Our Assignment for Week Eight, another challenge!

Part of our prize package for being selected as one of the Makeover2Takeover contest participants was to receive a FLiP video camera. So I expected at some point, we would have an assignment with Video!

And here it is..... I'm envisioning this "video" being broadcast to quite a few people... that makes me more nervous and I already was nervous about video! Did you watch my very first? It was with a webcam.

So I'm busily working on the video submission, you'll have to wait to hear more details about that. (pssst it's due on Friday 12noon PST)

 

 

The other part to our entry this week is to write a single-page Word document about the Value of a Realtor(R).  I was hoping for some feedback.... if you've met me (Yeah for Teresa & Bob, Yay for North Carolina and my Buds!, and soon Inman/San Francisco!), you know that I can be a little 'gabby'.  It's not easy summarizing the Value of a Real Estate agent into one Word Document...... here is a sneak peek - I'm still weeding it down a little.

Missy, can you read over it? See if I need to do anything different?

 

Think this will be acceptable for a win?     Stay tuned....

 

 

There''s been a number of articles published here on ActiveRain about Real Estate agents attempting to justify their commissions. Many of these explanations seem to fall short of truly making a convincing argument for consumers. The problem we face in our industry today is not a matter of whether or not the cost of our services are justified, but our inability to communicate the value of those services adequately.

~    o    ~    o    ~    o    ~     o    ~

What is it about you and the manner in which you conduct/perform your business that establishes your value to your clients? What differentiates you from the masses of other agents in your respective market? What is it that qualifies you to earn/merit the trust, respect, and support of your clients?

~    o    ~    o    ~    o    ~     o    ~

Your challenge will be to tell us, no, convince us, as to why your abilities, talents, and services offer true value in today's challenging market.

We don't want the usual party line hype. Your declaration of value needs to be concise, heartfelt, and credible.

Here's your one chance, so make it count.

~    o    ~    o    ~    o    ~     o    ~

This challenge is for both Mentor and Apprentice. Each of you will be required to submit an entry. You both will be judged on your ability to articulate your value, and gain/earn your viewer's trust/confidence. Submit your 'Declaration of Value' in two formats:

1) A single page Word document attachment, and email to Rich Jacobson.

2) A video (3 minutes max) sharing your 'Declaration of Value' with us. Post to your blog, with a link in the 'Comments Section' of this post.

Deadline for submitting the Week 8 Challenge is Noon (PST) on Friday July 18th.

This ones is for all the marbles in China, so we expect some truly amazing entries!

 

 

For week 7 challenge I have to say it was a bit stressful.  But we pulled it off and Jeannette did an outstanding job. 

It might be a bit lengthy but its here for the taking.  You may want to edit and taylor make it your own.

I can't stress it enough the 180 tasks of a REALTOR is one of the best tools I have ever used and it may be very useful to you!

I also wanted to say congrats to Missy Caulk and Kim Woods,  Desiree Daniels and Brian Block every one of you have taught me a few things. 

 

We feel priveledged and honored to be part of this group. You all have to know how much we respect and admire all of your hard work.

 

Listing Checklist For Mr. and Mrs. Seller

Please gather the following information to expedite the marketing of your property.

 

MMortgage Information – Name of MortgageCo

___________/_____________

A Account Number____________/___________

T  Toll-Free Numbers _________________________/_________________________

<! Title Policy

<!-POA yes or no

<!-Divorce Decree yes or no

<!-Lawyer Name ________________________Telephone________________

<!-Gather Floor plans

<!-New Home Builder Warranty

<!-An appraisal within the past 6 months

<!-Name of HOA___________ Contact and phone_______________________

<! HOA Docs yes or no

<!-termite bond ____ Roof warranty___ Home warranty___

<!-You lists of dislikes of the home__________________________

<! Your likes of the home________________________________

<!-Curb appeal checklist_________________________

<!-Depersonalizing complete _______________________

<!-A set of keys available _________________

<!-Property Access decided_____________________

<!-Pets____/ special instructions for showing__________________________

Once You are Under Contract To Make Your Move Smoother

_______________________________________________________________________

<! Don’t forget to change your address at least two weeks before___

<!-Medical records to be sent to new doctor’s___________________

<!-Notify your bank and remember to close old accounts and open new ones____________________________________________

<!-Notify your vet and other places you have regular appointments with___________________________

<!-Last but not least, remain calm and remember you hired me for a reason.  Let me send you on your way and you get packing! 

Listing Checklist For Jeannette

<!-Review current title

<!-Measure overall and living square footage

<!-Total Area_________ Living Area________

<!-Measure interior room sizesLiving Room_____ Dining Room_____ Kitchen____ Bd_____ Bd ______Bd ______ Patio/Porch/Balcony____

<!-Confirm lot size via certified survey_______

<!-Obtain floor plans, if available and if home is under homebuilder warranty

<!-Review floor plans and make copy

<!-Prepare showing instructions for REALTORS and agree on showing time window with seller Must ____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

<!-Make copy or email to listing coordinator showing instructions

<!-Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: company (ies) ___________/___________ loan account numbers___________/___________

<!-Review current appraisal if done within the last 6 months

<!-Home Owner Association Contact _______ Phone number _____________

<!-Home Owner Association Fees yes or no application fee ________

<!-Approval and meeting required yes or no

<!-Obtain copy of Homeowner Association bylaws from seller or HOA

<!-Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond Name____________

Phone number _____________ contact person ________________

<!-Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure yes or no

<!-Prepare detailed list of property amenities_______________________________

<!________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

<!-Inclusions and and Inventory list ______________________________________

<!-________________________________________________________________

     and or see attachments______

<!-Warranties on appliances________  Home warranty in place yes or no

<  Have extra key made for lockbox

<!-Verify if property has rental units involved. How many____

<!- Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file

<!-Verify all rents & deposits

<!-Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled

<!-Tenants Name and best contact number_____________________

<!-Tenants Name and best contact number______________________

<!-Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form if necessary

<!-Walk property with seller and have seller point out repairs/and or concessions____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________or see attachment

<!-List and decide on concession or repairs

<!-Load listing into Transaction Desk software program

Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

<!-Prepare MLS Profile Sheet and have seller sign

<!-Enter property data from Profile Sheet into MLS Listing Database

<!-Check Advertise Ok for additional exposure

<!-Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy - including proper placement in mapping function

<!-Add property to company's MLS Listings

<! Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement and MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48hours Date sent_________________

<!-Listing on MLS Message Board

<!-Seller approves and accepts mls listing

<!-Take additional photos of property and surrounding area for upload into MLS and use in flyers and various locations on the web.

<!-Take video for video home tours

 

Marketing The Listing

<!-Install for sale sign with brochure box and sign riders

<!-Date Ordered__________

<!-Date Installed__________    

<!-Create print ads- Newspaper yes___ or no___ magazines yes___ or no___

<!-Create Internet ads:

<!-MLS Message Board

<!-Neerpat.com

<!-Point2agent.com Syndication

<!-Zillow.com

<!-RealSeeker.com

<!-Trulia.com

<!-Localism.com

<!- Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®.

<!- Feedback to Sellers Every SaturdayCall Time______

<!-Agent Feedback_________ Number of showings____ New Listings____

<!-New Pendings____ New Sales____ Price Reduction yes or no

    Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows

<!-Explain to seller how lock box works  Demonstrate ____

<! Contact Sphere of Influence via post card, email or call of new listing

  P Prepare mailing and contact list

<!-Order and Mail“Just Listed” cards for surrounding neighbors

<!-E-mail area agents about new listing

<!-E-mail office associates new listing

<!-Upload listing to company website Date Completed______________

As Needed Tasks

<!-Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups

<!-Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed

D  Date reprinted__________

<!-Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers' agents after showings

<!-Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

Closing Preparations and Duties

<!-Contract Is Signed By All Parties

<!-Effective Date_______________

<!-Closing Date_____________

<!-Escrow Deposit Date___________
Financing Date______________

<!-Inspection Date______________

<!-Appraisal Date_____________

<!-Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent and lender, title

<!-Send required data Title company

<!-Update closing forms & files

<!-Follow up with Title company to see if they have all required docs to close

<!-Select location where closing will be heldLocation__________________

<!-Order Escrow Check for Title Company Order Date_______________

<!-Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties

Closing Date_________ Time____________

<!-Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining DeathCertificate_____

<!- Work with buyer's agent in scheduling and conducting buyer's Final Walk-Thru prior to closing

Walk Thru Date__________________

Check on seller to see how moving is coming along? _____________

Does seller need affiliate numbers for roof? ______, contractractor________

Repairmen______, landscaper______, painter_______, movers______

<!-Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable proration’s

<!-Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)

<!-Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation

<!-Forward verified closing figures to buyer's agent

R  Request copy of closing documents from closing agent

<!-Stop by seller’s house and follow up on repairs_______/ moving______and see where seller needs assistance.___________________________

<!-Confirm buyer and buyer's agent have received title insurance commitment

Date Received_________________

<!-Provide "Home Owners Warranty" for availability at closing

<!-Have seller’s bring all keys and garage door and gate openers to closing

<!-Bring Drivers License

<!- Review all closing documents carefully for errors

<!-Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested

<!-Review documents with closing agent (attorney)

<!-Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent

<!-Coordinate this closing with seller's next purchase and resolve any timing problems

<!-Have a "no surprises" closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing

<!-Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable

<!-Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent's ID numbers, etc.

<!-Close out listing in transaction management program

Follow Up After Closing

<!-Answer questions about filing claims with Home Owner Warranty company if requested

<!-Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied

<!-Respond to any follow-on calls and provide any additional information required from office files.

R Remind Seller’s to turn of Utilities off the day of closing.

<!-Remind Seller’s to change there address

C   Compliments of Jeannette Neerpat and Midori Miller

The Makeover2Takeover Contest is ending its 7th Week of competition. 6 Teams rounded the turn, heading into this past week's challenge. Unfortunately, only 3 Teams can advance onto the Final Round and the Inman Connect in San Francisco.

Throughout the contest, the competition has been fierce and fun. This past week was exceptionally difficult, given the 4th of July celebrations. One Team had some computer challenges, but another Team stepped in to help get their issues resolved, and ensure their entry was properly submitted! That pretty much sums up the comaradery that has existed between these Teams since Day One.

(To find out all the details on the Week Seven Challenge, GO HERE)

Here's a quick overview of this past week's Challenge:

"The Week Seven Challenge will be for our Teams to effectively market a Listing. They'll need to develop a Listing Check-List of all the tasks relevant to marketing a home, and then create high-end online listing ad using their ActiveRain blog."

 

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

It's obvious that a lot of time and energy went into the 6 entries that were submitted this past week. Make sure you take the time to access the links to all the outstanding entries in the 'Comments Section' of Last Week's Challenge Post, and congratulate all the Teams for a job well done!

Now comes the part that I really dislike!.....

The Makeover2Takeover Teams to be eliminated from competition this week are The Huntsville Team of Elizabeth Ramsey Golden & Kimberly Grant; The SF Bay Area Team of Hank Perry and Vickie Nagy; and The DREAMWEAVERS, Deb Brooks and Melissa Grant. We have all been so fortunate to have been blessed by your participation and contributions in this event. Thank you for being such great competitors! We will be awarding each of you points for your participation, as well as a token of our appreciation to follow later.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

And now, for the winner of the Week Seven Challenge.....(drum roll please!)

The Team to win the Makeover2Takeover Week Seven Challenge is "Bonding for Success!" Apprentice Kim Woods and Mentor Missy Caulk!

Congratulations, Kim and Missy!

We now have the 3 Teams who will be heading to the Final Challenge culminating at the Inman Connect in San Francisco CA:

Kim Woods & Missy Caulk       Brian Block & Desiree Daniels       Jeanette Neerpat & Midori Miller

For all the members of the ActiveRain Community, make sure to voice your words of encouragement and appreciation to all the Makeover2Takeover Teams!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is our week 4 Challenge Entry. I know its a bit long, but you should read through all of it. It has lots of information. Thanks all who have been so supprotive here. I can't thank you enough!

Hello Rich

 Congratulations on your first steps to buying your first home!  I remember as if it were yesterday.  I am so flattered you asked me to part of this special event. 

It only happens once in your life time!  It will be exciting, educational and sometimes stressful but I promise you that I will do my very best to make your FIRST EVER home purchase a less bumpy ride.

Well, I have lots of faith in you.  Considering you served this great country I imagine the home buying process will be easy to take.   What better way to thank you personally for your service and courage by assisting in your home purchase and giving you the quality service that you so deserve.

I know as a first time homebuyer you have many questions, many thoughts and some concerns so if you don’t mind I’d like to touch on the process...its a few pages but I do think it will get rid of some typical concerns. 

So grab a pen and paper or keyboard if you prefer and start jotting down some thoughts and any questions and all concerns.

 I’ll do my best to answer all your questions but keep in mind it takes a home buying team to get you through this process.  There are many people involved in one transaction. 

While we all play different roles each role is important...and all connect if one piece is missing or delayed it could possibly delay or in some cases end the home buying process.

That’s why it’s so important for all parties to work together and communicate with one another.

I am committing to you in writing to deal honestly and fairly.  As a matter of fact I guarantee my services.   I also need a commitment from you. I need you to be honest in the homes that I show you and I request that you be very direct with me.  This is not about me but all about you and your first home buying experience.

My buyer broker agreement, a transaction broker notice and my service guarantee all of these docs will be presented to you before we even start looking at homes.  We won’t jump in my car immediately but rather consult, communicate and complete the steps.  The steps to get you looking at homes. 

Keep in mind a few things:

When you give me your criteria of the home you are looking for, I will enter that into the MLS, sometimes thousands of homes can come up, it’s important to tell me what you are looking for and what features are really important to you.

 

 

The key is to look at the right price range in homes and narrow down your search. It’s so important to get approved for a mortgage; it’s exciting you have a huge selection. 

We don't want to run the risk to show you homes out of your price range, once that happens, often times your price range is not so appealing! 

 

We can show you any property in the MLS; know most of us all have the same access, FSBO’s, New Construction piece of cake.  Present these coupons to the home owner or builder.  You want someone on your side!  That someone being me!

That way it’s clear and other’s will know we are in fact working together to get you in your FIRST home. 

 

I love it when I hear the words VA loan!  No down payment required, no mortgage insurance premiums and the great thing your closing costs are very comparable to other types of mortgage loans.  Have you requested your Certificate of Eligibility or your dd214?  If not here is a link to request any military service records. 

You are going to need it so let’s begin...

Let’s talk about the mortgage process a bit.

Please make sure and feel comfortable and really think about your decision of which you are going to use for financing.   

Determine where you want your monthly payments to be, don't be as concerned with prices as much as your monthly payment and costs.  Is it affordable to you and your family?  Can you still continue to live the lifestyle you are accustomed to? 

If your financial advisor ask for documents get them to them in a timely manner.  Any hold up on docs may in fact hold up funds it takes to get you into your new home.

Take a look at your good faith estimate and make sure you understand every single charge the mortgage company is charging, take the time and read the fine print and take this part of the transaction extremely serious.  Keep in mind it’s all your charges all on one sheet of paper.  I have to remind myself, its A GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE, so it’s really important to understand the costs and they could possibly change.

If you have any questions, any concerns, please it’s so much better to ask questions upfront rather than worry or get upset or walk away.

A big part of my job is to keep you focused on your home purchase and get you into your FIRST home!   

When we get together please bring your good faith estimate, your loan approval, checkbook and your enthusiasm.  Any questions or thoughts let’s address right away. 

It’s time to have some fun and let’s go find you home! 

All decision makers take a ride with me!

Sellers come from all walks of life. So focus on your desires in what you want in a home and really take a hard look at the house as if it were your own.  Will it be costly to make it your own, require renovations, or do you love it just the way it is?  These are some of the things you should think about when homes meet your criteria!

If criteria changes we need to know right away.  Giving up one feature may well be worth having another so it’s very important we address this issue right away.

You’ll receive a copy of each listing, its important to take notes the good and the bad.  It will help you to remember each property. 

Some homes will not look like what you saw in the pictures and some will blow your mind away. You may fall in love with a house and your wife will love another. 

If a home is calling your name, it’s most likely the one.  Give it serious consideration, it’s important to discuss it and make a decision.  Remember we want to meet your time frames so let’s put it writing.

 That’s right! Let’s get you packing and write a contract.

Writing an offer-There is much prep work to be done

Sharing with you comparable homes, discussing the pro’s and con’s and allowing ample time for you to make a good sound decision is the start of getting into a home.

We will counsel with your loan officer to make sure the contract is written with proper terms and conditions.  If you ask for closing costs...we need to make sure it doesn’t exceed the VA policies and regulations.

Once a decision has been made, we will go over all the paperwork and the entire process you will make an offer and provide a good faith deposit.

Keep in mind you and a real estate seller have the same goal in mind, while they want the most money for their house and you want the best bang for you buck. You and the seller have one thing in common.  You want to buy and they want to sell, it’s the meeting of the minds that will get you moving in and the seller on their way.  Both you and seller want a successful closing.

We will do all offering and countering in writing, with a turn around time acceptable to you.  Keep in mind the turn around time is the turn around time.  Don’t panic or get overly anxious presenting offers takes time and you want all parties to make good decisions.  I know as soon as the other party counters or accepts, you’ll be the first person I tell.

It’s an exciting time...so feel free to call me or email me if the suspense gets too much.

Congrats, You’re Offer is Accepted

Now its time to call all the troops in!  Slowly but timely our team will evolve.  Your contract requires signatures, inspections, survey and an appraisal too!  Time lines to honor and decisions to make my transaction coordinator will help with this and I will be with you every step of the way.

 

Tidbits you should know and service provider information

I selected two but feel free to use who you wish!

About the mortgage-Know that rates change daily and please understand the price and terms of your loan.

 Mainland Mortgage or Florida Mortgage Corp

About Termite Inspections-The VA requires a clear Termite inspection that means the home you are buying is required to be termite free.

Command Pest Control or Al Hoffer’s Pest Control

About the home inspections-remember its time lines and limits according to the contract-I have found its also a great time to bring your family and take measurements and also know first hand what repairs need to be done.

South Florida Home Inspection or Florida Master Home Inspectors

About the appraisal-If for some reason the property’s value is determined that it’s lower than the contract price. Don’t panic.  It opens the window for re-negotiations and your price and terms may in fact change.

 A VA approved appraiser will be assigned to you!

About the Survey- A survey gives homeowners a clear picture of property line. Sometimes simple things such as trees, bushes and fences may cause a dispute about property lines that is called an encroachment.  In the state of Florida Survey’s are very important they help determine elevation, flood zones and are sometimes needed for homeowner’s insurance.

 A-1 Land Surveying Company or McLaughlin Engineering Company.

Homeowner Insurance-Consider the cost to rebuild your home vs. the price you paid for the home.  Just think about this the price of milk in the 90’s and the price today!  It’s important to get the best coverage for you.

Property Underwriter’s of Florida or United Insurance Company

The Title Company-When you purchase a home (the title to the property) the paper trail- the history of ownership.  Sometimes there are additional claims to the property.  Such as liens, judgments and incomplete documentation.  

These types of claims can affect the ability of you purchasing the property or cause you to lose money.  The title company also receives much of the documentation and a HUD 1 form is completed for the closing.  This document is similar to a good faith estimate but it’s the final HUD 1 with all of the true and accurate numbers and gives you the final amount to bring to closing in the form of a cashier check and money order. 

First American Title or Advantage Title

Final Walkthrough-Day of or day before we go through your new home to make sure everything is in working order.  If not its back to the table, a decision has to be made.  Accept with repairs being done or money escrowed but decisions have to be made. 

If you are satisfied with the home’s condition you’ll sign off then and happily accept the property in its present condition and then off to the closing table.

The Closing

You should receive your final HUD to review within 24 hours. I’ll review it; the mortgage company will review it as well as the title company.  Good thing is there are many eyes on it.  It’s just another way to protect you with your largest investment.

Make sure you have a cashier’s check or money order for final payment, your ID and any doc’s that might be required to bring with you. 

If all is well we’ll proceed...reviewing of the docs, signatures and exchange funds and keys. Congrats... It’s time to unpack...unwind and enjoy your new home.

Here are a few helpful links:

Movers

U-Haul

Florida Utilities

MyFlorida.com

I really look forward to working with you!  Please fee free to contact me. Are you excited?  I am.  It would be my pleasure!

 

 

 

It's been so quiet on the Makeover2Takeover blog I thought I should do something about it!

PHEW! The home stretch is here for the Contest! It's been so wonderful learning so much to implement for my business in big ways! I'm was so blessed that Missy said yes when I asked her if she would consider being my mentor :)

It has not been an easy task to work into my schedule, that was already busy. It seems like Missy in Ann Arbor Michigan and myself in Chester County, PA have both picked up in business in the past few weeks - and it's been wonderful!!! But we've found ourselves not being able to be connected as much as we were in the beginning of the contest.

I've had to say "no" or "not yet" to a few things that have been presented to me to take more of my time. The contest is my focus right now, aside from the ongoing Real Estate. I'm still learning, but trying to say "no" until we are finished.

This week's assignment is to Market a Listing. I have a listing that I can use right now. We completed an assignment on Systems a couple of weeks ago, much of our marketing will come by following our System for Listings.

Listings need exposure to many different places, you never know where someone is looking that will stumble upon it and say, "Ooooh, I like this one".

So, get ready for our submissions. We have some extra time since July 4th is this week. Look for our posts rolling in before Sunday!

~Kim

No rest for the Weary! The pressure of competition is growing even more intense as we head into the Makeover2Takeover Week Seven Challenge. To make things more difficult, it's a holiday weekend! And, if that wasn't enough, a total of 3 Teams will be eliminated as a result of this challenge! Nonetheless, as Real Estate Professionals, we've all learned to adapt and excel under pressure, right?

For the Week Seven Challenge, our M2T Teams will be tasked with marketing a Listing. Your Sellers have just given you the green light to put their home up for sale. Your Week Seven Challenge is comprised of two parts:

1. Create a Marketing Check-List for your Listing. Using a Word Document, give us the step-by-step process in your Listing Marketing Plan. Be as thorough, detailed, and complete as possible on all the sequential tasks associated with marketing a home.
   
2. Using your ActiveRain Blog, advertise a listing. It can be a current listing, or one you've recently sold. You may utilize vFlyer, Postlets, RealEstateShows, videos, or another other similar programs.
   

Week 6 Assignment:

• Submit your Marketing Check-List for your Listing in a single Word Docuement, and e-mail to Rich Jacobson.
• Publish your listing to your ActiveRain Blog, using the "Members Only" category, and embed a link in the 'Comments Section' of this post.
  
• Marketing Check-Lists will be judged on overall content, detail, and creativity of marketing. Listing Blog Posts will be judged on visual aesthetics, creativity and marketing effectiveness.

Due to the holiday weekend, we will afford an extra day for entry submission. This week's Challenge is due on Sunday, July 6th at 3pm (PST). Three Teams will be eliminated as a result of this challenge.

Good Luck to our remaining Teams!

The weekly Makeover2Takeover Challenges have become insanely more and more competitive as the contest has progressed. The pressure has been mounting as we head into the final stretch towards the Inman Connect in San Francisco. 16 Teams started this journey, and after today, only 6 Teams will remain!

(To find out all the details on the Week Six Challenge, GO HERE)

Here's a brief snapshot of this past week's Challenge:

"The Week Six Challenge will be for our Teams to create a Top Quality Local-Content Post on their ActiveRain Blogs. Both Apprentice and Mentor will each publish their own Local-Content articles pertaining to something specific within their respective markets. Make it fun, make it creative, make it useful information for your potential readers!"

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

A lot of hard work and effort went into every entry that was submitted this past week. We wish everyone could advance to the final round, but two teams must be eliminated this week. Make sure you access the links to all the outstanding entries in the 'Comments Section' of Last Week's Challenge Post.

The Makeover2Takeover Teams to be eliminated from competition this week are The KW Dynamic Divas, Darleen McCullen and Penny Robinson, and The Tex/LA Team, Joshua Lazaro and Liz Carter. It's a testament to all of your skills and abilities to have made it this far into the competition. We have enjoyed your involvement tremendously! We will be awarding each of you points for your participation, as well as a token of our appreciation to follow later.

~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~ o ~

And now, for the winner of the Week Six Challenge.....(the excitement is unbearable!!!)

The Team to win the Makeover2Takeover Week Six Challenge is The DREAMWEAVERS - Mentor Debra Brooks and Apprentice Melissa Grant!"

Deb the Diva, Mentor Melissa Grant, Apprentice

Congratulations, Debra and Melissa!

And to all the other remaining Team Contestants, congratulations as well. You've successfully made it onto the Week Seven Challenge which will be announced later today!

For all the members of the ActiveRain Community, make sure to voice your words of encouragement and appreciation to all the Makeover2Takeover Teams!

Week Six our assignment was two-fold. Create a Localism post with something specific to our areas. (Even the Mentors had an assignment due - my mentor, Missy Caulk, was really busy.... I needed rescued guidance to recover from too many ideas -AND- she had her own things to do. See Missy's post focused specifically on Ann Arbor's 25 miles surrounded by Reality.)

I had my post written for Localism, talking about my area and the diversity it offers. The Greater Chester County, PA area meets so many needs either immediately or within one hour!  Shopping, Parks, Gambling, Beach, Mountains, Art, Concerts, Wineries, etc... the list went on and on.  I worked on it the whole week. First brainstorming... and getting words to print computer for about two days.

When you have a mission to complete, its a good idea to read and re-read the instructions. Make sure you completely understand and you aren't missing anything.  Late on Thursday evening, as I was finishing my final touches (links & photos), I reread our assignment.

"Both Apprentice and Mentor will each publish their own Local-Content articles pertaining to something specific within their respective markets. Make it fun, make it creative, make it useful information for your potential readers!"

Oh dear! Something Specific???? Crap. That meant my hours and hours wouldn't work.  (Yes, I'll still post it, and it'll be a good post, BUT.... )  Another late night it was. We had plans for today (Saturday) the deadline.

"Missy! Help me! I wrote my post, but I re-read the rules, I think it has to be specific".
"Ok. Well, let's talk about what you can write about"

Missy is so good to me. She listens to my panics - and quickly calms me down. I'm pleased with my post. For my locals to learn about the Local Yokel Parks in Chester County, PA. 

I appreciate the guidance and direction that I get from Missy. She is willing to talk a step further than what we are talking about and share other ideas. She was a big help in writing my post - and advised me to tag?name? my photographs (I never did that), and use Bold with Hyperlinks (not as significant writing from this blog).

I learned a lot this week. I hope you will also learn from everyone's posts and their "wrap up" about the week's assignment.

The moral of the story is.............. Read the directions before you start a task.  Read them again before you start the task. Read them at least three times in the midst of your task. Read them before you complete the task. It'll save you lots of time and frustration.  (Yes, I did read them over and over again, but didn't catch it until the last one :)

(More on the profile part of the assignment to follow :)

 

Penny Robinson, Apprentice     Darleen McCullen, Mentor

This week's assignment, Makeover2Takeover Week Six Challenge: "Being a Local Yokel" was fun. Penny and I work so much that we rarely have time to do anything fun within our local community - so this challenge provided a chance to get plugged back into the Raleigh happenings.

I have been so busy lately with clients  and the M2T Challenge that I have not been able to blog as much as I like to - so this was a great way to kick back and do something that I love to do - Write!

It's difficult to explain, but when I blog, I feel "free". It's as if my spirit and creativity have a chance to soar. I love sharing what I know with others and blogging is a great way to do that. I hope this came through in my post.

This week, Penny focused on the art community in Raleigh, North Carolina. Did you know that Raleigh is often referred to as the Smithsonian of the South? Want to learn more? Check out Penny's post: Raleigh, NC: Smithsonian of the South.

My post this week was about what makes Raleigh a great place to live, overall. My real focus was on free/almost free things to do in the Trianglearea since it seems that everying in our lives is getting to be more expensive. If we can save a penny or two, why not do it? Check out my blog called: Raleigh, NC: A Great Place to Live, Play, Earn and Learn!

We'll be anxiously awaiting the results (and playing with the video camera we received yesterday from ActiveRain. Thanks you, Rich and Company!!)

Submitted by Darleen McCullen