KRISTA's Blog

SOUTHSHORE - NOT JUST A COOKIE-CUTTER NEIGHBORHOOD!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:14:22 -0500

Have you ever wished for a neighborhood where it felt like a vacation destination instead of the average cookie-cutter subdivision that pops up overnight? Maybe someplace where some extra attention to detail went into the planning so that real people can live their real lives there? Instead of the make-do for-now house, you could finally settle in and call a place a true home? Look no further, because it's actually here. Maybe right under your nose even!

Southshore in Southeast Aurora was named the National Community Of The Year and hosted the annual tradition to look forward to here in Colorado, The Parade Of Homes in 2007. Since then, many families have discovered that this wonderfully master-planned community is a true hidden gem.

Built right off of the Aurora Reservoir, this community offers buyers the unique opportunity to live by water. If you're from another state where water is everywhere (such as my husband), that might not sound too special. However, if you've been in the Denver Metro Area for any length of time, you understand that water larger than a pre-fabricated backyard pond is very unique!

If you live in Southshore then walking, biking, or jogging to Aurora Reservoir is just a matter of a couple of blocks. Entrances into the park are located right in the community, and once you step into the park, you've stepped into another world! Wildlife abounds and it's not uncommon to hear and see more types of birds than you thought possible in this area. Sailboats pepper the waters here and there, giving even more vibrant color to the already brilliant blue water. Do you like to fish? You won't be alone! Year round you will see others perfecting their fishing techniques.

Southshore boasts an amazing rec center called "The Lakehouse." This 11,000 square foot building holds a state of the art fitness area, an impeccably decorated yet fully functional community room, a gorgeous swimming pool, and cozy fire pit area. After school programs are hosted here, parties, and everything in between!

So you might be thinking, "if the Parade Of Homes was in this subdivision, then it's out of my reach price-wise. " What's shocking is that the answer would most likely be a "no!" Home prices start in the low 300's, making Southshore an area worth looking into.

Is your interst peaked? Would you like additional information or ask some questions? I'm a Realtor who specializes in this area and believes whole-heartedly in the benefits it has to offer.

Contact me today to see how I can help make your real estate goals a reality!

Krista Ingram - "Positive Attitude - Proven Results"

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Southeast Aurora - A True Find!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:06:01 -0500

As a Realtor who works a great deal with families with children and have two amazing kids myself, I know that it's on the top of the priority list to find a home within an outstanding school district. I also know that finding that home in a great price point is an added bonus. Dovetail that with being close to brand new shopping areas, restaurants, and easy access to major roadways, and you have a winner!

Where in the Denver-Metro Area could this find be? An area that is only 20 minutes to the Denver Tech Center, 20 minutes to DIA, and a hop-skip-and a jump to one of Colorado's best reservoirs? Southeast Aurora! Surprised? That's okay... read on and learn what others are finding out too!

Many people inadvertently think that Aurora's boundaries are much smaller than they actually are. In fact, Aurora is the third most populous city in the state of Colorado, and the 59th most populous city in America! Aurora stretches through major roadways such as I-70, I-225, as well as E-470. Getting around Aurora is an easy navigation, but that doesn't mean that it's a quick trip! Since Aurora's boundaries are so large, you can easily drive for 30-40 minutes and still be in Aurora!

One of the school districts within Aurora's boundaries is the nationally recognized and highly coveted Cherry Creek School District. Do a google search on this district and you're sure to be impressed. 68% of the teachers employed by this district have earned their Master's Degrees, two-thirds of the schools rank "Excellent" or "High" with no school ranking "Low" or "Unsatisfactory" on the Schools Accountability Report from the Colorado Department of Education. Their standards are high, and they have the results to stand behind. In 2008, the graduating classes collectively received more than $30 million in scholarships including 34 National Merit Finalists, 2 West Point appointments, 3 Boettcher Scholars, and the Martin Luther King Scholarship! WOW!

Aurora is expanding its housing options by pushing east and south. New construction abounds which gives buyers an abundance of wonderful options. Southeast Aurora boasted the site for the 2007 Parade of Homes in Southshore. Beacon Point is right off of the reservoir, and Heritage Eagle Bend is one of the best upper-end, gated age-restricted communities that Colorado has to offer. These communities are just a few of the dozens that are making southeast Aurora the buzz of the real estate community! Oops... did I forget to mention the best shopping experience around... Southlands!

So, does any of the above sound appealing? Yes? You're not alone! Aurora is pushing forward and offering its residents more value than ever before. Are you curious to learn more about your current home value in Aurora or about the options available in southeast Aurora? Contact me today. I'm more than happy to help! Not only do I believe strongly in Aurora's future, but I'm also a southeast Aurora resident!

Krista Ingram - "Positive Attitude - Proven Results"

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GIVING TO RECEIVE!! WHAT A CONCEPT!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Thu, 15 May 2008 16:28:39 -0500

The FSBO Assistant

Giving to Receive

One nice thing about For Sale By Owner (FSBO) homes is that the owners advertise to the general public, which makes them easy to find! Most of these sellers will include their address in ads they put out, which means we can do some extremely targeted marketing.

Another important thing to know about these "do-it-yourself" types is that most of them fail in trying to sell their own homes, and end up needing the services of a Real Estate Agent. We just need to make sure we're the first agent on their mind!

To that end, I recommend giving the FSBOs in your area a small kit, or if you prefer, weekly mailings you can call the "FSBO Assistant." There is actually a two-fold reason to give out these kits. The first one is obvious: You have to give in order to receive. By presenting value up front, you are earning the trust of the homeowner, and making it much more likely that they will choose you should they decide to use an Agent.

The second reason is a bit more subtle: By introducing them to the piles of paperwork and material that FSBOs need to understand, you show them what you get paid for, and why it's worth it to use you rather than try to do it themselves!

What you might include:

sample of sales contract and disclosures
recent homes sales of the area
data on # days on the market
sign in sheets for open houses
staging tips
safety tips
your information on how you market and sell properties
anything else that is considered an item of value

Most importantly, include an offer to help them should they feel overwhelmed! This will give you more opportunities to sell them on your service later on. Be sincere in your desire to help them, and they'll be more receptive to you becoming their agent.

Another tip.... consider sending the items in a large legal envelope or even in a first class envelopoe! This will ensure that your communication is received!

Krista Ingram - your Colorado Realtor!

ANOTHER USE FOR YOUR CELL PHONE!...So Simple...So Easy!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:15:12 -0500

Did you know that your cell phone is also your own personal handhelp copy machine?

Quick Tip: All cell phones these days include a built in camera. Do they take the best pictures? Usually not depending on your brand. But in a pinch, they work great for a simple copy machine.

If you need a copy of a receipt, deposit slip, or a number of other things.... just grab your camera! Not only will you have the image saved, but you can then upload to your computer and save in an appropriate file. This also comes in handy when you would normally get out a pen and paper to copy something down. Just snap a quick picture instead!

Krista Ingram is a Colorado Realtor working with buyers, sellers, and investors in all price points.

QUICK STEP YOUR WAY TO SUCCESS! ...Reality Check

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 14:04:42 -0500

Each year it amazes me how quickly the calendar pages flip, and how it seems like just the other day we were celebrating the beginning of another twelve months. Here we are, days away from May, and almost halfway through 2008!

So, how are your goals for the year going? You know.... The ones you made with great enthusiasm in January. Are you still hanging in there? Here's 5 Quick Steps To Success With Goal Setting that can help you get back on track for the remainder of 2008.

1. Keep It Simple!

There's a temptation to generate a list of everything you've ever wanted to change. Don't fall for it! You'll have better success fulfilling one or two goals than you will with a list of fifty. You can always add new goals to your list later. Take one thing at a time.

2. Be Specific

The more specific and detailed you are, the easier the next step will be.

3. Make The Plan

Once you know what your goal is, plan it out in clear steps. Your plan doesn't have to be a complicated one. Begin with answering the question, "What is the first step I need to take toward accomplishing my goal?"

4. Write It Down

Write down your goal and your plan of action. Post it on the fridge or in your office. Write you goal in you day-timer or wherever you know you'll see it. This way you'll have a constant reminder of what you're striving for.

5. Get Support!

Accountability works wonders! "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." Choose someone that you can be honest with and who will encourage you on a consistent basis for the remainder of the year.

Here's to new ambitions, fresh ideas and motivations. Here's to 2008! May it be all and more than you expect it to be!

Krista Ingram - Colorado Realtor

!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!

A NEW ACTIVE RAIN GROUP HAS FORMED AND WE NEED YOU!

CHECK IT OUT, TELL YOU FRIENDS, AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBCRIBE! (click below)

This group's design is to suport and be a sounding board for passionately driven woman in the field we love... the business of real estate. Let's discuss: 1. tools for success that we've personally put into practice 2. motivational quotes and inspiring books to help usher us into the next level of success 3. "learn from my mistakes" insider tips 4. marketing techniques 5. anything else that will help the individuals in this group live the life they are stiving for. "Win-Win, or no deal!" "Individually owned businesses, together achieving more!" Join today and begin your support journey!

Krista Ingram

REALTOR FACTS....Are these true for you?

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:25:02 -0500

39% of REALTORS own at least one residential property other than their primary residence.
13% own three or more
17% of REALTORS own at least one vacation home.
11% of REALTORS own at least one commercial property.

I read these brief "facts" this morning, and am just wondering if they hold true to our Active Rain community. I'm working to get into the 17% for the vacation homes! For those that own other residential properties other than primary residence, do you manage your own rentals, or do you have a company do that for you?

Krista Ingram - Colorado Realtor

FOOD FOR THOUGHT... WHERE'S YOUR IMAGINATION?

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:09:40 -0500

"What we can easily see is only a small percentage of what is possible. Imagination is having the vision to see what is just below the surface; to picture that which is essential, but invisible to the eye."

What we see with our eyes is not 100% of reality. Have the courage to look beyond, to use your imagination, and grab hold of what's 'just under the surface!"

Give yourself permission to go after what has been out of your reach. Make a decision, stick with it, and get ready to be amazed!

!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!

A NEW ACTIVE RAIN GROUP HAS FORMED, AND IT NEEDS YOU!

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NAIL IN THE FENCE STORY

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:13:18 -0500

I just received an email containing this story. It's a good one that easily applies to our everyday lives and interactions with people. Thought it was good enough to share...

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one."

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them ovey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take shipas as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."

Krista Ingram - Colorado Realtor

READY FOR AN OFFER? YOU WOULD THINK SO!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:35:35 -0500

Hello ActiveRain! I wanted to share a recent experience with my fellow real estate agents to see if you can relate....

I had a great set of pre-approved homebuyers. We finally found a property that they could see themselves starting their family in. It was beautiful. Turn-key ready. Staged with all of the latest "pottery barn" styles of furniture and accessories. From first glance it looked like the agent had really outdone themselves. I knew I was going to have to opportunity to work on this transaction with a true professional. Wait....where is the disclosure packet that is suppose to be left at the property at all times? Not here? Honestly, it wasn't too big of a surprise. If I were to show 10 listings today, maybe 1 would have the disclosures on site. And that's a big maybe. So, I gave the agent a phone call. No answer. I left a very polite message saying that I needed the disclosures faxed to me ASAP, as it looked like my buyers wanted to proceed with an offer to purchase. It ended up taking this agent 2 days to get the information faxed to me, with numerous phone calls by me to her office, cell, and emails to finally make the difference!

In the meantime, we found another home. Here's the lesson.... listing agents, please have all of the information ready to correctly receive an offer for your listing! Being unorganized not only is a HUGE key as to how you run your business, it could very well in the end cost you a transaction, and muddy your reputation!

Krista Ingram is a Colorado Realtor selling homes in ALL of the surrounding cities. Know of someone moving to Colorado? Give her a ring or shoot her an email!

!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!

A new ActiveRain group has just formed. We need you!

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TO BE OR NOT TO BE .... PRODUCTIVE! HOW TO START!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:08:23 -0500

Simple words on the subject of productivity... from someone who is on a continual journey to remain productive! In a world where the "easy way out" calls our name and the "do it later" sits on our shoulders, here's something that might help. It has for me! We're all at the "start"....who will get to the finish....and how did they do it?

BEGIN.

That's it. One word.

If you don't begin, you'll never finish. You'll miss every shot you never take. Just Do It (you know, like Nike). The journey of a thousand smiles starts with a single step!

BEGIN.

I don't care if you don't know where to begin - pick somewhere, and start there. Even if it's wrong, you've made progress, you've learned something, you know where not to start next time.

BEGIN.

If it's too big, then break your project down into smaller pieces that you can understand.

There. You just started.

Now you've got a pile of little projects to do.

BEGIN ON ONE.

Which one doesn't matter.

BEGIN ON THE NEXT ONE.

Repeat.

If you get suck somewhere, there's a future starting point for you.

Begin there some time.

Start by selecting the music to listen to while you work. Once you've done that, move on.

Start by clearing your desk of distractions. (Can I get an "amen" to that one?!)

Start by clearing your mind of distractions. (So much easier said than done, but try this by taking a few minutes of calm breathing to help focus your thoughts.)

Clear the way for starting well by finishing well. Make tomorrow an easy start by leaving something easy to get started on, an easy win to kick off the day. You just helped yourself start again. (Mine feel-good-start is sending out a certain number of letters that have already been printed. I just have to add my finishing touches, address the envelopes, and drop in the mail. So simple, but sure makes me feel productive!)

Krista Ingram - Colorado Realtor

!!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!!

A NEW ACTIVE RAIN GROUP JUST FOR YOU HAS JUST STARTED. WE NEED YOU!

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THE DOG ATE MY COMMISSION!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:13:31 -0500

I'm a dog lover. We own two basset hounds. Absolutely adorable. Most of the time anyway.... yesterday the youngest, "Flash" was not in good form. He's a chewer and took to the contents of my purse, which was unwisely set on the counter within his oddly long reach when he rears up on his hind legs. I came upon him, the contents of my purse, and money strewn across the kitchen floor. Caught in the act, with a $20 dollar bill, or should I say the remains of it, hanging out of his mouth.

After disciplining him, cleaning up the mess, and reveling in anger for about 5 minutes, I thought "what life lesson can I pull from this?" Yes, the obvious.... NOTE TO SELF - DO NOT LEAVE PURSE ON KITCHEN COUNTER! But when I thought about it even further, I thought "what are the things that "eat" our profits?

For sellers it could be unwisely passing up the offer to purchase that just came in, with hopes for an offer just a bit higher. In the end to find out that another offer won't present itself for 3 additional months, meaning more payments and less proceeds at closing.

For buyers it could be ignoring your gut feeling to go ahead and put an offer in on the house you viewed today, because your head is telling you to wait one more week to see if anything new comes available. In the meantime, the house goes under contract, and you're left kicking yourself.

For Realtors it could be committing your advertising dollars to product that has proved to be an insufficient means of procuring business. It could be that you have stayed committed to an office where the tools for success are non-existent, but the monthly fees are super inexpensive.

The bottom line is: there are many, many avenues for our money to be chewed up....your own "Flash The Basset." Where is yours going? I know that I'm keeping a closer eye on mine, and it'll be in a much wiser place than my kitchen counter!

Krista Ingram is a Colorado Realtor, and lover of dogs. Looking for an excellent Realtor in Colorado? Call her today at 720-281-0079.

WHAT TO DO WITH SELLER'S WHO DON'T HAVE WIGGLE ROOM...

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:12:16 -0500

I'm running into this quite frequently, so I'm sure you are too. The scenario: seller's with nicely kept properties, but they are needing to sell because the payments are just too tight. They're making them, but barely. The loan payoff amount, commissions, and closing costs will leave them with nothing at closing. And that's if they're lucky. Many will need to bring $$ to the closing table. That is, money they don't have to begin with. Short sales, foreclosures, and lender owned properties have done a doozie on the neighborhood comps.

I'm always honest and forthcoming with these sellers, showing them the data to back up what I'm saying. It's just frustrating though! I want to help them, but feel like my hands are tied.

I am taking an amazing listing this evening. It's model home perfect. Really. But it's this same situation. There is no padding to speak of....I'll have to rely on it's turn key condition, all of the upgrades, and allow my marketing to do its job.

How have you handled this successfully in this challenging sellers market so many of us are experiencing? Any great marketing tips that have worked for you lately?

Krista Ingram - Colorado Realtor

!!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!!

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OKAY....IT'S TIME TO START YOUR ENGINES!....GO!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:07:27 -0500

So I'm reading this great book by Jack Campbell (co-author of the Chicken Soup For The Soul series) called The Success Principles, that is just knocking my socks off. I try to get in a chapter each day, and then ponder how I can apply what I've just read. Last night my chapter began with an amazing quote that I'd like to share.

"We come this way but once. We can either tiptoe through life and hope that we get to death without being too badly bruised or we can life a full, complete life achieving our goals and realizing our wildest dreams."

Bob Proctor

So the question I have today for you is, "What do you do in your business that helps you stay away from tiptoeing through life, and instead move you towards realizing your dreams?"

Please share your thoughts and insights. What advice would you give to someone looking to "start their engine?" You never know who's going to benefit from your wisdom!

!!!ATTENTION WOMAN IN BUSINESS!!!

A new group for woman in business has just started! Be a part of this from the very beginning! Check it out and make sure to sign up at:

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Woman And Their Business . . . Hear The Roar!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:20:27 -0500

ATTENTION ALL PASSIONATELY DRIVEN WOMAN IN THE FIELD OF REAL ESTATE!!!

Yes, that means you! Do you have that drive for success that leaves you perusing the motivational section of Barns and Noble, or attending all of the continuing education classes you can get your hands on? Have you been in the real estate profession for some time where you could "mentor" newer inductees with wisdom in your blog posts? Or are you on the other side of the fence with just starting in a field that you know you will be successful in? Are you yearning to soak up all of the advice you can, wring yourself out, and dive back in for more?

Well, this is the group for you! This is not a man-bashing group, but rather a gathering forum for like-minded woman who would like a sounding board relating to their business. Let's make this something to be proud of!

"Individually owned businesses....together achieving more!"

So, with that said, grab your notebooks, your beverage of choice, and let's settle in for some of the best blogging on ActiveRain!

Krista Ingram - founder

Make sure and sign up to be part of this group!

group website: http://activerain.com/groups/heartheroar

Woman And Their Business - Hear The Roar!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:11:34 -0500

Attention all passionately driven woman in the field of real estate!

"Individually owned businesses....together achieving more!"

So, with that said, grab your notebooks, your beverage of choice, and let's settle in for some of the best blogging on ActiveRain!

Krista Ingram - founder

Yell At The Sky ... Okay Maybe Not!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:55:08 -0500

So it's 6:15 on Wednesday evening, April 16th, here in the Denver Metro area. Two days ago the neighborhood kids were out playing with the water hoses, and right now I'm looking at huge flakes of wet snow. Sound strange?... Not if you've lived in Colorado for any length of time! There's a common Colorado saying...."Don't like the weather? Wait a few hours...it'll change!" And the saying rings true time and time again.

All of our lives hold different "weather changes" if you will. There is the new job, the new significant other, the new home, the new good news, the new bad news, the new challenge that just presented itself earlier today, etc... The list goes on and on. After-all - that's what life is. A series of changes. The question is then, how will I respond to these changes when they present themselves?

The outcome is yet to be. It hinges on our responses. Stop and think about that for a moment.... This morning it was bright and sunny - not even a single cloud in sight. I heard on the radio that snow was coming and I remember looking at the sky and thinking "really?" Well sure enough, it's here. (the change) I could have gone to my appointment earlier without a jacket (in denial and stupid), I could have gotten upset and yelled at the sky (overreacting and ex-centric), or I could have calmly prepared for it - grabbing a jacket out of the closet, turning off the automatic sprinkler system, and turning up the heat in the house.

Which one do you think I did?

When the next challenge of a change presents itself, what will your response be?

"Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all of your getting, get understanding."

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."

Here's to embracing changes with a clear mind and open arms! Oh, by the way, if you're still wondering if I grabbed my jacket, the answer is yes (but only after yelling at the sky for a brief moment! Kidding!)

Krista Ingram is a native of Colorado and knows all about the ins and outs of the weather. Need an excellent Realtor? www.kristaingram.com

KEEPING $$ FROM GOING DOWN THE TOILET!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:46:53 -0500

We all know that keeping in contact with our "sphere of influence" is a major factor in our success or our ultimate failure as real estate agents. If you asked 10 different people what their best marketing return has been on their invested dollar, you would probably hear 10 different answers.

Well... here's number 11!

I am a subscriber to an email newsletter provider where I can create customized emails to send out as much as I want to my database. For a flat monthly fee, I can manipulate the existing templates (which are in the hundreds) to support my existing brand image. This can be in the form of a newsletter, a just listed or sold card, an open house invitation, etc...

Do you know what the best part is? I can actually track who is looking at my marketing pieces, how many times they open the email, if they click on one of my inserted links, etc...! Now, what other form of marketing can do that?

So far, this has been worth it's weight in gold. Curious about what company it is? Check out this link. They even give a free 60 day trial if you're not too sure about the tech side of advertising. The latest example of my newsletter is available for you to view on my website.

Do you have different ideas for what is the best bang for your buck? I'd LOVE to hear about it! Let's talk! It's a win-win!

Krista Ingram

GET SOME PERSPECTIVE!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:11:41 -0500

When pondering placing your home on the market to sell, what's the BEST thing that you can do to put your BEST foot forward? Yes, you need to hire a Realtor that will work hard for you. Yes, the stats on your neighborhood need to be researched thoroughly. Yes, any deferred maintenance at the property needs to be considered. But something that is all too often overlooked, is taking a step back from the action as a homeowner, and earnestly asking for an outsider's perspective. And by outsider, I don't mean your mom who loves the way you decorate....after all it's just like her! Or your spouse, who really is forced to agree with everything you say or face the punishment of your unique wrath whatever form you favor! (silent treatment, passive aggressiveness, spicy cooking that you know will have a hay-day on sensitive stomachs, etc...)

I'm saying to give your Realtor permission to tell you the truth!

1. Ask if your collections are too distracting.

2. Ask if the scent of your Glad Plug In is overwhelming, keeping in mind that we become used to the scents that we are around all of the time.

3. Inquire if changing the shower curtain or towels would make a difference.

4. Would renting a storage unit for a few months be worth the investment?

5. Are the kids bedroom colors too much?

These are all very simple questions to pose, that could very well lead you to a quicker sale...which always means more $$ in your pocket. Unfortunately some agents hold back their opinions for fear of offending you. Disarm that possibility by giving permission to tell you the truth!

Competition right now when selling is fierce. Don't discount the easy fixes....seek them out... be open minded... and get ready to stand out from the crowd!

Krista Ingram is a Colorado Realtor with an educational background in interior architecture and design, giving her a cutting edge when selling properties. Put her experience to work for you! 720-281-0779

4 Steps To Rebuild Your Credit!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 11:03:51 -0600

It's true, negative credit items can remain on your credit report for up to 7 years (up to 10 years for a bankruptcy). But this doesn't mean that you have to wait 7 to 10 years to begin reestablishing a good credit rating. Because credit scoring models typically lend more weight to your recent activity than to the mistakes you might've made in the past, you can change your habits right now and begin reestablishing yourself as a good credit risk for a home loan or mortgage refinance in just 6 to 12 months. So if you have made some bad desions in the past financially, or if you've fallen on hard times, don't give up! Read on to see some basic steps to take towards securing a good credit standing.

The following are a few Dos and Don'ts when it comes to rebuilding your credit:

1) Three months prior to securing your mortgage, DON'T apply for, close, or pay off any credit cards, loans, or other kinds of credit without speaking to your mortgage professional first. Any one of these actions, as innocent as they might seem, could seriously affect your credit score, adding significant costs to your mortgage should your score suddenly drop.

2) If you have a credit card account with an excellent credit history, DO use it - but use it strategically. In other words, use it only for small purchases that you can easily pay off completely at the end of the month. Remember, creditors like to see evidence of stability, so the goal here is to keep the good reports coming month to month without falling into the same financial traps that led to credit challenges in the past.

3) If you don't have a credit card, DO get a secured credit card. This is a great way to rebuild or establish credit quickly. Because this account is secured by funds that you deposit (typically between $100 and $400) you're not seen as a great risk to the card issuer because of your initial investment. Again, use this card strategically to build a strong credit history. Pay your bill on time every month, and it won't be long before you qualify for an unsecured credit account.

4) Finally, DO monitor your credit. Ask your mortgage professional to refer you to a professional credit repair company you can trust. Having an experienced professional on your side will allow you to focus on your long-term credit goals without having to make reestablishing your credit a second career.

Credit Breakdown....5 Ingredients That = Your Score!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:33:30 -0600

In a society that is focused on instant gratification and the notion that "image is everything" the reality that your credit score plays a starring role in the quality of your life gets pushed down to the bottom of the pile. After all, if you receive offers for credit cards and lines of credit all must be fine, right? NO! You, as the consumer, need to be aware of the breakdown of your credit score. Why?

A credit score is an extremely important financial tool. It provides access to the financing you need in order to buy a car, a home, or pay for college tuition, among other things. Since higher scores equate to lower costs and vice versa, it's vital to understand the factors involved in calculating your score. Here are the five elements that make up a credit score, in order of importance:

Payment History: 35% impact. Paying debt on time and in full has a positive impact. Late payments, judgments, and charge-offs have a negative impact. Missing a high payment has a more serious impact than missing a low payment. Delinquencies that have occurred in the last two years carry more weight than older items.

When applying for a mortgage, every point in your credit score can make a big difference. So don't make any major financial or credit decisions - even paying off an old debt or delinquency - without first discussing it with your mortgage professional.

Outstanding Credit Balances: 30% impact. This factor marks the ratio between the outstanding balance and available credit. Ideally, consumers should make an effort to keep balances as close to zero as possible, and definitely below 30% of the available credit limit when trying to purchase a home.

Credit History: 15% impact. This marks the length of time since a particular credit line was established. A seasoned borrower is stronger in this area.

Type of Credit: 10% impact. A mix of auto loans, credit cards, and mortgages is more positive than a concentration of debt from credit cards alone.

Inquiries: 10% impact. This quantifies the number of inquiries (or requests for credit) that have been made on a consumer's credit history within a six month period. Each individual inquiry can cost from 2 to 50 points on a credit score, but the maximum number of inquiries that will reduce the score is 10. In other words, don't start the loan process until you're ready to act. Otherwise each individual credit inquiry could cost you. However, scoring models have now been adjusted to count multiple "hard" inquiries within a 14-day period as a single request. So, when you're ready, your credit will be too.

Do you have questions about your credit score? You are entitled to a free report from each of the credit reporting agencies once a year, or if you've been denied credit recently.

Visit Experian ,

Transunion ,

or Equifax for a free copy to see where your credit stands.

Attitude Makes A HUGE Difference!

KRISTA INGRAM (KELLER WILLIAMS REAL ESTATE, LLC) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:40:15 -0600

With all of the negative press that surrounds real estate these days, how is it that anyone can have a positive outlook? If we are to believe what is reported in newspapers everyday and talked about on the evening news, we would have absolutely no hope for moving ahead with either buying or selling! As a Colorado REALTOR, if I believed this, then my outlook would be complete "doom and gloom." Whew...who wouldn't want that attitude underlying in their REALTOR?! (just a joke of course)

What do I believe? It's really quite simple. People buy and sell real estate every single day of the year. That is a fact. In strong buyers markets it means that sellers MUST be aware of their competition and present themselves in the best condition, at the best price, from the very beginning! If you are a buyer, then make sure you are working with a REALTOR that has strong negotiating skills and is able to supply you with ample information for you to make the best choice possible. (not just a quick sale) Just because you're hearing that it's a buyers market does not mean that every home available for sale is an amazing deal. That's very important!

I was at Barnes and Noble this afternoon and picked up a book that looks quite inspiring. How can a book look inspiring? Two reasons: 1. The title "The Success Principles...How to get from where you are to where you want to be"screams "read me!" 2. The length of the book (435 pages) must have some life changing revelations within the pages! I'm a chapter in, and very impressed. Look for future blogs on what I'm learning. Here's a quote that I'm filing in my memory from today's reading:

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it." LOU HOLTZ

(The only coach in NCAA history to lead six different college teams to post-season bowl games, and winner of a national championship and "coach of the year" honors.)

Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in the Denver-Metro Area in the next six months? Do you know someone who is? REALTOR Krista Ingram takes great pride in offering the highest level of professional real estate services to all clients. Call 720-281-0779 to learn how she can help you realize your real estate goals!