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Lance Winslow's Real Estate Blog w/500 articles - Lance Welcomes You and Wishes You Well! - 02/25/08 03:51 PM
A Message from Lance Winslow:
Thank you for coming to my Real Estate Blog. The Real Estate Sector is going through some tough times, but like anything, there are cycles and sector rotations, so, it will eventually recover. Depending on how closely you have watched many real estate markets in the United States go through 10-year cycles and although being at the bottom of a cycle is no fun, it is a temporary situation, it will not last forever. Individuals investing real estate long-term have made millions over time and made many of their family members quite wealthy.
One of the main … (28 comments)
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Turning Old Car Tires into Roof Shingle Tiles Made of Rubber - An Environmental Solution Worth a Look - 02/25/08 03:28 PM
Believe it or not used tires can be made into roofing tiles and it turns out they have many advantages over other roofing materials. Tires into roofing; old tires made into roof tiles is be is being done. There is a plant that is recycling 40,000 tires a day for roof tiles; so far it is the largest. They cut the tread into little squares and then coat them with a bunch of large granular sized sand pebbles and you stack them on the roof as tiles and they are suppose to work great. More factories are opening and a few … (5 comments)
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Wireless Sensors for Lawns in Drought Areas - Professional Lawn Watering Techniques - 02/25/08 02:46 PM
Over the years, the Online Think Tank has studied the challenges of droughts in the US. Our goal is to come up with solution to ease the pain of dwindling and over taxed fresh water supplies that our civilization so desperately needs. One concept we came up with was a scheme which used the latest in moisture sensors and net-centric WiFi systems to monitor the amount of water used on landscaping and lawns. These technology strategies can help home owners maintain lawns in drought areas using a fraction of the normal water use.
Professional Landscapers know that by burying wireless sensors … (1 comments)
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Hurricane Homeowners Insurance in Florida Beach Communities - You Wish - 02/25/08 01:30 PM
Although the most recent Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Seasons, 2006 and 2007, were relatively light, State Farm is not writing any new policies to homeowners who live within a mile from the coast. State Farm indicated that the risk is far too great and that it is "only a matter of time" until there is another big year like the 2005 Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season. There are other preferred carriers in Florida, but State Farm is one of the largest insurers there.
In fact, State Farm is cutting coastal residence from their insurance rolls, over 50,000 of them that live within a … (2 comments)
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Property Tax Receipts and Economic Slow Down Takes Toll on Local Governments - Layoffs On the Way - 02/25/08 12:14 PM
As predicted and expected local governments are beginning to trim the fat and that means laying off employees. In markets where housing has taken its biggest bite out of the economy, there is an air of uncertainty. Country controllers, city auditors and local government leadership is trying to find ways to keep things moving and services strong, even with the dwindling of tax receipts from lackluster retail and auto sales, plus slow pays and property tax value re-adjustments.
The City of Phoenix, Arizona is cutting 500 employees now, with more to follow. In state governments we already read about California's hiring … (4 comments)
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Homes Near Schools, Sports Parks and Libraries Often Hold their Value Better - 02/25/08 09:48 AM
In places like California, homeowners watched average home prices fall over 20% and in some areas like Riverside County by 25% or more. Of course, Las Vegas, Detroit, Phoenix and Southern Florida took huge hits also and indeed, home prices are still falling in these markets. Much of it is about supply and demand with inventories rising and homebuyers trying their luck with low-ball offers, and with each one accepted that causes the average prices to fall further.
Still, we must be careful when discussing average home prices because some homes are much more desirable than others. Some neighborhoods and condos … (0 comments)
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$3.50 per Gallon Gasoline Prices Predicted by Spring 2008 - 02/25/08 09:18 AM
The Real Estate Sector is a huge drag on our economy, but then again so are the high oil prices, as high fuel costs act like an additional tax on everything you buy or any service you partake in. High gasoline prices affect families and our citizens at a real personal level. Now the Department of Energy research shows that we might be looking at $3.50 per gallon gasoline by Spring and Chicago commodity traders agree.
With home mortgage credit tight and credit card companies tightening and at least one going public at the before the credit card crash to match the … (5 comments)
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Droughts Causing Some Power Plants to Shut Down - 02/25/08 08:57 AM
Shortage of water not only hurts real estate values, as people stop watering their landscaping, it is also hurts the energy generation companies. Now it might be obvious that if lack of water in the reservoirs and behind dams means that the water cannot be let out in order to use hydro-electricity generators, but that is not the only use of water in the energy generation business. You see cooling is required for power plants and without water the generators plants have to be shut down otherwise they over heat.
Fewer electricity generating plants on the grid mean that the other generating … (2 comments)
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The Flow of Thought - An Essay by Lance Winslow, Part I of II - 02/25/08 05:16 AM
What does the Flow of Thought have to do with the Real Estate Sector, and why am I posting this essay on my Real Estate Blog? Well, The Flow of Thought has to do with everything in human society, including the planning of our civilization, cities and community. In fact, you could not work, play or love without the flow of thought, think about it. Yes, that indeed, is the very first step, so shouldn't you know a little about the Flow of Thought, to assist you in your complex and challenging career?
Why are we studying the Flow of Everything … (5 comments)
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The Flow of Thought Part II (Memorization, Freedom of Thought, Creative Thinking & Philosophy) - 02/25/08 05:06 AM
To refresh the reader, in Part I of The Flow of Thought we discussed ADHD, Education, Drug Use issues on the brain, Fluoride in the water, Future Computer-Brain Interfaces and Frequency Pollution. This is: The Flow of Thought Part II (Memorization, Freedom of Thought, Creative Thinking & Philosophy)
Now I would like to discuss the value in these possible future innovations and how they will affect the changes in education. There are so many theories in schooling on the best way to teach people, but brains and people do not exactly think the same. Connections are made through memorizing by association, alliteration … (0 comments)
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The Flow of Transportation Part I of III (moving people, products and services) - 02/24/08 11:15 PM
Why is the Flow of Transportation important to the Real Estate Sector? Well, because every thing that the civilization needs comes from other places, even the people themselves have to get around. Without proper transportation, there is no quality of life, and I guess the Romans figured that out when they built their civilization, and system of roads. Let us face it, one of the most important things in any civilization is the flow of transportation. People have needs to transport themselves around. And since we do not have those nifty Star Trek transporter machines yet, we need to find efficient … (0 comments)
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The Flow of Transportation Part II of III (bureaucracy, terrorism, buses, highspeed train vs. plane & future innovations) - 02/24/08 10:43 PM
The United States is often more representative of a United Countries with our myriad of regulations and rules which change the second you cross the border into a new state, even though we really are one country. Obviously, when Snow was serving as Secretary of Treasury these issues had been studied on this grand scale, especially considering the decade of railroad consolidation during his time at the helm of CSX. With roads in need of repair and traffic getting to be a major issue and our expanding population, we need to look ahead on these serious issues. With magnetic levitation and … (0 comments)
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TheThe Flow of Transportation - Part III (road infrastructure, airports, safety, planning) - 02/24/08 10:08 PM
The Flow of Transportation is vital to our or Nation, traffic gridlock destroys quality of life, and leads to decay. Property Values in Real Estate and the very foundation of community depends on a strong, stable and secure transportation system. Before we can talk about downtown revitalization, additional housing, increased population, curbing crime or returning our nation to economic prosperity, we must factor in the reality that the underlining flows of civilization are needed as the foundation, the flow of transportation is critical.
This is part III of The Flow of Transportaion:
If you are involved in an accident you need to be aware of what to do, … (0 comments)
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Problems with Cold Calling Quotas for Your Sales People - 02/24/08 08:11 AM
Often sales managers make a huge mistake when they require their sales people to make "X" amount of cold calls per week and write down the person they called, what was said and the phone number on a little chart. What ends up happening is fairly interesting and it happens in many industries. Often, the sales people will call when they know most people will not answer and they leave a voice mail. Then they put on the chart; Voice Mail - left message for Mr. Smith.
As an entrepreneur that works late, many sales people would call me on a Friday … (3 comments)
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Cash Strapped Consumers Choosing Between Risk of Car Repossession and Foreclosure? - 02/24/08 07:34 AM
Well, apparently the credit card companies see some problems down the road if the economy continues to worsen, which is what is predicted. The Economic Stimulus Plan is of interest because consumer studies show that when consumers know they are going to get a check in the mail, they generally spend it three-times. That's right, studies show that consumers spend 3 times the amount of their refund checks from the IRS, and allot the reasoning for doing so, "because I am going to get a check in the mail!" scary yes, but it is true and this is a known thing. … (7 comments)
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The Flow of Fuel - America is Motivated by the Fuel Which Drives Us Around. - 02/24/08 06:57 AM
Without it, without the Flow of Fuel, our very mobile society comes to a complete stand still. When the supplies get low and the free-markets dictate higher prices; every one of us feels the pain in some way. We are effected no matter where we live, what we do, where we go, what we drive, where we live or who we are. This is because the economics of supply and demand affect every flow that we know. The price of fuel in the transportation sector that delivers to us the things we need and desire is added on to the prices … (4 comments)
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The Flow of Trade - It is a Global Economy and the US Housing Crash Affects the World - 02/24/08 05:14 AM
This short essay is on the Flow of Trade and how proper flow keeps food on the plates of people and Civilizations from going to war. In the new Global Economy everything affects everything else. The Flow of Trade is a major consideration of civilizations and cultures working together to insure that they can get what they need, since some regions have special crops, which grow in their areas, which the other regions would like to have. In days of the First US Colonies, before it there was a country trade with done with the local Indians, in fact it was … (0 comments)
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The Flow of Natural Resources and Raw Materials that Home Building and Construction Rely On - 02/24/08 01:05 AM
The Flow of Natural Resources and Raw Materials is vital to our Nation's Industrial Capacity and Job base. There are many reasons why we should be harvesting the raw materials that already exist in this country, rather than importing them, whenever it is feasible or possible. When there are reasons, which prevent us from doing the collecting of those natural resources within our own country, then and only then should we look towards our trading partners to supply us such raw materials and resources.
When we can harvest or through mining collect such raw materials within our borders and transport them … (4 comments)
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The Flow of Energy is Vital to Human Civilizations - without it Real Estate Values are Worthless - 02/23/08 10:24 PM
This essay is meant to educate citizens and the real estate community on the importance of energy; "The Flow of Energy!" The flow of energy has always been important to advanced civilization. The ancient Egyptians used people power. They used elephants to move things and even in battle. The water wheel was used as early as 4000 B.C. as power. Here is a modern concept of ocean wave generation is really along an old technology theme, albeit an incredible advance on that ancient idea.
http://www.worldthinktank.net/oceanwave.shtml
Steam Engines are much newer. Animals, water and many other improvised methods allowed for the making of … (0 comments)
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Is Your Home Earthquake Ready - Is Your Family Earthquake Safe - 02/23/08 07:03 PM
Sometimes I think it is funny how folks forget that the Earth is in constant motion, slow motion yes, but it is constantly moving. We call it such things as; Continental Drift, Plate Tectonics and those occasional Earthquakes, lave flows, extreme weather and constant ocean waves. The Earth is moving, it has always been moving and it will continue to move long after you and your family and your family's families walk upon it's surface and expire.
Although Earthquakes are not so common, they are known events, they are part of the Earth's movement. To deny the fact that there will be … (3 comments)
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Donate the House on Your Property to the Fire Department - But there Might be Tax Consequences! - 02/23/08 06:05 AM
Well, every once in a while you have a piece of property that is actually worth something, but the old run-down building or house on top of it, makes it impossible to do anything with. Getting permits to demolish stuff can be as aggravating as getting permits to build something sometimes. Of course, if you have the blessings of some of the local municipal higher ups and a little political influence, you can make at least some headway.
Okay, with that in mind let me tell you an interesting story. Donated an old farm type house (very old) to the fire department … (10 comments)
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Those People Next Door - How On Earth are Those Folks Going to Sell their Home in that Neighborhood? - 02/23/08 05:42 AM
Well, I have some long old time friends in the city, well it's kind of a suburb city which has been engulfed by the growing area, it is just wall-to-wall city now. You know "they call it LA - Los Angeles home to 16.6 million people on 460 square miles of concrete." (read that to the monotone introduction of the 1980s hit Police Series - Dragnet). Anyway, I am visiting my friends, they live in a culdasac two-blocks from a busy main street.
The neighborhood is not like it use to be, but my friends home is now worth $415,000 or $656,000 … (4 comments)
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For Sale by Owner Horror Stories - 02/23/08 05:10 AM
So, I am sitting there at the coffee shop across the street from the Movie Theatre tonight, waiting for "Vantage Point" at 9:15 PM, it had good reviews so, what the heck. I am sipping on one of those foo-foo coffee chocolate shake drinks - Blended Mocha something or rather. (oh, before I go much further, the movie was good - I recommend seeing it). Anyway the folks next to me were having an interesting conversation, about trying to sell their home.
Turns out with the real estate home prices so low, that they decided to save the money for the … (10 comments)
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Sharing Walls can Become a Huge Problem - Condo Seller Learns the Hard Way! - 02/23/08 04:45 AM
The other day a friend of mine told me of a problem he was having with one of his 5 alternate homes. He travels between them and lives a life of leisure and likes to have his own place when he visits his favorite cities for a month or two at a time. Your basic perfect neighbor, hardly ever there and never bothers anyone. Unfortunately, this mild mannerism and graciousness is not always reciprocated.
Let me re-tell you the story he told me. One of his 5-homes is in a very nice resort type town, and this particular residence is a Condo. … (2 comments)
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Waterless Urinals Save Water - Something to Think About - 02/22/08 06:43 AM
Well, I certainly realize that you did not come to Lance Winslow's Real Estate Blog to read up on the latest and greatest innovations in waterless urinals, that I am sure of. Nevertheless, please do not get too pissed off about what I am going to say next. You see, Americans just waste too much water and we are getting to a point that, well, we just cannot allow that anymore. Even in areas of sufficient rainfall part of the year, must go thru periods of little rainfall in the other seasons.
This Old School House Only Has One Urinal in the … (4 comments)
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Ownership Society - Explain that to Me Once Again? - 02/22/08 06:24 AM
We all remember the wise words that were spoken about the "Ownership Society" and the gentleman who reminded us of this was President Bush. He is correct, an ownership society that owns their own real estate is indeed a much better society and makes for a much better civilization. Why? Simple, because each homeowner is a stakeholder, owning the property underneath their feet and the family's home and in business we have similar psychological term, called: "Buy In!"
Buy in is real and for anyone who has ever run an organization before they realize that buy in means that each person has … (2 comments)
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Employee Team Project Incentives for Internet Companies - 02/22/08 05:44 AM
There are many ways to give much needed incentives to employees such as stock options, Christmas Bonuses and profit sharing. However, consider a start up entrepreneurial company, which is web based. What can you do to give a little back to your employees and generate some real productivity and tap into some of the creative genius of your work force? Well there are many things you can do and innovative ways to do it too.
Consider if you will a fast moving highly successful website which is a category killer in its online niche. There will be ample opportunities to expand this … (0 comments)
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More on Real Estate Team Building from Team Leader and Author Lance Winslow - 02/22/08 05:17 AM
Team Building on a Budget
There is always lots of talk about teambuilding to increase productivity in a business. And this goes for all size businesses whether they are small, medium or large corporations. It is possible to build a strong team in a very small business with only three or four employees and it is possible to build a strong team in a very large corporation on a very small budget. It may shock you to learn how easy it is, yet so many businesses spent millions of dollars in what they call organizational capital. They send their corporate executives to … (0 comments)
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Team Work in the Real Estate Sector Separates Those Who Succeed from Those Who Don't - 02/22/08 04:52 AM
What if Your Company Spent More Time in Team Building?
They call it Organization Capital in the world of academia and many Universities even offer courses on it. You can learn about organization capital in personnel management classes, human resource degree programs and even if you are going for an MBA. Why is organizational capital so important and who came up with that new buzzword? Well it is simple really it comes from the idea of team building and it probably goes back as far as early tool making in the human race and organizing a plan of attack to hunt down … (1 comments)
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Protecting Your City from Crime with Video Camera Surveillance - Decoy Systems and Facial Recognition - 02/22/08 04:15 AM
We all know that crime drives down property values and violent crimes or rapes in the newspapers is just about the worst thing for a city's image. Once a city has a bad reputation for crime, homebuyers find elsewhere to live. Thus it is paramount to keep crime statistics low. The Crime Triangle predicts that you need a criminal, a location and a victim for a crime to occur, without either of those there is no opportunity for the criminal to act, and drag your city's reputation through the dirt.
Criminals get caught when there is video surveillance around and just having … (1 comments)
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Will Digital Cameras and Video in Cell Phones Decrease Crime Rates in Your City and Raise Property Values in the Process? - 02/22/08 03:48 AM
The newest techno gadget, which is reshaping the way teenagers interact is the Digital Picture Camera 3G Cell Phone. As more and more people have these and as higher bandwidth and video compression technologies are introduced we will see a whole new realm of communication. As people communicate on cell phones with video and pictures we will see a decrease in crime. This is good news for Realtors, as it means stronger home values and thus safer investments - it is good for sales!
Because the criminals will realize they will be caught on phone, by a number of possible passers- by … (0 comments)
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Your Smart Home, SmartCar and Smart Garage of the Future - Own a Net Centric Home! - 02/22/08 03:27 AM
The Smart garage of the future will have many things for instance; as you walk towards the garage door it will open like the grocery store doors. If you take out the keys, your car the door of your car will open. As you get in the car it will start automatically and when sit down the hydrogen maker box will disconnect from your hydrogen cell car's gas tank, which has been making fuel all day. The garage door light will be set based on the ambient light outside and in the garage and will adjust accordingly.
As you back out of … (0 comments)
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The Future Smart Home with Virtual Reality in Your Living Room - 02/22/08 03:10 AM
… (0 comments)
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Community Means All Citizens Even Teens - Skateparks and Skateboard Parks of the Future - 02/22/08 02:24 AM
A study has just been completed by an online think tank, which seems to indicate that Skateboard Parks are changing and still evolving. There will be many high-tech changes and uses of technologies at these facilities, but there will be low-tech changes too.
Significant changes also on the low-tech side of skateboard parks and Hover Board Parks of the future must be considered as well. For instance they will double as rain-water collection areas, where the water will run off thru simple filtration systems to be used for cleaning, farming and other important uses.
In fact these concepts are already emerging as Architects … (2 comments)
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Reduce Graffiti and Gangs, Keep Kids Off the Street - Skateboarding Park Initiatives For Your City - 02/22/08 02:11 AM
If you truly care about home values in your area and care about crime, then it behooves you to have a chat with some of the local skateboarders hanging around. What is needed are a few skateboard parks strategically located in various parts of the city, close enough to skateboard too. As an adult you need to be proactive in the community and consider this.
As a skateboarder this might be something you too need to get involve with. If you are a skateboarding fiend and you want to know how to get a skateboard park in your city; then listen … (6 comments)
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High-Rise Hurricane Resistant Building Designs - 02/22/08 01:49 AM
New high-rise Hurricane Resistant building designs and shapes are needed, especially if former Vice President Al Gore, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, who created the Internet is right about the future of Super Storms being caused by Global Warming, due to human CO2. But how can humans engineer and build high-rises that can withstand F-5 Tornadoes, and Category V + Hurricanes, Typhoons and Cyclones?
This question was put to the Online Think Tank recently and it was determined that the designs of buildings and downtown urban cities with square and rectangle footprint buildings causes high winds between the buildings in such large weather … (0 comments)
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New Housing Construction in Alaska - Easier said than Done - 02/22/08 01:33 AM
As you know Alaska is dark most all the time for parts of the year. This makes it tough to build infrastructure and large construction projects. Projects that are vital to our nations energy needs and resources. Lighting is a huge issue and problem. There may be a way to use alternative energy to brighten up these construction projects without using to deliver additional fuel to the middle of nowhere to power them up.
There are Earth movement rumbling and lots of vibrational energy from the machinery used in construction and we can turn this into light. How so you ask? … (0 comments)
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NanoTech and Carbon NanoTube Construction for New Homes is Only 5-7 Years Out - 02/22/08 01:19 AM
Imagine the walls of your house thinner than a sheet of plywood, but stronger than solid steel? Imagine every wall of the inside of your home could double as a high definition TV screen, could light up, conduct electricity or even make itself invisible like a giant window at the clap of the hands or a voice activate command? Sure enough carbon nanotubes are 50-times stronger than steel and soon the manufacturing of these materials will be efficient, safe, and inexpensive.
Why? Well, because carbon is one of the most plentiful elements on the surface of the planet, no shortage, it is … (0 comments)
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Where Do Real Estate Professionals Rate on the IQ Scale? - 02/22/08 12:53 AM
In any profession there will be a graph of those participants with the highest and lowest IQs. Contrary to popular belief this graph is not a Bell Curve. In fact it follows more in line with the 80-20 Rule. In considering this and studying the participants in the industry, it was noted that there are several sectors of the real estate profession that must be considered, each having a similar yet slightly different dynamic.
We do know that the top 1-5% in any industry has to be pretty sharp just to stay on top. We also know that the movers and … (3 comments)
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Gated Communities with Many Homes for sale with Similar Floor Plans are Deteriorating - 02/22/08 12:00 AM
Many specially designed community based fully enclosed gated neighborhoods are deteriorating due to the subprime lending fallout. Why is this happening and how could it be any worse than new housing tracts with foreclosures on every street? Well, in some cases it is not worse, but just as bad. In other places it is quite serious and far worse. How is this happening in these prized and desired neighborhoods?
What has happened is that in these gated communities there may be as many as 10 homes for sale with the exact same floor plan. If the gated community only has 4-5 … (3 comments)
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Efficiency in Business Starts with energy Efficient Buildings and Manufacturing Plants - 02/21/08 09:39 PM
Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned as they say. Indeed, it would be hard for any CFO or Accountant to dismiss this notion. Therefore, every increase in efficiency in a business that saves money, is like money in the bank. The Department of Energy, the construction industry and America's corporate manufacturers are looking for ways to save energy, reduce pollution and keep more of what they make. By doing this it gives an edge to the manufacturing sector so they can compete with foreign competition, while reducing energy costs and pollution.
It is a WIN-WIN for everyone and all the parties … (4 comments)
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information on the National Association of Home Builders and the National Green Building Program - 02/21/08 09:02 PM
Home builders are looking to niche segments of the population to continue in business. There are many potential niches that are at least partly viable in some markets. For instance, homes geared for foreign buyers, home geared towards single moms, retirement gated communities, low-income housing and even eco-homes with the latest and greatest energy efficiencies. All these are growing trends, but let us discuss the Eco-Homes and how the home building and residential new home construction is catering to this growing market segment.
Recently, the National Association of Home Builders launched the National Green Building Program, this program is being received very … (0 comments)
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Green Homes and the DOE - Department of Energy - 02/21/08 08:14 PM
Many folks do not realize the intense efforts of the DOE - Department of energy when it comes to designing the energy efficient homes of the future. The Department of Energy funds and studies the latest in eco-friendly and energy efficient housing methods and some of the innovations that come from these efforts are truly revolutionary.
One of the most notable initiatives of the DOE is to sponsor contests and challenges to the building community, top research universities and never-say-die entrepreneurs. Listed in the current DOE online news alerts was the New Builders Challenge. Working together, sharing technologies and providing incentives … (2 comments)
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The Dynamics of Housing Affordability are Changing Rapidly - 02/21/08 06:57 PM
Few would deny that affordable housing is paramount for a thriving civilization and the problems that arise without it can cause regions or entire nations to go into economic decay, even crumble. Of course, in the United States there is a bit of unrest in the housing sector, as builders find no buyers for new homes, thus have stopped building them. So, today there is a surplus of homes available, but not all are very affordable.
There are of course several reasons for this, such as tightening of credit requirements from lenders requiring more money down and higher credit scores. Obviously, something … (2 comments)
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Save Money in Dry Cleaning for Your Professional Business Attire - 02/21/08 06:47 PM
One of the toughest things to swallow as a professional businessperson is the cost associated with dry-cleaning your expensive wardrobe and it is amazing how fast these things add-up too. Perhaps you have heard about "self cleaning" windows, it is a process that uses titanium dioxide in a special coating, yes, I know too much information, you do not have time to read about the processes involved in self-cleaning windows. Okay, I realize that, but just know that it exists, after all that is what you really care about - Windows you no longer have to Clean! :)
Well, windows are not … (1 comments)
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Renters Market Sector - Economic Think Tank Analysts Predicts Strong Growth Due to Difficult to Get Mortgages - 02/21/08 06:34 PM
The Subprime lending issues are still taking their toll on the US economy and these tough times are sending economic ripples around the world. The US banking sector is under the gun, with more regulation expected and too, you can expect more scrutiny in the Real Estate Sector as well.
With so many homes in foreclosure and more to follow, the economic stimulus plan cannot stop it, but, hopefully prevent it from spilling over into Retail, Auto and service sector. It is already taking its toll on Small Business. If we look at Florida, we see just how bad things can … (1 comments)
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Housing Construction and New Housing Starts; Economic Outlook - 02/21/08 06:24 PM
It should come as no surprise that the housing construction sector is in the tank right now. Yet, another tank, The Online Think Tank, estimates that it will be well into 2010 until things return to normal. Currently, housing construction is at a 14-year low. New Housing starts are about as low as they have ever been seen when you compare the new homes being built against the total number of homes.
Can things get any worse? Well it just so happens that the answer is yes, but do recall that 14-years ago it was 1995, which was a pretty dismal … (0 comments)
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More Foreclosures; There Goes the Neighborhood - Well, Maybe Not? - 02/21/08 06:18 PM
There is a lot of difference in regional housing economics. Areas like Las Vegas, Detroit, Miami, Phoenix and Riverside County CA, are completely devastated and there are so many foreclosures that in some neighborhoods there foreclosures on every single street. All this is causing a huge blight, as vacant homes become vandalized, landscaping deteriorates and crime rises.
One FBI statistic shows that when the foreclosure rate goes up 1% the crime rate increases 2.5%, and thus, when you have foreclosure rates as high as 8-10% that means crime rates skyrocket. This is over taxing city and county police forces. Worse, the banks … (0 comments)
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New Trend Good News for Detroit Real Estate Market - Is InSourcing Ousting Outsourcing in a Down and Out Economy? - 02/21/08 06:09 PM
is not something you hear about every day, and yet it appears that the brunt of the American Corporation Outsourcing has tapered off and is on the decline, along with the US Dollar. Indeed that is one of the reasons why this is happening now. Folks like Lou Dobbs have been pretty hard on Corporate America for outsourcing and sending jobs overseas. Of course, no group has been more vocal than America's Labor Unions.
We all know what outsourcing is, and how bad it affects the US economy and leads to massive lay-offs. Now those jobs are coming back, and there … (2 comments)
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Private Property Rights in Cuba's Future? Fidel Castro: Almost a 50-year Run as Dictator of Cuba - 02/21/08 05:57 PM
Fidel Castro has been a thorn in the side of the United States for nearly 5-decades, one of our nearest neighbors, a communist country. Many citizens of Cuba, have fled to freedom to find sanctuary in the United States, and who could blame them? Fidel Castro took over the Cuban government in a revolution and he promised to give the country back to the people, but when the dust had settled, Fidel Castro, gave the country to himself.
This should come as no surprise and certainly this is not the first time in history it has happened. Unfortunately, his rule lasted 50-years, … (2 comments)
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County Governments in Subprime Housing Fallout Areas About to Take Another Beating - 02/21/08 05:47 PM
Imagine being the comptroller for a County Government in a heavily hit Housing Market Region? Much of your County's budget money comes from property taxes and there are record number of foreclosures, worse, the onslaught of requests for property tax reassessments are chipping into the county's income and tax base - see the problem?
In some areas of Detroit, Clark County (Las Vegas), Phoenix, Southern Florida, Riverside, Sacramento and San Bernardino Counties in CA, this problem is so bad it may bankrupt the local governments. On top of this growing dilemma is the fact that crime rates drastically increase at a 2:1 … (0 comments)
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Can Canadian Home Buyer Traffic Take Up Some of the Slack in the Inventory of Homes for Sale? - 02/21/08 05:38 PM
Few buyers, more sellers and harder to get mortgages are severely hurting any potential recovery of the US housing market. In areas like Florida, Detroit, Southern California, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, the housing market is not getting any better, its getting worse, with more foreclosures on the way. Since fewer homes are selling, each home that goes onto the market; increases the supply and due to Economics 101, that lowers the prices.
Unfortunately, the prices cannot go much lower because those who owe mortgages owe much more than the going average home sale price, thus, new homebuyers are taking their time and … (0 comments)
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Robotic Dog vs. Cloned Dog - Let's Compare - 02/16/08 08:20 PM
Every new home needs a dog in the yard to make it complete. Humans and Canines have evolved together for 10s of millions of years. Even if you are a Realtor staging a vacant home, that home needs a dog, to make it seem real. Obviously, you cannot leave a dog all alone on a property, but what about a realistic robotic dog, yes, and a robotic lawnmower too to save costs on landscape up keep. Now then, let us talk about the future of dogs for a moment shall we?
Our pets do not live forever and unfortunately they die after … (9 comments)
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Put Yourself in the Pilot's Seat - Turn a Simple Meal Into the Main Dish - 02/16/08 07:20 PM
People who were not cooks or cooking types freak out when other people come over to visit and they have to make a meal. But it does not have to be that tough and anyone can turn a simple meal into the main dish and delight their guests without much extra effort. One of the simplest dishes that you can make is to take a chunky soup and add lots of good ingredients to it.
One dish I like to make involves taking a chunky clam chowder or a chunky ham chowder and adding spices, vegetables and additional chunks of meat or … (3 comments)
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The Future Artificial Intelligent Robot Androids Replacing Real Estate Agents will Need Humor Programming - 02/16/08 04:24 AM
Currently, artificial intelligence programmers are having a bit of a time with robots coming up with original humor. Jokes can be programmed in, and certain jokes can be recognized, but a Robot with a Sense of Humor, that's a tough one indeed. Before we are able to complete the AI robot training a programming to replace Realtors, we first must conquer this step and program humor into these real estate assistants.
Is it possible to make an artificial intelligent robotic android real estate assistant with a sense of humor? How about one which could come up with an original joke on its … (6 comments)
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Artificial Intelligent Researchers Working on Rude Robotic Software for Computer-Human Dialogue on Blogs? - 02/16/08 03:04 AM
Well I guess it should be no surprise to any of you that the Government is reading your Blog here at ActiveRain, but don't worry they are reading everyone's blog, emails, websites and communication across this vast Internet network. Well, actually a computer is collecting all this data and then putting trying to find anomalies in the data. Why - to catch terrorists or threats against our nation, government, citizens or the civilizations of mankind.
In fact, they are now designing Artificial Intelligent computers that can interact with humans in actual conversations where the human thinks its talking with another human online. … (1 comments)
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Are Homeowners and Homebuyers More Apt to Vote for a Candidate that Promises them Homeownership Relief? - 02/15/08 11:35 PM
Presidential Hoperful Obama is promising folks a better economy where ever he gives a speech, most who attend these speeches tell us that Barack Obama is an excellent orator and accomplished speaker, and yet we are all left holding the bag, when trying to pin down, exactly what his economic policies are. On one hand he promises to help the economy and on the other hand promises free-bees and entitlement programs that could raise taxes by 50 to 100% during any term he might be elected to.
Indeed to Barack H. Obama's credit he does have some rather experienced political economists backing … (12 comments)
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Barnes and Noble Bookstores Change Return Policy - Good Example to Discuss Real Estate - 02/15/08 08:07 PM
Today, I went into the Barnes and Noble Bookstore and spent the day catching up on news, technology and various human events. Generally, I go to the Coffee Shop there, have a soup, sandwich and Mocha Frappachino a couple of times per month and spend 6-8 hours reading periodicals, and scanning the list of new books to add to my buy list. After scanning thru about 40 magazines on all sorts of inter-related subjects, I picked out the 7 that I wished to buy, usually I am able to whittle it down to 5.
These are magazines with 3 or more complex … (9 comments)
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The Ultimate Stuffed Turkey - 02/15/08 06:02 AM
Are you ready for the ultimate stuffed turkey? If so listen to this, but before you do you cannot be a Chicken or Big Birdish over Bird Flu, otherwise this recipe will never fly. This is the most intense recipe you have ever heard of and it is indeed the Ultimate Stuffed Turkey and it comes from Herbert's Specialty Meats.
Herbert's is the ultimate specialty meat shop in all of Louisiana and they designed the Ultimate Stuffed Turkey for those who understand the value of a good bird. The recipe is often called by eaters the ultimate stuffed turkey, but Herb, well … (4 comments)
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Low Calorie Food and Drink Dishes You Can Make at Home - 02/15/08 05:20 AM
Well if you are in real estate, you need to stay healthy to deal with the stress and fast paced world out there. Now Realtors must work harder than ever, but to do that you must eat right too and watch your weight. You cannot put this off, it is paramount to be thinking here. Isn't it time that you set yourself on a diet? Not just any diet but a whole new lifestyle change? If so, then perhaps you want to forget the Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers type pre-packaged foods and set yourself on a course for perpetual low calorie living? Is that what … (4 comments)
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Making the Perfect Turkey Sandwich - Realtors Deserve the Best Turkey Sandwiches! - 02/15/08 05:05 AM
If you are like most Americans, then you love the Thanksgiving Feast, and you probably love the Turkey Sandwiches that you have for the weeks after, using up all the leftovers. In fact, some Americans admit to buying two turkeys and cooking the second one just to save for Sandwiches later - our family has been doing this for years now and it is a tradition within a tradition, but now the secret is out. It is smart to have two-Turkeys anyway, just in case you run out.
The average Turkey has quite a bit of meat on it and that means … (2 comments)
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World Wide Market for Certified Organic Foods is Staggering - 02/15/08 04:55 AM
As more and more people come to find that the human food supply is clearly lacking, these consumers are turning to Organic Foods. There sure seems to be a huge growing world wide market for "organic foods" these days and in the US it seems we have a bit of consolidation going on between "Whole Foods Market" and another chain, as they try to garner economies of scale to compete against the "big boys" like Krogers, Winn Dixie, HEB, Wal-Mart, Albertsons, etc.
This is a major issue; price, as poorer consumers are eating real garbage, getting diabetes and upsetting the future balance … (0 comments)
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Super Saucy Salad Instead of a Slimy Salsa - Ignite Your Taste Buds in a Healthy Way! - 02/15/08 04:47 AM
One of the hardest things to do as a real estate professional is to eat right. If you don't your health will fail and you will be the homeless one with no income. It is difficult to eat right, but hardly impossible.
Perhaps you may not realize it but eating fresh salsa is very good for your system. Unfortunately we all know that most salsa companies are cheap on the contents. This is not only their fault; the price of tomatoes is very high in certain seasons due to weather patterns and the high demand.
What you need to do is really make a thick … (0 comments)
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Crockpot Recipe to Get Your Mind off Crackpot Homebuyers with Ridiculous Offers - 02/15/08 04:25 AM
Hey, lets face it, some days we have to weather the storm and wave of crackpot buyers with crackpot offers. That is just part of modern day real estate. But why not humor yourself with a nice crockpot recipe to celebrate your victory over the knuckle-heads rather than letting it get to you?
Well, if you really want to make the best crock pot dishes then first you need to get the very best crock pot and that's no crock of bull either. You need the ultimate in slow cookery products and there is a world of difference between them says Consumer … (0 comments)
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Super Soups for the Super Duper Realtor - Rocket into Action with Lance's Soup Recipe! - 02/15/08 04:16 AM
If you are a soup lover, but you find the soups at the supermarkets in the cans lacking substance, then consider making them into a Super Soup! There are many things that you can load up in a thick brothed or sauced soup to make them an excellent meal and one which will not only fill you up, but fill you up with all the right stuff.
First I recommend some spices such as:
Fifth Season; Chopped Onions (6 shakes) Fifth Season; Crushed Red Peppers (2 shakes) Fifth Season; Italian Seasoning (6 shakes) McCormicks; Basil and Garlic Seasoning Blend (4 shakes)Additionally, I recommend … (2 comments)
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Food for Busy Realtors - Top Ramen with Teriyaki Sauce: Secret Family Recipe - 02/15/08 04:02 AM
Perhaps you like secret family recipes and like to trying new things, but perhaps you are like me and you're not such a good cook. Well, I have a special new recipe for you even if you are not a good cook it is called top Ramen with teriyaki sauce and it is indeed a secret recipe. It is not something I read in any book and you will not find it on the Internet, as only I have the secret recipe. I know what you're saying, you were saying bring it on, because as a very busy Realtor you need … (3 comments)
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Commercial Real Estate is No Piece of Cake - Catch a Clue - 02/14/08 11:57 PM
Often we hear of the incredible commissions earned by commercial real estate brokers and agents, but you must understand it takes time and a lot of hard work to build the relationships needed to close those deals, negotiate those deals and keep everyone happy throughout and after to insure referrals. It's a long term business career, it is not for the fly-by-night real estate agent that wants to hop on over to where they think the money is.
Many of my friends in the commercial real estate tell me of the situations and problems that occur when newbie cross-over agents from the … (2 comments)
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Selling Listed Property to the Government? - 02/14/08 10:57 PM
Often the local municipality, county, state or federal government will purchase properties. Consider this; if your listed property is along a flood zone, park, or backs up to an airport, government building or could potentially be a future imminent domain target, why not contact them? If your property is not moving, if you have a long listing agreement, then it might be worth a shot to contact the government agency that may need that property?
You see, sometimes removing a home can provide another entry way to a housing tract alleviating traffic. Often a home or two might be a much … (2 comments)
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Homebuilders Caught with Inventory in the Bubble Burst Turning Tracts into Gated Community Rentals - 02/14/08 10:47 PM
There has been a new growing trend where Homebuilders who could not sell their inventory before the bubble burst have taken to turning these units into rental homes. May have asked local city planners to allow them to put gates up to entice higher-end renters, some are getting the municipal nod, as it helps take inventory off the market and reduces the foreclosure rates as subprime homeowners in trouble can sell quicker.
Of course many speculators or house flippers have had to do the same thing, those left with properties are doing everything they can to hold on, renting those homes out … (7 comments)
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Trash Control in Downtown Revitalization Projects is Critical - 02/14/08 10:38 PM
The first priority for a Downtown Revitalization plan is to remove the trash and graffiti and keep it away. Also recommended is power washing of bus stops, sidewalks, local parks and buildings on a routine basis. Other recommendations discussed at a local meeting of a chapter of the Online Think Tank noted that things as simple as repainting road markings, cross-walks and curb zones made the downtown areas look crisp and clean.
But cleanliness is only one important part of a downtown revitalization project, small touches of ambiance can come from changing road signs and street lights to set the right tone; … (2 comments)
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County Tax Assessors Now Using Satellite and UAV Aerial Photos to Survey Properties - Predict Trend to Continue - 02/14/08 01:31 AM
So you think you are going to do an addition on your house, build a new pool, put in a clubhouse in the back yard and conveniently play stupid and pretend you did not know that you need permits and that you must declare this for your property taxes? Really, well, think again big guy, because your local county tax assessor is turning into a big brother.
How so you ask? Many tax assessors are paying for Satellite Photos, aerial picture from aircraft and UAV surveillance photos to keep a watchful eye on county tax fee cheaters. You are not really … (11 comments)
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Even God Can't Help the Detroit Real Estate Market - GM Announces Biggest Losses in US Corporate History - 02/13/08 04:50 PM
Well if you think your particular real estate market is bad, you might be thankful that you are not selling Real Estate in the Detroit Metro area. As if things were not bad enough already, GM just announced the largest losses in US Corporate History - 38.7 Billion Dollars. Now GM wants to eliminate some 74,000 jobs, perhaps through lay-offs and buyouts. Ouch!
GMAC Financial Services are also under huge stresses, as are all US Mortgage Companies right now, this certainly does not help things. Indeed, these losses will hurt Canadian divisions of GM also. Many neighboring states will also feel the … (0 comments)
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Scientists Proclaim Lake Meade is History - Water Supplies for NV, AZ and CA in Crisis - 02/13/08 04:08 PM
Some of the hardest hit Western real estate markets in the country share a common thread - they all rely on Water from the Colorado River and Lake Meade Reservoir. Southern California, Las Vegas and Phoenix all draw most of their fresh water supplies from Lake Meade, a lake that experts now say could dry up completely as soon as 2021.
The Scripps Institute put out their research report of the real probability that eve with a few extra very wet years and high snow pack in Colorado; that Lake Meade will vanish. Major cities and South Western Regions without water, … (7 comments)
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Un Connecting the Connected Real Estate Agent - 02/13/08 04:40 AM
The high-tech world of personal technology is causing a bit of my problem for many humans. Some of the new technology is so feature-rich that it is causing feature fatigue. Too many choices in your personal technology toys seems to be counterintuitive to how the human mind works, even though the human mind itself can work in many different ways and all Real Estate Professionals know;
If You Can't Multi-Task You'll Never Survive in Real Estate!
The human mind defaults to what it is familiar with through its experience in thinking, observing and acting. People who have cell phones with many features … (5 comments)
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Real Estate Sector Online and E-Government - Will They Unite in Your Community? - 02/13/08 04:05 AM
Government IT systems, which deal directly with the public must appear to be very simplistic for those who will be using them; The eCitizen. This is why eGovernment initiatives must plan on masking the complexity and believe me the eCitizen will soon be telling the eGovernment; Do not put me on hold, no more press one for Spanish, press two for English, because none of that will do, not anymore and not for the future of eGovernment.
At ActiveRain and definitely at Localism.com we see that the wisest Real Estate Professionals spend a fair amount of time blogging about their communities, and … (0 comments)
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Will the Future MLS be Integrated into the E-Government Initiatives? - 02/13/08 03:40 AM
The E-Government Future is on its way. Will our government become a website, connecting citizens to services and government? Today we have E-Government Initiatives, which are widely successful and citizens or e-Citizens as they are now called can get almost any information about the government online.
Citizens can learn about services, file forms, pay bills, their taxes or any number of things, all online. E-government initiatives are happening at all levels of government and are coming to a government near you - perhaps you city or county government.
You will be able to do it all in one place and online - … (3 comments)
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80% of Homebuyers Use the Internet for at Least Some Information when Buying a Home; Detroit Example - 02/12/08 03:09 AM
In a very large and comprehensive study, it was discovered that when homebuyers shopped for a home, they used the Internet to gather information about the area, find homes for sale or learn about available financing. So, it should be no surprise that if you expect to sell home during this obvious buyer's market, you need to be on the Internet and shift some of your marketing resources to take advantage of this fact.
Indeed, perhaps that is why you are here at ActiveRain. May I please take this opportunity to congratulate you on your most-excellent timing and marketing savvy? So what … (11 comments)
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Single Mom First Time Homebuyer Segment is Quite Strong in Many Places - 02/12/08 02:37 AM
In a buyer's market, it becomes tough to sell homes when all the buyers have to sell their homes first. So, first time homebuyers, vacation homebuyers and foreign-born (Savers, foreign currency holders) are very good prospects. Now then, let us look at one of these major categories; the first time homebuyer. The first time homebuyer, that is not laden in consumer debt, has a little bit of savings or has family members willing to assist in the down payment is a golden prospect.
As more first time homebuyers come out of the woodwork looking for value while prices and credit are both … (4 comments)
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Avoid the Immigrant Home Buyer to Your Own Peril! - 02/12/08 02:16 AM
Many real estate agents that specialize in foreign-born immigrant niches are doing much better than their professional counter-parts. When a real estate agent speaks another language or is one with another culture, they have a distinct advantage in selling homes in a buyers market. First, it should be noted that there is an increased trust factor there, when someone speaks your same language or has family from that home country. Second, most immigrant homebuyers buy with larger down payments, thus more easily qualify. This is because they save their money better.
Also, realize that foreign-born folks may have money that is currently … (2 comments)
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Is Your City Sinking Due to Ground Water Over Use - Talk About Falling Real Estate Value? - 02/12/08 01:42 AM
Recently, in studying the Coachella Valley, which is in the low desert between the Salton Sea and Riverside CA, we noted that excess ground water usage was depleting the underground aquifers at an alarming rate. Why was this happening? Well the Coachella Valley is home to some 200 Golf Courses and the area has expanded rapidly for decades on end.
Although currently the real estate values were not hurt as bad as other areas surrounding this region, now the Coachella Valley faces another grave issue, not related to the subprime lending fallout. Much of the area region has sunk 1-6 inches … (4 comments)
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Is Your Broker a Robot? What if He Was and You Didn't Know it? - 02/11/08 04:27 AM
Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Engineers are designing the next generation of robotic androids to work along side humans. They will appear to be very real and even emulate Emotion and Empathy. In fact, maybe your future broker maybe an android? Maybe he is now, does he lack empathy, no worries the next innovation in robotic androids will fix all that?
Emulating emotion and empathy is on its way right now. Currently, most consultants of artificial intelligent customer response systems for 'call centers' advise that the voice on the other end if coming from a machine, should be easily identifiable by the … (14 comments)
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I Need a Personal Robotic Assistant for My Real Estate Endeavors - 02/11/08 03:50 AM
Are you a solo real estate professional - could you use a little assistance from time to time? Many real estate professionals hire virtual assistants and outsource all kinds of important things. Of course, sometimes you need a personal assistant who can work with you throughout the day, as you meet with clients, vendors and attend meetings. Wouldn't it be nice to have a personal assistant that could do an open house for you, while you meet with other important clients - being two places at once, well that would sure be the ticket.
Would you be surprised if I told you; … (12 comments)
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How Much Photo Editing is Ethical - Where Do We Draw the Line? - 02/11/08 02:59 AM
Most web masters use Photoshop to help make the pictures on their client's websites perfect. Websites are advertising and that is to be expected. Many real estate people have professional pictures taken for marketing reasons too. Some real estate professionals take digital pictures of their listings and then touch them up, to remove blemishes or bad lighting, because most real estate professionals do not sideline as professional photographers.
My question is where do they draw that line?
If a tree in the back yard is diseased, do they touch up the truth? That tree is part of the property, right? Its one … (16 comments)
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3D-Television Will Soon Be Here - Imagine Your Real Estate Clients Immersed In One of Your Listings? - 02/11/08 02:04 AM
We are all aware video taping of home listings for the web to show potential homebuyers a property, but just wait until the next generation of technology? Your homebuyer will sit in their home, their own living room and your listing will be all around them, in fact, their entire reality will augment into a virtual reality stage. For all practical purposes they will be in your listing, it will be so real, they will not realize the difference.
You think HDTV Plasma Flat Screen with digital TV signals is cool with surround-a-sound home theatre quality? Well, you have not seen … (8 comments)
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Ask Not What ActiveRain Can Do For You - Ask What You Can Do For ActiveRain - 02/10/08 03:50 AM
Perhaps you are like me and you go out of your way to tell people about this wonderful online Real Estate Network, the number one of its kind in the World. When you tell people about ActiveRain, the first thing they want to know is how will it help them. Generally, a business professional wants to know;
How will it Make Me Money?
Of course, we are all in business to make money right? Sure, we are, and so it is a legitimate question and yet, it is also a fact of life that in any organization, you only get out what … (26 comments)
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Website Content Review; Writing Copy is Not Easy - 02/09/08 05:55 AM
For those in the business of writing copy for advertisements, websites or public relations pieces whether they are for commercial, non-profit or government agencies they know it is not easy. It is an art and a science and all of that and more all wrapped into one. Writing copy for online or offline media is difficult and it is essential that you understand your audience to make sure that you are conveying your message correctly.
In your Real Estate Business people judge you by your promotional and informational material. That includes your business cards, brochures, MLS write-ups, advertising, website and yep, even … (4 comments)
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Leveraging Speech Technology in Your Real Estate Endeavors - 02/09/08 04:50 AM
The Future of Voice & Speech Recognition
Experiencing the new modern paradigm shifts in technology will require humans to become one with the technologies they create and the ability to interface in real-time. Perhaps, the greatest step towards this goal is Voice Recognition Technology, where humans can talk and communicate in a way that is natural to them through their evolutionary process - vocal cords and speech. Thus, they are able to interface with the tools they have created.
Perhaps you have noticed the hands-free headsets for cell phone use that clip to the ear, maybe you already use one. Can you … (13 comments)
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Writing a Decent Blog Post on ActiveRain in 15-Minutes - Don't Sacrifice Quality with Pretend Posts to Collect 200-Points - 02/09/08 03:54 AM
Perhaps you have noticed the trend towards Blog Posts of 4-5 lines or the very minimum to get the automatic 200 points at ActiveRain. It is unfortunate to see this, because it really ruins decent knowledge transfer. Worse, new Bloggers see these barely passable (if you even want to go that far) posts and they begin to mimic them.
Now, 80% of the blog posts are either cut and past local real estate data without even bothering to post a commentary to it or blog posts that are 1/2 paragraph. The ActiveRain God's tell us that "Ultimately the Consumer will Decide" … (9 comments)
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Crime in the City - Taking a Bite Out of Crime Improves Property Values - 02/09/08 03:20 AM
We must take a bigger bite out of crime in our cities. Many people decry illegal immigration and illegal aliens because so many of these individuals end up in our prisons. In fact, some 68% of all prisoners in the State of Arizona are illegal aliens who are not even suppose to be in the country and yet have committed a violent act. While it is true that 95% of all illegal aliens do not commit crimes, except for sneaking into the country illegally, the prison statistics are real and quite costly too.
This seems to be a hot political issue, but … (1 comments)
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Tourism and Public Relations for Light Houses - 02/09/08 02:54 AM
There are many ways to get tourists to come to your community and bring their money to spend. When they do this helps the local business community and local economy. It means more good paying jobs and has a positive affect on local real estate values as well. If you community is near the ocean, ask yourself do you have an old lighthouse that you can turn into a tourist attraction?
Do you know that many lighthouses have tours available for travelers and tourists? If you live by the ocean did you know there is a lighthouse not too far from you … (2 comments)
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Downtown Revitalization - ATV Use for Security Patrols and Mini-Fire Fighting Units - 02/09/08 02:19 AM
Often when Down Town areas revitalize, parking is a huge issue and there is not a lot of space downtown for full-size fire trucks to do their job. Often parking behind the buildings is limited and they really pack in the overflow and available parking. In front, there is also little if any room and it takes too long to get a truck in, find a hydrant and douse the blaze.
Yet consider if you will a smaller more versatile unit? Perhaps an ATV mini-fire fighting units make more sense? Well it just so happens that many such units are available … (0 comments)
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Can We Stop Earthquakes - What Would That Mean for California Real Estate? - 02/09/08 02:02 AM
Is it possible and has mankind reached the point in which they can now stop Earthquakes? By knowing all the pressure points along major fault lines is it possible to alleviate pressure and prevent the "big one" or the Monster Quake in California which we all know is only a matter of time?
This very serious topic has recently come up in an online think tank and has been discussed at length. It seems almost an impossible task to accomplish although it has been the dream of many tectonic researchers indeed.
Of course, the faults would have to be completely mapped and we … (0 comments)
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The Flow of Money - Beach Ball Affect Allegory of the Modern Day Global Economy - 02/08/08 11:40 PM
The Allegory of a "The Beach Ball," is not taught in all universities, perhaps it should be. I hope this abstract thought, "The Beach Ball Effect," will help to bring to light the important issues with respect to the flow of money in World Economies. It might even assist you in your own personal financial future and in teaching your kids about the Global Flow of money. Let's begin:
The Beach Ball represents the earth, inside are the Olympic Rings representing countries. The Beach Ball is your normal every day beach ball and the Olympic rings you are familiar with and they … (2 comments)
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Psychology of Personal and Business Relationships in Real Estate - 02/08/08 11:26 PM
The Real Estate Business is much about relationships, and your success or failure in the real estate sector depends on those relationships. Whether it is in referrals, litigious free transactions or just getting along in the community as your sales and career climbs skyward. Too many real estate folks will work hard and dismiss the importance of this relationship based industry. Perhaps, this is why so many women out perform their male counter parts in real estate?
If you are having trouble putting together the relationship part of the business with the strict procedural part, then perhaps you need to re-evaluate … (3 comments)
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Real Estate Professionals - What Do You Know About Earthquakes? - 02/08/08 10:11 PM
It seems folks forget that we all living on the shifting sands and Earth below, where change in the landscape rules the day. How soon they forget the Earthquakes of the past, going about their daily business without a care? Well, for real estate professionals you must remember the recent and not so recent history with regards to Earthquakes. You think you live in an area where Earthquakes do not occur? Well, you would be wrong about that for sure.
Just because Earthquakes where you are have not occurred recently does not mean they won't. Washington DC, New York, even the Midwest … (4 comments)
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Floods and Real Estate Considered - 02/08/08 09:46 PM
Understanding the reality of floods; how they occur, how to prevent them and how to prepare when this type of disaster strikes will inevitably determine the amount of devastation and death that happens. As real estate professionals, we should be aware of these things and have basic understanding of the dangers of mild and severe flooding in our cities and towns, where we live and work. I would like to recommend a book for you to read on this very subject:
Planet Earth - Flood
By Champ Clark and Editors of Time Life Books 1982
Floods do occur and much of the planning and … (3 comments)
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Top 7 Tips to Getting Your Online Real Estate Business Articles Read on the Internet - 02/08/08 06:11 AM
If you are an online Real Estate Business Writer or Blogger then it makes sense to write articles that the most people will indeed read. The best way to do this is to carefully choose titles such as put in the title; Top 7 Tips or Top 10 Secrets. These articles will get the most traffic, as they play into the attention span of the Internet viewer who most likely wants to get the information without all the verbiage.
So, without further comment here are the top 7 tips to getting your online real estate business articles in the Top 7 … (13 comments)
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What is the Safest City in America? - 02/08/08 05:35 AM
So, have you ever considered the question; What is the safest city in America?
Sure you have, as that is what has brought you here to read about the search for the safest city. First, looking at weather patterns, it appears that if there is a nuclear war we must be concerned with the challenge of nuclear fallout, where would you want to be in that case?
Remember that weather patterns start in the West or North West and move across the country and change throughout the year; not always, but for the most part the winds circulate from East to … (6 comments)
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Estate Plans, Trusts and Real Estate - 02/08/08 03:47 AM
We all know that we need to have our lives in order in the event of our demise because our families are so important to us. As the Death Tax slowing dies over the next many years, it behooves all of us to have estate plans and trusts set up to shield our assets from legal liabilities which can pop-up out of nowhere and also to pay the least amount of taxes to the government after we die.
Proper estate plans and specially designed trusts can insure that the least amount of liability exposure exists and also make sure that or things … (7 comments)
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12% of Americans Live in a Flood Zone - Not All are Able to Easily Get Insurance - 02/08/08 03:35 AM
Did you know that over 12% of the United States population lives within a flood zone and even more people live close to the ocean, which means they are also potentially in danger of being flooded out by excessively high tides high, tsunamis or hurricanes storm surges. We have all heard of the famous fifth-year flood or the hundred-year flood study if we look at Environmental Impact Reports and building codes or master plans for most municipalities and counties.
These are quite real no matter how much they are downplayed or how often they are mitigated by giant cement ditches or run-off … (7 comments)
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Protecting Skyscrapers in Hurricane Prone Areas - Billions of Dollars of Real Estate at Risk - 02/08/08 03:20 AM
In areas where Hurricanes or super high-winds occur it seems we need to be a little more cognizant of the wind-flow modeling as each building is built or a master plan downtown renewal project is slated. This is a very serious issue. Many studies have been done in Chicago "The Windy City" and other places because the air funnels between the buildings and due to Bernoulli's Principle that air speeds up to make thru, between the buildings which makes it even worse.
There were over 230 mph winds recorded in Guam during a tropical typhoon and at the time it was the … (1 comments)
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Without Fresh Water or in Extreme Droughts Real Estate Values can go to Hell in a Hand Basket - 02/08/08 03:04 AM
Over stretching the fresh water supplies in American Cities is not a wise move. Water conservation is paramount if cities are to expand their populations. Right now, the Southern US is under extreme drought pressure, not long-ago it was the Western States, which are still not safe from decreasing challenges of low fresh-water supplies.
Over population in many regions is stretching the natural water cycle too thin. In the dry seasons, there is not enough retained water to use and when droughts come, it becomes a humanitarian disaster. The researchers have done many studies of problems around the Globe and studied … (1 comments)
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Urban Heat Islands Causing Trouble for Metropolitan Real Estate Markets - 02/08/08 02:43 AM
There is a whole lot of talk about Global Warming these days and whether you agree with the CO2 scenario or that the climate cycles of Earth just occur naturally, one cannot deny the subsequent extreme weather that urban heat islands are causing. Likewise, no one can deny that pollution created by man is not such a good idea and it should be curtailed, as best it can, whenever it is feasible to do so.
So, then these issues are part of a constant debate which is ongoing at the Online Think Tank. How can we reduce pollution, how can we solve … (1 comments)
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2008 Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season Getting Closer - Can the Real Estate Handle Another Storm? - 02/08/08 02:22 AM
The 2006 and 2007 Atlantic Tropical Season were mild, at least for the US Coastline and that was a breath of fresh air after the Devastating 2005 Atlantic Tropical Hurricane Season, with such names a Katrina, Rita, and Wilma - all Category Fives during at least one time of their development.
Some weather professionals say that we are in a Hurricane Low period, which could last several years, yet whenever they predict such things in advance, generally they are incorrect. The NOAA, National Hurricane Center and other specialists in Hurricane Weather are taking a cautious approach to prediction for 2008. Long-range Hurricane … (1 comments)
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Gulf Coast Real Estate Market Values and Stopping Hurricaes - 02/08/08 02:11 AM
Ocean spray from white caps and high seas during Hurricanes helps propel the Hurricanes. If ocean spray is eliminated the Hurricane Force winds would be able to reach the severe categories we have recently seen. This is based on a study done recently at University of California at Berkeley and assisted by two-well known mathematicians.
The water droplets being kicked up were about help lubricate the winds, which allowed speeds of up to 200 mph in subsequent additional cyclones or tornadoes which accompany Hurricanes and Typhoons. Indeed this is an interesting discovery and these studies further indicate that winds would be … (3 comments)
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Help Florida Real Estate Values Stop Hurricanes! - 02/08/08 02:00 AM
Many scientists believe we cannot stop Hurricanes, they are wrong. Currently, we cannot stop a Hurricane, but that is only because we have convinced ourselves that it is impossible. This notion is Totally Unacceptable. Personally, I am well aware of what the experts think and the non-military agencies purport with regards to stopping Hurricanes. Nevertheless, passing up relevant concepts and ideas is a silly way to run ones mind or ones agency.
This typical bureaucratic answer to why we cannot do something should not be accepted by the American People and further, if our scientists really believe all of this, then they … (2 comments)
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The Game of Real Estate - How do You Play it? - 02/06/08 08:09 PM
Where are you in the game?
The other day someone told me that life is just a virtual reality game. He was a real estate agent and had fallen on tough times, but was determined not to give up. He had a good philosophy about the cycles and trends in the real estate market, he'd been through it before, this time he said he learned his lesson, although had participated in the speculation himself.
He was leveraged to the hilt, at the top and dumped many properties and still is juggling things trying to save his hard fought (small) real estate empire. … (10 comments)
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400-Blog Posts - A Tribute Blog Post to "ActiveRain god" Rich Jacobson - He Did it! - 02/06/08 08:18 AM
Rich Jacobson, our ActiveRain Community Builder has reached a grand total of 400-blog posts and if you are me, then you are completely humbled by the herculean achievement. Rich Jacobson has proved that with constant hard work and diligent effort over a long period of time; anything is possible! This inspirational gentleman is truly leading by example and 400-blog posts is indeed, proof positive of that.
Rich Jacobson is a man we can Trust to treat us fairly as he assists us in building our community. And when I use the word trust to describe this great man, I do so with … (15 comments)
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Real Estate Business Management Teams Need To Understand Why They Are In Business - 02/06/08 07:54 AM
So many business executives do not really understand why their company is in business. Sure, they have achieved an MBA, and yes, they look at the numbers each week and the goals set for the company for sales. They are aware that they need to achieve certain goals in order to achieve these quarterly profit objectives.
However, when we ask these executives in business management teams why they are in business we get an array of answers, non of which mention profits and that is a little troubling. They often speak of saving the world and all sorts of other things. … (3 comments)
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Marketing Dollar Commitment and Allocation of Resources is Essential to Winning in Real Estate - 02/06/08 07:31 AM
So often, we see small business people in the real estate sector who need to cut costs because they find that their businesses are in trouble. With a market like this, you can see how that might occur. Sometimes, the first thing we see them do is a cut marketing dollars and their commitment to allocate resources towards marketing. This can be a mistake and if you cut your marketing to the bone you may not receive the new customer base you need to accelerate your business forward and therefore you will stagnate.
You must commit marketing dollars and allocation of resources … (3 comments)
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Advertising to Create a Trend - How About an Upward Trend in the Real Estate Market then? - 02/06/08 07:17 AM
Marketers and Advertisers know that with the right delivery and enough impressions of a specific message, they can shape the minds of millions of people. Yes, advertising is that powerful. Are you harnessing the power and force of adverting and marketing to help propel your real estate success locally?
Is it possible to use advertising to create a trend? Can we use advertising to start a social movement? Can advertising be used to get the ball rolling and change the way our society works? Advertising to create a trend is possible and it is done more often than you think. Specially … (2 comments)
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The Future of Advertising and What it Means to The Real Estate Sector - 02/06/08 07:04 AM
If you are going to sell homes in the Real Estate sector at a time when the market is not breaking any speed records your advertising becomes critical, and it becomes even more costly per home sold. The advertising landscape is changing fast due to the growth and use of the internet, things are nothing like they use to be in the past.
In the future what type of advertising will we see? Will the advertising be similar to that of movie; Minority Report? Many believe it will and many of those technologies are indeed becoming a reality. Why you ask? Well … (5 comments)
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"Well to Be Honest With You," "Truthfully Now" and "To Tell You The Truth" Communication 101 - 02/06/08 06:38 AM
You must be very careful when communicating with your real estate clients, what you say, can cause question marks and red flags. Often in communication either written or verbal we see people using phrases such as; "Well to Be Quite Honest With You" and they will use such sentences in the middle of a very long conversation, but when they do it totally raises red flags and here is why;
You see when someone is discussion people, events or concepts in a conversation, electronic email or while giving a speech you expect that person to be honest with you, because you are … (20 comments)
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Real Estate Secret to Success - Blowing Away Customer Expectations; A Bit of Advice - 02/06/08 06:26 AM
In the real estate sector currently, it is no walk in the park. You must have a strong referral base to feed your clientele list if you hope to make it. If you exceed your customers' expectations you will surely induce a firestorm or Tropical Storm of referrals. Why?
Well because good service is not that common any more and then again neither is common sense. You see it makes sense to exceed customers expectations and Jack Taylor Founder of Enterprise Rent-A-Car actually titled his book;
"Exceeding Customer Expectations"
It is a good read and I do very much recommend it. … (3 comments)
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In the Real Estate Sector; Word of Mouth Advertising is Not FREE! - 02/06/08 06:13 AM
It has been said by many a marketing consultant and book writer on the subject of word-of-mouth advertising; that Word of Mouth Advertising is great, but they warn; It Does Not Just Come Out of Thin Air. Indeed, they are correct, it does not come out of thin air, no sir, you get word-of-mouth advertising, referrals and customer volunteered testimonials being uttered around town the old fashion way; you earn it.
You earn it and create a "customer salesman" as I call them when you give customer service, which exceeds expectations and when you have done everything else along the way in … (3 comments)
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Learn How to Lead - By Example and with Integrity - Your Real Estate Career Depends on it - 02/06/08 05:54 AM
You can have years and years of experience or multiple decades of observations, but without the proper diplomacy and leadership talents, you may never reach your full potential in the real estate sector. But, I am here to tell you that it does not have to be that way. You see, you can achieve your goals if you will start today and increase your education and hone your leadership skills. Let me recommend a couple of books to you:
(Dodge Prototype 1,000 hp Motorcycle)
"The Iacocca Management Technique - A Profile of the Chrysler Chairman's Unique Key to Business Success"
by Maynard M. … (2 comments)
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Sometimes the Future Can Be Scary - In the Past Folks Believed that too, How About Now, Do You? - 02/06/08 05:29 AM
Super Tuesday is over, the stock market took us down another 380 points and Tornadoes swept thru the Midwest killing many people. Needless to say, the future can sometimes be a very scary thing. If we look at recent and the history of days gone by, we can see that folks had a much better reason to fear than we should now. Remember WWIII, Y2K, International Terrorism, BirdFlu and in the future there will be Global Warming, economic uncertainty, radical religious jihad and that big Comet that will hit the Earth?
Can I please recommend a very good book to you, just … (3 comments)
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Home Ownership and the Deep in Debt American Consumer - 02/06/08 05:04 AM
Interests rates are low, housing prices are low, so, what a wonderful time to buy real estate at the bottom right? Well, so many consumers are tapped out in credit and upside down or underwater with home equity. May I ask you something?
When will Americans start saving again and work to get out of debt? When will they stop spending on their plastic and come to grips with reality? When will they invest rather than pay interest the wrong way at such high rates? Will they ever stop spending?Well it maybe impossible for some American Families to stop spending as … (3 comments)
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Consumer Debt in America - Out of Control - Hurting Consumer Confidence and the Real Estate Sector - 02/06/08 04:52 AM
The average American is in debt research shows. Many have up to 1.5 times annual earnings in short term debt; credit cards and new car loans. This is a huge problem indeed, as citizens of the United States fail to save. Some believe it is the banks and credit card companies who should be blamed and that is an interesting perspective but, are we really to blame them for people over borrowing? Well, apparently we have to blame someone, as that is the new way of doing things; just ask Donald Trump, right?
So if you believe that someone must be blamed … (6 comments)
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Most Popular 2008 Hairstyles for Work - Real Estate People Must Look Their Best! - 02/06/08 04:38 AM
Every year haircut styles change slightly as time marches on and since the only thing constant is change if you do not change your haircut style, you will find it difficult to win friends and influence people. Speaking of friends; the television show; Friends was certainly a trendy set of haircuts for 2005 wasn't it? But, Friends TV sitcom series is no longer in style and those haircuts will soon be has been styles.
You do not wish to be caught rolled over in your SUV and dead on arrival with an old haircut style do you? For older men the … (9 comments)
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Are You Addicted to Blogging About Your Real Estate Endeavors? - 02/06/08 04:04 AM
Are you addicted to online blogging? I was once accused of being addicted to blogging and writing on the Internet; in a nice way. A very popular Internet copywriting editor said that I was; "Punch Drunk on Article Writing!" Not sure if that is possible, as I am not convinced that it is something I enjoy doing, writing articles and blogging that is, but I suppose many are addicted to something of this nature.
In my earlier years as an athlete I was addicted to running, probably that "Natural Runner's High" they talk about with all those endorphins flowing. It is possible, … (4 comments)
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Business Team Work and Super Stars - Lets Talk About Your Real Estate Team? - 02/06/08 03:49 AM
Have you ever been on a business team and noticed that the other team members do not pull their weight? Has this ever happened in your real estate office? Have you noticed them sloughing off responsibility or even ethics to get their workload share done faster, but turning in a half-baked effort? Often when someone turns in a half-baked effort, they will attempt to conceal their lack of commitment or effort as genuine first class and even boast about it to the other team members, clients, vendors and to the point they even fool themselves.
So often we find whether we are … (1 comments)
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Networking Works, But Why? - 02/06/08 03:37 AM
We have all heard that networking works and it is one of the best ways to get new business for your company. Professionals, consultants and so many types of folks enjoy the networking process and develop long-term relationships with those they meet.
Local business relationships that refer them business and the others reciprocate in returning business to them, after they too have given referrals. What a great way to do business too. If you ask a long-standing business person;
"How do you get most of their business" or;
"Where does most of your business come from"
They will tell you that at least 80% of … (9 comments)
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Networking and Show Up Late to Chamber of Commerce Meetings - Why? - 02/06/08 03:19 AM
If you are a networker and want to become more efficient on meeting the right people, well then, let me suggest not being the first person at the event or party. You see it makes sense to let the crowd sort itself out first. You can allow the shameless sales people and hardcore party pitchers to make their sales spiels and let the party separate into groups.
Then when you come in some folks will be bored talking with the same people they talk to each week and the party crashers, free food groupies and shameless sales people will have separated you … (1 comments)
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Real Estate Selling Techniques and Perceived Uninterested Prospects - 02/06/08 03:09 AM
Many sales managers will tell their sales staff that you need not contact a prospect if you have contacted them twice or three times already and they still are not interested. However, if you are a salesperson you should be careful how you perceived uninterested prospects.
Perhaps it is something you said or perhaps they are interested but not at this time and they are very busy. It therefore pays to stay in contact with uninterested prospects whether you perceived them to never be buyers or not. Remember perceptions are not the whole picture, they are a glimpse or clue to … (1 comments)
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Salesmen Often Talk Too Much About Their Companies - 02/06/08 02:53 AM
If you are a salesperson and you love your product and service this is a good thing. Yet, if you are so excited that you become a one-man testimonial then you are telling and you are not selling. Salesmen often talk too much about their companies rather than listening to the prospect in order to sell their products and services.
How can you know if the prospect or potential customer is interested in your products or services if you do not listen? How do you know if you are having the customer or prospect level with you on their needs and desires … (1 comments)
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Real Estate Sales and Building the Relationship - 02/06/08 02:29 AM
It is important in sales to build relationships so that the client will confide in you all their needs and problems that they need solved. By knowing all objections ahead of time you can best serve them, while not wasting your time. Without this relationship you cannot expect them to open up to logically discuss this.
Even if you were to cross the ethical line and try for a slam sale and even perhaps make the sale, no one is served and there will be problems down the road. Even if you have made a sale on terms or price alone you … (1 comments)
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Develop a Positive Attitude for Your Real Estate Career Today - 02/06/08 01:47 AM
Are you looking to increase your positive attitude in life and develop a more positive perspective in your world? If so, this will surely help your real estate career. Okay, so you are indeed serious, well the first thing you should be considering then is looking in the mirror, developing your self and bettering your situation.
Have you considered helping someone else during your busy and hectic day perhaps, complimenting another person and improving their day - make sure it is genuine of course and only compliment them if they deserve it you see? Develop a positive attitude by doing something for … (6 comments)
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Direct Mail Advertising and Envelope Barrier Strategies - Real Estate Marketing - 02/06/08 01:28 AM
In direct mail advertising, we talk often about the envelope barrier and there are many things you can do to prevent the letter-opening barrier from hurting your chances of your potential customer from seeing your brochure, flyer or advertising piece that you have sent out via US Mail.
Now then, as a hands-on type franchisor founder; I personally oversaw the marketing of 110 markets, 450 cities in 23-states and four countries and while direct mail marketing was not our primary method of reaching potential clients and our target market customers, it was indeed one way. And we were extremely affective with it.
We … (3 comments)
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Real Estate Market Saturation and Brand Building in Your Local Market - 02/06/08 01:03 AM
Is your company brand literally saturating your target local real estate market? Is your real estate company literally everywhere and on the lips of your clients, competition and vendors? Do your competing sales teams compare themselves to you in sales calls? Well having been a Founder of a Franchise Company, we had saturated our target markets and yes, our competitors always compared them selves to us and that actually helped us even more.
I call saturating your target market with your brand name; "The Power of Presence" and when you have that you will know it and so will everyone else for … (1 comments)
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Selling, Marketing and Identifying Your Competitive Advantage in the Real Estate Sector - 02/06/08 12:50 AM
Do you own a small real estate company and are you interested in making sure that your message to your clients and future clients is indeed the right one? Do you have a competitive advantage over the competition? Have you identified that competitive advantage? If you do not find a competitive advantage then your competition will outsell you. Worse, they might take your competitive advantage and claim it for themselves.
Have you informed your target market of this special competitive advantage and what it means for them when they buy from you or sign a listing agreement. Once you identify your competitive … (0 comments)
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Marketing Your Real Estate Company on a Small Budget - 02/06/08 12:00 AM
So often, I talk with small business people, some of whom are in the real estate field who are worried that they need more clients and do not quite understand how to market their companies to get the most bang for their buck. One very inexpensive thing you can do is to use flyers to promote your business and I am not suggesting you run around town and put flyers on everyone's windshield wipers as that really ticks people off big time.
What I am saying is that if you are careful to hand out flyers in strategic places and to other … (8 comments)
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You Must Know Your Market - No Matter What Sector of Our Economy You Work in - 02/05/08 11:35 PM
When launching a new product or service into the marketplace in a particular market sector you must understand and know your target customer. You must know the demographics of your market including the buying behavior of the customer and the trends that are happening in the marketplace. You must know your market. The same goes for putting a listing into the market place. If you don't know your market, you are doing nothing more than throwing darts at the wall.
If you fail to understand and adapt to the market changes as they occur or if you fail to register the reality … (0 comments)
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Networking vs. Selling - At Chamber of Commerce Meetings - 02/05/08 11:22 PM
If you attend networking clubs, service clubs or Chamber of Commerce meetings to meet people, promote your company and also help the local community while joining with other businesses in a common cause, well I salute you for your efforts. It is great to see like-minded business folks out doing the right thing. For those of you who do not do such things to help their business, perhaps you sell to people who are all outside your area where you live and instead you network online.
If you are considering doing a little networking and have not yet done so, well good … (5 comments)
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Real Estate Sales Training Tip: Recognizing a Hot Prospect - 02/05/08 11:04 PM
Sales trainers and sales managers need to teach their sales force and their salespeople to recognize when a prospect is a hot prospect and the difference of when a prospect is not interested. This will help the salespeople manage their time better and spend their client time and resources with those prospects and potential customers who desire the services that they are selling or the products they are offering.
A good real estate salesperson working under a great sales manager should know this instinctively and the sales manager must make sure that each and every real estate salesperson in the group can … (1 comments)
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Business Management and Charting Progress at Your Real Estate Company - 02/05/08 10:30 PM
Are you monitoring the results of your real estate management team? Are you charting the progress of your organization? Are you paying attention to the organizational capital, which comes thru - working thru crisis and achieving results?
Can your real estate management team cut the mustard? Does everyone in your real estate group put in their 110% each and every day or do you have social parasites on the team? Do you have too many ladder climbers who are completely self-absorbed? Have you ever considered this? When a mistake is made on your team or the organizational management structure is breaking down … (0 comments)
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Do You Practice Smart Marketing in Your Real Estate Advertising, Marketing and Branding Endeavors? - 02/05/08 09:31 PM
What is a Smart marketing system? Well, a Smart Marketing System (SMS) is not really a known term, but rather a term coined by someone who writes marketing books, does seminars and is a consultant in marketing. It makes sense to coin new phrases and new terms and indeed that is in perfect form of someone who does marketing. Perhaps this post will get you thinking about your real estate marketing?To me, I believe a Smart Marketing System would be one that would be similar to the one that I developed for by franchising company, which I had founded. I called … (2 comments)
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Business Negotiation: Be Careful If You Win Too Much - 02/05/08 06:57 AM
One of the worst things I have discovered in Business Negotiation is that, so often, one party will oversell leaving very little on the table for the other party. Sure you shake hands and look them in the eyes when completed but you wonder if they can perform or if they have over promised? Will they deliver on that promise or will they fall short and then what?
No one has time to waste in the courtroom and so often, that is where lopsided deals end up. That makes no sense when you have a business to run. We see this most … (4 comments)
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Business Meeting Networking and Working a Room - Real Estate Public Relations and Marketing - 02/05/08 06:40 AM
Anyone who has done a lot of networking knows how beneficial it can be for a business or career advancement. They often say - "It is all in who you know" and well, a lot can be said for that, can't it? Indeed and therefore understanding how to network is essential.
You need to understand how to engage people in conversation find out what they are all about and move around and try to meet and talk with as many people as possible. This is not often easy to do considering someone may find you interesting and therefore make it tough for … (4 comments)
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Tips to Making Your Real Estate Business Plan - 02/05/08 06:19 AM
If you are considering starting a real estate business then making a business plan is a good idea. A professional business plan for your real estate endeavors can help you become more successful in your business. All businesses plans have an executive summary.
The executive summary should be no more than two pages and you should write one rough draft before you start, which is an overview of your business plan and then rewrite the whole executive summary after you are done with your business plan so it matches. It should be a synopsis of the entire plan itself.
Your Real Estate business plan … (3 comments)
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How to Write a Real Estate Blog Post or an Article Fast - 02/05/08 06:06 AM
How can you write an article for your Blog, a forum or for an online article submission site really fast? Well, it is fairly easy once you get the hang of it and you should be able to write an article every ten minutes if you learn the secrets to pumping them out. First, you need to concentrate on production, not on merely a single article at a time. For instance, right now I have 152 articles I am working presently, which will all be done by the end of this week, some of these you will see here, as they … (7 comments)
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As a Real Estate Professional; an Organized Life Has its Advantages - 02/05/08 05:43 AM
If you are trying to propel your business career, profession, schooling, parenting, hobbies or health and exercising well, an organized approach to such endeavors gives you a distinct advantage over those who do not care or pay attention to details.
Organizing your life and endeavors helps you become more efficient with your time and therefore get more done. Time management is essential in that as you increase your activities you decrease your spare time. You must get many things done at once and having an organized life helps you achieve more in less time. An organized life has its advantages.
How can you … (10 comments)
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Where Real Estate Advertising and Marketing Theory falls Short - 02/05/08 05:19 AM
There are many theories in Advertising, which we learned in MBA school, yet many fall very short in the real world, where there is competition, changing demographics, intense adjusting of consumer buying behavior and so many more methods of advertising than ever before. For instance all the online advertising techniques used in the Real Estate sector.
Indeed, it is truly amazing that the MBA textbooks can keep up with it all and really they can't. If you wish to stay up on what is new in advertising you really need to read the research data and white papers on the subject and … (2 comments)
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What You Need to Know About Tracking Your Advertising and Marketing Dollars - 02/05/08 05:10 AM
Are you getting the proper return on investment of your advertising dollar? Do you feel that your marketing dollars and advertising expenditures are getting the results that you want? How do you track your advertising and marketing dollar expenses? Do you survey customers to make sure how they learned about your products or services?
Have you considered the ratio of advertising dollars to new customers? Are you sure that your advertising dollar delivery is sending the proper message to your target market and potential customers? What methods do you have a place for tracking advertising and marketing dollars? Do you have a … (2 comments)
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Chamber of Commerce Networking and Cleavage Issues - 02/05/08 04:56 AM
If you are into networking to help your business grow then you are already a smart marketer and a smart cookie. Often in the past when I was fully engaged in local politics, growing my business and the local chamber of commerce, service clubs and charities, I went to events and used my networking skills to advance my company and propel our efforts forward.
One thing that I found very interesting was that when a beautiful woman came in looking her best and showing cleavage, immediately the party would move over that way and the largest groups would be centered around her … (1 comments)
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How to Deal With A Death in the Family and Still Run Your Small Business - 02/05/08 04:38 AM
As a small business owner we have to deal with tax law changes, local ordinances, environmental laws, Worker's Compensation, etc. Just when we thought we had everything under control, something terrible happens. A death in the family. Oh my God you say? What do I do now? Well since I have been there, let me tell you what you need to know.
When someone close died in my life, I plunged immediately into an unfamiliar state of emotion, frustration, anxiety and grief. Needless to say, I wasn't any good to my business. I couldn't make decisions and was totally helpless not knowing … (2 comments)
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Super Computers Needed - Economy too Complex - Federal Reserve Needs Upgraded Software - 02/05/08 04:15 AM
4-D Situational Analysis of Cycles, Flows, Logistics, Events software has come along way. Perhaps the Federal Reserve needs to use these modeling computerized informational systems to record and watch the monetary flows of our nation. Recently we have read about the DOD contracts on 4-D imaging for war room readiness and field ops.
By taking into account the latest technologies and understanding the principles of such a realistic real time modeling study, so much is possible. Good things for mankind and we are so near, so close really. Think of the tools we have infrared, thermo scanners, night vision, radar, lasers, … (0 comments)
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Retirement Advice and Cheat Sheet for Small Business Owners - 02/05/08 03:54 AM
RETIREMENT PLAN CONSIDERATIONS are something every small business person needs to be thinking about. Do you have a strategic plan? Don't expect to have social security save you. Topics to consider when developing a retirement plan for yourself and your employees.
ADVISOR:
Independent Advisory FirmInsurance Brokerage BasedSecurities Brokerage Based
PLAN ADMINISTRATOR/SERVICE PROVIDER:
Third Party AdministratorInsurance CompanyMutual Fund CompanySecurities Brokerage Company
TRUSTEE OR CUSTODIAN:
Insurance CompanyMutual Fund CompanySecurities Brokerage CompanySelf-Trustee
TYPE OF PLAN:
IRARoth IRASimplified Employee Pension Plan - (SEP)Savings Incentive Match Plan For Employees IRA - (SIMPLE IRA)Savings Incentive Match Plan For Employees 401 (k) - (SIMPLE 401 (k))401 (k) PlanMoney Purchase Pension PlanProfit Sharing Pension Plan403 (b) PlanTarget … (0 comments)
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Concept to Capitalize Our Small and Medium Businesses - 02/05/08 03:41 AM
Here is an idea to capitalize small businesses using Financial Markets instead of SBA loans and Small Banks. There is a break down in the system, but first let me say that the current process is too bureaucratic since it is supervised by a government agency, often, taking 30-plus days with all the required paperwork.
Typically, in my observations and opinion, dumb loans are made and better loans are not made, due to political correctness. Then the SBA, SBDC, Chambers of Commerce and local economic development groups PR the loan and instant success of said business and a year later the … (0 comments)
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If Burger King Really Does Gets Rid of the Whopper - the Kingdom and Commercial Real Estate Market are at Risk! - 02/05/08 03:17 AM
Perhaps you have been noticing the huge number of Burger King Commercials, which tell the story that the "whopper" has been discontinued. Well, luckily you can still get the Whopper. Myself I like the Double Whopper with cheese, as it is nearly twice as good as the Big Mac. But, it is about the same as the Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger. Still, the Double-Double from In-and-out is better, so is the Backyard Burger and the Ultimate Cheeseburger from Jack-n-Box. Indeed, a Juicy Lucy is a hell of a burger also.
Well, perhaps you know all about pop-culture, QSRs Quick Service Restaurants and … (0 comments)
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Population Density Often Determines Quality of Life - Real Estate Factors and Humanitarian Disasters in Kenya - 02/04/08 06:09 AM
As the density of a city goes up we know that human behavior changes, the higher the density the more bizarre it can become and the greater propensity for explosive problems. What if I told that there was a place on Earth where 800,000 people lived in under a 2.8 square miles? Would you believe that, because this place does exist, I guess my first statement about this place would be that;
"It is a Humanitarian Disaster!"
In fact, it is so bad that I was compelled to write a book about my observations of this place. What is the name of … (6 comments)
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With the Real Estate Market Primed to Turn Around Why Not Take the Vacation of a Lifetime Now - 02/04/08 05:26 AM
Have you ever thought about taking an exotic vacation? Well, with the real estate market still in the tank, but showing signs of recovery, dipping thru a tough bottom and a long slow climb upward maybe this is time for the journey, vacation and experience of a lifetime. Exactly, what am I suggesting? Well, how about a vacation that pays it forward, takes you to a beautiful and scenic third world, without costing you very much?
I am talking about a vacation where you help others and participate in the best of humanity. A medical mission, where you will help wonderful people … (9 comments)
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Business Brokers Selling Franchises for Franchisors - Something to Think About - 02/03/08 11:57 PM
Many franchisors and the business brokers they hire to sell their franchises in the marketplace believe that there is a certain type of person that they are targeting in order to sell them a franchise. This is a mistake in modern-day franchising and let me tell you why.
First, let me say that I am the founder of a franchising company and became a franchisor in my 30s. In the beginning of my franchising career, I had a business plan for marketing my franchises. I originally had considered that there was a certain type of person I was looking for to buy … (1 comments)
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Why Franchisors Must Choose Only Savvy Business Brokers to Work With - 02/03/08 11:45 PM
One thing I learned early in my franchising career is that you ever sell a franchise without a one-on-one meeting, sounds like good advice right? Yes, but it is not as easy as you might think - this is why it pays to have a network of business brokers you can trust and can work closely with.
You see, it is so important for franchisors to pick the very best franchisees to run with in the marketplace. Without the best possible team it is hard to win in a highly competitive industry and that is why the interview is so important. … (0 comments)
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If You Want to be a Great Business Broker then You must Understand the Franchise Business Model - 02/03/08 11:29 PM
The Modern Day Franchising Model is perhaps the greatest business strategies ever created in the history of mankind. Why you ask? Well, franchising pays dividends to both Franchisee and Franchisor in a Win/Win Situation. When the Franchisees win, the Franchisor wins in increased brand name and increased royalty income.
As the brand name becomes more popular, the Franchisee finds more loyalty in their customer base and the Franchisor finds a greater number of new entrants wishing to buy into the franchise system as new potential team members or Franchisees. This allows the Franchisor to be more choosy in which potential new team … (2 comments)
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Business Brokers and Franchisors - A Relationship that Must Be Nurtured - 02/03/08 11:19 PM
Should a new or smaller franchiser align themselves with a business broker in order to generate regional sales rather than setting up a master franchise, regional partnership or sub-franchiser strategy? Business Brokers look enticing to the smaller franchiser, since they know the market and the people there and put lots of advertising into that market.
Nevertheless, a Franchiser needs to be careful on who they are dealing with and make sure that the Business Brokers do not break the franchise rule, as one slip of the tongue by and the franchiser opens themselves up to litigation in the future, beware.
This is not … (0 comments)
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Helping Educate Your Homebuyers on Burglary Prevention After they Buy is Good PR - 02/03/08 11:04 PM
There are lots of good reasons to stay in contact with your homebuyers after they buy, the most important one is referrals that will allow you to grow your business far into the future. Building your business strong with referrals can help you survive the downturns in the real estate market cycle, so its just good business to stay in touch and the best way to do that is through informational marketing.
Informational marketing can be as easy as sending out a newsletter or putting your buyers on an email list alerting them of neighborhood information or blog postings. If you are … (6 comments)
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Media Incited Fears of Nuclear Waste Build-up in Your State Can Drive Real Estate Buyers Away - 02/03/08 10:49 PM
There are huge issues in the world with Nuclear Waste from power plants contaminating local and regional environments. In many nations, these problems are at crisis levels, but in the US it is not as big of a problem, because the Nuclear Regulatory body has things under pretty good control. Still, there are conspiracy theories, late night radio talk shows and the occasional sensationalized news story. Every once in a while there is a legitimate concern somewhere of the potential for contamination, however generally there is little cause for alarm.
One thing that our Online Think Tank has seen is that in … (3 comments)
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Just Because You Got Some Rain, Does Not Mean the Drought in Your Area is Over - 02/03/08 10:31 PM
Droughts and Residential Real Estate Value go hand-in-hand. When an area is in drought that causes a confidence problem with homebuyers in the area, thus driving prices down and when a city is in level III drought, well that is about as serious as it gets. Couple that with an already difficult real estate market and it can spell disaster for home sales and real estate prices in the area. Voluntary water restrictions should be taken seriously although they often are not, especially in a drought period, when the region gets a little rain - suddenly folks think the drought is … (2 comments)
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Home Auctions Attracting Home Buyers Now - 02/03/08 10:09 PM
Home auctions have been increasing lately, which probably isn't surprising anyone, considering the increases in foreclosures. Home buyers seem to like the idea of immediate sales and these home auctions are attracting speculators now, looking to buy real estate while interest rates are low and prices are as well. Of course, these auctions do not only have foreclosures, there are many other types of homes there, such as tax lien sales. There are all types of homes; fixer-uppers, uncompleted homes in mid-construction, fire damaged insurance sales, and all types of other scenarios.
A real estate agent probably is bothered by this because, … (3 comments)
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Buy a Brand New Home - Six Months No Payments Financing - Limited Time Only - 02/03/08 09:45 PM
So, I am reading thru the newspaper the other day, yes with a pair of scissors and a highlighter, that's me, you know the type. Trying to keep a pulse on society, consumers and various industries, government agencies, politics and information, but unlike other people you know who do this, I have an excuse. I am the coordinator for the Online Think Tank, amongst other endeavors. Plus, you know it also allows me to monitor the mass media hysteria over the real estate market.
Anyway, yes, well, I am reading this ad in the Real Estate section of the LA Times, yes, … (5 comments)
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Cuban Real Estate Agents in Havana are Much Better than their US Counterparts - 02/03/08 09:08 PM
Not long ago, I read this interesting write up in the New York Times about Real Estate Agents in Cuba, it turns out these folks are much better than US Real Estate Agents, as they are able to keep track of lots of different deals without even writing them down. This requires a much higher memory, which would indicate that they are very smart individuals. Being a Real Estate agent in Havana is much more difficult than in the US, only certain people can even get away with doing that job.
The standards are quite interesting there, and even with that said … (8 comments)
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California Fire Victims are Rebuilding Faster Due to Availability of Builders During Housing Downturn - 02/03/08 08:02 AM
The building industry has been a little tough ever since the bottom fell out of the housing market, but its been a couple of years now and things are adjusting. Many builders in Southern California are finding work rebuilding after the big fires. Some 2300 residences were burned to the ground in 2007, normally they would have had to wait for the rebuilding to start, but with building slow in the post Housing Bubble Burst, that is not the case.
Builders are happy as they are able to keep employees on the payroll and have decent work. Homeowners are thrilled, because soon … (5 comments)
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Refinancing Applications are Growing with Recent Rate Cuts - When Do Real Estate Sales Take Off Again? - 02/03/08 07:33 AM
Refinancing applications are growing by leaps and bounds now with this recent set of FED rate cuts NYT New York Times and the WSJ Wall Street Journal report that this is the highest number of mortgage refi applications since March of 2004. In fact, soon that number will be surpassed as well. Low rates and lots of real estate inventory in a buyer's market, might signal the best time to buy in several decades.
I am not sure if anyone else here at ActiveRain has been noticing but the Mortgage Brokers amongst us, have been posting less and commenting a lot … (11 comments)
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Builders Finding a Break Selling Business Condos - 02/03/08 06:21 AM
With all the excess residential inventory on the market, builders are being extremely leery of building new condo complexes in many regions of the country. However, Business Condos are selling, no they are not breaking any speed records, but they are selling well in many markets and holding their own. Of course, denials of a downturn in the business cycle or recession have finally come to a head with the latest economic figures out. Additionally, the "January Barometer" performance in the stock market, well, historically that is a troubling sign.
Will Business Condo Sales continue to be good throughout 2008 now with … (0 comments)
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Voter Attitude and Confidence in the Real Estate Market will Reflect in Super Tuesday's Vote - 02/03/08 05:05 AM
Super Tuesday, will most likely determine who stays on the Presidential Candidate Island and who is kicked-off the row of podiums. The race is narrowing and each major party is looking to their leading candidate who they will support against the other sides candidate. It seems unfortunate that it has to be an either or race, or the fact that we are dividing ourselves. Some have said they want a third chose, a third party to run. Others say they want a additional box on the 2008 Presidential Ballot; None of the Above.
No matter how we feel about the election, it … (5 comments)
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California is Overdue for an Earthquake - Is the Real Estate Market Ready for Another Quake? - 02/03/08 04:09 AM
There are several theories as to the various dynamics that come together for Earthquakes to occur, even if all these theories are not scientifically applicable, those who live in California do so with that ever-present danger. Many say we are coming up on a period of high risk, of course that goes without saying, as it has been a while since California had a major Earthquake. Its way overdo now.
The media had a field day of doom and gloom during the Real Estate crash and subprime lending fall-out in California. "Earthquake hits California Real Estate Market" and similar headlines were … (1 comments)
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Trends in Fast Food Restaurant Robotics - The ROI of Commercial Real Estate & Business Outlets - 02/02/08 09:39 PM
In 2005 we saw a paradigm shift in Starbucks Corporations retail strategy. A strategy from making customers at home in their "third place" to serving consumer rapidly at the drive thru. It seems this strategy is working as people want their latte now and they want it fast. Now Starbucks has brought back the Founder Howard Schultz to bring back sagging sales. There is quite a bit of innovation going on in the restaurant and coffee sector. All of it affects commercial real estate. Without proper ROI, these businesses become unviable for the real estate needs under those outlets.
Many corporate fast … (6 comments)
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ADA Regulations on Commercial Propertys Out of Control - Needs to Be More Reasonable - 02/02/08 09:28 PM
The rules and regulations of the American Disabilities Act should be administered in good faith and with better regards to what is reasonable. Once we build a car wash, which had 20 employees estimated during the planning phases, I think that there were eventually 35 people as we grew the business.
The planning commission demanded 3.5 (4 since you have to round up) handicap stalls, as a condition of passing the request to build it. At our car was there was only one position that could take a physically challenged person. The Cashier, obviously since we have to put in handicap parking … (6 comments)
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New Special Group Created to Discuss Modification of ActiveRain Point System - 02/02/08 05:43 AM
First, I wish to thank ActiveRain God "Rich the Merciful" (King Richard the VII) for setting up and making this Special Group for all those who wish to improve the ActiveRain System and we hope to soon change the picture of the group to this scale, rather than the Crying Baby that is there now:
http://activerain.com/groups/pointwhiners
Because the reason for this comment is about one thing, JUSTICE, especially for the newbies. Indeed, the Future Modification of the Point System, that will be instituted here at ActiveRain will assist in decreasing attrition rates of those people who come and set up profiles and then … (31 comments)
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Lead By Example or Lead By Fear - In Real Estate You Are Going to Have to Choose Sometime - 02/01/08 11:59 PM
There are many ways to lead people, the best way predicts Machiavelli in The Prince, is to lead by example, and be loved and respected. Of course, too Machiavelli is quick to note that if that does not work the second best way is to lead by fear; feared and respected. I propose you learn how to lead by example and to be loved and respected and try to continue that method, as it is best for all concerned. Now then, just so you know what we are talking about here let me recommend a couple of books to you:
"Innovation and … (5 comments)
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A Great Non-Real Estate Book for Women Serious About the Real Estate Profession - 02/01/08 11:47 PM
It is not often that I recommend a chick flick to my friends and it is not often that I read a biography about a super star and famous woman. But there is an exception to every rule, and I am here today to share with you just one of those exceptions. A book about a woman entrepreneur that shocked the world with her success. And she did it selling cookies, which is incredible in itself.
Why do I recommend this book to women entrepreneurs in the real estate field? For the same reason, that I recommend it to any entrepreneur … (10 comments)
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What Can a Real Estate Company Learn About Marketing from Big Blue (IBM)? - 02/01/08 11:35 PM
A small local real estate office must be good at marketing to succeed in their local market, especially if they have visions of expanding outward into the regional area. As easy as that may sound from an MBA Text Book scenario, those who have done it, look back and can tell you, it wasn't easy. It may look it, but it is no walk in the park. Indeed, there are many who have tried and failed, perhaps you have seen this happen in your neck of the woods?
A lot about success is attitude and people in business, and that goes for … (1 comments)
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How to Invite a Home Stager to Active Rain, Even when they are a Total Stranger! - 02/01/08 11:19 PM
If you meet an interior designer and find out they do a little Home Staging too, I have a good idea on what you should do. You see, it is important for all home stagers to be on board here at ActiveRain. Today, there are a huge number of home stagers out there, and it is my contention that they might do a lot better if they joined us here. So, How would you go about inviting a Home Stager to Active Rain, even if they are a Total Stranger to become an official ActiveRainer. Well, to me it came as … (8 comments)
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What Did Ziggy Say About Selling Real Estate in 1982? - 02/01/08 11:07 PM
Some folks have been complaining that the real estate market is a little tough right now and depending on where they are selling real estate, well, I'd say they were pretty much on target there. But, I say to them, stop complaining and go sell something. Complaining ought to get you about zero sales, unless you find some billionaire that thinks you have a nice body or a pretty smile and decides to buy a home to cheer up your day. Believe me when I tell you; it ain't gonna happen.
So, what can you do? Well, why not brush up on … (2 comments)
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The Real Estate Industry is Full of Get Rich Quick Schemers Promising You Can Make Millions, but.. .. - 02/01/08 10:52 PM
Have you ever turned on the TV only to see an Infomercial on how you can make millions in the real estate industry, inviting you to buy DVDs, Tapes, or go to an action packed seminar in some far off exotic land? It seems some of these folks are teaching people how to legally take retired citizen's homes from them, but little tricks in the property taxation rules. Indeed, it takes a ruthless and special sort of character to justify that.
Then there are the legitimate folks running seminars who do training of some sort for services in and around the industry … (1 comments)
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The Small Business Administration Has Been Giving Out Helpful Material for Decades - 02/01/08 10:37 PM
Many people are quite unaware of the incredible service that the US Small Business Administration provides small business owners. What is even more fascinating is that they have been giving out information for decades and some people are still unaware. I can remember as a young man, just starting my own business how happy I was to get this information.
Later, I assisted the SBDC and SBA programs in co-authoring a small business book, effectively paying the system back for all it had given me. If you doubt that the SBA has been doing this for over 40 years now, let … (3 comments)
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What Kind of a Leader Are You - Can You Lead Your Real Estate Company to Success? - 02/01/08 04:34 AM
The big debate over whether leaders are born or made is somewhat irrelevant if you are in a leadership position. If leaders are made and you are a natural leader then you need to continually strive to be better. If you had to learn to be a leader the hard way, then you better stay on top of things or it will all come crashing down around you.
My advice therefore is to take your on-going education seriously, not because anyone else makes you take tests, but because you need to be reading about leadership and thinking about it all the time … (3 comments)
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Time is On Your Side, Is On Your Side - Use Time Wisely in Your Real Estate Career - 02/01/08 04:16 AM
If you are going to succeed in Real Estate in 2008, then you must be a master of your time and not a slave to your digital clock. Have you noticed that fewer and fewer people wear watches anymore? Well, electronic personal tech marketers have. In fact, in the mid 1990's Bill Gates was showing off a prototype wristwatch, email, cell phone, PDA, all-in-one device. Later it was determined that it would not cell, because folks already have cell phones that did everything, yes including a watch too.
Now with technology getting smaller, Voice Recognition getting more robust, well who knows soon … (3 comments)
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Success in Life with Your Wife is Like Winning in Real Estate in 2008 - 02/01/08 03:59 AM
Nothing good in life is easy, not a marriage, not education, not your job, not being a parent. But there are things you need to know about success that it might be better to learn by reading a book, rather than finding out the hard way.
Not long ago, I decided to get rid of some of the books in my private business library, they are taking up a lot of space. Many of them are old and I doubt I have any need to keep them around about 5,000 collected over about 25-years or so, down to a more manageable … (4 comments)
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Are You Involved in the Game in the ActiveRain? - 02/01/08 03:44 AM
Never blog in the fog, never blog on a log, and never answer a blog written by a frog - did you know the word "blog" was first used by Dr. Seuss? If you are going to get the most out of Active Rain you need to be deeply involved in the game yet, at the same time you cannot take your eye off the ball every detail is important no matter how small. When you comment on another blog or write your own post you should take it seriously and give it your most.
The trick here is simple you see, … (3 comments)
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Don't Go Insane Over ActiveRain! - 02/01/08 03:22 AM
ActiveRain is a social network, however it is also a business tool and you should use it as such. If you get too caught up in the chaos and controversy of Bloggers and their blog postings then you will waste a considerable amount of time to no avail. You should not go insane over active rain, be glad for a little precipitation thru your active participation. Remember, this is a Real Estate Referral Network and your goal is to give referrals and get them as well.
You need to meet new friends and make new business associates at ActiveRain so you can … (15 comments)
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How on Earth Did that Real Estate Deal Go South Like a Snowbird Homebuyer? - 02/01/08 02:48 AM
Have you ever lost a deal and then thought to yourself, how on Earth did that happen, everything was perfect and poof, all gone in an instant, along with any commission? Since, I am certain this has happened to you, let me recommend a very good book that might shed some light on the psychology of such transactions;
"I'm Okay - You're Okay; a Practical Guide to Transactional Analysis"
by Thomas A. Harris, M.D. - 1967.
This is a classic for psychology and of noteworthy interest for all. The book goes thru life stages and psychological observation from child, teen, adult and old age … (1 comments)
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Is it Time to Upgrade Your Real Estate Company in 2008? - 02/01/08 02:37 AM
Change never comes easy, but it is essential if you want to win. I like to win, and perhaps you do to? Although, I must say in every city there can only be one true winner in each market; that would be me of course. If you are not a winner, cool, because for every number one winner in the market there are lots of losers out there. So, either way I thank you? Did that sound bad?
Well, do not be alarmed you can win too. But if you are not winning yet, you need to change something. If you … (1 comments)
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So You Think You Understand Business Management Do You - Really Now? - 02/01/08 02:17 AM
Real Estate is a business, like any other business, it involves people and there is no getting around it. And if you want to succeed in business, well then it behooves you to know just a little bit about business management. So, without further delay, let me get to the point; you need to read and learn all you can about management and thus, I am going to recommend two very good books:
"Managing Team Performance -- evaluation, management, a reward"
By Saratoga Institute
This book, described setting up structures and delegating win building special-teams for a corporation or organization. It talked about providing … (0 comments)
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Just Because You Are Paranoid - Doesn't Mean the Competition is Not Spying on You! Yes, Even in Real Estate - 02/01/08 02:05 AM
Perhaps you don't know this but Corporate espionage is a real problem in the United States of America and the Federal Bureau of investigation has said that there are over 3000 Chinese spies in our country. To make matters worse, many business publications are explaining exactly how the Chinese spies are stealing our high-tech industry. One magazine article;
"Protecting Your Business against Espionage"
by Timothy Welch
not only explains the problem but also the methods that are used and in doing so has explained to criminals and spies new tactics. Another article;
"Sleuthing the Opposition: Does Anything Go?"
by Brian Moskal
seems to bring the problem … (0 comments)
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2008 The Funding of Alternative and Green Energy Innovations - 02/01/08 01:39 AM
The cost of using fossil fuels to make energy for our nation is getting to be an economic burden on our middle class and country. Using Oil for fuel in our cars is causing significant problems with monetary outflows. Burning coal is polluting the air and that is a challenge to our health and environment. Luckily, there is some good news on the way.
Clean Coal technologies are coming forward and this will prevent pollution in our coal-fired power plants. Also high fuel costs are helping us as well. How does that help us you ask? Well, Alternative Energy capitalization is getting … (3 comments)
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Real Estate Junk Articles on the Internet - Their Sole Purpose Is SEO Marketing - 02/01/08 01:30 AM
As an online article writer, who has posted over 10,000 articles on the Internet, some of the other articles I see often out there bother me. Informational marketing works in the real estate sector, and there are so many examples of proof, I need not cite another. However, in most industries we see similar strategies. Some of these articles look as if a computer wrote them and unfortunately, they may have been. I do believe this is an important topic.
Indeed, I see so many articles out there, and it is amazing how obvious it is that these articles were created or … (4 comments)
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Federal Budget Cuts Will Kill Federal Spending and Hurt the Housing Market in the DC Suburbs - 02/01/08 01:13 AM
After studying the regional economic collapse of the last several previous recent decades, I see unfortunate turbulence that will disturb our in flight movie this evening. Why you ask? Well, because the Federal Government has over spent, some was due to irresponsible fiscal policy and much was due to the outrageous cost of the Iraq War.
When money flows from the Federal Government, those areas that are in the flow of those expenditures see a huge economic benefit and this scenario has been repeated many many times over the last century. Within the last three decades I have had the pleasure … (7 comments)
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Online Social Networks are Dangerous to Freedom - Play at Your Own Risk - 02/01/08 01:06 AM
Whether an online social network is designed for business networking or fun socializing there are some things you need to be aware of. These networks reward an individual for compliance of behavior acceptable to the mob. Small clicks form, which soon turn into groups of pecking order and each group moves to force their will onto the larger group. Then there are disruptors, natural leaders, influencers and followers, indeed also a few unreasonable men. There are victims and villains, referees and attackers; and your experience can take you from emotional highs to thoughts questioning your strength of character.
All of this can … (5 comments)
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With John Edwards Out of the Race Wall Street is Singing a Happier Tune - Real Estate Market? - 02/01/08 12:55 AM
John Edwards is a class action lawyer by profession and to Corporate America, he may as well be Satin Himself. Class Action lawsuits are something that every medium to large corporation fears, as just the hint of a class action lawsuit can send their stock tumbling. Class Action lawsuits have hurt this country something terribly, and while some defend this mechanism to keep Corporate America inline, there are repercussions to the consumer who in the end pays the bill for the judgments.
John Edwards, has made 10s of millions of dollars personally from these types of lawsuits and is a very wealthy … (4 comments)
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Lance Winslow
Malibu,
CA
More about me…
The Car Wash Guy
Address: 74-478 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
Office Phone: (800) 879-8783 x 111
Email Me
Mr. Winslow uses the Active Rain Real Estate Industry Blog, to discuss issues that affect the Real Estate sector of our economy. His dialogues include such things as; droughts, subprime lending fallout, building materials, living off the grid, sales ethics, commercial property, crime, revitalizing downtowns, economic development, community volunteerism, and predicting the future of the real estate markets in the United States.
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