omaha: Marketing 101: Taking a Better Photo - 06/20/10 03:41 AM
Here are a few basic pointers for taking a better front photo.
A) Time of Day: The best time to take a photo is early morning or late in the evening. I took this photo in late evening and turned on the outdoor lights for added effect.
B) Trash Cans: Remove the trash cans from the photo. Nothing is more pathetic than seeing a trash can in the photo of an expensive property. Take a few moments and remove the trash cans from the shot.
C) Driveway: Remove car(s) from the shot and take the photo from an angle so … (9 comments)
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omaha: Omaha Sewer System Overhaul - 03/19/09 02:21 AM
One of the major issues looming in the city of Omaha is an unfunded Federal Mandate to requiring the separation of rain runoff and sewer waste. In the older parts of the city of Omaha, the rain water and sewer waste is combined into one sewer system. This combined sewer system results in raw sewage being dumped into the Missouri River during a heavy rain.
The EPA has mandated that the city has until the year 2024 to correct this issue and reduce the amount of sewage in the Missouri River. What does this mean for homeowners in the city of Omaha? … (2 comments)
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omaha: Everything has a web strategy component - 01/17/09 11:42 PM
Almost everything has a web strategy component. I always to keep my "antenna up" for ways to apply a web strategy with two components. The first component is it has to have a long shelf life and the second component is cost effectiveness.
In my opinion, it is almost criminal if your company is located on a busy street and all you have is the company name on the sign. In addition to the name of the company you should incorporate the web address on the sign.
Here is an example of a business called Skatedaze that is doing a FANTASTIC job taking the name … (2 comments)
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omaha: A few items to consider about commissions when selling your home - 08/30/08 12:14 AM
Unfortunately, many sellers are misinformed when it comes to real estate commissions. First and foremost, commissions are negotiable. There is no such thing as a "standard" commission. Having a "standard" commission is considered PRICE FIXING and is violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. This means companies can not get together and set a "standard" commission.
When a home is listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) listing broker will advertise the "payout commission" to other brokers who might have potential clients that might be interested in the home. Agents want to make a living and a seller is wise to offer a decent incentive for agents … (0 comments)
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omaha: Thank you, Mindi Byrd of Prudential Ambassador - 07/14/08 12:13 PM
I would like to thank Mindi Byrd of Prudential Ambassador and fellow Activerainer for helping me in selling my at 6222 N 79 Circle in the Brookfield subdivision. Mindi was a pleasure to work with and the sale went off without a hitch. 6222 North 79 Circle was listed for $120,000 and it SOLD 38 days later for $117,000. Again, I would like to thank Mindi for her professionalism and for a job well done.
If you would like to see current homes for sale in the Brookfield subdivision I have included a DIRECT LINK to the MLS to give you an … (4 comments)
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omaha: Marketing Your Listings Internationally - 04/26/08 01:16 PM
NAR is a member of the International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA). Therefore, as a member of NAR you are also a member of ICREA. If you currently have the Enhanced Listing Package with Realtor.com then you can also have your home "Internationally Featured" on Realtor.com by simply calling Realtor.com and giving the representative the MLS number of your listing.
They will designate your listing as an international listing and it will have the little diamond icon and be featured on WorldProperties.com. See how it looks below. Now, is this the magic bullet to getting a home sold? Sorry, even buyers outside the United States … (7 comments)
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omaha: Do you drive buyers to you or to your company? - 04/15/08 02:48 AM
Many agents make the mistake of driving clients to the company. That is great for the company but not good for the agent. Sometimes this is masked as a benefit to the agent, but the truth is that it really benefits the company. For example, does your company provide you with a "SOLD" bag after the property goes pending? On the surface, seems like a neat benefit that saves the agent $50. However, this "benefit' could actually cost you THOUSANDS by driving prospects to the company.
Signs used properly can greatly increase your business. If used improperly and it will increase the business … (10 comments)
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omaha: Thank you to David Brown with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce - 10/16/07 10:31 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
I would like to thank David Brown, President and CEO of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce for taking his time to speak with a select group of Realtors in the Omaha area today. As a community we are extremely fortunate to have someone of his caliber at the helm of our chamber. Most folks do not realise the time and effort the Chamber takes to lure in business and economic development in the Omaha area.
Economic development has a direct impact on our local real estate market and the livelihood of local Realtors. … (0 comments)
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omaha: What is a CRS? - 10/05/07 02:27 AM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
What is a CRS? Many clients and consumers when working with Realtor will see a alphabet soup behind the name of the agent. Many agents new to the business do not know what even what it stands for either. CRS stands for Certified Residential Specialist. So what? All agents are the same, right? No, each agent is different. CRS is a designation. When deciding on hiring an agent, one of the questions you should ask is if they have any professional designations.
A professional designation is different is that not only do … (2 comments)
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omaha: Types of Licenses - 10/04/07 11:31 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
When someone applies for a real estate license there are two types of licenses available, Salesperson and a Brokers License. The qualifications are different. In order to obtain a salesperson's license you must be at least 19 years of age, have a high school diploma and have 60 clock hours of in courses approved courses with the Nebraska Real Estate Commission. In addition, the state of Nebraska requires a background check conducted by the State Patrol and you must pass the licensing exam.
The Broker's license has the same above requirements except it requires … (0 comments)
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omaha: My turn ... limited service vs full service - 09/28/07 01:33 AM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
It seems like there is much discussion about full service and limited service companies. I have a different view, I believe that the discussion should be about full service and limited service agents. Within any company, I believe you can see two types of agents, one full service and one that is limited service.
Education
Full Service Agents take more than the minimum amout of required for CE. They attend advanced training classes, seek designations and work hard to better represent their clients.
Limited Service Agents wait until the last minute to take the minimum amount of CE … (2 comments)
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omaha: Ed Hatch Seminar coming to Omaha on September 25, 2007 - 09/21/07 01:35 AM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
Mark your calendars for September 25, 2007. Ed Hatch will be coming to the Omaha/Council Bluffs area for a 1 day seminar. "The New Negotiating Edge: A 5-Step Behavioral Strategy" This 1 day event will be held at the Ameristar Casino Hotel located at 2200 River Road in Council Bluffs, IA 51501 from 8:30 to 5:00 PM. Lunch will be provided and the cost is $90. Six (6) hours of continuing education can be earned. The event is sponsored by the Nebraska CRS and WCR chapters and the Omaha WCR and Lincoln … (0 comments)
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omaha: Alliance Real Estate welcomes Kim Fendrick - 09/19/07 12:03 AM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
Alliance Real Estate would like to welcome Kim Fendrick to Alliance Real Estate. We are excited to have Kim on our team as one of our future top producers. Kim's energy, community service and extensive knowledge of the Millard Area will definitely be an asset to our company.
KimFendrick.com
See Kim's listing at 16115 Woodcrest Cir
… (0 comments)
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omaha: Staging: Before and After - 09/17/07 11:06 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
Here is a slide show with some before and after photos of homes that were staged. It is alot of fun to see the transformation of home when it has been properly staged. I used to believe the the most important time in the listing process was the first 30 days on the market. Now, I believe the most important time is the 60 days before it hits the market. Sellers are in total control during that time and it is up to them to help make the first 30 days on … (2 comments)
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omaha: "What's Happening in the Omaha Area!" - 09/17/07 10:51 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, October 16, 2007. David Brown with the Omaha Chamber of Commerce will be giving a presentation at the Omaha Area Board of Realtors Education Center from 10:00 - 11:30 AM. The OABR education center is located at 11830 Nicholas Street. His presentation is sponsored by the OABR Education Forum and will be very informative and entertaining. The cost is FREE however, reservations are required and we always have a great turnout. David's passion for Omaha is infectious!
… (0 comments)
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omaha: Lakeside Hills Park and Recreation Area - 09/16/07 09:10 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
If you live near Lakeside Hills (168th and Center) there is a great spot to take the kids fishing. It is nestled right in the heart of Lakeside Hills Shopping Area and is within walking distance of several nearby subdivisions. It is nice place to take the kids because there is a nice fishing dock/picnic area that is fenced and very kid friendly. The fish (mostly sunfish and bluegill) are extremely easy to catch and bite on corn, worms and we have even caught some on hot dogs. My older son can easily have a fish on … (0 comments)
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omaha: Termite Damage - 05/11/07 09:56 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
Termites or wood destroying insects are sometimes not taken very seriously by buyers and even some real estate agents. It is sometimes viewed as one the the boxes that needs to be checked before closing. However, termites can be a very serous matter and should not be taken lightly. Here are a few interesting tidbits about termites that I bet you were not aware of.
Did you know:
That termites cause more damage than tornados, hail, wind and hurricanes COMBINED!
Termites cause more than $1.5 BILLION in damage EACH YEAR!
You can not buy … (7 comments)
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omaha: Al Gore must not be looking at the MLS - 04/11/07 12:46 AM
Omaha, Nebraska Contiributed by David Matney
Great News! Global warming must not be taking place. In fact, if one looks at various websites and on the Omaha MLS one would start to wonder if we are in the dead of winter. How hard is it to take a new photo of a home? If the home was listed when there was snow on the ground, would it not make sense to at least take a new photo with no snow? It is April, the grass is getting greener and why would any agent want to broadcast to everyone that they have a home that is … (5 comments)
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omaha: The difference between being listed and being on the market. - 03/26/07 10:48 PM
Omaha, NE Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
There is a distinct difference between being listed and being on the market. Time and time again, many sellers make the mistake of overpricing the home. This mistake results in a home that is listed but it is not on the market. For example, lets say the average days on market is 30 days in Happy Acres. You have a listing that is overpriced by $10,000 for 90 days. Are you on the market? No, you are listed. In order to be on the market you have to be priced at a level … (4 comments)
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omaha: The importance of a pre-inspections - 02/12/07 11:53 PM
Omaha, Nebraska Contributed by David Matney with Alliance Real Estate
I have in the past always stressed the importance of a pre-inspection to my sellers when listing their property. Many times my suggestion was met with... "well, that sounds good but we paid for our own inspection we we bought the home" I have now changed my marketing plan to include a FREE pre-inspection provided by me when I list the home. Since I have begun to provide this service it has worked well for several reasons.
1) Reduction of liability for both the seller and the agent. I no longer receive the … (1 comments)
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