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.  … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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, … (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 … (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 … (5 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, … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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 … (9 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 … (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 … (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, … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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, … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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 … (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, … (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 … (1 comments)

 
Real Estate Agent: Mike Gambino   GRI (Prudential Patterson Realtors)
Mike Gambino GRI
Florissant, MO
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Prudential Patterson Realtors

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