn't be farther from the truth. All homes, whether you're staging it yourself or using a professional, can reap the rewards.

Case in point - Guess how much this home is listed for. It's an after picture of a home staging project in Atlanta that I had completed a couple of weeks ago. You can see the before and after picture here.

What's the asking price? $89K. It doesn't look like it, does it?

So what's my point? The benefits of home staging applies to all price points because:

Buyers lack vision

Buyers rely on their emotional connection to the home. A vacant home just doesn't give out the same look and feel

Buyers need to envision living in the home

Whether the home is listed at $3M or $89K buyers have needs. As a seller, it's important to understand what those needs are and hit upon each of them.

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About the Author: Kathy Nielsen, a nationally recognized leader within the home staging industry, offers affordable home staging solutions to help sell your home more quickly. Kathy can be reached via email at info@homestagingatlanta.com or by phone at 678 522 8392. Their Atlanta Home Staging services offer a variety of options to accommodate all budgets. For more tips on how to showcase your home, visit our AtlantaHomeStagerInfo blog.

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PR: wait... I: wait... L: wait... LD: wait... I: wait... wait... Rank: wait... Traffic: wait... Price: wait... C: wait...

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

How to Avoid the Common Mistakes Sellers Make!

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:57:39 -0600

Via Kathy Schowe (The Lori Bowers Group):

When you decide to put your home on the market-- Here are a few tips to get it SOLD !

1. RID YOUR HOUSE OF CLUTTER!

2. HIDE YOUR PET'S STUFF!

3. MAKE YOURSELF SCARCE!

4. CAREFULLY CONSIDER YOUR FIRST OFFER, IT MAY BE THE BEST YOU GET!

5. DON'T TAKE LOW-BALL OFFERS PERSONALLY.

6. MAKE A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION CURB-SIDE... TRIM SHRUBS AND HEDGES.

7. REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS, PHOTOS, KIDS ARTWORK, ETC.

8. TOSS OUT OLD RUGS, BEDSPREADS...REFRESH!

9. MAKE IT LIGHT AND BRIGHT WITH NEW PAINT, LIGHT COLORED CURTAINS, ETC.

10. DO ANY REPAIRS NEEDED BEFORE YOU PUT IT ON THE MARKET!

Click on the house to see the video!

Kathy Schowe 760.333.8886 schoweproperties@msn.com

The Lori Bowers Group La Quinta, California

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Staging for $$$$$

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:52:37 -0600

To sell your home in Choctaw or McCurtain County Oklahoma, call me... Judi Barrett at Integrity Real Estate Services 580-212-5946

Via David Mieth (Exit IH-10 Realty):

The old saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression" is critical to getting your house ready to sell in today's real estate market. If you want to get "top of the market"price for your house then you have got to take some time to dress it up for sale.

The extra money that you spend to make your home stand out from the crowd will pay dividends on closing day.

The littile things like keeping the lawn mowed and landscaping trimmed will go a long way to increasing the "curb appeal" of your property.

A fresh coat of paint on trim and repairing and re-staining decks and fences makes a big difference in the way your potential buyer views the house on their first visit.

Inside the house you should repaint all the walls in a neutral color. Though your wife may have enjoyed the rose colored bedroom, your potential buyer might not see it that way.

Make sure everything is very clean, especially the kitchen and bathrooms. Hire a professional cleaning service if you have to, it will make a big difference in the way the house is percieved by the people considering buying it.

You can make the rooms look bigger if you get rid of the clutter. You've got to make it easy for the potential buyer to imagine themselves living in the house.

Sometimes the smallest things will make a big difference in the appeal of the house. Bake some cookies on the day of the open house so the kitchen smells like home.

Do everything you can to make the house warm and inviting and you will go a long way towards accomplishing your goal of a quick and profitable sale.

David Mieth

Exit IH-10 Realty

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

10 Reasons Why The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Sell

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:58:22 -0600

Kim has a great list here of reasons to have your home on the market during the Holiday Season.

Read through them and I think you'll agree that this is a good time to sell.

To sell your home in Chcotaw County Oklahoma (Hugo, Sawyer, Fort Towson, Lake Raymond Gary) or in McCurtain County Oklahoma (Idabel, Valliant, Garvin, Millerton, Swink) call me Judi Barrett at Integrity Real Estate Services at 580=212=5946.

Let's talk about it!

Via Kim Boekholder, Murray Utah, Sandy Utah, Salt Lake County, Utah MLS Listings, UT (Relocation, Short SalesK.W. Utah Realtors, Associate Broker ):

10 Reasons Why The Holiday Season Is A Great Time To Sell. Below is a list of reasons why now is the time to list.... Don't wait until spring.

*Sellers are dropping out of the market for holidays, less competition

*Buyers who are looking in the winter tend to be more serious buyers.

*Singles, couples, and empty nesters tend to wait while school is in session to buy, less competition for them.

*Interest rates are at an all time low

*Buyer scan buy more house right now.

*February and March produce the highest amount of homes sales, but November and December and January don't have as many homes for sale so there is a higher ration of homes sold to those for sale.

*The holiday spirit can help sell your home, you decorate for your guests, but buyers will find your home more charming while it is decorated for the season.

*Most homes are never cleaner and never smell better, or are better decorated than during the holiday season.

*If you don't want to move during the holidays you can negotiate possession for your own convenience.

*Sellers can usually negotiate their best deals during the holiday season.

Sellers who take their homes off the market or postpone selling them during the holidays won't save any money; they will simply postpone their own dreams and perhaps find more competition when they decide to enter the market again.

Are you ready to postpone your dreams or are you ready to move ahead and live your future now?

Kim Boekholder, Keller Williams, Moving to Utah? Moving Around Utah? Contact me for help

Follow me on Twitter:

Subscribe to my blogs:

Become my friend on Facebook

To View all homes throughout Utah and real estate tips http://www.kimshomesforsale.com

Share this information with others. Thank you

iUtah - Utah      For Utah places to go and things to do. KSL's community Calendar.

p.s. "By the way, if a friend or family member you know could use a caring and competent agent, I would enjoy meeting them. Thanks for thinking of me with your referrals. I am certified in short sales, foreclsoures, buying, selling, investing, luxury homes, relocation.

Kim Boekholder Associate Broker,

Keller Williams Utah Realtors, Chair Ambassador Murray Chamber

Specializing in Short Sales and Relocation

Mobile: 801-580-5624
Fax:     801-303-8556
boeks@msn.com

Keller Williams a great place to hang your license.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...or Not? - Staging Small Spaces

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:29:23 -0600

For my clients in Oklahoma, here is a tidbit from Leslie Olson... look at what she did to the space in this small dining room... it looks larger by removing the mirrors.

Of course that's not all that she did to it.

Nice transformation.

Helping you sell you home in Choctaw County and McCurtain County Oklahoma.

Integrity Real Estate Services

Judi Barrett, Broker

580-212-5946

Via Leslie Olson - Home Staging and Interior Design - Marin County CA (Leslie Olson Interiors):

I'll bet you've heard the old chestnut that mirrors should always be used in small spaces ("...they make it look so much more spacious!"). But not all mirrors are created equal, and this '80s-era condo still had the builder's wall of mirrors in the small dining room (all together, girls...UGH!). Not only did the kitchen have inadequate storage space -- note the stunning laminate cabinet masquerading as a pantry -- but the mirrored wall multiplied every bit of clutter and visual chaos in viewing range. YIKES!



What was done to Stage this room?

Wall mirrors were removed (thankfully much easier than expected, in this case)

Cherry-veneered plywood cabinets were built for storage, solving storage issues

Extra furniture, clutter and electrical wiring were removed

The sisal area rug under the table was removed. The buyer's eye is now drawn from baseboard to baseboard, visually enlarging the room

Grasscloth wallpaper added texture and unified the color scheme, which includes subtle new paint colors

The light fixture is a dramatic focal point, and a centralized light source to make the space feel more intimate for dining

Oh...and the ghastly kitchen wallpaper was removed. But that's another story!

Realtors - Which room would you rather show to your clients? Real Estate Home Staging is a specialized skill that can have a dramatic impact on your success in selling properties quickly and profitably. Home staging is not just for open houses anymore! How about staging before the MLS photographs are taken?

Homeowners - Would you like Personalized Coaching on how to prepare your home for a speedy and lucrative sale?

I invite you to contact a Home Staging professional for a consultation to jump-start your real estate success. Don't consider a price reduction on the property until you've hired a Home Staging Consultant (or Property Stylist) to enhance your home for sale. An investment in home staging costs less than the financial hit of your first price reduction.

**UPDATE** I've resubmitted this post which was originally made before our family's move to Greenbrae, California, in Marin County (just north of the San Francisco Bay). While I'm updating the company web site with pictures from many, many new projects, I thought I'd introduce my business to the Marin County market, where we've also moved the staging and design business.    By the way -- this condo sold for full asking price BEFORE it went on the market, with the offer made on the same day the buyer toured it for the first time!

It's great to be in Northern California -- and great to be back on Active Rain! Leslie - Leslie Olson Interiors



Leslie Olson, ASID, RESA

Leslie Olson Interiors   Marin County, CA   www.leslieolsoninteriors.com     leslie@leslieolsoninteriors.com    415.233.2633

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Walking in the Warm Summer Rain.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:28:48 -0600

I know, Summer is over and most of the rain that falls now is not that warm sweet rain that falls in July and August. The kind that you play in.

But think back...

Did you enjoy playing in the rain as a kid? How about now, still enjoy it? I do.

Some children like to run fast through the rain from one place to another. Splitting every water puddle they can find.

Some children enjoy pretending they are an airplane with their arms spread wide, going in circles around the yard in the rain, gliding through the drops... that was me.

Some children wait until the rain quits falling and then they venture outside and dip their toe in the water puddles that remain.

Then there are those rain storms with thunder, lightening and big winds.. most of us sit and look out the window, safe within our homes when that's going on....

So as you spend your time today on Active Rain, are you running fast to get one place to another? Or going in circles 'round and 'round? Or will you come back later and dip your toe in the puddles when you have more time?

It is raining, raining blogs. Some of them are warm summery blog posts that you can just play in. Some of the posts are more intense and will teach you something. Some of the posts are real storms and you can choose to venture into it or not.

BUT IT IS RAINING... EVERY DAY.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Two Story Country Home 3 Acres For Sale Near Pine Creek Lake, Valliant, Oklahoma, 2600 sq ft 4 bed 3 bath, in ground pool, $168,000

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:50:34 -0600

Two Story Country Home For Sale Near Pine Creek Lake, Paved Road, 2600 sq ft 4 bed 3 bath, in ground pool, $168,000

4 bedroom 3 bath home (or 3 bedrooms with an office) situated on 3 acres, fireplace, bay windows, formal dining room, in ground pool. Storm Cellar, large laundry room. Large spreading oak trees, metal shop, livestock shed on 3 acres. Paved road. Home is located only about 2 miles from Valliant. This home has everything! Updated heat/air... extra blown-in insulation, lots and lots of storage, huge multi-car car port that has room for the grill too, beautiful landscaping. If I didn't already have a home, you would not have a chance at this one, it'd be gone...Call me to view Judi Barrett 580-212-5946. Listed at $169,000.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

SATISFIED WITH "LETTING THINGS HAPPEN"? . . . BEING SATISFIED MEANS BEING LEFT BEHIND.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:18:15 -0600

Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:

JUST BE SATISFIED??

I read a blog post this a.m. written by a thoughtful ActiveRain member that sent a mixed message to me.

Adrienne Deans relates her experiences with leaving one brokerage for another in her question to grow her business and reach a higher level of achievement. Sadly, her former broker's message to her was that she should "be satisfied" with her present position and that she should simply "let things happen naturally".

Sorry to disappoint, but, in the real estate business, things don't "happen naturally".

HAVE A PLAN AND FOLLOW IT. Things are made to happen by real estate practitioners who have a plan, follow it and change their plan to adjust to changing markets. Never, in all my years in this business have I seen a real estate licensee succeed or even survive, by simply letting things happen naturally.

FOLKS ARE USUALLY LEADERS OR FOLLOWERS. I don't believe that people change that much. Unless you have actually lowered your income goals, you'll find that you'll need to work and perhaps even change direction from time to time to continue to achieve goals that we set for ourselves. Real estate practitioners who can change direction, understand and capitalize on market trends will usually find continued success.

FOLLOWERS, however, by waiting for business to come along, ignoring market trends and waiting for things to happen could soon find themselves our of resources and out of business.

As for your old broker, most employing brokers prefer agents who are "satisfied" with just enough to pay the broker a nice split, but not sufficient for the agent to want to move to a higher level and reduce the broker's split. The large real estate companies continue to dominate market share and volume but agents who remain"satisfied" waiting for thing to happen naturally will see their fellow agents' listing and selling volume continue to grow while their own does not.

THE LITTLE KNOWN REAL ESTATE BROKER "SECRET".   Large brokerages thrive on two things;

(1) market share, and

(2) broker/agent commission splits

MARKET SHARE. Ever wonder why the heavy listing agents get the best offices, clerical assistance, advertising help, open house volunteers and invitations to the "top producers" breakfast meetings?? Even in a slow market where those listing are not selling, the top listing agent get the broker respect and support. It's the market share of listing that they bring to the broker. If there are 25 For Sale signs in a popular community and 10 of them are from one real estate company, that company will dominate the market for:

LIST TO LIVE? Well of course. Few new agents have not heard the advise of real estate school instructors say, "You can be at the beach and still sell homes." Listing agents can easily carry 10-20 listings, service them well and they will be paid no matter who brings the buyer. Buyers' agents, on the other hand, because of the nature and time constraints of acquiring buyer clients, showings, previewing, touring and managing offers/contracts are limited in the number of actual sales (income). The buyer's agent can only receive a commission for the buyer's side of the commission. The listing agent/broker has the potential to receive both "sides".

Why listing agents lead the market.

Listings - The old maxim "list to live" is still taught in real estate school, CE and employing brokers.

Signs - If one broker's For Sale signs dominate, owners will contact that company to list their home.

Showings - Every prospective buyer who visits a listing is a potential customer or client to list or buy.

Advertising - Advertisements in a magazine, web site, blog, newspaper or sign can lead to a sale.

Sales - Without sales, the agent won't survive and neither will be broker.

Commissions - For every listing generated by an agent, the broker has the potential of two "sides".

LETTING THINGS HAPPEN NATURALLY? I fear that would be a recipe for failure. Listings rarely come naturally.

No listings means no signs with your name and phone number.

No showings means no sales.

No advertising limits the potential to sell.

No sales, no commission.

No commission, no income.

BROKER/AGENT COMMISSION SPLITS means that the "satisfied" agent will continue to have a lesser commission split with their broker. Brokers recruit new agents who may only sell 2-3 homes a year and remain at a low commission split. Every wonder why brokers continue to hold the license of agents who may close only 2-3 sales a year? Those "satisfied" agents are, to the brokerage, money in the bank. Agents who "let things happen naturally" will not usually climb the broker/agent split ladder.

SUCCESS THROUGH VOLUME. How do Buyer's Agents who do not take listings survive and thrive? By becoming a broker and receiving a commission split from every commission earned by buyer's agents with the company.

Letting things happen naturally just might mean having to get a job. Real estate commission checks just don't happen naturally. They are rewards for a good job done. You can't just put in time and collect a pay check in the real estate business.

Courtesy, Lenn Harley, Broker, Homefinders.com, 800-711-7988.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

McCurtain County Oklahoma Honors Our Veterans With Two Minutes of Silence

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:21:01 -0600

Today is Veteran's Day 2009..

As our nation looks back to 1918 on November 11 at 11 am - the exact time that the armistice was signed in Europe, bringing to an end World War I,

McCurtain County residents are being asked to honor veterans today with two minutes of silence starting at 11 a.m.

The American Legion Post #8 will have it's 91st annual Veteran's Day Program.

If you can't attend the program, you can tune into our 3 local radio stations at that time and listen to the song, A Pittance of Time by Terry Kelly.

All businesses and schools have been asked to play the song over their speaker systems at 11 am.

If you're driving and cannot pull over to observe the two minutes of silence, you are asked to turn your lights on during that time while you drive.

Please honor all veterans today and every day for the sacrifices that they and their families have made for our nation. They should have our highest respect and gratitude daily, not just today.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show at Beavers Bend State Park Oklahoma

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:53:17 -0600

Beavers Bend Folk Festival & Craft Show at Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Oklahoma will take place this week-end (November 13 - 15, 2009) The park's phone number is 580-494-6497.

This is a beautiful time of the year to visit our area with fall colors in place. This year's colors have not been as stunning due to the heavy rainfall that we'd had (October being a record setter for rain).

Last year's record attendance at the Beavers Bend Folk Festival was around 17,400. This year's attendance is expected to top that.

One of the new draws this year will be

Dennis Beck of Savoy, Texas.

Dennis is going to show us 18th century paper-making and book-binding.

As always the festival will provide hands on opportunities to learn crafts including mountain music and mountain music instruments.

There's always good food available at the festival.

Attendance to the Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show is free as is parking. Shuttle buses will be used to transport folks from the parking places to the festival area.

To learn about some of the older crafts and music, be sure to attend the Beavers Bend Folk Festival, to learn about buying a home or land in McCurtain County or Choctaw County, call me Judi Barrett, Broker at Integrity Real Estate Services 580-212-5946. While I do not normally work in the Broken Bow lake area itself, my area is close by and I encourage you to come and enjoy beautiful Broken Bow Lake.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Keep Your Thinking Right and Your Business Will Be Right! Motivational Monday

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:44:23 -0600

"Keep your thinking right And your business will be right." Zig Ziglar

How do you keep your thinking right?

It's a little more involved than it sounds.

Not only do we need to think positively about our business and find the necessary tools to make the business wheels turn,

We need to think with right attitude toward our clients, our customers, our families, and ourselves.

That means that sometimes we have to take time out from thinking. Let those things rest and have fun or just look at beauty, or nature... let our thinking rest.

Often when you take your thinking out of gear and look upon something peaceful, your thinker will kick itself back into gear with fresh new thoughts!

Hope you had some rest recently and are thinking right this Monday morning. Have a good week.

Tshirt photo courtesy of Flickr user Karola. Photo is link to profile.
Ontario Falls Photo courtesy of Veggie Gretz.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

What You Oughta Know About Blog Commenting

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:43:09 -0600

Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Immaculate Homes):

Much has been said about blog commenting here on ActiveRain, but what about blog commenting out in the real world? I'm talking about commenting on blogs that are not on the ActiveRain platform. Do you comment on other blogs within your niche? Do you try to grab the attention of the big boys? Why would you want to? How can commenting on other blogs help you?

Commenting on high profile blogs outside of A|R can have a huge impact on your publicity, your search engine results, and your overall popularity within the blogging world. Okay, so you won't get any A|R "points" for commenting outside of A|R, but there is a much larger benefit to be had.

Benefits Of Blog Commenting

Grab The Attention Of The Blogs Readers

Grab The Attention Of The Blogger

Increase Your Brand Awareness

Create More Back Links

Yes, blog commenting can do all those things, and much much more, however, there is a catch. You actually have to be a real life genuine human being when your commenting. None of this sissy, "great post thanks for sharing", stuff. You have to add value to the readers of the blog, and you have to add value to the blogger themselves. "Add Value" is the key.

GRAB THE ATTENTION OF THE BLOGS READERS

There are people out there that have never heard of you, never heard of ActiveRain, and surely don't know that you are a fantastic blogger. You have to show them that what you have to offer is something they might be interested in. Besides, they are already commenting on blogs and reading information in your niche, all you have to do is prove that you're worth their time.

How can I grab their attention?

It works much the same outside of ActiveRain as it does here. When commenting on most blogs, you get to add a link to your website or blog, which people will click on if you add value to a conversation. Here's an example:

Go to Google and search for your niche, and add blogs to the search like this:

As you can see by just doing a general real estate blog search, I have over 100 million choices to choose from. Now, click on a few blogs, and check out how they do their blog commenting. Make sure that when you comment you are able to leave a link back to your blog/website. It should look something like this:

The box that says website is where you want to enter your web address to your blog/website. That's all there is to it. Find blogs, leave comments, add value to the conversation, leave a link back to your blog/website, and use your analytics (click that link to learn how to install analytics on your blog) to watch the new traffic come in.

GRAB THE ATTENTION OF THE BLOGGER

When people comment on your blog, how does it make you feel? I can bet it makes you fell warm and fuzzy right? I'm talking about those people that leave a comment that makes you click on the link to their profile, add them as an associate, and go find their blog to leave them a comment. Those comments are the comments that get blog writers attention, and in a big way.

I found a blog called New Homes Blog. I started commenting on the blog, and I really enjoy reading what the writer had to say. So, I left some pretty meaty comments, and he emailed me. He asked me to be a guest blogger for his Utah section. A guest blogger! That means that he lets me write blogs on his blog, and leave a link back to my websites for Google juice. I got his attention by commenting with some great comments to add value to his blog.

The more you put in the more you will get. Start building a relationship with the blogger, and soon enough they just might start talking about you in their own blogs.

INCREASE YOUR BRAND AWARENESS

The more and more you start to show up on blogs in your niche, the more and more your brand is going to get recognized. By commenting on blogs all over th web,you're going to increase your online visibility.

The more you show up, the more people will be curious as to who you are, which will make people more likely to click on your link to learn more about you. Human curiosity!

Think about it. Who are the most popular people you know of on ActiveRain?

I bet you it's the top commenter's such as, TLW, Lenn Harley, Jason Crouch, Todd Clark, Broker Bryant, Loreena Yeo, C-Tann Star, Bill Gassett, Jeff Dowler, Missy Caulk, Rich Jacobson, Patricia Kennedy just to name a few, or the people who comment on your blog everyday.

These people comment a lot and for good reason, they are creating brand awareness. The more you see them, the more you want to know who they are, and that gives you a click through to your blog/website.

How many comments have you made today?

CREATE MORE BACK LINKS

(If you don't know what a do-follow and no-follow link are, before reading this section, I would recommend you read this blog on no-follow and do-follow links first.)

Just like ActiveRain, when you comment on some blogs, you get a do-follow link to your website.

Every time you make a comment on ActiveRain while logged in, you get a do-follow link pointing back to your profile.

In order to find blogs that are do-follow around the web, you will have to do some research.

So far, I have a list of 25 do-follow blogs that I am currently commenting on. I don't do it just for the link, I also add as much to the conversation as I can.

If I don't have anything to say that is going to add value, I don't say anything at all. I found these blogs by searching Google and researching real estate forums. Unfortunately, I am not going to give you my list of do-follow blogs, I want you to find your own, because it will be more beneficial to you if you do.

What I am going to do is, give you a head start in the right direction. Finding do-follow blogs is actually pretty easy once you have the Firefox plugin as mentioned in the link above.

Start out by searching Google for do-follow blogs:

Google Search: Do Follow Blogs

Do-follow blog search engine.

The Art Of Commenting On Do Follow Blogs

I use these tools and they helped me get a start in the right direction. If you're serious about ranking high for your keywords, commenting on do follow blogs can help you attain your goals. Remember, just because a blog is no follow, doesn't mean you can't get value out of it. Leaving your link is going to get people to click on it, which will bring traffic your way, and increase your brand awareness.

What's It All Mean?

Commenting on blogs is one of the most fundamental aspects of social media. You are interacting, creating relationships, and adding value to the on-going conversations around the web. Building your awareness through blog commenting takes time and effort to be successful. But I can attest that if you do it with genuine care you soon will start to see an increase in your blogs activity. Good Luck!

If you have any stories about how you comment, leave me a comment about it. Or better yet, write a blog about it, and leave a link in the comments so you can add value to my conversation!

P.S. A good place to start commenting is my new Cache Valley Real Estate blog!

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946

Do You Reblog? Why or Why Not? My Reasons For Re-Blogging.

Judi Barrett Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:37:10 -0600

When Active Rain first came out with the ability to re-blog, I wasn't sure that I liked the idea... I'm always just a tad cautious about new things and need a little time to think about it or get used to it.

Quickly though I realized that others were writing stuff that my clients would or could benefit from if they read it... articles about topics that those writers were much better qualified to write and may have just said it better than I had.

So I started re-blogging.

Since there are mortgage people here on Active Rain that are writing some really great blogs about all of the ins and outs of mortgages, I sometimes re-blog a mortgage post. It compliments the topics that I choose to write about.

Ditto for staging. My clients could really benefit from good staging articles and we have some of the best stagers in the world right here writing about it. So I re-blog staging articles. And home inspection articles, AND appraisal articles.

Sometimes someone posts an article and I just flat-out do not want to lose that article and I will come back to it easier if I re-blog it into my line-up... I realize that reason for re-blogging may be a little off base but hey, it's the truth.

Sometimes I simply truly enjoy an article. It says things in ways that I want to promote...so I re-blog.

Every once in a while someone is trying to accomplish a worthwhile goal that will better accomplished if more people know about it, so I re-blog their post to bring attention to their issue.

On one re-blog, I received an email from the original blogger, compliementing me on the use of her blog. I had added a little bit to the title for a better fit to my area. I knew when I saw her photo blog that it was a great one for use around Lake Raymond Gary and I appreciate her letting me re-blog and her compliment on my use of it.

Re-blogging allows me to have a much fuller blog for my clients and customers with depth into areas where others are the expert, not me. Hopefully it will benefit my clients, my office, and the original blogger.

So my question - Why do you re-blog?

The picture of the cracked foundation is from flickr user Casey Serin. The photo is a link to the profile on flckr. The picture of the staged room is from flickr user Real Estaging. The photo is a link to their profile.

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Life in Southeast Oklahoma is GREAT! If you're looking for a home or land in my part of the country, please give me a call, and give me a chance to earn your business!

Judi Barrett, broker, Integrity Real Estate Services, 580-212-5946

Judi Barrett
Broker - Integrity Real Estate Services
Our Name Says It All.
Real Estate Services You Can Trust.
580-212-5946