Anyone Dash yet? - 08/30/08 08:11 PM
I've been looking at this GPS unit, the Dash Express. 
It looks pretty cool.  It has internet connectivity through cellular and wifi networks.  So, instead of having a static list of restaurants or other area points of interest... it can search.  Maps can be automatically updated.  Traffic heat maps are on a whole new dimension. 
It also give three different route choices, their mileage and expected time.  That would be great for me, because I often like to go a slightly different way in order to accomplish something along the way (gotta combine those trips, you know!). 
But... using one is … (13 comments)

It isn't rocket science... - 08/30/08 12:10 PM
I have been littering the political posts of A|R with comments about policies being proposed by either McCain or Obama.  In some cases I have alluded to other things I think they should be considering.  And in both cases I think that the parties and the candidates are missing the boat. 
Energy...
The Democrats are complaining that we can't drill our way out of this.  They are whining that it will take 20 years for drilling to have any effect...
First, that is a lie.  It will be more like 3-5 years, but the effects would be felt immediately in the … (13 comments)

Blog Anthology, Posts dated 8/17-8/23 - 08/29/08 09:52 PM
You want to race what?  Seriously, there are a couple of real air race videos for this video Sunday... and one NOT serious, but hilarious. 
Jon Washburn here has been tracking a pile of RE blogs for a few months.  I have scraped my way up to #54.  But, I'm Going to break into the Top 50! at some point soon... I hope. 
I have been using Plugoo on my site as an IM chat client for several months.  It was a great solution.  And then I got a connection request from a consumer on my site and Plugoo cut … (0 comments)

Blog Anthology, Posts dated 8/10-8/16 - 08/29/08 09:36 AM
Racing is racing... there are just different scales.  F1 costs $300m+ to field a team for a year.  Nascar is starting to approach $100m.  Saturday Night Dirt Track racing can take up $25k or $250k.  What if you only want to spend $500?  There is a scale...
I've mentioned it here a couple of times.  Pardon the dust... I am up to my earballs in updating some stuff on LaneBailey.com.  I am cleaning up tags and links and adding "More" tags.  It's really boring. 
Real estate, the garage... where ever, I like cool tools... and I like using them.  And both … (3 comments)

Blog Anthology, Posts dated 8/3-8/9 - 08/28/08 11:14 PM
I have not made it a secret that I LOVE WRC (World Rally Championship) racing.  It is simply just about the most exciting form of racing in the world.  So, for Video Sunday, I got Back in the Rally again... Video Sunday. 
I am a fan of Localism.  I'm not hiding that much either.  While I think that it will need to grow for a while, it has serious potential.  So, Lilburn and Localism introduces it to my market.  Come on in.  Make yourself known. 
As an example of a nice local post for Localism, Lilburn City Park... not just for … (0 comments)

Blog Anthology, Posts dated 7/27-8/2 - 08/28/08 10:39 PM
Trying to get back on schedule withthe anthology of blog posts on LaneBailey.com... 
For Video Sunday, I paid a visit to one of the coolest tracks in the world... one that most people have never heard of.  Nordschleife, the real Nurburgring.  Even in its truncated form, it is over 13 miles long with 73 turns. 
I trotted out an old post to give it a little new exposure.  Dirty Little Real Estate Secret.  The media loves to "expose dirty secrets" and most of them aren't that juicy.  When I wrote it, I had just watched a news story about a dirty … (0 comments)

Rainbow Fish... Bad for our children. - 08/28/08 10:05 PM
I'm sitting here watching Barack Obama deliver his acceptance speech.  And earlier today, I was thinking about the book Rainbow Fish.  And they gel. 
For the person out there that isn't familiar with this children's book, it is about a fish that is beautiful and vain.  He has shiny colorful scales.  He thinks he is better than the other fish, and doesn't want to play with them.  One of the other small fish asks the Rainbow Fish for a scale, and he refuses.  After that, the other fish ostracize him until he give away all of his scales to them, except … (11 comments)

Historic Green... - 08/28/08 12:15 AM
Everything old is new again... 
Like electric cars.  Think that they are a new idea?  Think again.  In 1907, the Anderson Electric Car Company (later Detroit Electric) began building electric cars.  The range was over 80 miles... in 1907.  Of course, speeds were low (20mph) but not out of line with contemporaries.  And they peaked in the 1910s... during the high gas prices of WWI. 
But of course, electric isn't the only "Green" automotive tech.  There are also bio-fuels.  And for those that aren't up on their green tech, bio-fuels are those that come from plants rather than dead dinosaurs. 
… (10 comments)

I need help with something on my shoe... - 08/27/08 11:31 PM
I am cleaning up my blog... and it is really not fun.  I am making a few changes to the old posts, basically cleaning up the tags and adding "Read More" tags.  Boring... 
But, it is also forcing me to look at old posts. 
One of those posts was this... and that brings me to the point of my post. 
A little over a year ago, I made a bold prediction.  It was back in the days when I didn't really even get that many comments on my A|R blog.  So, there wasn't anyone to hold my feet to the fire.  … (9 comments)

Obama's Housing Plan - 08/26/08 06:10 PM
It is pretty easy to start out by saying that I am NOT a fan of Barak Obama for President.  As I have watched his candidacy unfold, I have noticed it long on rhetoric and short on reality, forethought and responsibility. 
Yesterday, Inman had a story about the Obama Housing Plan.  I'm not shocked... 
The first thing is that I came up with stated costs of $330,000,000,000.  By the way, that means that what he is proposing will cost $3,000 for every single household in the country.  Of course, the Obama camp is well aware that 97% of income taxes are … (23 comments)

Video Tutorial #4: When to use the Flip and when to call in the pros? - 08/24/08 09:20 PM
 
Tara and TJ have done it again.  Watch and enjoy.  Be sure to hit them up if you have any questions.  They are a great resource, not just for Diamond Dwellings, but for everyone here at A|R. 
 
Via Tara Jones (Reel Productions TV):
Click below to check out this week's episode:
 
Reel Tech TV Episode 4 When is the best time to use a Flip camera and when is the best time to call in the pros?  Check out this week's episode of Reel Tech TV to find out!  Brought you by Reel Dwellings TV a production company dedicated … (5 comments)

REblogWorld Discount for Active Rainers - 08/24/08 04:28 PM
 
What Matt fails to say in this post is that this time he has been invited to speak on the Multi-User Blogging panel with Pat Kitano... and that he will be moderating a panel on Real Estate Video.  He also failed to mention that he isn't springing for me to go to Vegas... what fun can there be without me?
Anyway, take a look.  And keep in mind, Diamond Dwellings is working to be on the front of the wave in regards to RE-tech.
 
Via Diamond Dwellings Realty:
I've attended a lot of RE conferences in the last 5 … (4 comments)

Like I didn't have enough to do... - 08/23/08 11:07 PM
So, I write on Active|Rain... generally 10 posts a week... I know, I want the points, but it also keeps me disciplined.  I write 7 posts a week for LaneBailey.com... again, one post a day is WAY easier for me to do that any other number because if I slack off the momentum, I might just stay slacked off... 
But, now I am writing for LilburnDwellings.com and GwinnettDwellings.com and DiamondDwellings.com.  The good news is that I get to share content between the Dwellings' sites.  Gwinnett Dwellings has content from all of the area hyper-local blogs, and Diamond Dwellings picks up the … (11 comments)

Short Sales, Sport Jackets and other lies... - 08/23/08 10:21 PM
I just had to go get a "sport jacket" this evening...  I just want to know:
What sport is a "Sport Jacket" for?
It isn't.  I've watched a bunch of Olympics over the last couple of weeks...  Aside from the Equestrian events (less of a sport than auto racing...) there were no competitions in "sport jackets."  None.  So, why do they call it a sport jacket?  Maybe because it is better than "uncomfortable jacket worn for no apparent reason"? 
And Short Sales? 
Not much better...  I know why they are called "short sales" and it isn't because they are short.  … (9 comments)

Tuscany condo in Mid-town Atlanta... reduced - 08/21/08 01:14 PM

This is a great 1 bedroom/1 bathroom condo that also features a den/office. With 966 square feet (tax records) of interior room, and a 103 square foot patio (builder's plan), there is more space than in other 1bd/1ba floorplans.
This is a great top-floor unit with a view out to mid-town, overlooking Juniper Street. It features a lovely double sided fireplace between the living room and the den, halogen track lighting, and a huge walk-through closet in the master bedroom. It also features beautiful wood floors throughout, and luxurious solid surface countertops in the kitchen and bath.
All kitchen appliances … (8 comments)

Want to be Real Estate Agent 2.0? - 08/21/08 12:26 PM
Diamond Dwellings Realty will be hosting a series of seminars and round tables on utilizing various Web 2.0 technologies for real estate agents and brokers.  Free. 
Social Networking - How to efficiently cover a lot of ground, and which social Networks are best for agents and brokers.  We'll talk about Twitter, FaceBook, Flickr, LinkedIn and much more.  Blogging - Of course, if you are here... you may already have a handle on it.  But, we will talk about ways to get past writer's block and also some cool tools to make your blog more interesting. Video - I can't gautantee this … (20 comments)

Fox 5's iTeam at my listing... updated... - 08/21/08 12:57 AM
Wow.  I don't know what else to say, but... Wow.
Back around the end of June, I found out that the Fox 5 iTeam wanted to shoot a segment in one of my listings, 9010 Brixham Court in Suwanee.  At first I only knew that it was about home managers and live in stagers.  I found out that they wanted to shoot the positive side of a bad situation...
It was going to air in July, but didn't actually air until the last 10 days. 
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
And after seeing it, WOW.  I am beside myself. 
I … (19 comments)

Networking... Be THE Rolodex... - 08/19/08 01:08 PM
Garrett had an ice skating lesson today.  So, while he was skating with Miss Jenny, I was cooling my heels.  One of the other coaches that Garrett has had in the last couple of months was wandering around, and said hi.  While we were chatting, she told me that she had just finished school and was looking for a job in a particular field. 
It just so happens that a good friend of mine is in a related field.  The other coach didn't know the best way to break into the new gig, so I told her I would give her … (11 comments)

Is all real estate REALLY local? - 08/18/08 03:45 PM
The NAR has been rallying around a new battle cry since the real estate market went from rampage to challenge. Most everyone has heard it by now...
All Real Estate is Local...
Well, it is, right? Isn't it? Well, yes and no.
I used to be firmly in the "real estate is local" school... in fact, before the NAR thought it was cool. But, as the NAR has shifted positions, I felt the need to re-examine MY position. I don't like it when I agree with the NAR too much.
Are you fer it?
No, that isn't a typo... it's a … (6 comments)

Reel Tech TV Flip Video Tech #3 - 08/18/08 01:20 AM
Tara and TJ have given us another installment of their Reel Tech TV series for the flip camera.  In this episode, they go into a little more detail on getting those videos from the camera to the computer. 
 
Reel Tech TV Episode 3  
Also, don't forget to check out TJ's blog between episodes of Reel Tech TV. He is posting up tips and answering questions about video for real estate.
Tara and TJ are another example of the great resources we have with Diamond Dwellings... but we'll share.  Be sure to describe to both Tara and TJ to get … (17 comments)

FMLS Showcase... Who's going? - 08/17/08 07:49 PM
It is that time of year again... FMLS Showcase at Galleria. 
Anyone planning on going?
I'm going to be there.  I think a few more of the Diamond Dwellings team will be in the house...  But, what about the other 44,982 real estate agents in Atlanta.  We have a few hundred listed here on Active|Rain...
Maybe we can do an impromptu A|R gathering...
Sure, we won't have Jon, Bob, Matt, Rich or even Brad... but we can still get together for lunch at Jocks & Jills or the Subway in the food court... hang out for a little bit... meet in … (10 comments)

It's a rip... - 08/17/08 01:31 PM
I'm sitting here watching Handball on the USA network... must be the Olympics.  At NO other time except during this quadrenial event is handball televised.  Handball...  Seriously. 
Now, I don't want to take away from the athletic accomplishments of the athletes participating in this fine sport, but I have a question...
Why is there NO form of auto racing in the Olympics?
After all, it is the singular most watched sport on the planet.  The Indy 500 is the biggest one day sporting event in the world... that's right kids, it is bigger than the super bowl.  Internationally...  In the US, … (6 comments)

Spicy... don't touch... - 08/16/08 10:54 PM
So, today I had to pick up food for a group picnic from Costco.  75 hungry people were counting on me for dinner... but I digress. 
As I wandered through the store, they were offering the samples that make the trip much like grazing.  One of the offerings was turkey burgers... oooh, aah... exotic.  I had my sample of the turkey burger... and just like any other hamburger, with just a little less edge... slightly more bland. 
Just after I had my little slice of burger, I watched (in horror?) a mother, grandmother and son with their samples...
Granny apparently had … (8 comments)

Is the American Sale going away? - 08/16/08 12:55 AM
For the last couple of years, the US Dollar has been taking a beating... a serious beating. 
Back at the beginning of 2007, a single Euro could buy around $1.20.  By April 22nd, that single Euro could buy about $1.60.  Think of it this way, 200,000 Euros could buy a $240k home in January 2007.  But in April, 2008, that same 200k Euros could buy a $320k home. 
But, today, August 15th, the USD had struggled back to about $1.47... or a $294k home. 
So, we are seeing oil drop, and the US Dollar has been solidly coming back since early … (5 comments)

Flat-Fee must be really flat... - 08/16/08 12:25 AM
For anyone not paying attention to Inman News, or some other source, you might have escaped noticing that Help-U-Sell's franchiser filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy recently (reported Friday, August 15th, 2008). 
Since 2006, their franchise offices have shrunk from 820 to about 450. 
Go read the story before it drops behind the Inman curtain...  And then let's think about something. 
Ready?
Those that are touting discount brokerage have been calling on the death of the "traditional" real estate brokerage for some time.  When the market started to slide, they knew that discounters would prevail and full service brokers would fall by … (14 comments)

Social Networking for Diamond Dwellings... - 08/15/08 10:51 PM
Well, today's presentation turned into a Part I... Too much stuff, and not enough time.  And even if there were enough time, there is SO much information that we could never touch it all... and if we did, it would be out of date by the time we finished...  Pretty bleak, huh? 
But, no worries.  Here is the PowerPoint for the presentation.  We had about 50 minutes of discussion, and only made it about half way through the PPT.  There were a lot of great questions.  I'm looking forward to covering a little more next time.
Social Networking For Real EstateView … (6 comments)

Even better than a feature... - 08/15/08 01:35 AM
A mention... if it is from the right person, and in the right way... and they get a feature.  It is kind of like having a client refer business to you.
Thanks Jessica...
Jessica Horton, the Belle of Bellevue, was inspired by my post.  She felt the need to expound because of a comment I made in response to her.  I guess I said something interesting between us talking about our kids. 
Jessica has inspired numerous posts for me.  She has an amazing story, and is a brilliant real estate agent.  She doesn't play real estate.  I've been a fan of … (16 comments)

And now the other side of the speed coin... - 08/14/08 03:26 PM
I wrote a post yesterday that managed a feature.  The premise of the post is simply this:  Slow and steady wins the race... NOT!
And it is the truth... Slow and Steady is NOT a formula for winning races.  It sounds nice, and it has fable support, but it isn't the way to get ahead and win. 
But there are two things that need to be added. 
Speed has to be used as a tactic and part of a strategy. Speed and recklessness are not the same thing.  Many folks confuse tactics and strategy.  Strategy is a long term vision.  As … (6 comments)

Let me introduce... - 08/14/08 10:28 AM
Tara and TJ. 

You might recognize either of both of them from the most excellent videos that they have done for the Reel Tech TV Flip Video series.  Tara and TJ comprise ReelDwellings.tv, a sister company of Diamond Dwellings Realty that does video production.  They shoot profiles, listings and communities for other companies as well.  
If you haven't had the chance to start watching the Flip Video series, I highly recommend it. 
Here is Flip #1
Here is Flip #2
Look for the next installment around Monday... and new installments each week or so. 
Also look for great tech tips … (11 comments)

Slow and steady wins the race... NOT! - 08/14/08 01:49 AM
There is something I have to get off of my chest.  Every time I hear it, I almost go crazy...  It is one of the biggest lies perpetrated on kids... and it has to STOP.
Slow and steady does NOT win the race...
Slow and steady loses the race.  It is the recipe for losing.  If you are setting out to lose, be slow and steady.  Slow and steady is to winning races as stupid chances are to finishing. I don't know where this could have come from...  The only way slow and steady can win is if everyone else is … (52 comments)

I was honored by an email from Century 21 - 08/11/08 08:38 PM
Last week, Jon Washburn wrote an open letter/blog post to Century 21... take a look here. In it, he made some excellent points. It is certainly worth a read, regardless of any brand affiliation you may or may not have. I'll wait... ok, see what I mean? Great post. Excellent comment stream.
And I posted a comment as well. Truthfully, my comment wasn't insightful or amazing. But, one of the higher-ups at Century 21 thought it was a good idea to send me a very nice email. I really do appreciate it. As I said in the response, printed below, it … (9 comments)

Video Tutorial #2: The Basics of Shooting - 08/10/08 11:28 AM
 
Tara and TJ at ReelDwellings.tv have just posted their second in their series on using the Flip video cameras.  I had the chance to preview this a couple of days ago, and knew it was coming.  I didn't think it would be out until tomorrow... So, BONUS.  You get it today. 
Stop in and see Tara on her blog.  Drop into WellcomeMat and see the videos there as well. 
Video is one of the emerging technologies that a Web 2.0 agent NEEDS to utilize.  And while it would be great to hire Tara and TJ to come out and shoot … (11 comments)

Don't be THAT guy... - 08/10/08 11:00 AM
I wish I didn't see this happening, but unfortunatley, I see it all too much.  Let me set it up for you...
Some members, in their cheap ploy to get their comment points for the day follow a routine:
Go to the New Members Today link on the front page of A|R. As they scroll through the list, they click on all of the ones that post a blog. They write a comment that looks supportive of the member writing their first blog post. They copy that comment. They move to the next new blogger. They paste that same comment. Repeat … (32 comments)

Ever feel like you just aren't yourself? - 08/09/08 08:26 PM
A week or so ago I decided that I should surf a little bit around Goggle on my name... reputation mangement. I wanted to know what might be said about me. And I have recently had a few friends (I'm not going to say "old friends" because they don't appear old) contact me because they found me through searches and social networking. I search my name on a fairly regular basis, and have Google alerts set... but I found a few people with my name of which I wasn't already aware. I knew about Wendy Lane Bailey, a singer from Lousiana … (16 comments)

Woo Hoo... the August Issue of GarageHomesUSA is up... - 08/09/08 08:20 PM
Taking some great content from LaneBailey.com, GwinnettGarageGuy.com and material that is original to GarageHomesUSA.com, I have managed to get the August issue up and running.  Normally I can't get the market reports together until the second week of the month, but FMLS is being good to me this month... 
It has only been 10 months since the unofficial launch, but I am starting to see the site I have wanted to build.  Just in time for their to be major changes in focus and implementation...  But not for a little while. 
Drop in, take a look and let me know what … (4 comments)

Diamond Dwellings, Social Media and Blogs... Are you in? - 08/08/08 08:10 PM
We had an office meeting at the new Diamond Dwellings Realty World Headquarters.  On the agenda, we talked about the normal stuff... and we also talked about blogging, Active|Rain and Localism.  Well... ten minutes isn't enough time to cover Social Networking, Active|Rain and Localism (SNARL). 
We had more blogging training after the regular meeting was over... RE Tomato would be doing a conference call/GoToMeeting with us (first of a ten week series...), so that wasn't an issue... but that pesky SNARL thing was...
So, we are having another meeting next Friday just to talk about SNARLing... don't you love that?  SNARLing...
… (5 comments)

Lilburn City Park... just for the kids? - 08/07/08 10:26 AM
While it might seem that way, with the really cool play structures, slides, swings and climbing walls... it really isn't.  After all, big kids (spelled a-d-u-l-t-s) gat the band shell and the tennis courts.  And then there are the walking trails.  There is a trail that surrounds the park, and there is also the access to the new Camp Creek Greenway trail.  And it is only set to get better as Lilburn follows its long-term plan. 
The Camp Creek Greenway will connect the Lion's Club Park to City Park, and then continue to connect to the proposed Jackson Creek Greenway north … (3 comments)

Localism and Lane... - 08/06/08 03:30 PM
In the last few weeks, a new website has launched called Localism. Localism is powered by Active|Rain, which is a real estate community with over 100,000 members. The members of Active|Rain have been building content about local communities for over a year, and A|R has organized this information into Localism.
While Localism has its roots in the real estate community, it is becoming so much more... by design. It has the capability of being the "Local News Section" for hundreds of thousands of communities across the country. States, Counties, Cities and even subdivisions could have information that is tailored specifically to … (8 comments)

Reel Tech TV Flip Video Intro... - 08/05/08 02:29 PM
A few days ago I wrote a post about Video for Listings, highlighting a Flip Video Tips and Techniques series by Tara Jones and TJ Hedges of Reel Dwellings.  (enough links for you?)
Well, number one is up.  And I'm faster than Tara today, so I am going to mention it first.  Keep in mind that if you want to ask TJ or Tara questions, you need to visit Tara's blog or TJ on WellcomeMat.  (I'll answer one question...  Tara is happily married...).  I'll try to let them know when there are questions here... but the other options might be faster.
… (6 comments)

Get Ready to Cheer for Lilburn's Eric Shanteau! - 08/04/08 02:50 PM
Parkview High School alum Eric Shanteau has made the US Olympic Swimming Team, competing in the 200 Meter Breast stroke. He finished 3rd in the 2004 Trials in both the 200m and 400m Individual Medleys, just barely missing the team.
That, in an of itself, would be an amazing accomplishment. His list of swimming accomplishments is long and illustrious. Parkview High School records, Georgia State High School records... Take a look here...
But, there is something else. Eric is fighting testicular cancer. At 24 years old. No whining. Instead, he is showing the same determination that has pushed him to … (2 comments)

Be Remarkable - Car Guy Style... - 08/03/08 11:00 AM
Seth Godin tells us in Purple Cow: Tranform Your Business by Being Remarkable that the way to business success is not by doing things the same way and marketing to the masses with the same message as everyone else, but rather it is by being remarkable.  In being remarkable, the key is being noticed. 
As you drive down a country road, you may see hundreds of cows... but if you see one that is purpple, you WILL stop, and you WILL take pictures, and you WILL tell your friends.  The purple cow will be remarked on, and will be remarkable. 
But … (12 comments)

Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center in Buford, GA - 08/02/08 04:17 PM
Freshly posted on LaneBailey.com...  Complete with 20 photographs and an interactive panorama...
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center opened not too long ago.  And it is quietly a pretty cool place. 
Here are a couple of highpoints from the post:
The first LEED Gold Certified Green Building in Gwinnett County. The largest sloped vegetative roof in the US. A very cool interactive "Water Room" for kids... even big kids. Pervious pavement system to reduce stormwater runoff. 11 different trails ranging up to 2.4 miles, and from easy to strenuous. Facility rental for events. This is a pretty cool place, offering multiple … (4 comments)

Video for listings - 08/02/08 08:50 AM
Boy, there are several directions this one can run in...
A couple of months ago, I decided I wanted a higher quality video tour for a high-end property I listed.  After looking around at the offerings, I settled on AtlantaDwellings.tv to do the production.  They did an incredible job for me, and I was thrilled with the product, as was my client.  In fact, I was so thrilled with it that it was one of the things that pushed me over the edge to join Diamond Dwellings Realty... DDR had an ownership interest in AD.tv.
Fast forward a couple of months … (18 comments)

 
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Lane Bailey - REALTOR & Car Guy

Suwanee, GA

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Century 21 Results Realty

Address: 2209 Sharon Rd, Suite 250, Cumming, GA, 30041

Office Phone: (678) 679-1393

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