Yes, I Scan and so Scan You! - 02/29/08 12:57 AM
How many boxes of old files do you have sitting in your basement, garage, office, attic, storage building, or in the trunk of your car.  For those of us in the real estate business, we are told to hang on to all of our files for a minimum number of years.  Well, if you have been in the business awhile, the boxes pile up.  Once in awhile you even have to go back through them to find a document that a client needs and can't seem to locate.
Do you want a better way of handling this conglomerate of old paperwork?  Scan … (7 comments)

Good News, BAD NEWS - 02/27/08 05:00 PM
In preparing to write this blog, I was trying to find a picture to post at the top to emphasize something that has often troubled me.  Many of the posts on AR and other blog sites along with the media always seem to get the most attention from the bad news and not so much on the good.  When I looked for the picture that expressed my concern, I found it almost immediately.   Once again BAD NEWS is emphasized.
What is it in our make up that makes us crave the down side of almost anything in life?  We all profess to … (3 comments)

Wow! A Great Stapler to add to your Workstation! - 02/21/08 01:14 AM

Have you ever had one of those staplers that either never stapled properly or you had to hit it with your fist to get it to staple through more than 2 sheets of paper?  Well, no more!
I recently purchased a new stapler for my office because my electric stapler stopped working properly.  The replacement is made by PaperPro and is absolutely wonderful.  The company sells different varieties that will staple from 15 - 60 pages of paper with no more than a touch of 2 fingers.  They are spring loaded, somewhat like a staple gun but with a lot less pressure … (0 comments)

This House STINKS! - 02/20/08 11:33 PM

 I mean really stinks!  Ok, so we've all been to those homes.  Sometimes it's the pets.  Sometimes it's the kids.  Could be the trash can or possibly the last meal that was cooked.  The odors that take place in the home are many times not as noticeable to the homeowner because they are there all the time and grow accustomed to some of the odors.  Especially true with cat odors.  How many times have gone to an OPEN HOUSE and upon entering, wish it had been OPEN for a couple hours before you got there.  I mean every door and window open.
Often it … (16 comments)

The Real Estate Market Will Boom On April 1st, 2008! - 02/19/08 03:00 AM
The World Will End, April 2nd, 2008!  Wouldn't it be great if we could know all?  Probably not!  Everyone throughout the country is talking about what the real estate market is doing, has done, will do and all have their twist on the reasoning.
The bottom line is, the real estate market runs in cycles.  Always has and always will.  The recent circumstances surrounding each cycle have been different.  Some have been caused by the depression, others by the inflation index, or interest rates.  The latest cycle has been affected and effected by two causes.  One, being the loan programs that enabled … (7 comments)

Strategies for Selling a Vacant Home - 02/17/08 11:22 PM
As the real estate market continues to stabilize, sellers may find that their property remains on the market significantly longer than the days of "list today, sold tomorrow." There is also more competition for buyers. So, it can be frustrating to put your home on the market, expecting a fast sale, only to find that after six months you're still waiting for an offer. This is especially true if you need to move quickly and leave your unsold home vacant.Besides creating a marketing challenge, a vacant home can also be a target for vandalism. Here are strategies you can use to … (5 comments)

Inexpensive Marketing for New Agents (The Final Chapter) - 02/14/08 12:49 AM
Final Chapter for this series anyway.  More thoughts and ideas coming soon.
In the past posts, we have discussed different methods of marketing yourself with less cash outlay than commercially printed material.   Now that we have our post-cards, newsletters and data base set-up, let's put it to work.
There are several areas we can use all the tools you now have at hand.  Postcards can simply be mailed to our farm and/or sphere.  The same with newsletters.  In my humble opinion, let me just say in 11 years in real estate, I have received 99% more business from my sphere of influence (people … (6 comments)

Inexpensive Marketing for New Agents (Part III) - 02/13/08 03:10 PM
We've covered a few topics in my previous articles, now let's take on one more.Brochures!Many experienced agents will have mixed views on whether you need one or not.  Any marketing tool you use can have benefit.  A lot depends on how you use the tool.  First let's talk about going about creating the brochure and then discuss how we can use it toenhance and draw clients to us.Designing a brochure is similar to designing the newsletter.  Create the brochure with one of the same program you did the newsletter with depending on what is already on your computer.  Typically they will … (6 comments)

Take This Community and _______ It! - 02/12/08 03:24 PM
Teach
Wouldn't our community be a better place if we all decide to fill in the blank with Teach.
When thinking about ideas for my next blog, I thought about my life and my career.  Was I doing enough?  Enough for me?  Enough for my community?  I know there are a few that think, I just don't have time and to that I say "hogwash".  I never use that word, but it seems fitting here.  We all have time to do the things we want, we just have a hard time prioritizing some of the things we should do.  How can we teach our … (9 comments)

Inexpensive Marketing for New Agents (Part deux) - 02/11/08 10:32 PM
In my last blog, we talked about setting up a database and creating templates for cards and postcards.  Just a quick note on postcards before I start with this new information.  Once you print out the 1/2 page or 1/4 page postcards, take them to your nearest Kinko's or copy center and have them cut them on their cutting machines.  The price is very reasonable and will give your cards a clean, straight cut.  Trying to do them on the office paper cutter will drive you mad and take 10 times as long.
 Alright, on to more inexpensive marketing.  Many of us … (1 comments)

Inexpensive Marketing for New Agents - 02/11/08 02:14 AM
Are you overwhelmed as a new agent coming into Real Estate?  Most new agents coming into this business are not prepared for the financial obligation of building their business.  Sometimes your office give you all the typical ways to market yourself, such as Pre-printed direct marketing newsletters, postcard companies, lead generating companies and others similar to these.  All are quite expensive for someone that hasn't made a sale.
Let me give you some ideas that are a lot less expensive, but do require more of your time.  Of course when your new and don't have 20 clients your dealing with, you have … (7 comments)

Are You Usual or Unusual? - 02/09/08 11:26 PM
Are you usual or unusual?  If one of your closest friends was asked how they view you in a crowded room, would they say that you blend right in or stand out?  In a profession in which everyone around you is a potential client, you have got to be the one that stands out.  Are you the discussion starter or the attentive listener?  Are you one to speak out if you have a comment even if you do not have the same viewpoint as the group or the group leader?
In a social or professional setting, we have to play a somewhat … (0 comments)

Morals vs. Ethics - 02/09/08 03:07 AM
Before writing this blog, I did a search of blogs containing the words morals or ethics and was surprised that there were only a little over 2 pages returned.                                                                            
My question is this:  What is the difference?
Are morals internally based and ethics just snapshots of someone else's morals?
Are they one and the same or are they different animals?
When we represent and advise clients, should we use one or the other or both?
Have you ever questioned whether your advice to clients could be morally and ethically correct, but possibly have a greater legal liability?  I know I have.  So where do we, or how … (10 comments)

Does Your Hobby Enhance Your Career - 02/09/08 12:05 AM
Many Realtors have associations that they belong to in addition to their real estate careers.  Does your hobby or volunteer work enhance and solidify your career?  It should!
My particular "hobby", and I use that term somewhat lightly, because it is really more of a commitment to lifestyle, is singing with a Barbershop Chorus.  Now I know many of you are already thinking "Oh No" and I must admit, before joining with this chorus, I had some of the same preconceived notions of what Barbershop singing was all about.  Let me tell you the story of how it came about and then … (3 comments)

Realtors and cell phones - 02/08/08 01:51 PM
Have you ever had the pleasure of calling an agents cell phone to be greeted by their voice-mail?  Sometimes the voice-mail message starts out with 2 minutes of music before their message starts and tells you why they are not available.  Some don't even mention their name or their company name.  Others state that if you are calling for XYZ real estate or some other part time business they are involved in (usually some MLM business) to leave a message and they will get back to you.
Remember when using your cell phone as a business contact phone, you should either answer your phone … (4 comments)

Federal Bail Out for Realtors? - 02/08/08 02:15 AM
In all the talk about Federal Bail outs protection for Homeowners that bought into bad loans because they were supposedly unaware that their rates were adjustable, to bailing out the lending institutions that put themselves in that situation.  Now a recent news story said that this problem is affecting car loans, because the homeowners that got into these adjustable loans are now having trouble paying for their cars.  Do we the taxpayers now end up paying for some kind of protection for this?  How far do we let this continue?
I think there should also be some kind of Federal Bail out … (3 comments)

Phone Duty: A Waste of Time! - 02/05/08 11:23 PM
Phone duty is a waste of time!  Or is It?
You decide.  First, let's address why some perceive phone time as a waste of time.
Most of the problem lies in either a lack of training, knowledge or desire.  I have been on phone duty as a new agent and an experienced agent an I am always bewildered when new or old agents, also on duty, throw potential clients away.  I am not creating this article for the purpose of giving phone dialogue or new scripts, but just to ask that you treat each call as if you paid thousands of dollars to … (1 comments)

Waiting To Buy a Home or Wishing You Could Sell Yours? - 02/05/08 02:16 PM
WHY?
That is the question that should be asked.  Many of todays buyers are saying they want to wait to see what the market does before they act on purchasing their new home.  The media certainly has helped in creating this fear.  The problem:  The market has been sluggish and a lot of foreclosures have skewed the appraised values.  In many cases, there is an increase of inventory on the market and in some cases this can be a year to 18 months worth. 
While this can certainly cause some sellers to cringe, it should be a calling sign to buyers, that … (0 comments)

A Home Shopper’s Must-Haves and Wish Lists - 02/04/08 10:50 PM
Shopping for a home is an exciting adventure and it's easy to get lost in a sea of dazzling for-sale homes and all of their fabulous amenities - which can cause you to temporarily forget that a large backyard is your top priority. To keep yourself focused, take time to identify and organize exactly what you're looking for in a home by creating thorough "must-have" and "wish" lists before you begin home shopping. You may also want to make a third list that details your dislikes.
To get started ask yourself these questions: Which items and features must your home have? … (0 comments)

Need Extra Space? Try Storage - 02/04/08 03:12 PM
If lack of space for your belongings is an issue for you, off-site storage may be the right solution. You don't have to be a pack rat to find yourself needing extra space. You could be renovating a room and need somewhere to house the contents. Perhaps you need to move into smaller quarters temporarily while you're waiting to move into a new home. Or you may need to create a spacious look for your home while it is on the market. Renting storage space is a pretty simple process, especially when you plan ahead. Here are helpful tips for choosing … (1 comments)

Make Sure You Have a Marketing Plan - 02/04/08 03:10 PM
Only for the rare few sellers, simply placing a "For Sale" yard sign on the front lawn creates a line of traffic filled with potential buyers. If you want buyers to see your home, you've got to find them. The key is marketing. To get the most exposure for your home, you should have a marketing plan with clear objectives and specifically outlines the resources that will be used to reach potential buyers.
Each marketing plan should be designed around your property and capitalize on its most desirable features. Therefore, you need to be honest with your real estate professional about … (0 comments)

How Important is a Home Inspection? - 02/04/08 03:08 PM
Should a buyer get a home inspection for a home they are buying? Should a seller order a home inspection prior to putting the property on the market? There are advantages for both.
Simply put, a home inspection is a visual examination of both the physical structure and major systems of the entire home including: walls, ceilings, floors, decks, exterior covering, the roof, foundation, insulation and ventilation, plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning. It is not an appraisal to validate the value of a home, nor a pass/fail exam. A third-party inspector will give a report on the physical condition and … (0 comments)

What's the Role of a Title Company? - 02/04/08 03:06 PM
Title companies provide title insurance services to buyers, sellers, lenders and developers, essentially anyone who has an interest in real estate. Services vary throughout the country, depending on local practices and laws. In many states, title companies handle escrow as well as perform and insure title searches. A title search involves searching public records to ascertain if the seller has the legal right to sell the property. In other states, attorneys conduct title searches.Title companies conduct a chain of title, which is a review of the owner history of the property, checking for who purchased the property, who sold it, and … (0 comments)

Tips For The Relocating Partner - 02/04/08 03:04 PM
A new career opportunity sometimes means that your family will need to relocate to another town. The decision to move is often arrived after careful consideration of various factors including the other partner's career; the effect on the children's educational and recreational activities; and financial issues. In addition, it often means leaving behind family and friends.
If you are the "trailing" partner, it may fall to you to get the new home up and running, the kids in schools, and possibly find a new position for yourself. This can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help relieve the stress of relocation … (0 comments)

Why A Condo May Be Right For You - 02/04/08 03:02 PM
An option often overlooked by those desiring homeownership is purchasing a condominium or condo. But, the traditional detached single family home is not the ideal situation for everyone. For those just starting out, affordability may be an issue.  An empty nester may want to downsize and not have the hassles of yard work and other maintenance.  Or it can simply be that the traditional family home doesn't suit your lifestyle.
When you own a condo, you own the title to the space within the walls of your living quarters.  Common areas such as hallways, roofs, parking lots, green areas and pools are … (0 comments)

Preparing Your Home for a Successful Open House - 02/04/08 02:59 PM
Buyers are drawn to homes that appeal to their senses. This is important to remember when preparing your home for an Open House. Through sight, sound and smell, buyers should leave your home with a lasting impression. Here are some tips to showcase your home in the best-possible light.  
Exterior Start outside by inspecting the front of your home from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and flowerbed and a freshly painted front door. Polish door handles and knockers and replace worn items such as a rusty doorbell. Consider adding a … (1 comments)

Making Safety an OPEN HOUSE Priority - 02/04/08 02:55 PM
An open house can be a great marketing tool, but it also means exposing your home and family to countless strangers. Don't assume that every person who visits your home is an earnest, potential homebuyer. It's important to take security seriously. Here are some common security measures that can pull double-duty, keeping you and your family safe while enhancing your home's marketability:
Remove personal items such as family photographs, your children's artwork, calendars that include daily routines and other items that may reveal the names of your family members or everyday life. Removing or packing away these items will not only … (0 comments)

How to "POP" the housing bubble - 02/04/08 02:50 PM
In todays market the scary word is such a seemingly mild thing as a bubble. The good thing to know is that bubbles are susceptable to outside forces and in knowing that, gives us some control. The key factors in leading to the "Bubble" is an over appreciation of some market areas and a relaxing in the current buyers willingness or ability to keep up. However many of the markets are not affected by these factors, but a bubble was created from the media talking about areas that are affected. This media information has created a stigma of fear with buyers … (1 comments)

 
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Mike Gambino GRI

Florissant, MO

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Prudential Patterson Realtors

Address: 7451 N. Lindbergh Blvd., Hazelwood, MO, 63042

Office Phone: (314) 506-6700

Cell Phone: (314) 313-6624

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