The couple selling their house can't find your phone number. Interested home buyers lost your web address. How is this happening?

Contact information is our lifeline in sales. But do you know the email you're sending could be blocking your lifeline?

Ever since I can remember, signatures in Gmail turn to a light shade of gray. But now Google is taking their shenanigans one step further.

If you use Gmail, you may be surprised to know that your name and all that follows is now considered "Trimmed Content", thanks to their new and improved format. In fact, your contact information is replaced by a grayed out rectangle.

Hey, it's only your business lifeline! How important could your name, phone number, or web address be anyway!

Well, good news. There's a 2-second trick to guarantee your customers and clients still know how to reach you. The humble dash. Just one dash? Actually 4. Here is what to do. In your salutation, include your name, phone number, and web address. Then below it type 4 dashes, 2 in each row:

--

--

That's it? 4 dashes! The 2-second trick to preserve your business contact information in your emails.

Happy marketing in 2012!

Your friend, Kate Ford

Another Way To Promote Your Business Contact Information

Realtors, promote your Contact Information at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers and sellers at my website, First Time Home Buyer Tips. Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors, and Appraisers are invited too.

Mortgage lenders, promote your Contact Information at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers and home owners at my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate. Title and escrow professionals are invited too.

And just in case you're wondering... Yes, my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

You can also follow me on Twitter -- @MortgageBuddy

The shiny button syndrome... New is good but I try like the dickens to avoid the shiny button syndrome. So why did I give Google+ the time of day?

When a shiny button (my term for the latest online fad or do-or-die technique) is brought to my attention, I filter with Detect and Avoid.

I've learned what starts as a simple exercise can turn into a 3-day project with no measurable benefits.

Yet, if Google+ was easy to implement, why not look into it further? After all, per Google, this is how to verify you are the author of your site. It also plants your smiling face beside your posts in search.

So I was surprised, pleasantly surprised, to find that setting up the Google+ loop was simple as Thanksgiving's apple pie.

3 Steps to Simple Google+ Set-Up

1. Create Google profile page and link to your site's About Me page (adding rel="me" tag to the link)

2. Create a link from your About Me page to your Google profile page (adding rel="me" tag to the link)

3. Add a link in your footer to your About Me page (adding rel="author" tag to the link)

If you are like me, you don't necessarily like to jump in with both feet until you have read more. Here are tutorials with more in-depth information. I found these two bloggers offered clearer details than Google.

How To Implement Rel=Author
Display your Profile Picture in Google Search Results

Now you will see your smiling face in Google search and let the world know you authored your site. And if you are so inclined, you can use Google+ for social networking.

Your friend, Kate Ford

-- Giving Back To Homeownership --

Realtors, promote your business at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, First Time Home Buyer Tips. Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers are welcome.

Mortgage lenders, promote your business at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate. Title and escrow professionals welcome.

And just in case you're wondering... Yes, my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

You can also follow me on Twitter -- @mortgagebuddy

I don't recall the person's name at FHA when I began originating mortgages but I remember her clear and consistent message  -- Homeownership Strengthens America. I took her mantra to heart and determined to be part of such a movement to build up our country, one real estate transaction at a time. 

I've been asked why I left the mortgage industry because, clearly, I'm still in love with finance and helping people achieve their goals of homeownership. It's a personal story, one I won't go into here but you can read about it at my mortgage information website -- Little Did I Know In Ten Minutes My Entire Life Was About To Change -- if you'd like.

So these days, I find myself in a unique position of hearing from home buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are purely seeking answers. Oddly I'm often asked about quit claim deeds and certificates of occupancy. But PMI, locking interest rates, credit issues, and closing costs are other common subjects.

However the question nearest and dearest to my heart is the one that addresses affordability in homeownership. An affordable mortgage -- down payment, cash out of pocket, mortgage terms, and monthly house payments. In the end, this is the greatest determination of successful, ongoing homeownership.

But affording a home is not the same as qualifying for a mortgage. For this purpose, I wrote a 3-part series on mortgage affordability. You can read them at my home buyer information website --

Hope for Homeowners - Part I

Mortgage Affordability - Part II

Affording a Mortgage - Part III

Thanks for listening and to all at ActiveRain, I'm honored to be part of such a community.

Your friend, Kate Ford

--Giving Back To Homeownership In 2011--

Realtors, promote your business at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, First Time Home Buyer Tips. Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers are welcome.

Mortgage lenders, promote your business at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate. Title and escrow professionals welcome.

And just in case you're wondering... Yes, my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

Follow me on Twitter -- @mortgagebuddy

It's just a small photo studio in Mountain House, California. But don't be fooled by its size. Speechless Photography lives up to its reputation by taking your breath away.

I've had professional pictures taken before. But never have I experienced a photographer who puts herself into her work like the owner, Deborah Lupo.

A computer nerd by day, a mom to 3 small children 24/7, wife, and soccer coach, she still manages to find time for using her special eye for catching life's most precious moments.

Group family sittings, sport teams, senior graduation pictures, studio portraits, and product photography are Deb's specialties. Notice my picture? Yep, taken by Speechless photography.

Now I have to admit I am a little partial. Maybe you've guessed, Deborah is my daughter, the youngest of four girls. But I think you'll agree when you look at her website, it is full of love and laughter.

By the way, it is also packed with my grandchildren. Maybe you can pick out a few of them. In fact, we have so many, they comprise a small city now.

You can book appointments on the studio's website. Or like them on Facebook. Follow on Twitter too. There's a phone number to call, of course.

But don't take my word for it. Check out Speechless Photography.

So if you live in the area, or visit nearby, make an appointment to have your picture taken. It's an experience you won't want to miss. Bring the whole family. It really will take your breath away.

Your friend, Kate Ford

--Giving Back To Homeownership In 2011--

Real Estate Directory USA - How To Find a Real Estate Professional

List Of Mortgage Companies - How To Find A Mortgage Professional

What's sassy, cuter than candy on a stick, mommy run and mommy owned? Cheekybean, a San Diego boutique for tots!

When practical and absorbent weren't going to satisfy a hot (and by the way, brand new) mommy, the designer "burrrp cloth" line was founded, way back when child #1 (she's now starting kindergarten) was born.

Who would have thought designer burrrp cloths (please note the 3 r's) would evolve into a full-fledged boutique on a mission to wipe out frumpy.

Since then, Cheekybean has created more and more sassy stuff for tots, even including Wee-Wee Canopies for baby boys. (Yes, child #2 is a boy.)

Browse Cheekybean's fashionable must-have list for every new mom:

• Burrrp Cloth Sets
  
• Pinch Hair Clips
  
• Snap Hair Clips
  
• Hair Bows
  
• Hooded Towels for Tots
  
• Wee Wee Canopies

[Edit: July 8, 2011 Cheekybean accepts custom fabric requests. This is unique gift-shopping made simple!]

Ultimate love and attention (founded by a new mommy you know...) goes into Cheekybean detail. In fact, the packaging is every bit as cute as what's inside. Cheekybean says it best...

"Giving a gift is personal and we believe that the sassy, little details can set your gift apart from the rest. So we do the work for you by wrapping our products in cute, coordinating ribbons and fastening the product tags with our signature baby clothespins."

The San Diego based boutique, thanks to an irresistible website, offers convenient online ordering and special deals on shipping. Visit Cheekybean and help a new mom in your life feel sassy!

Your friend, Kate Ford

--Giving Back To Homeownership In 2011--

Real Estate Directory USA - How To Find a Real Estate Professional

List Of Mortgage Companies - How To Find A Mortgage Professional

Facebook.com/AskKate1

Facebook.com/AskKate2

Answer: What philosophical Charlie B, the dry-humored Mr. James, quirky Billy Jays and of course none other than the Boss of Nutsy have in common. [Insert Jeopardy theme]

Question: What are home inspectors?

Response: No, I'm sorry but that is not correct.

I was recently invited by AboutUs.org to contribute an article to their online marketing website. Cool! So as I unveiled my secrets in How To Write for Internet Marketing Success, I was mulling over a few bloggers on ActiveRain, specifically Nutsy and his knowledgeable band of Home Inspectors across the country.

These 4 inspectors and 1 certifried assistant grab our attention daily with their unique voices while they deliver, what could be, dry information. (Okay, that's funny considering their obsession with moisture.)

Do you ever wonder how they do it? That's what I talk about in How To Write For Internet Marketing Success!

So if your energy for writing has packed up and left, I hope you'll read my article. It won't cost you a penny! Besides, it's dedicated to my mini-me, little Sydney Bell and my other 8 gorgeous grandchildren. (Nothing like a proud Nana.)

Your friend, Kate Ford

--Giving Back To Homeownership In 2011--

Realtors, promote your business at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, Prime Real Estate Articles

Mortgage lenders, promote your business at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate

New! Escrow, Title and Abstract Services recently included.

Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers, go to Real Estate Directory USA to promote your business, just like your Realtors are doing.

And just in case you didn't want to come out and ask... Yes, my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

Facebook.com/AskKate1

Follow me on Twitter -- @mortgagebuddy and @boardgamebuddy

This is not for the weak of heart. What you are about to read is a true account of Creatures from the Darkside unleashed.

You see, not so long ago, I also was among the innocents. It was just yesterday that I sat at my computer, tingling with excitement over my new download.

But I'm finding it's contained in a Zip file. No worries, I say, as I right-click on the link. Hmmm... I can read but I don't see an option to extract.

Time for a managerial decision. (Don't you love your one-person board room meetings?) I opt for using the "Open link in new tab" when a suspicious box pops up instructing me to "Open with."

Open with WHAT? Let's see, Internet Explorer is the default. I'm a Firefox user but I can live with opening a download in IE just once.

Then with a click of my mouse, BAM!!! Chaos ensues.

Exploding windows pop open at the speed of light. 50 more as I blink unable to comprehend what's happening. It's the ultimate PC nightmare.

---Squashing---

Quick to the draw, I rapidly begin clicking "X's" in an attempt to squash the invaders. I'm blinded by the flashing lights while windows are piling on top of each other at such an alarming speed that even Super Kate momentarily feels defeated.

On the edge of my chair, I'm overworking my mouse, trying to reign in the action. I think my computer is going up in smoke.

At my wits end and against my better judgment, I switch off my computer without properly powering down. Have I destroyed my laptop?

--Pondering--

Ever so gingerly, I turn back on and enter safemode. So far so good. I hear the familiar Windows trill and know I survived the attack. So did my computer.

With chaos subsiding, I sit in silence pondering the fate of the download. Do I really need it? For answers, it's off to the web and I discover Vista has problems with Zip files. Humph! You don't say!

My choices -- Allow a sketchy website to run a diagnostic or part with my hard-earned money for additional  software to compensate for Vista's bad behavior. Neither choice is palatable so I turn to my trusty webmaster forum.

--Laughing--

The solution is ridiculously simple. I laugh out loud. "Don't open the file with the default." Browse to Explorer.exe aka Windows Explorer, open, unzip, extract, whatever I want to call it and VOILA! The file is unzipped.

--Giving Back To Homeownership In 2011--

Realtors, promote your business at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, Prime Real Estate Articles

Mortgage lenders, promote your business at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate

New! Escrow, Title and Abstract Services recently included.

Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers, go to Real Estate Directory USA to promote your business, just like your Realtors are doing.

And just in case you didn't want to ask... Yes, all of my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

Your Friend, Kate Ford - Facebook.com/AskKate1

Follow me on Twitter -- @mortgagebuddy and @boardgamebuddy

Are you taking advantage of AboutUs.org? If not, you are missing out on an easy and effective way to bring attention to your website or blog. 

AboutUs.org has a pretty slick wiki set up. With a click of their pencil-icon, you can include a summary of your website, pictures, and link back to your site or blog. If the information you add is unique and fresh, it stands a good chance of improving your search engine rankings.

In case wiki is a strange term to you, by definition it's pretty simple. A wiki is a collaborative website providing knowledge. Anyone can enter information, change contributions or add a comment.

Visit www.AboutUs.org and see what I mean!

For ideas on adding information, here's one of my pages...

Oh by the way, AboutUs.org also provides SEO articles, shows you how your site looks to search engines, called a Visibility Report, and offers tips to improving your site.

On top of that, they are real people with actual names. I find them to be very personable, willing to jump in and talk to you. They are quite passionate about their mission to improve the web! Works for me! :)

Giving Back To The Dream Of Homeownership In 2011

Realtors, promote your business at Real Estate Directory USA - Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, Prime Real Estate Articles

Mortgage lenders, promote your business at List Of Mortgage Companies - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate

New! Escrow, Title and Abstract Services recently included.

Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers, go to Real Estate Directory USA to promote your business, just like your Realtors are doing.

And just in case you didn't want to ask... Yes, all of my real estate and mortgage directories are free!

Your Friend, Kate Ford

Follow me on Twitter -- @mortgagebuddy and @boardgamebuddy

Our family is efficient. We like to get together right before Christmas to celebrate.

Birthdays we hit right on the day and Halloween, Thanksgiving, New Years, Valentines, and Easter too. But when it comes to Christmas, we can't wait to celebrate.

Besides being with my 4 daughters, 4 sons-in-law, 9 grandchildren, this is another big advantage to early celebration for Steve and me.

Well, actually this advantage pertains only to me. I get the flu and head cold over with! and done! before New Years.

This year it started with the twins, then their mom. The school called to say another grandchild was sick, the one who likes to have slumber parties with me. Then a few other rug rats were displaying those familiar symptoms which as a courtesy I won't describe.

Two days later, eating Christmas left-overs, I started feeling a little queasy. It's nice to have daughters. They take good care of their mom when she gets sick.

Then the head cold followed and I still have no voice. But this way, by celebrating Christmas early, I am going to be well for New Years.

So even though it is only December 20th, I'd like to go ahead and wish you all Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Stay well for New Years!

Your friend, Kate Ford

PS One of my daughters has a new photography studio. As an (early) Christmas present, she took a picture of me for my websites.

Giving Back To Homeowners and To Those Who Support Homeownership

Realtors, promote yourself at Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, Prime Real Estate Articles

Mortgage lenders, promote yourself at Mortgage Lender Directory - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate

Home Stagers, Real Estate Assistants, Home Inspectors and Appraisers, go to Real Estate Directory USA Sign Up to promote yourself like Realtors are doing.

And just in case you didn't know... Yes, they are free!

Well, it's true. As I said last week, I am diversifying. So it's mortgage one minute and Monopoly the next. At least I keep it all in the real estate family. But back to favicons like I promised in my last blog. 

Do you admire custom icons, those tiny custom images in the address bar of websites? For example, Active Rain has an orange "a" and a blue "r". They're called favicons, short for favorite icons.

Would you like one? Favicons are easy to create. You can either use an existing image or create a small graphic. Here's how.

1. Dynamic Drive's FavIcon Generator is simple to use. Or FavIcon from Pix

Check out my fun mascot at BoardGameGetaway

2. DeGraeve's Favicon Editor walks you through creating your own image using a grid.

See the smoke coming out of the chimneys at Get Your Best Mortgage Rate and Prime Real Estate Articles

Tip 1: After creating and uploading your favicon, if you can't view it, refresh and restart your browser. Still can't? Ask a buddy or two if they see it on their computer. Even if you can't, I betcha they can. You will too in a couple of days.

Tip 2: It can take up to a month for browsers to display a replacement if you switch favicons.

Happy Thanksgiving and the twins are one!

Happy Thanksgiving a week early to everyone. The TWINS ARE ONE. So a big birthday party blow-out to celebrate the parents making it through the first year is this week-end.

Giovanni is taking a few steps and Diego dribbles a soccer ball but with his hands. No worries, both parents play soccer so he'll have plenty of one-on-one. :)

Your friend, Kate Ford

Are You IN The Directories? Do You USE The Directories? And just in case you didn't know, yes, they are FREE!

Realtors, promote yourself at Find A Real Estate Agent - My free directory for home buyers, sellers and YOU at my website, Prime Real Estate Articles

Mortgage lenders, promote yourself at Mortgage Lender Directory - My free directory for home buyers, home owners and YOU found on my website, Get Your Best Mortgage Rate