The Transformation of Fred the Tree - 11/30/11 09:54 PM
If you have a moment you might like to read about the latest doings of Fred "The Tree", a valued member of Myrl Jeffcoat's family.  Some of you may have read about Fred before and you will certainly want to know the latest.  Thanks to Myrl, here it is!
Be sure to let Myrl know if you have a message for Fred.
 
Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate):
Via Myrl Jeffcoat (Real Living Great West Real Estate):
Real Living Great West Real Estate(916) 635-0420http://www.myrljeffcoat.com
 
 
… (5 comments)

How Do You Think Your Current (and Future) Clients Might Feel About Your 80/20 Plan? - 11/30/11 08:54 PM
I'm hoping you will find the following post as provocative as I did.  That goes for the comments too.  I can't imagine anyone devoting 80% of their time trying to drum up business unless they are just starting out and do not have more than one or two clients. 
The aspects of the business that I like the most are the things that I can do directly with or for my clients.  I like getting to know buyers and finding the right spot for them.  I like planning and executing the marketing for listings.  Prospecting for new buyers is important and … (1 comments)

One Size Does Not Fit All - 11/30/11 08:31 PM
Real estate is a great profession for those that are problem solvers.  Our profession is full of challenges and lots of uncertainty.  Being willing and able to think outside the box and having the ability to get on well with people go a long way in ensuring successful outcomes. 
Flexibility is key!
Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
In solving problems it is imperative to remember that,
       One Size Does Not Fit All.
In real estate, EVERY single transaction is different and sometimes our experience from a previous deal puts in peril … (3 comments)

LAKE ANNA HOME SALES - MAIN and PRIVATE SIDES - August, September, and October 2011 - 11/30/11 05:36 PM
Lake Anna is made up of two parts, the main lake which has pubic access by way of several marinas and Lake Anna State Park and the private side.  The private side is made up of three lagoons connected by channels but separated from the main lake by three dikes.  Boat traffic cannot pass from one side of the lake to the other.  Both sides have their benefits and most people are very happy with the side where their property is located.  Both sides are popular.  The main lake is larger, with over 9,400 surface acres of water while the private … (1 comments)

LAKE ANNA LAND SALES - August, September and October 2011 - 11/30/11 05:34 PM
Land sales generally lag well behind home sales and this period has been no different.  As long as resale homes are considered, and rightly so, a good buy purchasers will tend to choose that over selecting land and than going through the building process.
However, there are always those that have a specific type of home that they desire and realize the best way to achieve it is to build.  There are also those that decide to buy land, pay it off, and then proceed to build.
We have experienced a very large reduction in the prices of water access land...land … (0 comments)

LAKE ANNA HOME SALES for AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, and OCTOBER 2011 - 11/30/11 05:27 PM
The summer of 2011 saw a pickup in sales compared to the spring which started out a bit slow.  Fall sales continued to be good during September with a typical slowdown as we began getting closer to the holidays.
What has been interesting to see is the increase in the number of seller subsidies provided to buyers as an incentive to purchase their homes.  This was not something we saw when we had a seller's market but is certainly apparent as we continue to have a buyer's market.  However, buyers need to be mindful that subsidies are one of the items … (0 comments)

A BIG THANK YOU to the ACTIVE RAIN DRAFT - 11/28/11 05:23 PM
It seems like many years ago but considering that I have only been on Active Rain for four years now it may have only been two or three years since I first requested "DRAFT" as a default setting.  Yes, I made the suggestion more than once.
I must confess that I have not been as active on Active Rain lately so I am not aware of when this wonderful change occurred but I can tell you I am very happy to see that it has happened.
It made sense to me then and it certainly makes sense to me now.  I … (7 comments)

Focus...Lessons on Living More Fully. - 11/28/11 04:25 PM
This is a reminder that I often wing it instead of sticking with a schedule.  Time flies when I'm on Active Rain.  It makes me wonder how some people manage to accomplish so much in so little time.  I sometimes read where folks write a post and read/comment on 10 others.  Now it often takes me almost that much time just to read 10 posts, the comments, and then write my own.  So much for a written post in that time. 
If you know a secret that can make it happen please let me know.
Meanwhile I need to do as … (3 comments)

Food Lion - Lake Anna's One and Only Supermarket - 11/28/11 02:34 PM
Food Lion - Lake Anna's One and Only Supermarket. Step inside and take a good look. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised when I saw how nice it looked. It has very nice displays and is so clean and neat. What a great addition to our lake living.

If you've had a chance to shop the scenes will be familiar to you and if you haven't as yet, be sure to take a look first chance you get. Hope you can. It is really a treat. I have more photos to share at another time. Meanwhile if you'd … (6 comments)

New Group: Small Business Spotlight - 11/28/11 02:21 PM
Local small businesses are wonderful to spotlight on our posts.  The information contained in these posts helps those that are considering a relocation to our area.  It is also helpful as it makes more locals aware of the services close at hand.  If you enjoy writing posts about small business in your market you'll be happy to know that we have a new group where we can post them, thanks to J. Philip.  I'm certainly going to post about some of the new restaurants and other business that have come to Lake Anna recently. 
Via J. Philip Faranda (J. Philip R.E. … (2 comments)

Do you want to know who's updating Featured Posts this weekend? - 11/24/11 09:20 PM
In case this question was bothering you I thought you might like to know that Bryan has answered the question for all of us.
Now I have a question for Bryan...Does the Feature Fairy need a Fairy Godmother?  I just happen to be one and I am offering myself up.  It has nothing to do with being featured or all those wonderful points.  Absolutely not!  It is simply because I am so generous and soft hearted.
Via Bryan Robertson, Los Altos REALTOR Los Altos Real Estate - Homes For Sale (Sereno Group - Los Altos):
I know a secret :)  As you … (3 comments)

My Top Seven Reasons To Appreciate and Be Thankful For Our Military Families - 11/24/11 08:20 PM
Louise Thaxton has done a great job reminding us of the reasons we should be thankful to the men and women that proudly serve our country.  Please let Louise know how much you appreciate her tribute to them.
My husband, a kind and gentle man, served 35 years in the Army and was very proud and happy to do so.  It is men and women like this that bring honor to our armed forces.  We are extremely fortunate that there are many other men and women doing the same.
 
Via Louise Thaxton #6 in Nation for VA Loans 866-960-9115 VA … (2 comments)

SLOW COMPUTER GETTING YOU DOWN? - 11/22/11 08:17 PM
Slow computer getting you down?  Every once in awhile I find my computer begins to give me fits.  While trying to download anything or while scrolling through a site I have to have the patience of Job.  I don't like having to have that much patience with a computer.  I don't mind that with a toddler or with any of my clients but certainly not with a computer.
What gets me is that I put up with it for what seems like days until all of a sudden I realize that I've been fussing around while it's taking longer and longer … (16 comments)

Treat Yourself to Breakfast at Lake Anna Rescue Saturday, Nov, 26 - 11/22/11 07:28 PM
Thursday is Turkey Day at Lake Anna and everywhere else in the United States.  Friday is Left Over Turkey Day, at least in my house.  What comes next?  Perhaps Salt Herring?  If you would like a treat and you'll be close, stop by Lake Anna Rescue headquarters and join others for a great big breakfast and lots of warm fellowship.
 

Not only will you be getting a treat you will also be donating to a great cause.  Those of us that live in the Lake Anna area are fortunate that we have a rescue squad available whenever we need … (3 comments)

ActiveRain University- YouTube Session- Beyond The Basics - 11/22/11 07:00 PM
Unless you are one of the 3% in our business using YouTube this is a course that should be a must for you.  It is for me.  I signed up for it last week but did not know that Katrina was going to be the instructor.  Fortunately she is.
Even if you have been taking videos and uploading them on YouTube I'm sure there will still be much you can learn from this class.  Take advantage of this opportunity.  I'm sure it will be a great use of your time.
Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Homes For Sale … (1 comments)

There are 39 Days left in 2011 What will you do with them? - 11/22/11 05:59 PM
I needed this.  Perhaps you do too.  I've pretty much settled back since I reached my monetary goal in October.  What am I thinking???  I know better.  You really shouldn't let up once the momentum is in your favor.  Connie has given me a nudge.  By reading her post you may well be inspired to continue doing what has been successful for you.  As she mentions there are still 39 days ahead in 2011.  Make the most of them.  Good luck!
No comments please.  Share yours with Connie and if you think you can learn from her (I have) subscribe.
Via … (0 comments)

Fracking is Becoming Very Prevalent in Colorado...What About in Virginia? - 11/21/11 10:40 PM
Fracking could have caused the earthquake in Mineral last August according to the United States Geological Survey.  According to the USGS recent earthquakes in Japan, Canada, and the United States were induced by human activity.  
It will be interesting to find out if indeed fracking is responsible for our recent earthquake.  An earthquake was one of the last things we would have expected to experience.  Now that we have it is important for the cause to be discovered if that is at all possible.  Learning more about fracking might be one way to find out if that has something to … (8 comments)

Diversity Should Extend Through All Ages - 11/21/11 05:10 PM
It is very possible that many people do not realize that age is an unprotected class in many areas when it comes to housing discrimination.  Families with children under the age of 18 are protected under familial status.  However, there is no protection under the Federal Fair Housiing Act although I definitely believe there should be.  Fortunately, in Virginia our Fair Housing Act includes protection of the elderly. 
Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
Diversity and Fair Housing means no prejudice to getting people into homes based on creed, gender, sexual orientation, race, etc. … (1 comments)

Here's Your Chance to Support Lake Anna State Park - 11/21/11 04:39 PM
Here is your chance to support Lake Anna State Park.  We are very fortunate to not only have Lake Anna State Park but we have a multitude of other excellent state parks across Virginia. 

Beautiful Lake Anna State Park
 
Much of the support for these parks comes in the way of volunteers donating huge numbers of hours.  Right now we have another opportunity to ensure that our parks are well maintained for our use.
Now you can support our state parks in yet another way.  This one is real easy.  Buy a raffle ticket!
The Virginia State Park System … (2 comments)

WHY OFFER BUYER AGENTS A BONUS FOR A FULL PRICE OFFER? - 11/20/11 09:09 PM
WHY OFFER BUYERS AGENTS A BONUS FOR A FULL PRICE OFFER?  Do you ever see listings in your MLS with this information.  Every once in awhile we will have a listing here at Lake Anna with this little tid-bit in the remarks.  I can see that might be an incentive to a sub-agent of the listing agent and it certainly something that a dual agent might like to have, but a buyer agent???
Seriously, how can a buyer agent be tempted by an offer like that?  After all, as buyer agents our responsibility is to try to get the best sale … (17 comments)

I Say Let It ALL Hang Out - 11/19/11 11:00 PM
I say let it all hang out.  That's right if you want to reveal your darkest secrets I say go right ahead.  Others try to counsel you to be careful.  Mind what you say.  Mind how you say it.  It really is amazing what some people tell the world.  Actually it's amazing what people do.  If they didn't do some of these things they wouldn't be tempted to brag about them.  Yes, I call it bragging.  What else can it possibly be.  Why else would somebody reveal these type things unless in an immature way they think it's funny or clever … (7 comments)

Separating "VALUE" from "SALEABILITY - 11/19/11 09:22 PM
This is a great post for sellers or potential sellers to read.  It provides a very thoughtful explanation of the difference between the value of a home and its saleability.  There definitely is a difference and it is important for sellers to understand this as they try to determine, along with their listing agent, the proper list price for their property.  
This is certainly a time when many Lake Anna home owners are grappeling with this issue and, hopefully, by reading this post they will better recognize the need to get it right.
Via Steve Roake, ABR, SFR (McColly Real … (5 comments)

It Ain't Always as Cut & Dry as You Might Think - 11/19/11 08:29 PM
Put your thinking caps on while reading this post by Alan May, It Ain't Always as Cut & Dry as You Might Think.  It got me wondering what steps to take if, as a buyer's agent, I found myself in this situation here at Lake Anna.  You might want to think about how you would handle this situation also.  
In fact it has inspired me to write a post to see if we can come up with effective solutions to this problem.  If you have any please share them on my next post.
Via Alan May, Coldwell Banker Realtor® Evanston, … (0 comments)

MARKET LEADER...Is it Working for You? - 11/18/11 10:19 AM
This afternoon I had the benefit of watching one of the webinars offered by Active Rain. The title was, Tackle Your 2012 Business Plan, which was exactly what I need to do.  It was all about Market Leader, a company that proposes to help you close more business.
 
Although I have had many successful years in real estate, like many of you, I'm more than interested in increasing my leads.  The more "good" leads we receive should translate into even more transactions closed.
 
I remember in the past that Active Rain was helping to promote Market Leader quite extensively and … (2 comments)

A SHORT SWEET LIFE - 11/17/11 11:32 PM
It was really not that long ago I shared the news about the loss of our beloved dog, Sam.  Now we have experienced that sadness again.  Shortly after Sam died, two Cockapoo puppies entered our lives.  We were happy to have furry friends once again to share our lives here at Lake Anna.
Rocky has been a fighter since birth, thus his name.  Boy did he live up to it.  As the runt in a litter of 10, weighing only 4 oz. it was touch and go from the beginning to the end.  Would you have ever known it?  Absolutely not!  … (16 comments)

How Does Your Personal Assistant/Virtual Assistant Help You? - 11/17/11 06:45 PM
Yes, that's a pretty broad question but it is precisely why I asked it.  I would love to know the whole range of possibilities that might be considered to be appropriate and helpful tasks assistants can assume.
In case you are wondering why I am asking it is because I keep toying with the idea of an assistant (probably part-time at this point) and continually hesitate to make the jump.  There are times that my daughter helps me out as do her two teenage daughters*.  Generally this is for an occasional mailing.  Right now they are stuffing, labeling, and stamping 500 magnetic … (12 comments)

Looking for a Fun Evening near Lake Anna this Saturday, November 19, 2011? - 11/17/11 03:58 PM
If you live at Lake Anna and are looking for something to do this Saturday evening you might like to consider the Louisa Arts Center for a evening of some diverse, fun music.  In fact I suggest you bring some friends along.  This is bound to be one of those performances where the more the merrier.
There was a time where we had to drive a distance to have this type of entertainment.  It meant off to Fredericksburg, Charolettesville, Richmond, or perhaps someplace else to have a night out on the town.  Now all we need to do is drive to … (2 comments)

Internet Home Value Calculators - How Accurate Are They? - 11/17/11 01:10 PM
Many of us have heard stories of how off some of the "zestimates" are that proport to tell home owners the value of their homes.  This is true especially in a place like Lake Anna where we take into consideration factors that go beyond the number of bedroom and baths, etc.  Waterfront property especially has its own set of factors that need to be considered in determining market value.
Many other locations have their own set of criteria that has much to do with what people will pay for a property.  Local Realtors® and appraisers understand this and base their pricing on … (0 comments)

Some Folks Shouldn’t Be Allowed in Home Depot - 11/17/11 12:41 PM
I would certainly be one of those people.  IF, and that's a big if, I had any intentions of doing the work myself somebody please stop me.  The kindest thing I can do for my house is to call in the pros and I'm not even thinking of selling my home.
Sellers and potential sellers, unless you really, really do have what it takes to do an excellent job...please heed the advice below.  What dollars you think you may be saving could be lost with a lower sale price.
Via Marti Kilby, Broker Associate, San Diego, CA (Myers Real Estate Group):
Some … (1 comments)

Adding Readership with Email Subscriptions Using Feedburner - 11/16/11 11:16 PM
One of the best things you can do for your blog is to get it read by as many potential clients as possible.  One way to do that is by making it as easy as possible for them to subscribe .  Here is a tutorial that Lyn Sims has written.  Please go to Lyn's post to comment.
Via Lyn Sims - Schaumburg Homes (Schaumburg Real Estate - Northwest Suburbs - RE/MAX Suburban):
Here's a short tutorial on how to setup a blog subscription by email for (non-AR members) your clients and customers that want to follow your fabulous posts!  It will be … (4 comments)

 
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Kate Elim, Realtor® 540-226-1964 Selling Homes & Land at LAKE ANNA

Spotsylvania, VA

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Dockside Realty

Address: 4634 Courthouse Road, Mineral, VA, 23117

Office Phone: (540) 895-9400

Cell Phone: (540) 226-1964

Email Me

Kathleen "Kate" Elim
Dockside Realty
4634 Courthouse Road
Mineral , VA , 23117 United States
540-226-1964

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