Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

LOL FRIDAY - Q & A

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:42:52 -0600

Q. What’s the definition of mixed emotions? A. When you see your mother-in-law backing off a cliff in your new car.

Q. How do men sort out their laundry? A. Filthy, and filthy but wearable.

Q. What is the definition of the perfect woman? A. A deaf and dumb blonde nymphomaniac whose father owns a pub.

Q. What’s the difference between a new husband and a new dog? A. After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.

Q. What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
A. Anyone can roast beef.

Q. Did you hear about the guy who lost his left arm and leg in a car crash?
A. He's all right now.

Q. Where do you get virgin wool from?
A. Ugly sheep.

Q. Why do bagpipers walk when they play?
A. They're trying to get away from the noise.

Q. How do you double the value of a Geo Metro?
A. Fill it with gas.

Q. What's the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche?
A. The porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

Q. Why don't cannibals eat clowns?
A. Because they taste funny.

Q. Who is the poorest guy in West Virginia?
A. The Tooth Fairy

Q. What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?

A. A Widow.

Q: How can you tell when a lawyer is lying?
A: His lips are moving.

Q: Why won't sharks attack lawyers?
A: Professional courtesy.

Q: What does a blonde say when you blow in their ear?
A: "Thanks for the refill!"

Q: What is it called when a blonde blows in another blonde's ear?
A: Data transfer.

Q: What did the blonde customer say to the buxom waitress (reading her nametag) ?
A: "'Debbie'...that's cute. What did you name the other one ?"

Q: Why did the blonde stare at the orange juice container for 15 minutes?
A: It said "concentrate".

Q: How do you keep a blonde busy?
A: Write "Please turn over" on both sides of a piece of paper.

Q: What's the difference between a girlfriend and a wife?

A: About 45 pounds!

Q: What's the difference between a boyfriend and a husband?

A: About 45 minutes.

Join us on The Optimist Group for LOL FRIDAY!

Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:42:35 -0600

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Thanks to Xerox sending out a Thank You card to our soldiers is simple, fast and free.

At this time of the year we can take some time out to teach our children about giving thanks and living in gratitude.
The best way of course to teach gratitude is by being a good example of being in a thankful state of mind.

You can gather your children around your computer right now and go to this site:

Let's Say Thanks- In Support of our Troops.

All you do is click on the card you want to send and then click on what you want the words on the text side of the card to say.
You don't even have to think to do this because it is all done for you. You just have to choose the card and the text out of the ones on the site.
Then you just click send.

Xerox prints out the postcards and then these cards go into the care packages that Givetothetroops® sends to our soldiers.
What a gift Xerox is giving to the troops. I really appreciate a company setting a great example like this.
The cards have all been designed by children and are patriotic. There are many patriotic symbols and messages to choose from.

There is a link on the site where you can read the responses from soldiers around the globe.
For some of these soldiers, your card will be the only mail they get from home.

Here are some of the comments sent back by different servicemen and women:

To all who have supported us,

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you from myself and my fellow Marines. Your packages and well wishes have lifted our spirits at a time when we are so far away from our friends and family. I wish you could have seen the bright eyed looks and utter excitement from the Marines when opening the boxes. It was a true blessing that you made happen. It makes us proud to know that our fellow Americans care as much as we do. It makes the sacrifices we and our families make worth every minute we spend here. We Americans can stand shoulder to shoulder in unison on one thing - we're all proud of our country and we're all proud of each other. The effort you make on behalf of the troops is just as important as the work we are doing here and around the world.

- A Gunnery Sergeant

As I was leaving an un-eventful Valentine's Day today, one of the mail clerks yelled "Adams!! You have a package!!" A package, I thought to myself. I'm not expecting anything. What could this be? I took the box into my office and closed the door. As I opened the box, a flood of joy came over me as I looked over the cards from you and the young ones, one of my co-workers walked in to see tears rolling down my eyes. I had never received a gift with this much love, packed into one little place from someone that I've never known.

As I thought about what the cards talked about with soldiers giving their lives and privileges up to ensure the freedom of Americans, it was nice to know that someone out there does not take it for granted. I don't know who you are, but you are truly a gift from God. The gift that gives me the drive to serve my country proudly. As you pray that the Lord keeps the soldiers here safe and brings us home, I pray to the Lord that people like you do not die off from this world. Your contributions are nowhere near inadequate. Please never forget what this means to a soldier. Thank you for your love and thoughts.

Please be kind- take a moment out of your day to send a card for free to a soldier today. Please Reblog!

Princess Juliana Airport in St. Martin: the Lowest Landing Airport in the World. Can you say "Wow!!!" ?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:28:06 -0600

Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Martin is the lowest landing airport in the World. If you want to witness flight drama, just visit Maho Beach, which is located directly in the plane's path… My daughter and I did just that. Was it scary? It was intimidating, to say the least... Check it out for yourself! It’s a show like no other!

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Tracking "clicks" on printed flyers - Using bit.ly with RealBird on your brochures

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:53:23 -0600

Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):

The great thing about blogging on ActiveRain is that the community many times helps us with real-world examples - case studies that we could hardly produce ourselves. The collective creativity of the RealBird members - on and off ActiveRain - is way bigger than what we could produce on our own. This was the case with Mike Conner's example of online marketing results with RealBird and this is the case with the next example.

The credit goes to John Slocum of RE/MAX Vancouver. John had a great idea and he actually implemented it with his listing flyer. With his permission I share it here in a form of a tutorial and as an introduction to the power of web analytics segmentation.

Enhance your printed flyer: track views with bit.ly and RealBird

Here is the concept:

Printed listing flyers are passive by nature. You design them, you print them and you distribute them at your property's location. Once you leave the scene, you have no idea where they go. Kids, neighbors or random people take them and eventually many of them discard the flyers. A lot of waste. Hopefully, many interested homebuyers get them too, but there is no way to tell. As opposed to online marketing - where you can track visitors and conversions (the money spent vs. a meaningful action taken) - with offline marketing it is hard if not impossible to measure your marketing activity. Unless of course you utilize the simple technique suggested by John Slocum

What if you could add a special link to your printed flyer with your call-for-action, one that is short and easy to type in, even on a mobile devices? A special link with web analytics capability that can be accessed from any web capable device. If this link is only shared on the printed flyer, you end up having a web analytics segmentation, a technique that can track consumer actions via your printed flyer.

Real-world example:

For this example, we'll use John's listing at 2770 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661

John created a listing website on RealBird and then set up a bit.ly Url for it. I won't link his bit.ly Url here because we do not want mix up web traffic with the traffic through the printed flyer. When designing the flyer, John added a special call-for-action message with the link at the bottom of the flyer as you can see below (the arrow annotation is by us).

You can download the PDF flyer here to see it in full size.

The bottom of the flyer links to http://bit.ly/MyCondo2770 Via bit.ly's analytics capability, John will be able to track traffic through this dedicated link by visiting http://bit.ly/MyCondo2770+ (Note the plus sign at the end of the link). It's a simple, but very powerful solution.

You can do this for your own print flyers by following the simple steps below:

Create a bit.ly Url shorting account

Login to RealBird to access your existing listing websites or create an account to create one

Copy your RealBird property website Url to your clipboard

Shorten it with bit.ly - paste the RealBird Url into bit.ly and click "Shorten"

Optionally, using the "Custom Name" field on bit.ly, you can enter your property address to have a vanity short Url. I suggest to add only the number and the street name to keep the Url short. You can of course leave the default bit.ly code as is, but having the street address in the short Url may help with additional branding. E.g. http://bit.ly/streetaddress - Careful here, the Url will be case sensitive. I suggest to use all lower case letters as they will be less likely to mistyped by your clients.

Finally, make sure that you only use this special bit.ly link on your printed flyer, not on the web. Do not share it on any other places, in order to be able to track the traffic from the flyer.

Give it a try, it does not take much extra effort and you will get some special insight using these technologies, a benefit that is not available otherwise.

Thanks John for the great tip.

While you are at it, please fan John Slocum's Facebook page about Vancouver, WA real estate

-- Zoltan
RealBird.com

LOL FRIDAY - 12 For the Road

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:14:43 -0600

I'm writing an unauthorized autobiography.

Marriage is like witness protection. You get a new identity and a new home, and you're not allowed to see your old friends anymore.

Money is the root of all wealth.

Money is the root of all evil. For more information, send $10 to me.

Man: A creature made at the end of the workweek when God was tired.

Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to. Mark Twain

Last year for Christmas, I got a humidifier and a dehumidifier. I thought I'd put them in the same room and let them fight it out.

It's been so long since I've had sex, I've forgotten who ties up whom.

It's bad luck to be superstitious.

I'm having amnesia and Deja Vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before.

If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

Join us for LOL FRIDAY on The Optimist Group!

WOW! This is BIG: Fannie Mae launches 'Deed for Lease' program

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:17:36 -0600

Fannie Mae announced Thursday it is launching a “Deed for Lease Program” which will allow homeowners facing foreclosure — if they qualify —to lease their homes for up to a year.

To get that option, homeowners have to deed the property to Fannie Mae.

“The Deed for Lease Program provides an additional option for qualifying homeowners who are facing foreclosure and are not eligible for modifications,” said Jay Ryan, vice president of Fannie Mae. “This new program helps eliminate some of the uncertainty of foreclosure, keeps families and tenants in their homes during a transitional period, and helps to stabilize neighborhoods and communities.”

The program is designed for borrowers who do not qualify for some other loan workout program.

Borrowers transfer their property to the lender by completing a deed in lieu of foreclosure, then the owner leases the house at a market rate.

*NOTE: Not my writing, but breaking news I wanted to share with you asap. Here is the link to the story:

Fannie Mae Getting into the Rental Business

Fannie Mae launches 'Deed for Lease' program

Recycle Your Old Blogs By Tweeting Them!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:07:18 -0600

Now that Twitter and Bing are married, your micro blogging can actually score you some major SEO brownie points.

I tweet my blogs to increase my web presence. I simply go over to my outside AR blog roll on a regular basis, pull up an old post, shorten its browser address by using the bit.ly service, then Tweet it with an enticing by-line. I go back afterwards and analyze my statistics (Bit.ly will show you exactly how many people have clicked on that particular link). It works! Here is an example: Price it Well. Stage it well. Watch it Sell! http://bit.ly/E2xqT #RealEstate #p2

Now that your Twitter presence gives you Bing exposure, it’s a shame not to use it to drive traffic to your ActiveRain blog and to your website. BTW, if your blog roll is still called “Annie’s Blog” (or Suzy, or Stan), it’s time you change it to let people know what you do and where. Mine is Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte. Yours should certainly denote your area of expertise and your location.

How do I know this works? For starters, you can “Bing” Myrtle Beach Connection and find me on the first page. I got there by using this method. Easy recipe: Blog on AR. Tweet your blogs. Watch your business explode. Just today I got two new leads from my Internet exposure. You want to know the best part about it? It is the most cost effective marketing I have in my arsenal!

For those of you still on the fence about paying the AR monthly dues to become a Rainmaker, think again! For every hour you’re wasting, there goes another potential client! No more excuses! Become a Rainmaker NOW! If you have no clue what Twitter is, here is a link to a blog where you can learn all about it. Please come back here and let us know just how well this works!

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What Does Your Car Say To Your Real Estate Prospects?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:47:39 -0600

Do you know what car your dentist drives?

Do you know what car your attorney drives?

Do you know what car your Realtor drives?

Which one of these choices do you think most people know the answer to? Exactly! Real Estate Agents are the only ones whose vehicles are ‘out in the open’, sort of speak. Realtors, what is your vehicle saying about you?

Is your car a mess because you work all the time, or is it always freshly detailed, showing that you are organized and careful? Is your car on its last leg, because finances are not quite what they should be, or is it an expensive vehicle denoting that your Real Estate business is thriving? Do you drive a ‘green’ vehicle, showing concern for the environment, or do you loaf around in a gas guzzler?

Whether you want to accept it or not, your car, as the extension of yourself and your business, can help you land that next deal, or nix it for you. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection Join The Optimist Group!

You Changed Your Clock - Is It Time to Change Your Life?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:31:03 -0600

Via Kate Wheeler CCIM Murphy NC Real Estate for Sale (Country Homes and Land Murphy NC Realtor ):

November is here and traditionally it's the time to begin preparing for the holidays. For most of us, it's like taking on an additional part time job - shopping, cooking, decorating, wrapping gifts, entertaining.

Since joining Activerain, I've already taken on a second full time job... writing market reports and hyperlocal posts, revamping my website and attending online courses in Internet marketing and technology, otherwise known as reading blogs. The homework level is crippling.

As I sat down at the computer this morning, I found a note to myself scribbled on a scrap of paper:

"Edit your life as though you're a writer or a filmmaker. Cut out the chaos and the clutter. Keep only the very best."

So with this extra hour on the first day of November, I'm taking stock of how I want to spend the other 24 hours today and every other day. This isn't going to be a blog about cleaning out your closets. It's about getting back to the basics. Which of your daily activities brings you joy or enriches your life and the lives of those around you?

Starting the morning by sharing a cup of cowboy coffee with my husband as we sit on the deck and greet the sunrise is one activity I'll never give up. I'd much rather miss an extra hour of sleep and have that special time together to start my day.

Baking an apple pie is an acivity that takes a great deal of time. But for me it's a way of bonding with my daughter. The time we spend talking and laughing together is priceless. So I'll be keeping that chore. I'd rather have those memories years from now than to recall dashing to the store for a frozen dessert because I spent that extra hour on the Internet.

But I've made the decision to delete negative people from my life. That's one of the toughest things to do, especially if it's someone who has been in your life for a long time, but it can have the biggest payoff. Listening to complaints, backbiting and gossip every time you take a coffee break at the office or run into your neighbor at the store drains the soul.

Another group I'm getting rid of are the drama queens. And I'm not just taking about women here. Sorry, guys, but some of you are the biggest drama queens around. I don't care how big your deal is - real estate is not a life or death matter. And I don't need to spend MY time listening to your endless tales of triumph and tribulation.

So as dawn breaks over the mountains in Murphy, I've decided that today, I'm going to look at eveything I do with two questions in mind -

Does this bring me joy?

Does it enrich my life or the lives of those around me?

Looking for your dream getaway in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina? Visit the country homes and land website to see all the latest listings.

Enjoy a preview of our scenic mountains in the YouTube video Murphy Mountain Nights

5 Tips on Choosing The Right Days to Market Your Real Estate Services Online

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:28:55 -0600

Via Rebecca Levinson, Real Estate Marketing Consultant (Real Skillz-Clear Marketing for Your Real Estate Vision):

How to Choose the Right Days to Market your Real Estate Services Online

Effective real estate marketing online has a lot to do with timing. There has been a lot of research conducted, mainly for industries outside of real estate (i.e.retail, hospitality, automotive) on the best days and times to market services and products online. Implementing the right timing to deploy marketing campaigns into your online marketing strategy is an effective way to ramp up your results.

Here are 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online

1. Tweet Midweek-

You can tweet everyday of the week but for maximum effect make sure to tweet on Wednesdays and Thursdays as they are the most active days of tweets and retweets as found by HubSpot's State of the Twittersphere June 2009.

State-of-the-Twittersphere -
State-of-the-Twittersphere -
State-of-the-Twittersphere -

2. Publish Your Most Important Blog Posts Midweek

Frequency of great original content is still important in building your readership and traffic to your blog. I recommend to my clients that they blog a minimum of 3-5 times per week to be considered as a true content provider in the eyes of their readers.

That being said when is the best time for a blogger to publish their meatiest, most important blog posts? Darren Rowse of Problogger addresses the timing factor in When to Publish Blog Posts-Timing Considerations,

"If I have a very important post that I want to get as much attention as possible I generally will publish it on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (my time)."

Rowse's post also gives some advice as to publishing posts on weekends and holidays that is worth the read as well as the comments on the post (82 so far).

Roger Parker of blogforprofit.com recommends that if you were to only blog twice per week to publish those blog posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Clearly publishing your most important blog posts midweek is a winning strategy.

3. The Weakest Link for Email Marketing is Saturday

You may have several email campaigns in your real estate marketing campaign: email flyers, email follow-up, email newsletters. Email marketing is a heavy hitter for real estate professionals but when is the most effective time for you to deliver your messages to your prospects and customers?

According to EMarketer.com the best days of the week to send email marketing are Mondays and Tuesdays and the least effective time by nearly 50% is Saturdays.

The best advice I found and agree with is to survey your email subscribers and ask them when they would like to receive emails from you.

We are approaching the holiday season so it is important to consider the times that people are online and actively shopping. Study these deployment times statistics provided on the emailstatcenter.com website before launching any niche holiday real estate marketing campaigns.

4. Engage your Fans on Facebook on Tuesdays

In findings from Virtue SRM (Social Relationship Manager) the best days to post on your Facebook Business Page is Tuesdays, followed closely Wednesdays with Mondays coming in #3.

**Allow me one deviation~ What I find more or equally fascinating is the 6.49% CLR (Click Thru Rate) of marketing campaigns such as polls and incentives that are run on Facebook business pages. Fans are clearly interacting with their friends on Facebook in a big way and their interactions are also being seen by their friends.**

5. LinkedIn Users Are Active In the Morning

According to a small study by SenderOK Statistics report which was based on a sample of 440 anonymous users the most activity on LinkedIn occurs in the morning.

"LinkedIn use is predominantly an 8AM-Noon activity with very, very little activity in the evening. Of particular interest is that LinkedIn users tend to arrive at work earlier than Facebook users do....Those serious early morning LinkedIn users will spend an average of 29 minutes reading real Email before they get around to checking your connection request which they could have read first if they wanted to."

While this is a small sampling of members on LinkedIn and their behavior I can attest that this mimics my LinkedIn use. The first online activity I do in the morning is to check my email(which of course includes my blog activity) and the first social network site I check is LinkedIn and this occurs normally between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Take into consideration the times and days that people are online and engaging in these online activities when you create and implement your online real estate marketing strategy.

Once you taken action use an analytics tool to measure the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns. Tweak the times you deliver your marketing messages based on your analytics and direct feedback from your recipients.

Get your game on and use the 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online.

Subscribe to Blogging In the Rain, A Real Estate Marketing Blog

Join Me on Facebook. Tuesday I'll be posting a discussion about marketing to women.

***************************************************

Rebecca D. Levinson is a real estate marketing consultant with 17 years of experience serving real estate industry professionals.

If you need assistance with online marketing, offline marketing, social networking, or blogging contact Rebecca D. Levinson at #262-203-5231 or email rebecca@bloggingintherain.com.

The ActiveRain Point System

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:27:53 -0600

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

The ActiveRain Point System

ActiveRain awards members points based on participation and their individual involvement within the network and community. While there is a much more complicated and technical explanation of how the point system works, this post is to provide you a general overview of how points are earned and distributed that to ALL ActiveRain members.

ActiveRain points are earned based on a members individual activities and efforts. Points are accumulated over the duration of the Calendar week which "Starts Monday morning at 12:00am Central Time, and Ends Sunday night at 11:59pm Central Time."

The following are some ways you can earn points and move up the "Featured Member" ladder in your Local Area.

200 Points for each Blog Post
(Max 10 per Week) (50 Word Minimum Required)

25 Additional Points when Post is added to Channels with a Topic

400 Points for Featured Post on ActiveRain.com
(Excludes Posts Featured in ActiveRain Groups)

25 Points For Each Comment
(Max 10 Per Day) (Comments on Your Own Posts Excluded)

25 Points for Each Reblogged Post
(Max 10 Per Week - These do not Include Your Own Posts)

ActiveRain Profile Points
(Building Your AR Profile will Build points)

Received Comments on Blog Posts
(No Blog Post to exceed 475 pts.)

100 Points - Logging In To ActiveRain Each Day
(This applies 7 days a week)

250 Points When Someone Accepts Your AR Invitation
(Must Sign Up under Members Invite Code)

10% of Total Points Earned By New Members Invited By You
(IE: Invited Member Earns 1000 pts. - You Earn 100 Pts.)

ActiveRain and Member Approved Contests - Points Will Vary
(These show up as Bonus Points in your Point Summary)

Staff Awarded Bonus Points - These are issued by the AR staff
(Member Humanitarian, Paying It Forward, Helping Others etc.)

Weekly Point Scenario: The potential of points available per week, per member would be as follows: 1750 for max comments, 2000 for max Blog posts, 700 for logging in daily, 250 for adding to Channels/Topics, and 250 for max ReBlogged posts. The Weekly potential of points would be 4950 (this does not include featured posts, comments received, invitation and percentage points, contests, and staff awarded bonus points.)

Point Disclaimer: The Points System created by the ActiveRain Network was developed and implemented to motivate, inspire, and reward members for their participation and involvement within the community. These points are subject to change at the discretion of the ActiveRain Mgmt. Team, with or without cause, warning, or notice.

"RainMaker" Special - Signup Here and Get New Member Discount

Download this video for free and you have video content on your site!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:27:19 -0600

Via Tara Jones- Atlanta, GA (Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video ):

We've been preaching it for a very long time...Real estate professionals need high quality video content on their website. It helps with SEO results, it portrays a more professional image and retains viewership some 70-percent longer than a website without video.

But let’s get real. Times are tough and high quality video production can be expensive. Well, we have the solution. The Video Connector , is sending out an early holiday gift... FREE VIDEO!!

It’s simple. Just log on to TheVideoConnector.com/FreeVideo and cut and paste the embed code, put it on your site and reap the benefits!

I Hope You’ll Dance!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:58:04 -0600

My children have always been the most cherished part of my life, my defining moments, my love, my joy, my reasons for it all.

My son is leaving for war tomorrow. As a little kid he used to move his plastic soldiers across huge maps of the World I had bought for him. When he was a teenager he went to the Citadel Summer camp every summer and at 16 he became a counselor there. He later attended The Citadel, where he was a Summerall Guard and had several significant leadership positions. After graduating magna cum laude from the Citadel he enlisted in the Marines. After six months at Quantico he was commissioned as an officer. As he reminded me a few weeks ago, he is first a Marine, then an officer.

If I had it my way, war would be fought with paint guns. I am probably the least military person you’ll ever meet. I wasn’t happy about his decision to join the Marines, but I encouraged him to follow his heart anyway. God, that was hard to do! As parents, that is our main job: to encourage each child’s individuality to blossom, in spite of our own proclivities and fears.

My son is going to war tomorrow. He will be joining the many honorable young men and women serving our country. This is my son’s decision. I raised him to follow his heart. “I Hope You’ll Dance!” depicts exactly what I’ve always tried to instill in my children. Follow your heart, dedicate yourself with abandon to your particular calling and allow your destiny to unfold. I have to remind myself of this, as I swallow my tears and give my son a proud salute farewell.

Mirela Alex &; Amanda = nucleus of my heart!

80 Year Old School Bus Drivers: Step Away From the Wheel Please!!!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:32:06 -0600

The Maximum Age allowed for persons serving in the US Military is 60.

The Maximum Age allowed for Pilots, according to FAA regulation is 65.

The Maximum Age allowed for Air Traffic Control Specialists is between 57 to 61.

Even Federal Park Rangers have an age limit of 57.

Why then, do we not have regulation in place for a Maximum Age limit of School Bus Drivers? Are our children less significant than the animals in our National Parks?

Yesterday, the Myrtle Beach Academy of Arts, Science and Technology, lost a bright young student to an accident involving a school bus. The driver of that school bus is 76 years old. Why did Horry County School district entrust the precious lives of our children to a 76 year old driver?

Many school districts have maximum age limit requirements for their school bus drivers. Some of them have been taken to court because of these requirements. Are we afraid of litigation so much that we are willing to put our children’s lives in danger?

47% of public school students ride a school bus to and from school every day. If we are recognizing the value of a particular maximum age for various jobs involving public safety, why are we leaving out the safety of 25 million children? I believe the Federal Government needs to enact a law addressing this issue. What are your views on this and what are you willing to do about it?

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It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see…

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:25:25 -0600

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see…

My son is going to war in a few days. This is no news; it’s been looming over me for quite some time. The immediacy of this is now weighing on my shoulders like the ton of emotional baggage that it is.

A deep sadness has descended upon my being, the kind of melancholy that penetrates into the very soul. I lost my beloved grandmother this year. Now my son is going to war. I recently found out I have Hashimoto disease. My five year relationship with my significant other has ended this year. My business has absorbed every ounce of my energy lately. Frankly, I am worn out. I guess I could just retreat in a corner somewhere and be miserable, but that's just not me. Instead, I choose to focus on all the wonderful things in my life and find the balance that will carry me through this, or any other hardship. Of course, affirmations and motivational quotes can certainly infuse the right perspective:

“That which does not kill you makes you stronger.” Nietze

"Those who do not know how to weep with their whole heart, do not know how to laugh either."

"The bad things in life open your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before." Good Will Hunting"

“Life is like an onion; you peel off one layer at a time and sometimes you weep.” Carl Sandburg

“The Future belongs to those who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Hope is some extraordinary spiritual grace that God gives us to control our fears, not to oust them.” - Vincent McNabb

"Extraordinary afflictions are not always the punishment of extraordinary sins, but sometimes the trial of extraordinary graces."

"The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision."-Helen Keller

"Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something." Jackson Brown Jr

"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." — Eric Hoffer

While the weight on my shoulders is heavy right now, I choose to embrace my melancholy and weep my quiet tears, while forging forward with my Life, hopeful for the future. I am grateful for the many blessings bestowed upon me. I choose to look at the bright side of my tribulations:

1. I lost my beloved grandmother this year. While I am still mourning her loss, I am thankful to have had her with me for as long as I have. 96 years is a long time to spend loving life on this Earth. Her essence has been distilled in me and my children and her loving heart has touched so many people in ways that will make her presence felt for many years to come...

2. My son is going to war. While I tremble at the mere thought of his departure, I am resolute in my belief that things are as they should be. This is his Life’s journey and I have to respect his decision. I am hopeful that his involvement in this war will have a positive impact on other people and on the course of history. I pray for his safety every night and I believe that he will return home alive and well.

3. I recently found out I have Hashimoto disease. My dentist's three year old son has cancer and only a 30% chance of survival. My health problem is nothing compared to that. I won't die and I'll most likely get better. I am taking a holistic medication and I am already 50% better than I was four months ago.

4. My five year relationship with my significant other has ended this year. We meet and connect with people for various reasons. Each relationship will get us to where we need to be. I am thankful for the wonderful memories and hopeful that I have learnt from the experience. When my heart mends, I will have a good relationship again.

5. My Real Estate Practice has absorbed every ounce of my energy this year. I am one of the Lucky Realtors, for I am still in business… While dealing with these short sales and foreclosures is emotionally draining, I am training myself to keep my eyes on the good that I do on a daily basis and concentrate on how important it is to my clients that I am in their lives.

I embrace Life’s yin-yang, the hills and valleys of the human existence. Being an Optimist doesn't mean that you lead a charmed life, devoid of pain and hardship. How could you possibly appreciate all the joys conferred by Life, if you don't have the sorrows as points of reference? Yes, I cry the tears. Yes, I learn the lessons. Yes, I feel the pain... Through it all, I hold my head up high and my spirit full of hope.

"Life's short; live it fully!"

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection Proud Optimist!

The Myrtle Beach Academy Has Lost a Bright Star Today – Marc Chaplin, May You Rest in Peace!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:15 -0600

The Myrtle Beach Academy has lost a bright star today. Marc Chaplin, a senior at the school, was killed within a short distance of the Academy, when his motorcycle collided with a North Myrtle Beach school bus at 8:10 this morning.

Marc’s death sent shock waves through the school, where he was well liked. There was a lot of sobbing and hugging at the Academy today. Many left school in the morning, unable to contain their grief.

Tomorrow many of Marc’s friends will wear purple in his honor. Marc and his buddies had a “purple shirt” day every week.

The bus driver involved in the collision will be asked some hard questions and possibly prosecuted for manslaughter. The details of the accident are not yet out, but one of my daughter’s friends, who used to ride the bus driven by him, stopped taking that bus because she was afraid of his driving.

Marc’s friends have created a Facebook Group in his honor. Marc was wearing a helmet, and he had a reputation for being a very careful driver, but a motorcycle is a dangerous thing… If we can do anything constructive with this deep sadness, let it be spreading the word about how dangerous motorcycles are.

My heart goes out to Marc’s parents. Losing your child has to be Life’s most tormenting pain. There are no words to describe the deep sorrow of our entire community for the loss of this lovely young man. May he rest in peace!

Mirela Monte

North Myrtle Beach 3BR Oceanfront Condos Sold in August, September and October 2009

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:49:04 -0600

North Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Condos have seen a lot of activity in the past 90 days. Here are all the 3BR units sold in the North Myrtle Beach Area during August, September and October 2009. Some of the best buys? Why, the ones I sold of course! My Buyers got a killer deal on a 3BR/3BA Oceanfront Bank Owned condo at Windy Hill Dunes for only $290,000. In its heyday (2005) it sold for $689,900. Another great buy: the 3BR/3Ba condo sold at Avista Resort. It garnered over $33K in rental income and sold for $300,000. I tell all my Oceanfront Buyers: For the best deals, you should have bought two months ago. Now it’s still a good time to buy. Hurry up, then!

Here are all the 3BR. OCEANFRONT CONDOS – SOLD in North Myrtle Beach in August, September and October 2009:

Bldg Name	ADDRESS	BR	EstSqFtUR	Total SQFT	DOM	List Price	Sold Price	Price per sq.ft.
SPRINGS TOWERS	2200 N Ocean Blvd	3	21 1351-1400	1276	98	$139,500	$130,000	$101.88
Springs Towers	2200 N Ocean Blvd	3	25 1551-1600	1576	32	$165,000	$147,000	$93.27
Carolina Dunes	5806 N Ocean Blvd.	3	17 1151-1200	1200	91	$209,499	$186,000	$155.00
Sea Winds	4719 S Ocean Blvd, #305	3	18 1201-1250	1250	138	$224,900	$215,000	$172.00
Tilghman Beach & Racquet Club	208 N Ocean Blvd	3	17 1151-1200	1200	48	$204,900	$222,000	$185.00
Sea Winds	4719 S Ocean Blvd, Unit 201	3	24 1501-1550	1451	232	$258,900	$235,000	$161.96
CRESCENT SANDS	4605 S OCEAN BLVD	3	22 1401-1450	1450	515	$279,000	$250,000	$172.41
Surf Villas	805 S Ocean Blvd Unit C-3	3	18 1201-1250	1236	148	$289,900	$260,000	$210.36
Sea Winds	4719 S Ocean Blvd	3	23 1451-1500	1500	430	$258,999	$265,000	$176.67
Windy Hill Dunes	3805 S Ocean Blvd 1405	3	24 1501-1550	1550	118	$310,000	$290,000	$187.10
Avista I	300 N Ocean Blvd	3	24 1501-1550	1401	1001	$325,000	$300,000	$214.13
Windy Hill Dunes	3805 S Ocean Blvd	3	25 1551-1600	1600	538	$309,900	$300,000	$187.50
Laguna Keyes	5700 N Ocean Blvd	3	20 1301-1350	1300	223	$327,900	$305,000	$234.62
WINDY HILL DUNE	3805 S OCEAN BLVD	3	26 1601-1650	1650	57	$350,000	$315,000	$190.91
Atlantic Breeze	1321 S Ocean Boulevard	3	28 1701-1750	1350	257	$384,900	$340,000	$251.85
Atlantic Breeze	1321 S Ocean Boulevard	3	28 1701-1750	1350	45	$384,900	$340,000	$251.85
Sunrise Pointe	5404 N Ocean Blvd.	3	23 1451-1500	1500	188	$364,500	$351,000	$234.00
Ashworth	102 N Ocean Blvd.	3	25 1551-1600	1200	105	$383,000	$360,000	$300.00
Mar Vista Grande	606 Mar Vista Grande	3	27 1651-1700	1675	311	$499,000	$495,000	$295.52
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	26	$617,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	11	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Indigo House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	8	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	14	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	0	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Indigo House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	22	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Indigo	100 North Beach Blvd #908	3	31 1851-1900	1862	1185	$879,900	$607,500	$326.26
Indigo House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	3	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	6	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Indigo House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	24	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	0	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine	100 North Beach Blvd #417	3	31 1851-1900	1862	1203	$879,900	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	0	$607,500	$607,500	$326.26
Jasmine House	100 North Beach Blvd	3	31 1851-1900	1862	13	$607,500	$617,500	$331.63
	Total Listings				Avg	Avg	Avg	Avg
	33				214	$446,348	$418,818	$253

CONDO/TOWNHOUSE Summary Statistics
	High	Low	Average	Median
LP:	$879,900	$139,500	$446,348	$384,900
SP:	$617,500	$130,000	$418,818	$351,000

Mirela Monte, Your North Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Condo Connection Wow North Myrtle Beach!

9 Banks Failed in 1 day !!!!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:51:00 -0600

Via National Credit Fixers - Matt Listro:

That's right you read the headline correctly. Nine Banks failed in one day. All 9 banks failed on Friday Oct. 30th making it the largest number of bank failures in one day in US history!

The banks that failed are:

North Houston Bank Houston TX

Madisonville State Bank Madisonville TX

Citizens National Bank Teague TX

Park National Bank Chicago IL

Pacific National Bank San Francisco CA

California National Bank Los Angeles CA

San Diego National Bank San Diego CA

Community Bank of Lemont Lemont IL

Bank USA, N.A. Phoenix AZ

That brings the total of bank failures for 2009 to a whopping 115. How does that total compare with previous years you ask? Well in 2008 there were 26, in 2007 there were only 3, and in 2005 & 2006 there were zero (statistics obtained from FDIC at http://www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/banklist.html)

☺

Matt

Toll Free: 888-NCFIXER (623-4937)
Toll Free Fax: 888-FAX-4020 (329-4020)
Local: 860-282-6181
330 Roberts Street 4th Floor
East Hartford, CT 06108

credit repair company

7 SEO Secrets to Dominate your Local Market

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:16:46 -0500

Via Jonathan Washburn (ActiveRain Corp):

All of these suggestions are free to implement and will generate very high quality incoming links and a pretty healthy amount of traffic.

You can use your ActiveRain profile just fine with each of these items but you will likely generate the best results with your own Individual Blog. (If you don't have an Individual Blog yet click here to get one.)

Please note that pretty much all of the items below require that you have a free account with the applicable website.

1. Submit yourself to Google Local. Make sure to put in your blog or profile URL in the website entry form field.

2. Add your blog to Local.Yahoo.com.

3. Submit your blog to Yelp!

4. Create a blog post for everyone of your listings and submit the URL to Google Base.

5. Create a blog post for everyone of your listings and submit the URL to Craigslist.

6. Add links to your website, ActiveRain profile, and your Individual blog, on your LinkedIn profile page. Your LinkedIn profile is second only to your ActiveRain profile in terms of Google Juice.

7. Add yourself to YellowPages.com. The search engines tap this database to populate their Local search results.

(The cow above looks very dominating; similar to the way you will look to your competitors if you implement these strategies. In case you were wondering, that is why I chose it as the picture for this post.)

How To Use Your Active Rain Blog To Get Listings!

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:25:10 -0500

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

How To Use Your Active Rain Blog To Get Listings!

There are many ways in which agents use their Active Rain blogs for buyers, like in relocation packages and email alerts. Since our focus is on getting listings and Bob Stewart has this contest going on about how we share our Active Rain blog to build existing relationships I thought that I would share how we incorporate our Active Rain blog on a listing presentation over the phone or in person.

We also use our Active Rain blog information with our existing sellers.

Here is the play by play:

1. We take all of our short sale information posts and post them on our website under its' own URL: short-sales-Florida.com. Whenever a person, attorney, prospect, neighbor, buyers agents, whomever has a question about short sales we send them a link to our page that contains all our Active Rain short sale posts all in one place so they don't have to figure out how to use, 'search' or 'tags'. This way they can read at their leisure, book mark the page of even print out the articles to read later on. This is probably our most successful and effective marketing strategy in using our Active Rain blog.

2. Go Google Me! You see, every agent has some sort of website, most are buried in the google sand box never having been indexed so that gives us a huge advantage. We have Active Rain screen shots that we use in our slide show presentation showing us as the point leader for Florida and a slide that shows the most subscribed to blogs on Active Rain. Since we are in the top 4- that is something we can use in our listing tool box! Now I know a lot of people will say so what about the points. Well, I am here to tell you that our sellers know it is a big deal because they read our blog. Not only that, people who don't know us will say to us: I don't know what those points mean but they must be important to be up there like that. Why would I want to market that we are one of the most popular blogs out of 160,000 agents plus? More exposure for their listings of course! Success breeds success.

3. On existing listings we take screen shots of our Active Rain statistics page along with our Clustermap screen shot to show them how many views their listing got from being posted on Active Rain. I love this feature because it is the proof in the pudding. Like Nestor says, "My favorite license plate is the Missouri, show me state." Show me what is going on with my listing! The sellers love this. We also use this same feature for listing prospects. We will take one of the existing listings and then show this same information to let them know what Nestor and Katerina can do for their property.

4. Problem short sales: We take a post we write such as Freddie Mac- Does Anyone There Know How To Read- and post it, then ask for reblogs, then take the post along with all the comments and send it to all our Senators and Congressmen, media outlets, etc, to get some action. You can makes these types of posts very viral if they contain a good cause. People like to help with causes. The seller was in tears as she read each of the comments because it meant so much to her that there was support for her.

5. Spreading the word: You know I write a lot of posts from my heart, political, natural health, homeschool, etc. We have our 'subscribe by email' set up through feedburner. You do not need to be an AR member to subscribe to our blog this way. Many of our local moms, families, consumers and agents who are not members of AR follow our blog. Like kind attracts like kind. So we have a lot of readers who follow our blog not because of real estate but because of what we believe and that in turn, turns into referrals from those who know, like and trust us. We have bookmarks and business cards that are just about our Active Rain blog. We pass those out everywhere we go.

6. Surprise: I am working on some fantastic marketing tools to highlight our Active Rain blog and more. Since I got my new mac I have discovered the endless marketing possibilities with the tools that mac has to offer. Already I have cut my time by one third in how long it takes to put a post together now. As I master these tools- I will share them with you but also wait til you see the stuff I am cooking up! Subscribe to our blog so you don't miss out.

If you are using Active Rain as your blogging platform you should look into ways in which to promote your blog to your existing data base, your existing clients and prospects in your community and on line. You can increase your readership, your email subscribers and develop the relationships that will lead you to listings and closed sales as well as making some great contacts along the way.

How To Use Your Active Rain Blog To Get Listings! by Coach Katerina Gasset is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License

By TwitterButton

Realtors: How has your life changed because of this Market?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:18:59 -0500

How has your job changed in the past couple of years? My business card says Realtor Broker, but my job entails so much more nowadays: I am a social worker, general contractor, psychologist, loss mitigator, asset preservation specialist, credit counselor, short sale specialist, reo specialist, foreclosure counselor. My days are spent solving problems. That’s really what should be written on my card:

Mirela Monte, Problem Solver

Do I sell Real Estate anymore? Yeah, and lots of it, but the quality of my life has deteriorated immensely. I work 80 hour weeks, not for the money, but because I have too many balls up in the air. Real Estate is not for sissies! It is a full time, all consuming endeavor, more so now than ever before.

“God bless you if this is how you have to deal with more deals this year. If so, you are in need of a vacation.”

These were the words of a builder on a project I am handling on one of my Bank Owned properties, a spec taken back by the bank right before it was completed. We’ve had so many obstacles on that project that what started as the 100 yard dash has turned into the Boston Marathon - only at the ‘dash’ tempo!!! In the past year and a half, I’ve sold that house seven times and I’m yet to close on it. I could write a book about it and I just might, however the project in question will be a mere chapter, since I also have several others with various sized problems.

As I close them all, I get even more business. Such and such person hears about my feat and comes to me to solve their problem. I’m not complaining, it’s good to have business these days; I just want to know if the lifestyle I’m having right now is sustainable for long periods of time. Am I paying the price for solving other people’s problems with my own life, or is this extraordinarily tenuous period going to propel my career into the stratosphere?

How many of you have changed gears and are now bearing down under a mountain of stress? The way I figure it, I’d rather carry the stress, rather than the mountain of bills… What do you think?

How has your life changed because of this Market?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection Join The Optimist Group!

Signs You've Had Too Much Coffee...

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:49 -0500

You've worn the finish off your coffee table.

All your kids are named Joe.

Chuck Yeager thinks you need to calm down.

Instant coffee takes too long.

Juan Valdez named his donkey after you.

People can test their batteries in your ears.

People get dizzy just watching you.

Starbucks owns the mortgage on your house.

The nurse needs a scientific calculator to take your pulse.

The only time you're standing still is during an earthquake.

The Taster's Choice couple wants to adopt you.

When someone asks 'how are you' you say, 'good to the last drop'.

You buy milk by the barrel.

You can jump-start your car without cables.

You can outlast the Energizer bunny.

You can take a picture of yourself from ten feet away without using the timer.

You can type sixty words per minute with your feet.

You can't even remember your second cup.

You channel surf faster without a remote.

You chew on other people's fingernails.

You don't even wait for the water to boil anymore.

You don't get mad, you get steamed.

You don't need a hammer to pound in nails.

You don't sweat, you percolate.

You don't tan, you roast.

You forget to unwrap candy bars before eating them.

You get a speeding ticket even when you're parked.

You go to AA meetings just for the free coffee.

You go to sleep just so you can wake up and smell the coffee.

You grind your coffee beans in your mouth.

You have a conniption over spilled milk.

You have a picture of your coffee mug on your coffee mug.

You have to watch videos in fast-forward.

You haven't blinked since the last lunar eclipse.

You help your dog chase its tail.

You introduce your spouse as your coffee mate.

You just completed another sweater and you don't know how to knit.

You lick your coffeepot clean.

You name your cats Cream and Sugar.

You short out motion detectors.

You ski uphill.

You sleep with your eyes open.

You soak your dentures in coffee overnight.

You speak perfect Arabic without ever taking a lesson.

You speed-walk in your sleep.

You spend every vacation visiting Maxwell House.

You think being called a drip is a compliment.

You think CPR stands for Coffee Provides Resuscitation.

You'd be willing to spend time in a Turkish prison.

Your first-aid kit contains two pints of coffee with an I.V. hookup.

Your coffee mug is insured by Lloyds of London.

Your eyes stay open when you sneeze.

Your life's goal is to amount to a hill of beans.

Your lips are permanently stuck in the sipping position.

Your nervous twitch registers on the Richter scale.

Your only source of nutrition comes from Sweet & Low.

Your taste buds are so numb; you could drink your lava lamp.

Your Thermos is on wheels.

You're so wired, you pick up AM radio.

You've built a miniature city out of little plastic stirrers.

You've worn out the handle on your favorite mug.

FORECLOSED WE STAND: How are States Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands & How is This Going to Affect America?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:00:33 -0500

Foreclosures increased over 80% in 2008. The figures are no less scary in 2009:

The foreclosure rates in several states were up significantly lately: Arizona was up 36.1% for September. Florida was not far behind with a 29.67% increase, followed by: Texas 24.38%, Michigan 18.22% and California with a 15.57% increase. All 50 states saw an increase in foreclosures, but not all were as drastic. For example, the increase in Kansas was only 3.65%.

The major increases were driven mainly by changes in urban areas. In Arizona, the statewide foreclosure deluge was fostered by a massive 81.37% increase in Phoenix Foreclosures. Other cities with big increases included: Las Vegas, NV at 47.47%, Atlanta, GA at 39.96%, Chicago, IL at 36.27% and Houston, TX at 33.29 percent.

While the Federal Government is struggling with their impeded programs, states have started to take action to protect the fabric of our society.

I am proud to say that my very own South Carolina was the first state in the union to take action against Foreclosures judicially. In May the SC Supreme Court temporarily stopped thousands of pending foreclosure sales in order to give homeowners more time to take advantage of new federal programs to help them refinance mortgages. The injunction — which mortgage experts said appeared to be the nation's first court-ordered stop for an entire state — prevents judges in South Carolina from finalizing foreclosure sales on properties guaranteed by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae or any other mortgage company that has signed on to a federal assistance program.

In April, the South Carolina legislature has introduced House Bil 3952, which, if adopted during the '09-'10 session, will provide for a 6 months Moratorium on Foreclosures in this state.

Diametrically opposed, Geographically and otherwise, California implemented its own Foreclosure Moratorium in June. Banks in California can no longer foreclose on a mortgage without either renegotiating the loan or giving the homeowner three months’ notice. There have been more than 365,000 foreclosures in California since 2007, with many more already scheduled.

“California is ground zero for foreclosures. We’re getting about 80 to 90,000 foreclosure filings every month. That’s one every 30 seconds, so until we start mitigating the number of foreclosures, our economic recovery is going to be hampered,” said Assemblyman Ted Lieu, the Torrance Democrat who authored the bill.

In Detroit, citizens are organizing a massive movement scheduled for November 7th, asking the state legislators and their Governor to impose a state-wide moratorium on Foreclosures and support Senate Bill 29, which provides for a 2 year moratorium on Foreclosures. The People’s call to action urges: Bail out the people—not the banks!

Meanwhile, Ohio’s legislators are in a heated debate over a 6-month Foreclosure Moratorium already approved by the House.

What we are seeing here is National Movement of MONUMENTAL PROPORTIONS. By taking a stand on this incredibly important issue – Foreclosures – we are seeing increased autonomy of the individual states. Add to the mix a general disgruntlement with our Federal Government and its BIG BUSINESS largess and what we have here is a precipitous movement towards the decentralization of power. Just my two cents’ worth.

The following two movies provide the most thourough information on the Foreclosure Crisis. The House of Cards made my skin crawl. Please watch it and let me know what you think of it. We need to be aware of how we've arrived at this juncture, this moment in history our children will talk about..

The Meltdown

The House of Cards

Here are a few other interesting sites to keep your finger on the pulse of this Foreclosure Crisis:

The Everything You Need Foreclosure Site - My gift to you

How to get your hands on some of that Obama Money for your Turf

Foreclosures 101 - Analyze Foreclosures by State, County and Zip Code

I am about to embark on my own journey to help those displaced by this crux. Please stay tuned to my blog roll, for I will soon ask for your help in a very important undertaking, one that will allow us Realtors a unique opportunity to expose the very human factor so visible to us agents, yet so overlooked by the media. There is an opportunity for us to take a stand and contribute to the solution.

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Foreclosure Connection

5 steps to protect yourself on Facebook

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:55:40 -0500

Via Robert Rauf (REMN The Real Estate Mortgage Network):

Facebook is the world's largest social network. Disregarding this, people share all kinds of information on Facebook without thinking about who's seeing it or what effect their comments and pictures might have on them in the future. One study revealed 30% of employers use Facebook to vet job applicants. Those goofy party pics could cost you more than your dignity! So what can you do to protect your privacy on Facebook? The site itself offers lots of privacy controls and security features. Here are five steps to take to activate them:

1. Create Friend Lists Make a Work list for business, an Acquaintances list, and a Family list for relatives and close friends. Click Friends on the Facebook homepage; click Friends under Lists, then Create New List, and type in your members.

2. Set Up Who Sees What on Your Profile Mouse over Settings on the Facebook homepage and click Privacy Settings. Click Profile Privacy. Beneath each section -- basic info, personal info, status, etc. -- specify who gets to see it. This is where Friend lists come in handy. Enter Only Friends to block out the rest of the world (like employers). Edit Custom Settings lets you block specific people or lists.

3. Restrict Access to Your Address and Phone Number As above, go from Settings to Privacy Settings to the Profile Privacy page. Click Contact Information tab at the top. Use the drop-down lists to determine who sees or doesn't see things like IM Screen Name, Mobile Phone, Other Phone, Current Address, Website, or Email.

4. Set Up Who Can Find You on a Facebook Search This stops all those friend requests from old buddies. Click on Settings, then Search, which takes you to Search Privacy, where you can specify who can find you. Under Search Visibility you can choose Everyone, My Networks and Friends, Friends of Friends, or My Networks and Friends of Friends. To keep strangers from finding you, choose Only Friends. You can also specify what info displays in your search result...profile picture, friend list, etc.

5. Block Personal Info from Unknown Applications Without knowing it, you could be sharing personal information with various Facebook applications and their developers. To block them, mouse over Settings, choose Privacy Settings, click Applications, then click the Settings tab next to the Overview tab. Check and uncheck boxes next to your personal info -- picture, education, religious views, etc. This determines what your friends' applications can see about you.

This is not a complete guide to privacy and security on Facebook. But these five steps will start to create a more private and secure environment for yourself and your family on this huge social network. Better to be safe than sorry!

Have a great week!

Rob

Robert Rauf

Mortgage Banker

www.RobertRaufHomeLoans.com or my blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/rrauf

(732)223-1630 x102

Since 1987 I have been helping my clients fulfill their dream of home ownership!

Real Estate Mortgage Network

NJ Mortgages, New Jersey Mortgages, Mortgages in NJ, mortgage in New Jersey, Mortgages in New Jersey

Will The Bank Accept Your Lousy Offer?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:24:47 -0500

Will the bank accept your lousy offer? Let’s re-iterate the facts:

1. This is a Buyers’ Market.

2. There are plenty of Distressed Properties to choose from.

3. A qualified Buyer (one who is buying in cash OR is pre-approved for a loan) is worth his weight in gold, or brick, sort of speak… You know what I mean...

4. Banks are not in the business of owning homes.

5. The longer a vacant home stays on the market, the more it deteriorates.

6. Banks are not in the business of owning homes. Hey, wait a minute, I’ve said that already! Never mind, it’s worth repeating the point; it's an important one!

I’ve encountered some timid Buyers who are reluctant to make substantially lower offers. I urge them to go ahead and insult the Bank anyway. If they don’t get their price, they can always come back and offer more, or make another offer on a different bank owned home. As long as you don’t get emotionally invested, you’ll eventually be able to garner yourself a great deal.

In order to make my point and offer some concrete evidence, I am submitting this list of Myrtle Beach Bank owned Homes. The pricing activity is listed in chronological order for each one of these Foreclosures. Some have had contracts on them which never came to fruition and back on the market they went. All of these listings are still available and all of them are bank owned properties in the Myrtle Beach area.

Take the first property for example. As a fresh Waterway Foreclosure, it was initially offered for sale in May ’08 for $1,390,000. A year and a half and three price reductions later, it got dropped down to $795,000 (a 43% price decrease). It will probably sell for around the same price as another Waterway Foreclosure located right down the street, which closed recently in the $600K range.

After studying these, you too will be convinced that your lousy offer on a Bank owned property might actually get you the home of your dreams for pennies on the dollar. At least in Myrtle Beach it will!

Hotsheet Date	Entry Type	Price	Comment
MLS# 807701 - 125 AVENUE OF THE PALMS
5/6/2008 11:42	Price Change	$1,390,000
7/16/2008 12:47	Price Change	$1,250,000
2/23/2009 10:42	Price Change	$995,000
10/9/2009 12:54	Price Change	$795,000

MLS# 823031 - 7530 Maple Swamp Rd

9/24/2008 11:25	New Listing	$119,900	NEW LISTING
12/3/2008 9:11	Price Change	$112,900
1/8/2009 15:33	Price Change	$99,900
3/6/2009 7:43	Price Change	$89,000
3/13/2009 10:19	Price Change	$89,900
4/28/2009 12:41	Price Change	$84,900
6/29/2009 16:36	Price Change	$79,900
8/5/2009 14:14	Price Change	$34,900
8/7/2009 15:47	Price Change	$74,900	This is a correction.
9/22/2009 11:37	Price Change	$65,900

MLS# 903997 - 23 Windy Ln
2/20/2009 7:48	New Listing	$607,900	NEW LISTING
3/13/2009 7:48	Price Change	$595,900
4/3/2009 9:15	Price Change	$580,900
4/27/2009 7:23	Price Change	$566,900
5/18/2009 7:28	Price Change	$522,900
6/24/2009 7:24	Price Change	$506,900
7/15/2009 9:17	Price Change	$427,900
8/6/2009 7:28	Price Change	$406,900
8/10/2009 13:44	Misc. Change	$406,900
10/2/2009 11:54	Price Change	$380,900
10/2/2009 11:54	Misc. Change	$380,900
10/23/2009 7:20	Price Change	$355,900

MLS# 910198 - 8409 Ole Moore DR
5/18/2009 11:49	New Listing	$69,000	NEW LISTING
5/21/2009 14:01	Price Change	$66,900
6/4/2009 10:08	Price Change	$63,900
6/18/2009 9:59	Price Change	$59,900
7/2/2009 9:13	Price Change	$56,900
7/16/2009 15:30	Price Change	$54,900
7/30/2009 10:38	Price Change	$51,900
8/13/2009 10:57	Price Change	$49,900
8/27/2009 13:36	Price Change	$46,900
9/9/2009 14:42	Price Change	$39,000
10/7/2009 13:08	Price Change	$29,900
10/22/2009 12:09	Price Change	$26,900

MLS# 910942 - 6001 S Kings Hwy
5/28/2009 15:43	New Listing	$244,900	NEW LISTING
6/23/2009 9:35	Price Change	$229,900
7/23/2009 14:21	Price Change	$214,900
8/18/2009 20:56	Price Change	$199,900
9/16/2009 10:29	Price Change	$182,900
10/13/2009 11:51	Price Change	$174,900

MLS# 911984 - 3266 Sleepy Hollow
6/15/2009 10:38	New Listing	$90,000	NEW LISTING
7/17/2009 14:53	Price Change	$59,900
8/17/2009 0:07	Status to Expired	$59,900	Auto Expired By Nightly Processing
8/18/2009 14:01	Price Change	$49,900
8/18/2009 14:09	Status to Active	$49,900
10/2/2009 16:41	Price Change	$39,900

MLS# 910635 - 6 Smith Blvd
5/22/2009 18:16	New Listing	$167,900	NEW LISTING
6/3/2009 11:01	Price Change	$149,900
6/29/2009 20:32	Price Change	$129,900
7/24/2009 12:58	Status to Under Contract	$129,900
7/31/2009 13:22	Status to Active	$129,900
8/5/2009 9:50	Price Change	$122,900
8/14/2009 8:42	Misc. Change	$122,900
10/22/2009 7:28	Price Change	$114,900
10/22/2009 7:28	Misc. Change	$114,900

MLS# 912323 - 55 PINEBURY DRIVE
6/18/2009 13:51	New Listing	$564,900	NEW LISTING
10/20/2009 13:46	Price Change	$349,900

MLS# 912562 - 250 Old Wilson Road
6/22/2009 19:54	New Listing	$150,000	NEW LISTING
6/23/2009 7:32	Price Change	$99,000
6/23/2009 11:29	Price Change	$109,900	$109,900 Modular Home has a possible second lot that goes with it.
8/31/2009 11:04	Price Change	$94,900
10/8/2009 14:53	Price Change	$92,000
MLS# 910942 - 6001 S Kings Hwy
5/28/2009 15:43	New Listing	$244,900	NEW LISTING
6/23/2009 9:35	Price Change	$229,900
7/23/2009 14:21	Price Change	$214,900
8/18/2009 20:56	Price Change	$199,900
9/16/2009 10:29	Price Change	$182,900
10/13/2009 11:51	Price Change	$174,900

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Bank Owned Homes Connection Myrtle Beach REO’s To Go!

North Houston Bank	Houston	TX
Madisonville State Bank	Madisonville	TX
Citizens National Bank	Teague	TX
Park National Bank	Chicago	IL
Pacific National Bank	San Francisco	CA
California National Bank	Los Angeles	CA
San Diego National Bank	San Diego	CA
Community Bank of Lemont	Lemont	IL
Bank USA, N.A.	Phoenix	AZ

Myrtle Beach Real Estate by Mirela Monte

LOL FRIDAY - Q & A

Q. What’s the definition of mixed emotions? A. When you see your mother-in-law backing off a cliff in your new car.

Q. How do men sort out their laundry? A. Filthy, and filthy but wearable.

Q. What is the definition of the perfect woman? A. A deaf and dumb blonde nymphomaniac whose father owns a pub.

Q. What’s the difference between a new husband and a new dog? A. After a year, the dog is still excited to see you.

Q. What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup? A. Anyone can roast beef.

Q. Did you hear about the guy who lost his left arm and leg in a car crash? A. He's all right now.

Q. Where do you get virgin wool from? A. Ugly sheep.

Q. Why do bagpipers walk when they play? A. They're trying to get away from the noise.

Q. How do you double the value of a Geo Metro? A. Fill it with gas.

Q. What's the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche? A. The porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

Q. Why don't cannibals eat clowns? A. Because they taste funny.

Q. Who is the poorest guy in West Virginia? A. The Tooth Fairy

Q. What do you call a woman who knows where her husband is every night?

A. A Widow.

Q: How can you tell when a lawyer is lying? A: His lips are moving.

Q: Why won't sharks attack lawyers? A: Professional courtesy.

Q: What does a blonde say when you blow in their ear? A: "Thanks for the refill!" Q: What is it called when a blonde blows in another blonde's ear? A: Data transfer.

Q: What did the blonde customer say to the buxom waitress (reading her nametag) ? A: "'Debbie'...that's cute. What did you name the other one ?"

Q: Why did the blonde stare at the orange juice container for 15 minutes? A: It said "concentrate".

Q: How do you keep a blonde busy? A: Write "Please turn over" on both sides of a piece of paper.

Q: What's the difference between a girlfriend and a wife?

A: About 45 pounds!

Q: What's the difference between a boyfriend and a husband?

A: About 45 minutes.

Join us on The Optimist Group for LOL FRIDAY!

Send A Gift- Thank You Card To Our Soldiers- Xerox Let's Say Thanks Program

Princess Juliana Airport in St. Martin: the Lowest Landing Airport in the World. Can you say "Wow!!!" ?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection Join The Optimist Group!

Tracking "clicks" on printed flyers - Using bit.ly with RealBird on your brochures

LOL FRIDAY - 12 For the Road

I'm writing an unauthorized autobiography.

Marriage is like witness protection. You get a new identity and a new home, and you're not allowed to see your old friends anymore.

Money is the root of all wealth.

Money is the root of all evil. For more information, send $10 to me.

Man: A creature made at the end of the workweek when God was tired.

Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to. Mark Twain

Last year for Christmas, I got a humidifier and a dehumidifier. I thought I'd put them in the same room and let them fight it out.

It's been so long since I've had sex, I've forgotten who ties up whom.

It's bad luck to be superstitious.

I'm having amnesia and Deja Vu at the same time. I think I've forgotten this before.

If the world were a logical place, men would be the ones who ride horses sidesaddle.

If swimming is so good for your figure, how do you explain whales?

Join us for LOL FRIDAY on The Optimist Group!

WOW! This is BIG: Fannie Mae launches 'Deed for Lease' program

Fannie Mae announced Thursday it is launching a “Deed for Lease Program” which will allow homeowners facing foreclosure — if they qualify —to lease their homes for up to a year.

To get that option, homeowners have to deed the property to Fannie Mae.

The program is designed for borrowers who do not qualify for some other loan workout program.

Borrowers transfer their property to the lender by completing a deed in lieu of foreclosure, then the owner leases the house at a market rate.

*NOTE: Not my writing, but breaking news I wanted to share with you asap. Here is the link to the story:

Recycle Your Old Blogs By Tweeting Them!

What Does Your Car Say To Your Real Estate Prospects?

Do you know what car your dentist drives?

Do you know what car your attorney drives?

Do you know what car your Realtor drives?

Which one of these choices do you think most people know the answer to? Exactly! Real Estate Agents are the only ones whose vehicles are ‘out in the open’, sort of speak. Realtors, what is your vehicle saying about you?

Whether you want to accept it or not, your car, as the extension of yourself and your business, can help you land that next deal, or nix it for you. What are your thoughts on this subject?

Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection Join The Optimist Group!

You Changed Your Clock - Is It Time to Change Your Life?

5 Tips on Choosing The Right Days to Market Your Real Estate Services Online

How to Choose the Right Days to Market your Real Estate Services Online

Here are 5 tips on choosing the right days to market your real estate services online

1. Tweet Midweek-

2. Publish Your Most Important Blog Posts Midweek

3. The Weakest Link for Email Marketing is Saturday

4. Engage your Fans on Facebook on Tuesdays

5. LinkedIn Users Are Active In the Morning

The ActiveRain Point System

Download this video for free and you have video content on your site!

I Hope You’ll Dance!

My children have always been the most cherished part of my life, my defining moments, my love, my joy, my reasons for it all.

Mirela Alex &; Amanda = nucleus of my heart!

80 Year Old School Bus Drivers: Step Away From the Wheel Please!!!

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see…

The Myrtle Beach Academy Has Lost a Bright Star Today – Marc Chaplin, May You Rest in Peace!

The Myrtle Beach Academy has lost a bright star today. Marc Chaplin, a senior at the school, was killed within a short distance of the Academy, when his motorcycle collided with a North Myrtle Beach school bus at 8:10 this morning.

Marc’s death sent shock waves through the school, where he was well liked. There was a lot of sobbing and hugging at the Academy today. Many left school in the morning, unable to contain their grief.

Tomorrow many of Marc’s friends will wear purple in his honor. Marc and his buddies had a “purple shirt” day every week.

My heart goes out to Marc’s parents. Losing your child has to be Life’s most tormenting pain. There are no words to describe the deep sorrow of our entire community for the loss of this lovely young man. May he rest in peace!

Q. What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
A. Anyone can roast beef.

Q. Did you hear about the guy who lost his left arm and leg in a car crash?
A. He's all right now.

Q. Where do you get virgin wool from?
A. Ugly sheep.

Q. Why do bagpipers walk when they play?
A. They're trying to get away from the noise.

Q. How do you double the value of a Geo Metro?
A. Fill it with gas.

Q. What's the difference between a porcupine and a Porsche?
A. The porcupine has the pricks on the outside.

Q. Why don't cannibals eat clowns?
A. Because they taste funny.

Q. Who is the poorest guy in West Virginia?
A. The Tooth Fairy

Q: How can you tell when a lawyer is lying?
A: His lips are moving.

Q: Why won't sharks attack lawyers?
A: Professional courtesy.

Q: What does a blonde say when you blow in their ear?
A: "Thanks for the refill!"

Q: What is it called when a blonde blows in another blonde's ear?
A: Data transfer.

Q: What did the blonde customer say to the buxom waitress (reading her nametag) ?
A: "'Debbie'...that's cute. What did you name the other one ?"

Q: Why did the blonde stare at the orange juice container for 15 minutes?
A: It said "concentrate".

Q: How do you keep a blonde busy?
A: Write "Please turn over" on both sides of a piece of paper.