http://activerain.com/blogs/luvdavy 2011-11-30T02:20:27Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) http://activerain.com/blogsview/2624857/are-you-surrounded-by-the-best-gary-keller-s-new-blog 2011-11-30T02:20:27Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Gary Keller and Greg Harrelson" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/4/4/3/ar132263680434402.jpg" height="314" alt="Gary Keller Talks About Greg Harrelson" width="481" style="margin: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; border: 0px;" /></p> <p><br />We were pleasantly surprised to find a blog today by Gary Keller of Keller Williams discussing his interviews with Greg Harrelson about company strategies, super achievers, (his description of Greg is a "Mega Achiever") and business success. He notes that The Harrelson Group closed a whopping 700&nbsp;<strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-homes-for-sale/" title="Myrtle Beach Homes" target="_blank">Myrtle&nbsp;Beach homes</a></strong>&nbsp;in 2010, and Greg himself closed 100 of them. He usually does not solicit business for himself, but has customers who insist on his involvement.</p> <p>Greg speaks at quite a few of the Keller Williams seminars even though he has a Century 21 franchise. He doesn't show&nbsp;much concern&nbsp;with brands, and enjoys helping other agents to be the best at what they do, wherever they work.</p> <p>Greg once told me his father was very much a humanitarian, and as usual, the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree.&nbsp;Greg made a substantial donation to one of the animal shelters outside of our area in a small town west of the beach last year. When I asked why, he said because they were small, they needed the help more than some of the larger local ones. That shows me a special kind of thinking that is admirable and "out of the box". I enjoy working with Greg and his company, <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Century 21 in Myrtle Beach" target="_blank">Century 21 The Harrelson Group</a></strong>. (Even though we have had some HUGE arguments...haha)</p> <p>Here is the link to <strong><a href="http://blog.kw.com/2011/11/29/are-you-surrounded-by-the-best/" title="Gary Keller praises Greg Harrelson" target="_blank">Gary Keller's article about Greg Harrelson</a></strong>. I wish someone with KW would inform him that the photo is not showing up, and it would be awfully nice to include a link to Greg's website as well. :-)</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2590737/real-estate-and-social-media-are-you-using-it- 2011-11-06T13:11:57Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><br><blockquote>Every day my SEO alert newsletters emphasize how important it is becoming to utilize Google Plus, the new service that Google is using to try so hard to compete with Facebook. I don't spend the time on it that I do on Facebook, but I do look at the stream there often, and seldom see any real estate agents...at least in my circles. I probably have about 100 Realtors in my circles, but no posts. If you aren't posting your blogs and important page links on Google Plus, I firmly believe you are missing out on an important message to Google that you are producing great content and need to be noticed.</p> <p>The better IDX providers and blogs are now including a G+ button. It's here on Active Rain. Everyone here should get a Google account (Gmail), create a Google Profile with all your websites and profiles linked on it, and you should be submitting all your blog posts everytime.  Get your friends to do your pages too!  It would be a miracle to see everyone on Active Rain joining together to boost all the blog posts that way.</p> <p>Here's what to look for on Active Rain blogs:</p></blockquote> <p><img title="Social Media Buttons" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/8/2/1/6/ar132060163061286.jpg" height="120" alt="Social Media Buttons" width="574" /></p><blockquote> <p>That Google square will be white until you click on it. One click will turn it blue, which sends a vote of confidence to Google by itself.  It also opens a little box, and in very light lettering you will see "Share".  If you click in the comment box, it will post a link on your Google Plus stream just like Facebook does. It's best to add a comment using your real estate keyphrase too.</p> <p>At this time, Facebook and Google are still sparring, and it's anybody's guess from one day to the next if Google will be able to see your links on Facebook.  Right now, it's only the links on the business pages that are open to search engine spidering. It doesn't hurt to do it, but it may or may not be a tremendous help either. Twitter is supposed to also be very important to Google rankings. If you have a Facebook account, you can set it to post to Twitter and Linked in automatically, which is the easiest way to kill several birds with one stone.</p> <p>If you don't have a Facebook account, at the very least you do need to have a profile on LinkedIn and on Twitter. When you do a blog, get in the habit of publishing its link on all these services.  It really does help with the SEO of your website, that is...providing you are putting links on your blogs TO your website.  But we are all doing this, aren't we?  :-)</p> <p>If you don't even have a website, or you're using your blog as your website, then be sure and fill out that Google profile anyway.  If you have it all filled out nicely, when someone searches your name, it will show that profile front and center.  No matter whether you really care about search engine rankings or not, you should...even the least effort will help a customer find you.  And the more effort you put into it, the more leads you will see.  I promise you that!<p>  <a href="https://plus.google.com/108207486260503001785" title="Jan Chilton" target="_blank"><strong>Jan Chilton on Google+</strong><br /></a>###</p></blockquote> <p> <p><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Myrtle Beach Real Estate</strong></a><br /> <a href="http://www.bakersfieldcahomes.com" title="Bakersfield California Homes for Sale" target="_blank"><strong>Homes for Sale in Bakersfield CA</strong></a><br /> <a href="http://www.oceanfrontinvestments.com"><strong>Oceanfront Property</strong></a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2531557/greg-harrelson-the-myrtle-beach-real-estate-agent-that-sells-when-other-agents-fail 2011-09-29T03:36:32Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p>Greg Harrelson has always been successful in helping property owners to sell their <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach homes</a></strong> or condos that were previously listed with another agent yet failed to sell after months of time. In the real estate world, a property that is listed and fails to sell is called an expired listing. Unfortunately, listings expire everyday leaving the seller feeling defeated, hopeless and confused as to what they need to do moving forward.</p> <p>Since the market and the economy has declined, Greg Harrelson has made it his mission to assist the owners of Myrtle Beach real estate and help them get back on track to an eventual sale. At first, the seller is a little suspicious as to whether he will be able to perform where others have failed. Once they sit down and interview him, confidence is restored. In talking with Greg, he mentions the three critical components in getting these expired listings sold.</p> <p>Here is what he shares...</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Most expireds were not marketed aggressively while listed. So many agents rely on the MLS as their main marketing strategy. Yes, Greg is a fan of the MLS, but he indicates that the <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/search/advanced_search/" title="Myrtle Beach MLS" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach MLS</a></strong> is only one of ten sources to attract buyers' and other agents' attention. The key to selling a property in Myrtle beach today is an actual strategy or marketing plan. Stop dealing with people who say they can do something, work with people who can show you what they do and have done.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. Another critical factor in selling today is accessibility. Too many sellers have limited times that they allow showings. In some cases, this may be beyond control yet when possible, make it easy for the agent to show on short notice. You never know when the right buyer will come along. A qualified buyer tends to act fast so take advantage of every showing you can.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Internet is critical. Beware, every agent will tell you that the property will get listed on the internet and it may be the truth. What you don't know is there are online marketing strategies that the agent must employ to actually attract a lot of buyers. It is not the internet that works, <strong>it is the <em>agent</em> who knows how to WORK THE INTERNET who makes this productive.</strong></p><br> <p><div> <iframe allowfullscreen="true" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tLHQe2nsLCo?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="284" width="500"></iframe></p></div><br> <p>After talking with Greg, I learned that he has been responsible for coaching some of the top real estate agents around the country. He has coached agents in many different markets including San Diego, New Jersey, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and successful <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-realtors/" title="Myrtle Beach Realtors" target="_blank">Realtors in Myrtle Beach</a></strong> including, <strong>Brendon Payne</strong>, <strong>Jan Pitman</strong>, <strong>Dany Drouin</strong>, <strong>Greg Sisson,</strong> and many others.</p> <p>Not only has Greg helped agents around the area, he continues to assist all those who want to sell at a time when so many are having challenges. If you are an owner wanting to sell, or an agent wanting to work for the best, Century 21 The Harrelson Group is your answer.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2502547/sell-your-myrtle-beach-condo-in-the-fall-of-the-year 2011-09-12T03:47:06Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong>The Fall season is the perfect time to list condos for sale in Myrtle Beach</strong></p> <p><strong><img title="Mar Vista Grande Condos in North Myrtle Beach" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/6/2/7/ar131581121772664.jpg" height="324" alt="Mar Vista Grande Condos in North Myrtle Beach" width="460" /></strong></p> <p>Many condo owners make a big mistake by not listing their <strong>Myrtle Beach condo</strong> during the Fall season. The Fall represents some of the best selling opportunities. Here is a list of reasons why listing your condo for sale in Myrtle Beach may bring you more money then the spring and summer.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. There are fewer <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-condos-sale/" title="Myrtle Beach Condos for Sale" target="_blank">condos for sale in Myrtle Beach</a></strong> during the Fall. Because real estate markets are influenced by supply and demand, the fact that supply decreases in the Fall makes it more probable that the property will sell. With demand still remaining strong, buyers are competing for less condos therefore driving the price a bit higher.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. The Fall often brings Myrtle and <strong><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net" title="North Myrtle Beach real estate" target="_blank">North Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong> a more qualified buyer. In the Summer, we see a lot of traffic along the Grand Strand. A lot of these summer buyers are dreamers. They want to purchase yet may not have the money, nor can they qualify for a mortgage. These are first time investors and a lot of banks don't want to take the risk of lending them money. During the Fall, a high percentage of the buyers are middle-aged buyers who have stronger financials, and in many cases, cash. The typical buyer for a <strong><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net/north-myrtle-beach-condos.html" title="North Myrtle Beach Condos for sale" target="_blank">condo in North Myrtle Beach</a></strong> or most anywhere in the Grand Strand is a golfer or someone looking for a true second home.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. People looking to purchase in the Fall understand the rental season is over and are okay with the fact that the rental income on oceanfront condos will be very low.&nbsp; These buyers will not scrutinize your rental income nearly as much as the summer investors. They are purchasing these condos in Myrtle Beach for personal use. Someone looking for a condo that is going to be used for a second home will pay more than those looking for a condo investment. The end user always pays more than the investor.</p> <p>If you are thinking of listing a condo for sale, then you MUST take advantage of the Fall season. The challenge with <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach real estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong> is the fact that it has been so over saturated, driving prices down. You have to take advantage of those pockets of time where competition is low, which gives you a window of opportunity to get a property sold and bring you more money.</p> <p>If you have not received a Fall Season Evaluation on your Myrtle Beach property, then please contact us immediately. You may find that you can get a few more thousand then you could have a few months ago. Visit our website to see&nbsp;why we can do&nbsp;better to <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/sell-this-house/" title="Sell Your Myrtle Beach Home" target="_blank">sell your Myrtle Beach home</a></strong> <strong>or condo, </strong></p> <p><strong>Greg Harrelson</strong><br /><strong>Century 21 The Harrelson Group</strong><br /><strong>Myrtle Beach, SC</strong><br /><strong>843-903-3550</strong><br /><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com">www.c21theharrelsongroup.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net">www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2480913/on-beach-real-estate-and-hurricanes 2011-08-30T06:32:19Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net" title="North Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">North Myrtle Beach Real Estate</a> May be the safest.</strong></p> <p>I'm going to go out on a limb here and offer a theory that I have no proof to support - other than living in the Myrtle Beach area for the last 20 years.&nbsp; I really do think that the north end of Myrtle Beach and all of North Myrtle Beach seem to be the least likely of any resort beach on the eastern seaboard to get hit by a hurricane.</p> <p>Take a look at the map below...</p> <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate Map" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/9/3/7/ar131469735573922.jpg" height="397" alt="Map of the southeastern beaches" width="600" /></p> <p>The last really bad hurricane we had was Hugo in 1989.&nbsp; We didn't have any at all in our area last year, and I'm wanting to say none the year before.&nbsp; We have had about 5 small (category 3 or below) hurricanes blow through since I have lived here.&nbsp; I left town twice, and stayed here 3 times.&nbsp; I doubt if I will ever leave again unless there's a category 5 and they swear it's going to explode in our face.&nbsp; They always seem to exagerate the danger to our area.</p> <p>As you see in the map, North Myrtle Beach is in the deepest part of a dip in the land, with Charleston sticking out&nbsp;to the south, and Brunswick County REALLY jutting out to our north.&nbsp; Almost every time, the hurricanes seem to either land or bounce off of Charleston, and then smack into Oak Island, Southport, and Carolina Beach.&nbsp; If they don't get the worst of it, the Outer Banks in the far north of North Carolina do.&nbsp; Often they both get hit, and North Myrtle Beach comes through unscathed, as we did last weekend with Irene.</p> <p>I would love to live in Florida, but they are just too vulnerable for my comfort.&nbsp; I can't imagine not living on a beach, so Orlando and the interior <strong><a href="http://www.floridatouristattractions.net" title="Florida Tourist Attractions" target="_blank">Florida attractions</a></strong> don't appeal to me.&nbsp; Hilton Head is a little too expensive for the average person to afford, and Kiawah is a little too under-developed.&nbsp; I like a big choice of restaurants, a night life, and lots of shows and attractions. <strong><a href="http://www.virginiabeachattractions.net" title="Virginia Beach Attractions" target="_blank">Virginia Beach</a></strong> is too cold in the winter.</p> <p>Anyway, my point is, if you have been thinking of buying oceanfront property, and you're worried about hurricanes, you want to consider North Myrtle Beach real estate first. I could be proven wrong in a week's time, but 20 years is a pretty good testimonial for our area, especially when you consider how much damage has occurred from hurricanes over the last 5 or 6 years.&nbsp; I will say that the Cherry Grove section is prone to flooding, and the south end of Myrtle Beach, Garden City, etc., has seen some rough times moreso than us. But a condo or <strong><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net/north-myrtle-beach-homes-for-sale.html" title="North Myrtle Beach homes" target="_blank">home in North Myrtle Beach</a></strong> has pretty good odds of lasting you for a long time.&nbsp; To be even more safe, buy a block or two back from the beach. If you want to live here, that is probably a good idea.</p> <p>Other things to consider...our cost of living is low. We've got a million restaurants, and all kinds of live theatre and entertainment. Our summer tourist business seems to increase every year, so buying for rental income is a fairly safe investment - as long as you're careful what and where you buy.&nbsp; That's why it's so important to have a <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-realtors/" title="Myrtle Beach Realtors" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Realtor</a></strong> to guide you. I can about promise you won't regret moving here.&nbsp; I can't imagine being anywhere else.&nbsp; So if you're up north and thinking about retiring to warmer weather, look into North Myrtle Beach before you look in Florida. Prices are lower, living costs are lower, we're not quite as hot, and you might never see a bad hurricane!</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2412343/moving-think-about-an-austin-texas-home 2011-07-21T03:21:48Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Austin Tx Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/5/5/1/ar131123170815533.jpg" height="315" alt="A home in Austin Texas" width="450" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px;" /></p> <p>So you think now&rsquo;s the time to move, but you&rsquo;re not really sure where to look. It&rsquo;s only natural: the economy has us all looking for a way to save a bit of cash, after all. The decision between <strong><a href="http://austinrealestate.homecity.com" title="Austin Tx Real Estate" target="_blank">Austin real estate</a></strong> and a place in the Midwest isn&rsquo;t just about what temperature you like more, though. If you&rsquo;re not sure where you should be looking to move, read on to find out what&rsquo;s best based on your current situation.</p> <ul> <li><strong>I need to be able to find a job</strong></li> </ul> <p>Need to find a job wherever you&rsquo;re moving? You&rsquo;re going to have to consider how strong the job market is in your eventual destination. To help you with this, you should check to see how many large companies are in the state and city you&rsquo;re looking at, since they are major signs of a strong economy (and can really help an economy bounce back). Without a doubt, Texas is the place to go if you&rsquo;re looking for a good job market.</p> <p>Forbes says that &ldquo;three of the best cities to earn a living&rdquo; are &ldquo;Dallas, Houston and Austin,&rdquo; which are all in Texas. <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Real Estate" target="_blank">Albuquerque real estate</a></strong> has also been described as an excellent investment by Forbes.</p> <p><img title="Albuquerque NM" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/4/3/7/ar131123250573489.jpg" height="321" alt="Albuquerque NM" width="450" style="margin: 0px; border: 0px;" /></p> <p>Furthermore, Texas has 57 Fortune 500 companies, which makes it tied for first with California when it comes to sheer corporate presence. To give you an idea of the distribution, Dallas has 15 of those companies while Houston has 38. These aren&rsquo;t companies that just got listed through some fluke of arithmetic, either, as Dallas houses giants like AT&amp;T and Texas Instruments while Houston has ConocoPhillips and Halliburton.</p> <ul> <li><strong>I&rsquo;ve got a job already or have a sizable nest egg</strong></li> </ul> <p>If finding a job isn&rsquo;t of immediate importance to you, you&rsquo;ll probably want to focus more on finding a place with a low cost of living in order to stretch what you already have as far as possible. Your best bet here, according to Professor Robert Helsley of UC Berkeley, is the Midwest, where cities &ldquo;in general tend to have a relatively low cost of living&rdquo; because they&rsquo;re all landlocked. St. Louis is the star here, as it has the lowest cost of living in the country.</p> <p>However, during your search, make sure you know what all of your priorities are, as some places with a low cost of living are balanced out by some negatives (like how St. Louis doesn&rsquo;t exactly &ldquo;have a reputation for top schools, a low crime rate or good weather&rdquo;).</p> <p><img title="North Myrtle Beach Real Estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/0/5/6/4/ar131123256646508.jpg" height="310" alt="North Myrtle Beach, SC Real Estate" width="450" /></p> <p>It should be obvious, but keep in mind, that places like New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles shouldn&rsquo;t be at the top of your list since they&rsquo;re all some of the most expensive in the country (and, of course, NYC is the most expensive of them all). In addition, Hawaii and California are the two most expensive states, so those beaches carry a heavy price tag that might not be immediately apparent, meaning that you&rsquo;re far better off considering something on the Atlantic, such <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong> - about the best bargain on coastal property in the US.</p> <p><img title="Des Moines Real Estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/6/4/1/1/ar131123263411465.jpg" height="303" alt="Des Moines Real Estate" width="450" /></p> <p>Overall, your best bet right now when it comes to the most economical move is Texas, which has a healthy job market and a low cost of living across the state. However, based on your specific situation, that might change. If you&rsquo;re only concerned about a low cost of living, you should seriously consider the Midwest, <strong><a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net" title="Des Moines Real Estate" target="_blank">Des Moines real estate</a></strong>, for example. Moving in this economy might seem daunting, but with a little bit of research and money managing you&rsquo;re good to go.<br />###</p> <p><em>James Kim writes for Austin Real Estate service Homecity.com. HomeCity combines powerful online Austin MLS search technology and other online tools with personalized real estate services to provide clients with the knowledge they need to make the right buying and selling decisions. Find <strong><a href="http://austinrealestate.homecity.com/buyers.asp" title="Austin Tx Homes for Sale" target="_blank">Austin homes for sale</a></strong> with Homecity.com.</em></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2399361/myrtle-beach-condo-hoas-may-get-added-power 2011-07-13T13:45:26Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/1/2/2/ar131057821422127.jpg" height="360" alt="HOA Board Members Bickering" width="480" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>Living in a <strong><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net" title="North Myrtle Beach Condos for sale" target="_blank">condo in North Myrtle Beach</a></strong> myself, and having a friend on the HOA Board makes me aware of problems they have that most people don't think about. The arguments and backstabbing that goes on constantly, and occasional anarchy when one board is completely voted off and another voted on is enough to keep me far away from them.&nbsp; I don't even like to attend the meetings because of all the bickering.</p> <p>The foreclosure problems have really affected many of the HOA boards as well. When an owner stops paying his mortgage, chances are he stopped paying his HOA dues before that...which leaves the Board in a quandary to either foreclose before the bank does and purchase the condo from the mortgage company, or just lose the dues for months as it goes through the legal channels for the bank to gain possession. Sometimes the bank will pay the past due fees, and more often it's lost income that the other homeowners end up paying for.&nbsp; Just given the huge number of <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach condos for sale" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach condos</a></strong> that exist, coupled with the huge number of <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachforeclosurelistings.com" title="Myrtle Beach foreclosures" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach foreclosures</a></strong> that have occurred or are imminent, the lost money involved is probably astronomical.</p> <p>I happened across an association attorney blogger that sends out newsletters citing new laws and rulings affecting HOA's in South Carolina, and have used it several times to make a point to our HOA board. A recent article in it caught my eye and I thought to share it.</p> <p>Florida has recently passed a ruling that HOA boards can now attach the full rental income on a vacation or investment condo and intercept the funds. The SC court system uses cases in Florida often to ennact our own laws. So they say that our state will probably follow suit and pass the same ruling.&nbsp; This may be good news for the beleagured HOA boards, although I would wonder how they would go about grabbing the funds. Can they go to the renters and serve notice that the rent checks have to be sent to them instead of the owner?&nbsp; I can foresee some bookkeeping nightmares and even more work for real estate and <strong><a href="http://www.attorneys-sc.com" title="Myrtle Beach Attorney" target="_blank">mortgage attorneys in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>. It's interesting to consider the situation though.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2311220/real-estate-in-lake-conroe-texas 2011-05-22T22:37:54Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p>I enjoy providing a way for Realtor friends who are willing to write about their cities to appear on my blogs, and this is one of those times. This guest blog is from Jarrod Frenzel, an agent in the Houston, Woodlands, and Lake Conroe, Texas area. I hope you enjoy his thoughts...</p> <p><img title="A Home in Lake Conroe Texas" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/9/5/4/5/ar130611727754591.jpg" height="345" alt="Lake Conroe Texas Home" width="460" /></p> <p><strong>Lake Conroe, Texas</strong></p> <p>Lake Conroe is considered by many to be one of the best lakes in Texas.  The sheer size of it and the excellent water quality creates tons of recreational opportunities.  Lake Conroe is sometimes referred to as Houston's playground.</p> <p>Lake Conroe is located approximatley 40 miles north of Houston, just past <strong><a href="http://www.woodlandshomelistings.com" title="Woodlands, TX" target="_blank">The Woodlands Texas</a></strong>. It is situated in Montgomery County and spills into the three cities of Conroe, Willis, and Montgomery.  This is a man-made lake completed in 1973, extending about 21 miles in length and encompassing a total of 20,118 acres.  The lake draws thousands of visitors per year from the Greater Houston area, and all the way north from <strong><a href="http://www.madisonvilleproperty.com" title="Madisonville Texas" target="_blank">Madisonville Texas</a></strong>.</p> <p>There are many things to do on the lake throughout the year.  Lake Conroe draws all different types of boaters ranging from fishing boats to yachts.  Water skiing is a very popular activity enjoyed during the summer months, with a handful of marinas that rent ski boats and jet skiis by the hour.  There is no better place to be than on Lake Conroe during those hot Texas summer days!</p> <p>The <strong><a href="http://www.searchthelake.com" title="Lake Conroe Real Estate" target="_blank">Lake Conroe real estate</a></strong> market has remained very strong over the recent years.  While other markets around the country have dropped off, home sales around Lake Conroe have remained stable with some appreciation in most price-points.  There are many planned golf course communities around the lake that offer a country club lifestyle.  This is considered one of the state's wealthiest areas, featuring higher than average income and eduacation levels amongst the residents here.</p> <p>If you've never had a chance to visit here, you should plan a trip this summer.  For more information about the Lake Conroe area, you can call Jarrod Frenzel at 281-658-7389, or visit his website at <a href="http://www.searchthelake.com"><strong>www.searchthelake.com</strong></a>.</p> <p>Visit my friends to learn about other areas:<br /><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Albuquerque Real Estate</strong></a><br /><a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net"><strong>Des Moines Iowa Real Estate</strong></a><br /><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net"><strong>North Myrtle Beach Real Estate</strong></a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2265010/how-to-choose-a-real-estate-seo-person 2011-04-26T23:10:19Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong>How to choose a real estate SEO person (or company)</strong></p> <p>Jill Whalen is one of the original SEO experts, and one of the most respected.  She owns a company called <strong><a href="http://www.highrankins.com" title="High Rankings on the Search Engines" target="_blank">High Rankings</a></strong> and travels the world, literally, as a speaker and teacher.  She also has a very good newsletter with tips and tricks that you can sign up for.</p> <p>I ran across this excellent video with Jill being interviewed by Dr. Ralph Wilson with Web Marketing Today, another respected website and company in the business.  He asks Jill how to choose an SEO company and she tells you what to look for, what to ask, and what to watch out for.  For those of you who wonder how you can weed through the evil ones to find the good ones, this should help.</p> <p>Jill was one of the experts I learned from in my beginnings, and I've tried to model my techniques around hers as much as possible.  She's also such a good speaker. </p> <p><div> <object height="300" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TbV89QCiHhg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TbV89QCiHhg?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US&amp;rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" width="480"></embed></object></div></p> <p>Some sites built using her techniques:</p> <p><a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net" title="Des Moines Iowa Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Myrtle Beach Real Estate<br />Albuquerque Real Estate<br /></strong><strong>Des Moines Real Estate</strong></a></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2253100/real-estate-sales-vacation-in-the-winter-and-hum-in-the-summer 2011-04-19T04:49:53Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong>Vacation Real Estate Picks Up in the Sun!</strong></p> <p><img title="Sea Mist Resort in Myrtle Beach" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/9/7/1/ar130320160617967.jpg" height="340" alt="Sea Mist Resort in Myrtle Beach" width="500" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>Everyone dreams of owning a vacation home, and every spring and summer, lucky families find it in their budget to buy one. Whether its a <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-condos-sale/" title="Myrtle Beach Condos for Sale" target="_blank">condo in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>, a <strong><a href="http://www.lakegreenwoodproperty.com" title="Greenwood SC Real Estate" target="_blank">lakefront home in Greenwood SC</a></strong>, a <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Condos for Sale" target="_blank">condo on the golf course in Albuquerque</a></strong>, or a <strong><a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net" title="Des Moines Townhomes and Condos" target="_blank">Des Moines townhome</a></strong>, many Americans will find a way to own their little piece of paradise during their lifetime.</p> <p>The various real estate sites that I maintain started getting increased traffic in mid-January, and have gotten more and more every week. In Myrtle Beach it's not unusual for <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachluxuryrentals.com" title="Myrtle Beach Condo Rentals" target="_blank">vacation rental</a></strong> sites such as CondoLux to have two or three thousand visits PER DAY.&nbsp; Real estate sites here are a bit more modest...perhaps only a thousand per day during the heighth of the season, but that's actually pretty mind-boggling when you think about it.&nbsp; Having 30,000 visitors per month to your website is pretty amazing.</p> <p>As the season begins, you should be looking at your site to make sure your links are all still valid, and then do yourself another favor...go out with your camera and TAKE PICTURES!&nbsp; Go to the nicest community developments where the flowers are blooming and the kids are playing and show off what your city has to offer in the way of vacation fun. So much of a real estate sale is emotional. Nothing attracts the eye like a beautiful picture of an aqua blue pool sparkling in the sunlight, or the reds and yellows of flowers covering the ground.</p> <p>By the way, how do you pronounce AQUA?&nbsp; We have an ongoing debate here in Myrtle Beach where there is so much of that color everywhere.&nbsp; Do you say A-qua like "cat"?&nbsp; Or do you throw a whammy on it and call it AH-qua?&nbsp; I'd love to take a poll and find out.&nbsp; I'm in the soft A category myself!&nbsp; :-)</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2204943/does-your-home-have-high-levels-of-radon-gas- 2011-03-24T07:13:33Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Radon Gas in the Home - from the US EPA Website" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/3/4/6/6/ar130096451166436.jpg" height="350" alt="Radon Gas in the Home" width="372" style="margin: 6px; float: left;" /><strong>Radon Gas in the Home</strong></p> <p> <p>Just about everybody has heard of radon gas in the home and that it's bad, and most people know you can buy or pay for the service of having your home checked for it.&nbsp; But how many people know that it the cause of 21,000 cases of lung cancer each year?&nbsp; Next to smoking, it's the second leading cause, and for non-smokers it is THE leading cause of lung cancer.</p> <p>Radon is odorless and invisible.&nbsp; It causes no visible symptoms of the damage it's doing until the damage is irreversibly done. Any home in the US may have it. It comes from natural uranium in the ground that is putting off the dying vapors as it decays.&nbsp; It can and may be everywhere, but is dispersed in the air and usually harmless.&nbsp; The problem happens when you build a house over a uranium deposit, and the vapors have nowhere else to go except into your walls and flooring. Up and out it comes into the rooms where you spend so much time, and you breathe it in...particularly in a warm climate&nbsp;closed for air conditioning,&nbsp;like a <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach real estate" target="_blank">home in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>, homes in Florida, or in colder areas such as a <strong><a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net" title="Des Moines Iowa Real Estate" target="_blank">home in Des Moines, Iowa</a></strong>.</p> <p>According to the VP of the American Cancer Society, it occurs more often in the northeast and the midwest. If you make your <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" target="_blank">home in Albuquerque NM</a></strong>, it should be a concern and you should absolutely test for it. Any type or age of home can be sitting on top of this deadly material and nobody is the wiser.</p> <p>The normal test for Radon is&nbsp;in two levels. First, you can buy an inexpensive test that just measures for levels of radon in the house over a period of days or weeks. Kristy Miller, a spokeswoman for the Indoor Environments Division of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that the test should be done where the family gathers and is exposed to the same air as the test unit, away from doors, windows and drafts.&nbsp; Put the test at a medium height level where it isn't disturbed or shaken. At the end of the time period it should be sent to a lab for analysis.</p> <p>If it shows an abnormal level, then it should be tested once more, preferably for a longer period.&nbsp; If both test results are high, then professionals will need to be brought in to seal gaps, fill empty wall areas, and prevent the gas from entering through the floors or walls.&nbsp; It can cost&nbsp;around $2500, but saving your life makes the cost worthwhile.&nbsp; Sometimes pipes can be installed under the house to vent the gas outside, as well.</p> <p>If you are building a new home, especially in a high risk zone, you&nbsp;might&nbsp;consider incorporating venting and sealing into the home-building process.&nbsp;&nbsp;In either case,&nbsp;a new home should be tested as soon as it's ready for the owner to move in, and if found to be in the danger level, repairs can be initiated without inconveniencing the family.</p> <p>The most important thing to remember is that whether you have a <strong><a href="http://www.lakegreenwoodproperty.com" title="Lake Greenwood Lake Front Real Estate" target="_blank">lakefront home in Greenwood South Carolina</a></strong> or a ranch in Wyoming, you should test for radon gas and do what it takes to keep your family safe.&nbsp; According to the US EPA, one out of 10 homes in the US have elevated radon levels.</p> </p> <p>Visit the US EPA website for a "<strong><a href="http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html" title="EPA Guide to Radon Gas in the home" target="_blank">Citizen's Guide to Radon</a></strong>".</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2171441/spring-sells-myrtle-beach-real-estate- 2011-03-05T10:18:46Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Brookgreen Botanical Gardens in Myrtle Beach" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/1/1/0/ar129933653701114.jpg" height="303" alt="Brookgreen Gardens - Wikipedia Images" width="460" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>Check some of the <strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/myrtlebeachrealestatesales" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate Facebook" target="_blank">Facebook pages of local Myrtle Beach Realtors</a></strong> and you are likely to see glee-filled posts about multiple closings in the past couple of weeks.&nbsp; Like almost every year, our northern friends have a belly full of snow and ice and their thoughts turn to sunshine and warm weather.&nbsp; Happily, that brings them to Myrtle Beach, and even better, to think about buying <a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>real estate in Myrtle Beach</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p> <p>It seems like this phenomenon happens everywhere though...not just at the beach. Most of my website cusomers are asking me if something new is going on...their leads have nearly doubled in the past month.</p> <p>What this means is that spring is the time to spruce up your website, fill your blogs with photos of flowers and lakes and blue skies and birds, and do your part to excite everyone to think about buying a vacation home or finding a more beautiful place to live.&nbsp; If you've got a lake in your city like <strong><a href="http://www.lakegreenwoodproperty.net" title="Lake Greenwood Waterfront Property" target="_blank">Lake Greenwood lakefront homes</a></strong>, be sure and let the world know why waking up every morning to see sparkling blue water is the closest thing to heaven. Take some videos of neighborhoods with flowers blooming everywhere, and make us all want to move there. We are all tired of winter!</p> <p><img title="Lake Greenwood Waterfront Condos" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/1/1/3/ar129933792331132.jpg" height="362" alt="Lake Greenwood Condos on the lake" width="500" /></p> <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Heaven" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/0/7/4/ar129933815547093.jpg" height="340" alt="Pawleys Island Beach" width="450" /></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2093070/endorsing-an-idx-real-estate-website-solution 2011-01-22T21:50:25Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Real Estate Websites from Real Geeks" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/3/6/9/6/ar129574952669637.jpg" height="91" alt="Real Estate Websites from Real Geeks" width="354" style="margin: 4px; float: left;" /></p> <p>In the eight-plus years that I've been working with real estate agents and their websites, we've always had a recurring problem of finding a good IDX solution.&nbsp; There are so many out there.&nbsp; Most of them serve the purpose if you want something inexpensive, can frame it in, and just want a search for the customers.</p> <p>During the real estate boom in the mid 2000's, someone invented a way to host the MLS feed and create pages of MLS listings that actually got indexed in the search engines.&nbsp; The first one I ever heard of was a company called Cyber Sunshine, and I advised one of my clients to use them after seeing them perform well for a few other agents. At first they were really good. To get all the best bells and whistles with the product, it was costing upwards to $7000 or more, but at the time, there was nothing really to compare.&nbsp; They made a website into a perfect MLS tool, and Google spidered all the thousands of MLS pages.</p> <p>Then after about 3 years, something happened to the company and they seemed to disappear.&nbsp; Viruses got into the server that my client's site was on, and after months of ignoring our pleas and refusing to return calls, they wiped out the server.&nbsp; All the pages that I had spent <em>hours</em> doing for condo properties and neighborhoods were wiped out without even an apology. Talk about a nightmare...</p> <p>For years after that I have not seen anything cheap or expensive that I would recommend.&nbsp; A handful of other providers made an IDX that could be spidered, and advertised it as such.&nbsp; However, if the title of the pages and description metatags and other things weren't programmed in to change, the search engines weren't interested.&nbsp; It's difficult enough to find a programmer that knows SEO at all - and to find one that knows real estate marketing, SEO, and how to program something this intricate is nearly impossible.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/0/7/9/2/ar129575012629705.jpg" height="195" alt="MLS Listings with correct meta-tags" width="500" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>For those of you who are looking for the perfect (or near perfect) IDX website, I finally found one that I can recommend.</p> <p>Jeff Manson is a long-time <strong><a href="http://www.adrhi.com" title="Hawaii Real Estate" target="_blank">Realtor in Hawaii</a></strong> that got interested in web design and SEO around the same time that I did, along with a handful of other Realtors that became my friends and partners. <strong>Jason Crouch</strong> was in this group...truly the trailblazers of <strong><a href="http://www.realgeeks.com" title="Real Estate Websites" target="_blank">real estate websites</a></strong> that you see on the web today. Most of them that "got it" early on are now owners of their own brokerages, and have groups of agents that work FOR them.&nbsp; Jeff invested an enormous amount of money and time several years ago to team up with a programmer and invent an IDX web product that blows the legs off all the others I've seen, and finally I will recommend one publicly.</p> <p><strong>Real Geeks</strong>, as Jeff calls this new company of his, has an IDX template that is the most nearly perfect of any I've ever run across.&nbsp; It has a back-end editor very similar to a blog that can be used by the agent or a designer to populate the site with good, solid content. (Still the first requirement for a well-ranking, lead producing website.) Yes, you are still going to reap what you sew...just like a blog - if you don't put the work into making it useful, buyers will find one that is, as will the search engines.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/0/9/3/ar129575027739003.jpg" height="368" alt="IDX Listing" width="533" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>Along with large photos, a slide-show, large pages for the details of the listings, Google Map integration, and a search tool that can be programmed to do anything your MLS board puts out as a classifier; the content, navigation, colors, and default settings can be controlled by the agent or broker. It may still be better to hire a content writer/SEO person to build the site, but you don't have to. The agent on a budget can get the template and IDX solution for $450 and a monthly fee of $150.&nbsp; No more up-front charges in the thousands unless you hire somebody to build the content.&nbsp; This in itself is amazing...most other companies charge thousands and you STILL have hire a <strong><a href="http://www.realgeeks.com/real-estate-webmasters/" title="Real estate webmasters" target="_blank">real estate webmaster</a></strong> to build it!</p> <p>The Real Geeks template also has a back-end lead management system that two of my clients LOVE. From what I understand, it works like Top Producer in that it can be utilized by a broker to manage multiple agents' leads; or by the agent to manage his own. I don't get involved with this end , but I remember the halcyon days of the condo boom when we were getting 40-50 leads a day and had no way to monitor or work them properly. Those days will come again, and this tool will be the answer to it. (Probably not in my lifetime - ha!)</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/0/1/5/4/ar129575056545104.jpg" height="429" alt="Real estate web design" width="444" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>What I see are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">results</span> - in the search engine rankings, the huge increase in visitors to the sites, the time spent on the site, and most of all, the number of leads that come from the listings. I have built two so far...one for <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle&nbsp; Beach real estate</a></strong> and one for <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Real Estate" target="_blank">Albuquerque real estate</a></strong>.&nbsp; You can also move your old site to them with a minimal amount of effort. They even have an automatic "301 redirect" function so you can list all your old pages smoothly and transfer them the way the search engines require to keep your links and rankings.</p> <p>If you are looking for one of the best IDX real estate websites anywhere, <strong>Real Geeks</strong> has my solid endorsement. If you need an <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com/" title="SEO Copywriter" target="_blank">SEO copywriter</a></strong>, look me up. I'm excited about this new solution, and enjoy working with it.</p> <p>This is NOT a paid endorsement or advertisement by the way...I only recommend something that I think is the best in the industry, and this is it, as far as I'm concerned.</p> <p><a href="http://www.RealGeeks.com"><strong>www.RealGeeks.com</strong></a><br />Jeff Manson, Founder<br />808-295-5714</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/2040192/myrtle-beach-real-estate-is-positioned-for-an-active-2011 2010-12-27T02:38:23Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong>A Message from Greg Harrelson, of Century 21 The Harrelson Group...</strong></p> <p><img title="Greg Harrelson - C21 The Harrelson Group" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/5/0/4/ar129343304940595.jpg" height="229" alt="Greg Harrelson - C21 The Harrelson Group" width="350" style="margin: 0px 8px; float: left;" /></p> <p>If you have been keeping track of the Myrtle Beach Real Estate market over the past five years, then your experience has likely been similar to a roller coaster ride at Disneyworld. The great thing is that the ride is coming to an end and the scary part seems to be over.</p> <p>Though we may not see a dramatic recovery where prices skyrocket and investors are flipping investments making hundreds of thousands of dollars, we are at a point where smart buyers and investors will start to accumulate quality real estate with the intention to hold these investments for years.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>History will show you that buying Myrtle Beach real estate and holding it as a long term investment is the smart path to wealth creation. In ten years from now, we will likely look back and credit the 2005 real estate crash as the very incident that caused the accumulation of real estate wealth.</p> <p>The mistake that people made in 2005 was that they were buying high, hoping to sell higher. This is a strategy that rarely works unless a good bit of luck is on your side. Investors get in trouble when they need <strong>*LUCK*</strong> &nbsp;in order to profit. The proven strategy is when the investor buys low and sells higher. Notice the difference -&nbsp;"buy high and sell higher" is much more risky then "buy low sell higher". Nobody can argue, Myrtle Beach real estate can be purchased at very low prices right now.</p> <p>The formula for real estate investing that will help you create wealth with modest risks is very simple. Here are a few rules that will put you on the path to smart real estate investing:</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Rule 1.</strong> Focus on quality properties.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Rule 2.</strong> Don't have tunnel vision for foreclosures. Some of the best deals are found the traditional way. Don't narrow your search.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Rule 3</strong>. Do your homework. Look at the condition of the HOA, ask about lawsuits and review the price history from the past two years.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Rule 4.</strong> Study rental history and be conservative when evaluating the cash-flow potential.</p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><strong>Rule 5.</strong> Make sure that you work with a real estate professional that will take the time and help you find the right investment property. It's not about making a sale...it's about making good financial decisions.</p> <p>If you have ever wanted a piece of Myrtle Beach then now is the time. There are quality properties at a major discount all over the Grand Strand. The oceanfront is selling at ocean view prices. Developed land is selling for the same price as raw land, and <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-homes-for-sale/" title="Myrlte Beach Homes" target="_blank">homes in Myrtle Beach</a></strong> can be purchased for less than construction costs. For those buyers and investors that are still not convinced that now is the time to make the move, then tell me what other signs we need to see before it <em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">is</span></em> time.</p> <p>Remember, don't just jump in the market like people did in 2005....follow rules 1-5 and allow your Myrtle Beach real estate to build your wealth over time.</p> <p>If you want to invest in <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong>,&nbsp;then I would be more then happy to help you create an investment strategy that will help you reach your goals. If you are not an investor,&nbsp; yet want to own a piece of Myrtle Beach then we are here to help you also. Good luck in 2011!</p> <p>Your <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/greg-harrelson/" title="Myrtle Beach Realtor" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Realtor</a></strong>&reg;,</p> <p>Greg Harrelson<br />Century 21 The Harrelson Group<br />www.c21TheHarrelsonGroup.com</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1993543/myrtle-beach-real-estate-investors-and-referring-agents 2010-11-29T15:10:50Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Condos for sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/1/2/9/2/ar129106061629214.jpg" height="304" alt="Myrtle Beach Condos" width="460" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>Agents across the country are looking for positive signs that the real estate markets are ready for their investors. Of course, nobody has a crystal ball that gives the ability to predict the future of real estate. All anybody can do is keep their eyes on the market and look for important trends that indicate the direction the markets will likely go. I think real estate agents have to look beyond their local market in order to best position their buyer or investor clients in opportunities where they may realize a huge upside while protecting their downside risk.</p> <p>As most of you know, Myrtle Beach is a resort/investor market that was hit by the economy more then many other markets. But because we are such a huge tourist destination, <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-homes-for-sale/" title="Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach homes</a></strong> and condos - and real estate in general here will be popular for many years to come.</p> <p>Here a a few facts as to what is happening in the <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong> market according to my sources. Some of these facts may be the reason why investors and buyers should look at our area.</p> <p>1. The supply of Myrtle Beach homes and condos is starting to decline quickly.</p> <p>2. There are many properties that are starting to see multiple offers.</p> <p>3. The average number of days on the market is declining.</p> <p>4. Foreclosures are on the decline and the quality properties seem to be selling fast.</p> <p>5. Some properties are selling for more than full price.</p> <p>It is too soon to tell if the real estate markets across the country are starting to recover, yet when looking at the above facts, it appears that Myrtle Beach may be a destination where you can buy a vacation home and find a great investment, too.&nbsp; Most of our condos and vacation homes bring in a substantial rental income when handled by a reputable <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachluxuryrentals.com" title="Myrtle Beach Condo Rentals" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach condo rental</a></strong> company.</p> <p>Realtors should know that we have a local agency, Century 21 The Harrelson Group, that understands the market and the value of real estate agents all across the country. When you refer a buyer lead to The Harrelson Group that results in a sale of an in-house listing, they will pay the FULL co-broke commission to the referring agent. So, if you are a Realtor in West Virginia and you know of a client looking to buy a house or <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-condos-sale/" title="Myrtle Beach Condos for Sale" target="_blank">condo in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>, you can refer the client to The Harrelson Group and get the same full commission as you would if you sold that buyer a property in your local MLS.</p> <p>If the buyer buys a property that is not listed with The Harrelson Group then the referral fee is still above market at 30%. The typical referral fee is only 25% yet this company wants to give a little more to show their appreciation and to promote multiple referral agreements. Full co-broke commission referral is unheard of across the country so this is something to consider.</p> <p>If you have buyer investors that are wanting to take advantage of the real estate opportunities that exist in our economy then you may want to consider Myrtle Beach. And sending Century 21 The Harrelson Group a customer who buys property in Myrtle Beach can pay an agent the same as selling in their hometown. You can help your customers interested in vacation property and protect your commission, too.</p> <p>Feel free to contact Greg Harrelson for more information whether you are an agent with a client who is interested, or if you are an investor looking to take advantage of today's economy. He can be reached by phone at 843-457-7816 or <strong>GregHarrelson@Gmail.com</strong>.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1940239/myrtle-beach-short-sales 2010-10-29T07:16:29Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-short-sales/" title="Myrtle Beach Short Sales" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Short Sales</a></strong> are seeing a&nbsp;major increase. Greg Harrelson, a <strong>Myrtle Beach&nbsp;Realtor,</strong> and President of C21 The Harrelson Group, penned this article about our short-sale market. Greg has been coached for over 10 years by some of the best real estate gurus in the country, and is himself a real estate career coach. I thought it was an interesting article and point of view, and a good fit for Active Rain.</p> <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Short Sales" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/2/6/9/2/ar128834899729622.jpg" height="413" alt="Myrtle Beach Short Sales" width="500" style="margin: 0px;" /></p> <p>It seems that every building and every neighborhood in Myrtle Beach has at least one short sale actively listed for sale or recently sold.</p> <p>Why are so many owners trying to sell their Myrtle Beach real estate via the short sale process?</p> <ol> <li>Their investments are cash flow negative and their income can no longer support the investment.</li> <li>The negative impact on credit and legal complications are significantly lower in a short sale than they are from a foreclosure.</li> <li>Some banks are telling their customers to try a short sale.</li> <li>The banks pay the real estate commissions in a short sale so there are no costs to a seller.</li> <li>The mortgage is higher than the value of the property and the bank will not agree to refinance.</li> <li>A loan modification was denied.</li> </ol> <p>As you can see, there are many reasons that owners are short selling. It is obvious the banks are starting to approve more of these sales because it helps them get bad assets off their books while saving the legal fees and time associated with a foreclosure.</p> <p>If you find your self having a hard time with your mortgage and you can't sell because of the market value then this is an option to consider.</p> <p>Unfortunately, there are people that have been foreclosed on recently that could have been approved for a short sale. Now they will suffer for 5-7 years with bad credit and have legal action taken against them. The only reason they let the bank foreclose was because they were never told of the short sale option.</p> <p>The lesson to learn over the past few years is that you must get educated on your selling options and stay informed of the changes in the real estate market. There are a lot of challenges in the <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong> market, yet at the same time, there are also solutions.<br />###</p> <p>Greg Harrelson continues to apply his unique selling strategies to assist buyers and sellers in todays real estate market. These are the same strategies that he has coached top producing agents to do all across the country.</p> <p>If you are wondering how a short sale works, feel free to call&nbsp;Greg at (843) 457-7816&nbsp;for a full explanation or more information.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1892413/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-3 2010-10-03T01:13:43Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><strong>Part 3 - Building Area Content</strong></p> <p>In <strong>part&nbsp;two</strong> of <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1887256/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-2" title="SEO Web Design-Keywords" target="_blank">Designing an SEO Friendly Website</a></strong>, we discussed researching the key phrases for your website. If you're dealing with a template, you should have gotten rid of any of the content these website providers include in the navigation that is used and re-used by all the agents in your area. Remember that you don't want duplicate content on your website - ever.&nbsp; While it might not get you penalized by the search engines, at the very least it will be un-indexed, and you've wasted a precious link and a page of content that you yourself should write.&nbsp; Who knows more about the good stuff your city offers than you, when your career involves answering questions and helping people who are moving there?</p> <p>If you can't write, then sit down and write out a bullet point list of the city attractions...what you like or even don't like about the area.</p> <p>Where do you like to eat?&nbsp; What do you do for fun?&nbsp; Do you have a museum, a live theatre group, a beautiful park, or a lake?&nbsp; Are you on the beach, in a ski resort, near a big tourist attraction?&nbsp; Make a list of all this stuff and find somebody who can write, if you can't.&nbsp; Expect to pay $20-50 for a good researched article, and hang on to it.&nbsp; Go out and take some photos of these things and keep it together.&nbsp; You'll give this to your web designer or use it yourself if you've decided to use a template.</p> <p><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/barefoot-resort/"><img title="Homes for Sale in Barefoot Resort" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/0/2/9/ar128608102292047.jpg" height="288" alt="Barefoot Resort Homes for Sale" style="margin: 0px 8px; float: left;" width="290" /></a>So now you have a page about your city attractions.&nbsp; Let's take it a step further.&nbsp; Are there certain neighborhoods or subdivisions in your city that are popular?&nbsp; Spend some time and think this out.&nbsp; Choose 5 or 10 of these areas if you have them, and come up with a paragraph about each.&nbsp; What's special about it?&nbsp; What kind of homes do you find there?&nbsp; Is it a condo complex? Is it a luxury home development? Is it a gated neighborhood or great for retirees? Whether it's a desert <strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com/north-albuquerque-acres.html" title="Albuquerque Acres Homes for Sale" target="_blank"><strong>home in Albuquerque Acres NM</strong></a>, or <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/surfside-beach-real-estate/" title="Surfside Beach Homes for Sale" target="_blank">homes for sale in Surfside Beach SC</a></strong>, there's something special about the neighborhood.</p> <p>Describe as many of them as you can, and do a bit of research to see what the average price of housing is in each.&nbsp; Save this, again, for your web designer or yourself to make into pages for your website.&nbsp; Go out to these neighborhoods and take photos.&nbsp; Always photograph any water amenities or pretty parks.&nbsp; Pick a sunny day and get the best looking photos you can!&nbsp; If you see a "for sale" sign, take a picture of the home or complex from an angle that doesn't show the sign.</p> <p>Does this sound like a lot of work on your part?&nbsp; It is.&nbsp; But a web designer is not going out to take pictures.&nbsp; A non-Realtor does not know what kind of housing is in a neighborhood or what the average prices are.&nbsp; This is what YOU KNOW...and if you want a great website, then take the time to do this once, and do it right.&nbsp; It will pay off more than you can imagine, because THIS is what the search engines are looking for!&nbsp; You want to have content on your website that Betty Competitor at Remax is too lazy to offer.</p> <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Homes for Sale" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/8/8/1/ar128608122218838.jpg" height="294" alt="Home for sale in Myrtle Beach" style="margin: 0px 8px; float: right;" width="400" />If you don't want to take the time to get photos, then pay your assistant or even a professional photographer to do it.&nbsp; Don't steal photos from other websites.&nbsp; It not only reflects on your character...you can actually face a lawsuit and have to pay damages for copyright infringement.&nbsp; There may be a time when you will almost have to use a photo that belongs to somebody else...but do it as a last resort, and try to get permission from the owner when you do.</p> <p>So now you have your basic pages planned, and the content to build pages for your most important neighborhoods.&nbsp; That's a great start, and next you want to start putting it all together!</p> <p>Stay tuned for the next chapter of Designing a Real Estate Website with SEO in Mind...</p> <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1884826/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind" title="SEO Web Design - Basics" target="_blank">SEO Web Design Part One</a></strong><br /><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1887256/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-2" title="SEO Web Design with Keywords" target="_blank">SEO Web Design Part Two</a></strong></p> <p><strong>###</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-condos-sale/" title="Condos for Sale in Myrtle Beach" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Condos For Sale</a><br /><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com/myrtle-beach-homes-for-sale/" title="Homes for Sale in Myrtle Beach" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Homes For Sale</a></strong></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1887256/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-2 2010-09-30T04:26:18Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <h3>Part 2 - Researching Key Phrases</h3> <p><img title="Wordtracker Keyword Tool for SEO" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/3/9/4/ar128583375649384.jpg" height="277" alt="Wordtracker Keyword Tool" width="500" /></p> <p>In part one of <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1884826/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind" title="SEO Web Design" target="_blank">SEO Website Design</a></strong>, we lined up your basic real estate website pages - Home, Area, About, MLS Search, and Contact. Now we need to figure out exactly what the best search terms are for your particular city's real estate market, and plan some pages around them.</p> <p>There are several websites and programs you can buy to research keywords. Google, itself offers a tool if you buy advertising from them. I myself prefer to use the <strong><a href="http://FreeKeywords.Wordtracker.com" title="Wordtracker Keyword Tool for SEO" target="_blank">Wordtracker Keyword Tool</a></strong>. It is one of the oldest website services around, and several years ago they started providing a free version. The paid version offers a host of other tools and perks, but for this exercise, you can use the free version.</p> <p>Wordtracker gets a feed of all searches done on Google, Yahoo, Bing, and several other searche engines. Every day it squashes the numbers for the prior week and provides a list by keywords. It gives you a DAILY average for each phrase that had at least one search per day, based on the prior seven days.&nbsp; So this gives you the best updated numbers to take into account the time of the year, or even things that are in the news.&nbsp; For instance, during the time of the 9-11 attacks, "World Trade Center" would have had thousands of searches per day.&nbsp; Now it's probably only in the hundreds.&nbsp; During and after Hurricane Katrina, "New Orleans" would have been huge, where it's now close to normal again.</p> <p>If you're in an a resort area like my city, the top search term in July is "<strong><a href="http://www.staymyrtlebeach.com" title="Myrtle Beach Hotels" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Hotels</a></strong>" and "<strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachcondos.cc" title="Myrtle Beach Condos" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Condos</a></strong>".&nbsp; Check it in the winter, and "<strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Real Estate</a></strong>" is likely higher than condos. So be sure to take this into account, and work that into your strategy.</p> <p>One of the things to remember about writing your website content is - Do <span style="text-decoration: underline;">NOT</span> repeat the same search terms over and over again. Think SYNONYMS, and use them throughout.&nbsp; Sit down and make yourself a list of all the terms that pertain to real estate.&nbsp; You might even want to look at a thesaurus and get some extra ideas.&nbsp; How many synonyms can you come up with for "condo"?&nbsp; Let's see...</p> <p>condo<br />condominium<br />villa<br />townhome<br />townhouse<br />co-op<br />resort</p> <p>Get my point?&nbsp; Good.&nbsp; Now make yourself a list like that.&nbsp; Include homes, houses, land, lots, and anything else you can come up with.</p> <p>Now let's head over to the Keyword Tool and see what we find.</p> <p>Start with the name of your city.&nbsp; Now this free version is only going to give you the top 100 results.&nbsp; So if you get to the bottom of the list and you aren't down to 1 or 2 per day, we'll have to drill down further.</p> <p><img title="Wordtracker Searches" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/8/8/3/ar128583466938816.jpg" height="526" alt="Wordtracker Searches" width="500" /></p> <p>Look through all the results and pull out the phrases that pertain to real estate.&nbsp; Likely you'll see "your city homes" "your city real estate" "your city condos" "your city homes for sale" and "your city foreclosures".</p> <p>The most highly searched terms will be at the top, and in descending order.&nbsp; You may find that "<strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com/search/advanced_search/" title="Albuquerque MLS" target="_blank">Albuquerque MLS</a></strong>" has a higher number of searches than "<a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Real Estate" target="_blank"><strong>Albuquerque real estate</strong></a>". Open your Notepad program and copy and paste the lines that contain your terms.&nbsp; When you get to the bottom, if it's not down to 1 or 2, then do another search for "Your City Homes".&nbsp; Again, you may find some terms that didn't show up the first time.&nbsp; You might also try adding the state. Make your list for everything you can find.</p> <p>Now...are you in a competitive area where there are many other websites that have been around a long time?&nbsp; Is the site you are working on brand new, or even less than a year old?&nbsp; Be aware that one of the most important ranking factors for Google, especially, is age.&nbsp; They will almost never allow a website that is less than 6 months or a year old to rank for an important or competitive term.&nbsp; If you can't rank for the highest terms immediately, pick some of the middle ones (also known as "long-tail search terms") and be sure you target several of them just as much as the major ones. It's better to get a little bit of traffic on a less searched term than none at all for the next 6 months, right?&nbsp; And sometimes the more specific terms will produce a sale much faster than a beginning "tire-kicker" who is just searching for "real estate" to see what's available.</p> <p>When you've made your list and decided which terms you'd like to target, put this aside for a few minutes and let's go back to building the basic pages you will need...</p> <p>Next on <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1892413/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-3" title="SEO Web Design for Real Estate" target="_self">Designing a Real Estate Website with SEO in Mind</a></strong> - Building Content!</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1884826/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind 2010-09-28T20:54:42Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <h3>Beginnings</h3> <p><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com"><img title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/6/5/1/7/ar1285720671566.jpg" height="294" alt="C21 The Harrelson Group Website" width="497" style="margin: 0px;" /></a></p> <p> <p>When you first make a decision to get your own real estate website, many of you will find a web designer and dive right in.&nbsp; You feel like you know what pages you want and need, and maybe you've seen other real estate sites that you assume have the correct content, and you set out to copy it, even if you brand it for your area.</p> <p>Most of the templated real estate sites, especially the older ones, have much the same canned content, like school information, mortgage calculators, and of course, some kind of IDX. They tend to have a page called Sellers, a page called Buyers, an About Us page, and sometimes little else.&nbsp; Most of the sites you see are like this, so it must be the way to go, right?</p> <p>Are most of the real estate sites you see in the top of Google for the term "your city real estate"?&nbsp; No. And this is one of the reasons why they aren't.&nbsp; So what should your real estate site contain, and how do you begin it?&nbsp; That's what I'm going to talk about in this article.</p> <p>First of all, if your template comes with provided content on schools or anything about your area, get rid of it. This content is "syndicated" on all the other IDX websites in the area, and on all the websites any agent in your area may have.&nbsp; It's duplicate content and doesn't add a thing to your website.&nbsp; Every city and county now has a website with all the information like this on it.&nbsp; What you should do is make your own page about your area.&nbsp; Talk about the local attractions, schools, malls, annual festivals, taxes, and anything else a resident might want to know.&nbsp; Keep it brief, in your own words, and link to the website for the city, county, Chamber of Commerce, or whichever one or two you think are the best.&nbsp; The search engines actually appreciate you providing ONE OR TWO links to authority sites like that.&nbsp; No, don't make a list of twenty websites and link to them.</p> <p>Now what kind of pages DO you need to include on your site?&nbsp; Make a list for yourself.&nbsp; Start with the obvious.&nbsp; We know that you'll have a homepage, an area information page, a page about yourself or your agency, some kind of page with the MLS search on it, and a Contact page.&nbsp; Then you'll probably want a page about Homes for Sale, Land for Sale, maybe Condos for Sale.</p> <p>Questions to ask yourself: How would a potential buyer search in google for property in my city?&nbsp; Would they search for <strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach real estate</a></strong>?&nbsp; Real estate in Myrtle Beach? Property in Myrtle Beach for sale?&nbsp; You might want to ask four or five of your friends....although their answers will be all over the board.&nbsp; You think you pretty much know WHAT the pages should be, but how do you know the BEST way to word them, and which exact terms to optimize for the most?&nbsp; Believe it or not, sometimes "your-city real estate" is not the most searched phrase for the area!&nbsp;</p> <p>How do you figure this out?&nbsp; Stay tuned for the next chapter of <strong>Designing a <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1887256/designing-a-real-estate-website-with-seo-in-mind-2" title="SEO for Real Estate Websites" target="_blank">Real Estate Website with SEO</a> in mind</strong>....</p> </p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1825243/make-sure-you-are-listed-in-local-search-results 2010-08-28T16:20:06Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Local Search SEO" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/2/0/4/3/ar1283019034021.jpg" height="401" alt="Local Search Results" style="margin: 4px 0px;" width="485" /></p> <p>With the advent of Android and i-Phones, it's becoming more and more important to be sure that you have your name in the local results of Google, Yahoo and Bing. You don't even have to have a website to get a local or "Places" page on Google, but it goes a long way towards giving your website authority in their eyes when you do. I have one personal website with a page for rentals that doesn't rank in Google yet, but shows in Yahoo and Bing Local on all the searche phrases pertaining to it.  I get a considerable amount of traffic from the two of them even without Google.  So all three are important. </p> <p>For those who aren't aware, Yahoo is now officially using Bing's results as their organic search results.  If you combine Yahoo and Bing together, the two of them can be almost as important combined as being at the top of Google itself. I've found that doing a detailed and optimized Bing Local page helps to rank organically in Bing - which now means you'll rank in both!</p> <p>Ranking in the local searches can be easy if you're in a small area, or hard if you're in a metro like Atlanta or Miami.  You are also somewhat limited to the physical address of your office. Although Google is now allowing some businesses to opt out of an office address and rank for service area, a real estate agent doesn't usually fall into that category. Then again, if you work primarily out of your home, you can use that instead of a business office. It's probably a little bit dangerous to publicize your home address in that way, but many do, including myself.</p> <p>If your office (or home) is located in a small sub-city outside of a main city, it's going to make things difficult. So my first piece of advice, feasible or not, is to have an office address in the main city that you want to be found listed for. One smart guy in Myrtle Beach actually went out and rented small office spaces in various places so he could have multiple entries and appear to have multiple businesses. I'm not saying that's the way to go, but it's interesting that ranking in those top Local "boxes" can be lucrative enough to make such an expensive and drastic course of action worthwhile!</p> <p>But let's assume your office is in the city, and you want to get found in the 3 Local searches to improve your website traffic and get more buyers.  Here's a VERY simplified guide to making it work.</p> <p><strong>Building Your Profile</strong></p> <p><strong>The most important thing to start with is building a very detailed profile on all three Local searches.</strong>  Fill in every category.  Use your search terms in the "category" fields and the product fields. List your specialties like: "Carolina Heights Homes For Sale" or "Acme Condos For Sale". Mention "Your-town MLS" in a field somewhere unless you are in one of those areas with a nasty Board that won't let you use the term "MLS". In most cities, "Your Town MLS" is a pretty important search term.</p> <p>Be sure and add photos to your profiles.  Add as many as you have or as many as it will allow you to add.</p> <p>Try to put your city in the business name field.  I suggest using "Jane Smith, Boston Real Estate" or if you're doing an agency page, "C21 Smith Group Boston".  You have to be very careful, and they will refuse to approve anything that sounds spammy.</p> <p>If you've been considering creating an LLC for yourself, this is a great time to do it, and you'll be way ahead in the game if you name your LLC using your search terms in the company name.  "Jane Smith Boston Real Estate Co" is going to be a big help to you for a long time to come if you're lucky enough to get it!</p> <p>Google just enacted a new field that is really good.  Towards the end under "Details" they have a place to add extra services or information. It's a two-columned field, and now they allow you to enter a "service" (or search phrase!) in the first column, and the URL to your matching inside page on the second column.  They make these a link on your profile, with the clickable part being your "service".  Sweet, isn't it?</p> <p>Bing Local also allows you to list 5 or 6 of your inside page URL's with search terms and even photos to go along with them. It is by far the most complicated and detailed of the three profiles, but I think they consider if you go to that much trouble to fill it all out, then you must be legitimate.</p> <p>Last but not least at all...you have to get reviews on these after you build them - preferably from customers, but if nothing else, you can always get business associates, family members, and friends to do a review for you. The more reviews you get, the higher you will rank if all else is done correctly.  This is the hardest part of all, but probably the second most important. They will also pull in reviews from other profile pages such as City-Search, InsiderPages.com, and MerchantsCircle.com.  The more profiles you have on the internet, the better off you will be.</p> <p>Hope this helps someone to understand and utilize Local Search as it's becoming more and more necessary for your sales and business!</p> <p><strong>My Projects</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com" title="Myrtle Beach Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Real Estate</a><br /><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque Real Estate" target="_blank">Albuquerque Real Estate</a><br /><a href="http://atlantahomeconnections.com">Lake Lanier Real Estate</a><br /><a href="http://www.oceanfrontinvestments.com">Oceanfront Real Estate</a></strong></p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1674260/drawbacks-of-beach-living 2010-06-02T07:06:30Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p>This is not going to be one of my usual wordy posts.  I've been seeing the Orkin Commercials on TV and thinking how accurate they sometimes are.  This was the best one I've seen, and truly represents the way you feel when a nice 2 inch long palmetto bug comes to visit.  They don't knock, though.</p> <p>On the other hand, this is also a testament on how handy it is to live with a couple of cats sometimes...:-)</p><p> <object height="360" width="580"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QQ-JQ_bc9ag&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0xe1600f&amp;color2=0xfebd01&amp;border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QQ-JQ_bc9ag&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0xe1600f&amp;color2=0xfebd01&amp;border=1" allowscriptaccess="always" height="360" width="580"></embed></object> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1612177/albuquerque-nm-voted-a-best-place-to-live- 2010-04-21T23:44:55Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p>Albuquerque got many kudos on USNews.com's Money recently!<br />In the slideshow of Best Places to Live, <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque NM Real Estate" target="_blank">Albuquerque real estate</a></strong> made the number one illustration, with the below photo and a synopsis of the reason why:</p> <p><img title="Folklorico dancing in front of the San Felipe de Neri Church in Old Town." src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/0/0/6/ar127191056860002.jpg" height="278" alt="Image from US News.com" width="418" /></p> <p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>The clear skies, calm winds, and abundant sunshine of Albuquerque, N.M., present plenty of opportunities to explore the city's natural splendor. Each October, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the sky with more than 700 colorful hot-air balloons. Meanwhile, 14 area golf courses are open year-round and allow duffers to tee off against spectacular backdrops of volcanoes and mountain peaks.</em></p> <p>The full article, written by Luke Mullins, can be found <strong><a href="http://www.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/real-estate/articles/2009/06/08/best-places-to-live-2009.html" title="US NEWS 10 Best Places to Live" target="_blank">HERE</a></strong>.&nbsp; He says in the selection they looked for affordable communities with strong economies and lots of fun activities to enjoy.&nbsp; Albuquerque made the grade with Luke due to the sunny climate and scenic vistas that he says have drawn writers, poets, and artists for years.&nbsp; He cites Kirtland AFB, Intel, and Sandia Labs as providing great jobs for a stable economy.</p> <p>Other winners were Auburn AL, Austin TX, Boise ID, Durham NC, LaCrosse WI, Loveland CO, San Luis Obispo CA, St Augustine FL, and Upper St. Clair PA</p> <p>Congratulations, Albuquerque!&nbsp; And a special high-five to my friends at the <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com/About_Us/page_2187544.html" title="Albuquerque Real Estate Agents" target="_blank">Albuquerque Real Estate Group</a></strong>!</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1580191/the-myrtle-beach-boardwalk-opens-today- 2010-04-02T16:40:33Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Boardwalk" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/0/4/3/ar127024303734041.jpg" height="284" alt="The new Myrtle Beach Boardwalk" width="400" style="margin: 2px; float: left;" />Most of Myrtle Beach's new Oceanfront Boardwalk will be open to the public by the end of the day on Friday of Easter weekend!&nbsp; The contractor finished up the last few tweaks, and the city is ready to accept visitors.&nbsp; So, from the 14th Avenue Pier to Fourth Avenue North, the boardwalk will be open and ready for your enjoyment as of today.</p> <p>The Grand Opening ceremony for the new <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachcondos.cc/myrtle-beach-boardwalk-condos.html" title="Myrtle Beach Boardwalk" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Boardwalk</a></strong> is set for Saturday, May 15, during the Beach Music Festival.&nbsp; Work on the last few blocks, from Fourth Avenue North to First Avenue North, just past the Second Avenue Pier, will be complete by early June.</p> <p><img title="Myrtle Beach Boardwalk North" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/5/3/5/ar127024395653532.jpg" height="177" alt="Myrtle Beach Boardwalk North" width="455" style="margin: 2px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></p> <p>The photos here are from the <strong><a href="http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/photofiles/pow040210.html" title="City of Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Photos" target="_blank">City of Myrtle Beach Website</a></strong>, and were taken on Thursday, April 1.&nbsp; The northern-most reach is a traditional, raised wooden boardwalk that follows the dunes.&nbsp; The central section, adjacent to Plyler Park and oceanfront businesses, is a wide plaza with shade sail structures and a crosshatched wooden deck.&nbsp; The southern section is a broad&nbsp;wooden platform&nbsp;with lush landscaping and a great beach view.</p> <p>What a&nbsp;fantastic new attraction for our <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachluxuryrentals.com" title="Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach vacation</a></strong> lovers, and the condos alongside it.&nbsp; The new Boardwalk is also perfect for the <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachcondos.cc/myrtle-beach-pet-friendly-condos.html" title="Myrtle Beach Pet Friendly Hotels" target="_blank">pet-friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach</a></strong> nearby.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1494729/mobile-modular-and-manufactured-homes 2010-02-15T12:21:39Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p><img title="Modular Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/8/6/3/ar126625651336864.jpg" height="277" alt="modular home" width="394" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left;" />Have you ever wondered or been asked by a buyer exactly what the difference is between a "modular" home and a "mobile" home?&nbsp;&nbsp; You may also hear the terms "manufactured home" or "pre-fab home".&nbsp;&nbsp; These terms seem to be catch-all phrases to encompass anything that is not a "stick-built" house, which is the builder's lingo for a home that is built from scratch on a piece of property, and not in a factory.</p> <p>So what exactly is the difference?&nbsp; After researching the different types of alternative-built homes, I've discovered the answer.&nbsp; And, my findings might surprise you!<br />&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In my quest to understand these different housing types, I contacted Robert Fanelli, the President of Riverview Homes, Inc. in Vandergrift, Pennsylvania.&nbsp; With forty years of experience in selling both types of homes, Robert provided me with insight into the alternative housing business and explained that it basically boils down to semantics.</p> <p>"Over our 40-year history, Riverview Homes has sold mobile homes, manufactured homes, modular homes, two stories, sectional homes, single-wides, trailers, double trailers, triple-wides, double-high, etc.", he begins.&nbsp;&nbsp; "In the end what we have really sold is either a home built to the HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development) building code or to a State building code.&nbsp; In Pennsylvania, we build single family homes to the IRC (International Residential Code).&nbsp;&nbsp; In Pennsylvania, modular homes are built to the IRC and manufactured homes or mobile homes are built to the HUD code."</p> <p><img title="Mobile Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/0/2/8/ar126625704882059.jpg" height="267" alt="Mobile Home" width="400" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: right;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;Wikipedia defines a similar difference.&nbsp; It says that typically a modular home is built to local state or council code, so it can actually have a different construction standard depending on the state in which it will be placed.&nbsp; Modular homes built for final placement in a hurricane-prone area can have additional bracing built in to make it more safe.&nbsp; Surprisingly, it says that after FEMA studied the destruction done by Hurricane Andrew, <strong><em>they concluded that modular and masonry built homes fared better than any other construction!<br /></em></strong>&nbsp;<br />Wikipedia&nbsp; further notes that pre-manufactured, pre-fab, or mobile homes are built in factories, transported by tractor-trailer to the home site, (often rural) and contain hidden trailer frames, axles, wheels and tow-hitches beneath the underpinning.</p> <p><strong>Mobile Homes</strong></p> <p>The two major sizes of mobile homes are single-wide (18 feet or less width and 90 feet or less in length); and double-wide (which are 20 feet or more wide and 90 feet long).&nbsp; Double-wides are usually two units which are joined together at the site.&nbsp; Mobile homes can even go up to a triple-wide size and above, if desired.<br />&nbsp; <br />Again, they reiterate that mobile homes are governed by National standards (the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD) and not state or local building codes.&nbsp; That may explain why many cities do not allow mobile homes to be built inside the city limits, since they may not be up to code for the area.&nbsp; Mobile homes were actually an offshoot from camping trailers which became popular in the 50's and 60's.</p> <p><img title="Modular Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/5/1/8/ar126625719981552.jpg" height="230" alt="Modular Home" width="433" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: left;" />I posed the question to my Allstate Insurance agent, who sells both <strong><a href="http://www.carolinapolicies.com/sc-mobile-home-insurance.html" title="SC Mobile Home Insurance" target="_blank">South Carolina mobile home insurance</a></strong> as well as regular <strong><a href="http://www.carolinapolicies.com/property.html" title="Homeowners Insurance Myrtle Beach" target="_blank">homeowners insurance in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>.&nbsp; His industry provides additional distinction between a modular home and a mobile home.&nbsp; He stated that a modular home is frameless and uses a deed to convey title, whereas a mobile home has a title similar to a car, and has the framework mentioned above.&nbsp; There seems to be little room to quibble with the insurance agency!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Different Opinions</strong></p> <p>In his explanation, Mr. Fanelli goes on to say that the problem is not that they or their customers don't know what they are buying or selling, but how the other entities involved in the construction process define the product.<br />&nbsp; <br />He asks, "What does the lender consider a modular?&nbsp; What does the insurance agent consider a mobile home?&nbsp; What does the Zoning Officer define a manufactured home as?&nbsp; You would think this would not be a problem, but I am here to say that all of these people have different answers and they are defined not by the law or by building codes, but by personal experience.&nbsp; For example, the Banker who will not finance a mobile home, but will finance a modular; and the only requirement to be a modular is that the home is on a basement!&nbsp; This happens all the time."</p> <p>He adds, "With all of this being said, the homes that we are building, either modular or HUD code, are the most competitive product we have ever fielded.&nbsp; Any option, design or appearance, you can get with a traditional stick-built home you can get with a modular or a HUD. [mobile home]"</p> <p>"Whatever you want to call them, the house is a HUD code home or an IRC code home.&nbsp; These codes are not as different as one might imagine .&nbsp; In fact the HUD code can be more restrictive than the IRC in some cases.&nbsp; Most of the stereotypical differences that people quote all the time are just not true.&nbsp; HUD code homes can go on a basement.&nbsp; Modular homes can be built on a frame that stays with the home.&nbsp; HUD code homes do have drywall and higher roof pitches.&nbsp; Modular and HUD code homes can both be financed - including the ground with a mortgage.&nbsp; Both are built in a factory, and transported to the home site.&nbsp; And even stick-built homes use factory-built parts like roof and floor trusses."</p> <p><img title="Modular Log Home" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/2/8/8/ar126625733688244.jpg" height="288" alt="Modular Log Home" width="432" style="margin: 2px 4px; float: right;" /></p> <p>Mr. Fanelli's website has photos and comprehensive information about mobile and <strong><a href="http://www.riverviewhomesinc.com/" title="Modular Homes in Pennsylvania" target="_blank">modular homes in PA</a></strong>.&nbsp; If you're interested in learning more, go to www.RiverViewHomesInc.com and take a look.</p> <p>As usual, I've received an advanced education about this type of housing, just out of curiosity.&nbsp; It was hard to grasp and made for a rather difficult subject to write about.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks go to Robert Fanelli and his expertise that helped a great deal, and to my friend Tim Fish, who patiently explained some of the terminology.&nbsp; He sees an occasional modular <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Homes for sale in Albuquerque" target="_blank">home for sale in Albuquerque</a></strong>, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br />##</p> <p><em>Robert Fanelli is the President of Riverview Homes, Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp; Riverview was founded in 1970, and has its corporate office at 2623 River Road, Vandergrift, PA, 15690.&nbsp; Mr. Fanelli can be reached at <strong>rfanelli@riverviewhomesinc.com</strong>.&nbsp; Learn more about Riverview Homes at&nbsp; </em><a href="http://www.riverviewhomesinc.com"><strong><em>www.riverviewhomesinc.com</em></strong></a><em>.</em></p> <p>*Choose CondoLux for the best luxury <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachluxuryrentals.com" title="Myrtle Beach Condo Rentals" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach Condo Rentals</a></strong>. Here's a site for <strong><a href="http://www.myrtlebeachcondos.cc" title="Myrtle Beach Pet Friendly Condos" target="_blank">pet friendly condos in Myrtle Beach</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="http://www.oceanfrontinvestments.com" title="Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Real Estate" target="_blank">Myrtle Beach oceanfront property</a></strong>.</p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div> http://activerain.com/blogsview/1452046/is-your-idx-provider-competing-with-your-real-estate-site- 2010-01-24T17:15:12Z Jan Chilton - Real Estate Marketing and SEO (Myrtle Beach Web Design) <p> </p> <p><img title="Bleeding Heart" src="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com/blog/beating-heart.jpg" height="274" alt="Heart with pinprick" width="300" style="margin: 4px 6px; float: left;" />I've recently worked on an <strong><a href="http://www.thealbuquerquerealestategroup.com" title="Albuquerque NM Real Estate" target="_blank">Albuquerque real estate</a></strong> agent's site that used to use one of the IDX companies that keep and host the MLS on their own servers and website. Typically, these companies either assign you a sub-directory of their website, or you are forced to link directly to their own pages that cover your area.  While these types of IDX's are anything BUT optimal for your website with SEO in mind, they are much less expensive than the ones that actually generate pages for your site.</p> <p>Some of the better of these inexpensive IDX companies will work with you to change the background color of the search result pages, and they can be framed in your own page to blend and function well.  Most will let you configure special searches by price, location, type of building structure, and other things like that.  So you may have a page or several pages on your website with links to these search results. You probably have a site-wide link in your navigation to it as well.</p> <p>Consider this - all those links are just as much a link to an outside website as if you had 50 links going to other websites.  And the IDX website isn't linking to you at all!  So these sites are getting hundreds and thousands of incoming links from all these customers.  They have figured this out, and most are now building their own MLS pages <strong>THAT ARE BEGINNING TO SHOW IN SEARCH ENGINE RESULTS.</strong>  Yes, your IDX company is now starting to compete with your own website for your own city's listings.</p> <p>We are already competing with Homegain, Yahoo Real Estate, Trulia, and a host of others.  Google is sadly starting to put considerable importance on "Branding" when it comes to search results.  They also filter site popularity and size into their algorithim.  But more than any single factor, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the amount of incoming links to a site determines its rankings</span>. So by having these links to the MLS searches, you are contributing to your own competition when it's all said and done.</p> <p>Most of the sites that use this type of MLS either frame in the search or they put it on a sub-domain of their website that they host. So everytime you link to your MLS search, you are linking TO the MLS company's website...not your own.  What is the answer?  <strong>The NO FOLLOW TAG.</strong>  This is very, very important for you to have your webdesigner implement across your entire site when you have a link of this kind to an outside IDX website.  It makes no difference if they "give" you a sub-directory page...it's still their site.</p> <p>Most of you are familiar with the "nofollow" attribute and why it was created, but for those who are not, it is simply an industry standard that the search engines decided on a while back. By using it, if you must link to an outside website for some reason, you do not have to give this outside site "Google juice", a "vote", or any kind of search engine help along with it.  The "no-follow" tag tells the search engines, "Do not follow, do not give link credit" to the link.  It does not affect the way the link appears to your customer, only to the search engine.</p> <p>Think of a website as a heart filled with blood. Every link you include to another site is a "pin prick" in your own heart, and you lose a drop of blood, or Google's Pagerank juice.</p> <p>Every time another site links TO YOU, you get a drop of blood back through a transfusion. The no-follow tag plugs these pinpricks.  It does work both ways, however.  Twitter, for example, uses the no-follow attribute on all links.  So your site never benefits directly from a link on Twitter. For the most part, Facebook and about 80% of the other social sites do the same.  There are a few that do not use the tag, and when you find one, you better grab a link there!  The last time I looked, Craigs List and Backpage.com did not use No-follow.  Now I understand they have started using it. Therefore an ad on them would not benefit your website from an SEO standpoint.</p> <p>Almost all blogs default to no-following comments.  Active Rain does it.  Blogger does it.  So it does absolutely <em>NO GOOD</em> to spam other people's blogs by putting links in your comments. Active Rain DOES allow our name linking back to our profile page on comments.  So that helps to build up the profile page.  Since it links to your blog, the blog gets some of that juice.  Since the blog links to your website, it then passes its juice on to your website.  And THIS is the reason why you blog, folks!</p> <p>Anyway, by adding this small bit of no-follow code to every MLS search link across your website, you can be at least one less source of power to make that IDX company compete with your own site.  I think it may be one of the most important things for every agent site to do. Even better, create a page on your website that introduces the search, and put THAT in your navigation.  Then you'll only have the one link out to the MLS provider.  I would still "no-follow" that link, though!</p> <p>Regular link:<br />&lt; a href="http://www.idxcompany.com-blah-blah-blah-number-query-blah-blah.asp">Search By Price 100K</a></p> <p>Add this to that link - <br />&lt; a href="http://www.idxcompany.com-blah-blah-blah-number-query-blah-blah.asp" <strong>rel="nofollow"</strong>></p> <p>That's all it takes!</p> <p>###</p> <p>Visit some other sites:<br /><a href="http://www.northmyrtlebeachrealestate.net"><strong>North Myrtle Beach Real Estate</strong></a><br /> <a href="http://www.desmoinesrealestate.net"><strong>Des Moines Real Estate</strong></a><br /> <a href="http://www.c21theharrelsongroup.com"><strong>Myrtle Beach Real Estate</strong></a> </p> <div class='agent_signature'><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>*<br /><a title="Real Estate Marketing" href="http://www.myrtlebeachwebdesign.com" target="_blank"><strong>Real Estate Marketing</strong></a></p></div>