I've been spending an inordinate amount of time on Twitter. Let me reiterate, I've been spending an inordinate amount of time on Twitter. The question is why? The answer is, "I don't know."
Bear with me for a minute as I give some background:
When I first joined Active Rain a few months back I did so by accident. I was reading real estate articles, via Google searches, and this Active Rain site kept coming up. The curiosity got the best of me and I joined.
At the time, we were in the process of completing phase #1 of our real estate investment company's website and no doubt the marketing and exposure could only help if we carried ourselves well, didn't constantly put our foot in our mouths, and had something to say worth listening to.
What's happening? Where's my candy? The Twitter parts coming.
To expand our social networking environment we've established, to varying degrees and in no particular order, homes at the following sites:
Plurk
FriendFeed
MyBlogLog
Propeller
Facebook
LinkedIn
Delicious
Digg
Technorati
Flickr
Tumblr
LiveJournal
Blogger
Google (Calendar, iGoogle, Reader, etc.)
Trulia
Zillow
YouTube
Jumpcut
StumbleUpon
DOPPLR
Disqus
Reddit
And, of course, no list would be complete, ours either, without Twitter. With Twitter, the confusion really set in.
Basically, I get the Why. In a nutshell:
We're developing an online presence to build our business and brand awareness. Out of our new-found online presence and evolution of our brand awareness, we should be able, through this online networking, to grow and improve our business with more clients and additional professional contacts.
Now, the Twitter thing. It's DUMB!
"I'm cooking baby back Ribs for dinner."
"I'm drinking coffee."
"I just woke up."
"I'm going to bed."
"My kids are still sleeping."
"I think I'm going to call it a day."
"Should I clean my office?"
"Listening to U2"
"I wonder if I'm the only one at the hockey game Tweeting from my Blackberry?"
"I just noticed two bug bites."
I could go on and on about how random these comments are. It doesn't make any sense. In fact, it's so dumb that I've setup my Blackberry so that I can Tweet comments, via TwitterBerry, from my Blackberry (say that three times). Yes, more dumb comments and now the dumb comments are coming from me:
"My meeting was postponed. Tweeting from my Blackberry."
"Home sweet home. Enjoying a nice day at the park with family in CA. Sunny, low 80's. Winter, where?"
"Actually, I'm still laughing over your doctor's visit tweet yesterday. I'm trying to find it to add to favorites. I was dying!"
"Crab season opens in 45 minutes here in the San Francisco Bay area."
"Your pic is perfect for the tweet!"
"Making my 300th comment."
Actually, now that I'm getting my ink to paper or shall I say keyboard to browser, I'm starting to get it and you should too! In between all of these "dumb" comments are unbelievable nuggets and tidbits of information in bite-size form. It's a mini meal with a super-sized satiation. Links to articles, websites, different companies, and innumerable individuals making their way or having already made their way.
As for the "dumb" comments:
Some people like to drink lots of coffee while others listen to music in the evenings. Some people are extremely humorous while others are angry. Some individuals are extremely buttoned up and professional while others are outlandish and sharp. The list could and does go on and on.
Through this platform, we have the unbelievable opportunity to learn more about people we most likely never would have ever met. At a time of our choosing, we can turn the Twitter spigot on and immediately start receiving minute to minute updates on what's going on in these peoples lives. Where they're at, what they're doing, who they're associating with, what they like, their dislikes, what books they read, food they eat, clothing they wear, news they listen to, wine they drink, etc. In short, ongoing snapshots of their lives. What better way to at least develop a friendship and determine whether there's a worthy business relationship to be had.
In some ways, we probably learn more about these people or shall I say online friends than we do with those in our regular social surroundings due to the sheer amounts of time that we spend interacting with them, having their thoughts to read and to relive at a time of our choosing.
If you haven't embraced it yet, what are you waiting for? If you don't get it, take the time to figure it out. Use it. Be dumb for a few moments. I promise you that your moment of weakness will undoubtedly open the door to something much bigger and much better.
After a handful of months on Active Rain and numerous other Social Networking sites, I got in the mood for change. Perhaps the change that's been in the air was contagious.
Nonetheless, I left my avatar on our company blog websites (Property Qwest Blog, The Realty Buzz, and Arizona Homes Blog) , where it belongs, and went for a more personal touch to make a better connection with those whom I communicate with. Put a face to the name so to speak.
I like change. It's an opportunity to dust off the cobwebs, make repairs to the damaged parts that have been long overdue in needing attention, and allows us to come out fresh, improved, and better prepared for our next round of challenges.
The economic conditions we face are grim, the housing market, to be generous, is tough, yet there are opportunities if we are willing to change our direction, listen to our audience, and service them with what they need.
Change is in the air. Embrace it. Make of it what you want. Have it symbolize what you see fit. Most importantly, just do something positive with it.
Perhaps a bit of humor is in order this Saturday morning as I'm sure most have had, as usual, a long week. In lieu of the ongoing global economic turmoil and our seemingly never ending housing debacle, I suggest it's time to take a load off even if only for a few minutes. Putting aside the political satire, I'm sure many can relate to the song literally and figuratively.
Disclaimer: I don't endorse all of the work put forth by the makers of this video but, I'm guilty as charged for finding some humor with this specific credit crisis, mortgage meltdown, housing market skit! Both sides of the isle could have done a better job on behalf of the American people in an effort to prevent much of this mess.
Don't miss out on this professionally staged waterfront home (Arrowhead lakes subdivision) in Glendale, AZ! The mountain views won't disappoint either. This home has now been completely remodeled and is move-in ready. In May of 2007, this home sold for $690,000 and is now being offered for only $439,000!
Global Qwest, Inc. is making this offering. Rob Brant with Call Realty, Inc. is our Realtor!
Undoubtedly, economic times are challenging to be generous and housing conditions in many markets can be pointed to as one of the main culprits. Needless to say our government has failed us and yes, we, the American people can shoulder some of this blame as well since we have accepted our leaders without outrage. We can and should demand more of our government but need to take a closer look at ourselves and our actions.
How Can We Improve Our Financial Disposition? I suggest mulling over the following!
Start With What You Know:
The housing market has tanked in many areas throughout the country.
Housing prices have been falling for over three years in some of the most inflated markets.
The government has approved the much maligned "bailout" bill and will start buying bad loans.
The stock market has been volatile and should remain so for the foreseeable future.
Real Estate is one of the greatest ways to generate true wealth.
Recognize What Most Of Us Normally Do:
We wait for the housing bottom. It's never today, it's always tomorrow.
We fear everything. How much lower will housing prices go?
We tell everyone to buy low, there are great deals out there, yet most of us never follow the same advice.
Admire all those risk takers who are financially independent.
Could have, should have, would have .... oh well, maybe next time.
The Same Old Results:
Year in and year out most of our financial pressures remain constant.
For most of us, true wealth is rarely created. Financial independence is merely a lofty dream.
Most of us work well into our elder years wondering when we can retire and whether we will have enough to support us through our retirement years.
We continue to admire all those risk takers who gained financial independence for taking on so much perceived risk.
A Couple Of Questions To Ask:
Why is it so few people reach financial independence, generating true wealth?
In consideration of 9-5 jobs, personal time, etc. - why do we spend such little time learning how to invest?
Why do we seek safety in a system that is proven not to work for most of us? Many of us working 40 plus hours a week over tens of years hoping that the stock market will be on good footing when we retire, desperately needing to access a healthy retirement fund.
How many more red flags do we need screaming, "it's time to find a home to buy?"
Final Thoughts:
These cycles are your friend, use them wisely.
Stop telling everyone else it's a great time to buy a home while you sit back and do nothing.
Don't give into your fears. Education is the key. Let your fear be the quite voice that pushes you to learn more, not the voice that prevents you from taking action.
Look around you and see that most of us struggle with financial independence yet continue to do the "same old thing", always perceiving investing to be risky.
Doing much of the same gets you much of what you've always had.
Each one of us has the ability to do better.
Again, if investing is so risky than why don't those who are the most financially independent think so?
This Ahwatukee home has been completely remodeled and shows like a model! There is brand new granite in the kitchen (including glass tile back splash) and in both bathrooms, 16 inch tile in all the right places along with brand new plush carpet, and interior / exterior paint. This home has great curb appeal and a newly landscaped front yard! Relax in your new backyard oasis which includes brand new landscaping, flagstone, and a resurfaced pool! Vaulted ceilings, a breakfast bar, new fixtures, corner lot, and close to everything! Great location, great neighborhood, great house!! Professionally staged, this house is perfect!! Don't miss out on purchasing this great Ahwatukee, AZ home.
As we are in full swing of the presidential campaign, it's amazing to me the amount of information presented that is in large part inaccurate or at least an acute misrepresentation of the facts.
In many instances, as long as the misrepresentation bolsters the position of the candidate that you are supporting it will be cheered and widely accepted unless someone calls out the inconsistency.
Isn't this type of ignorance and blatant disregard for reality one of the main culprits responsible for our current state of affairs in our country today ... on many fronts?
If your candidate is really worth voting for is it really necessary to misrepresent the other candidate's position?
An OPINION is one thing a FACT is another ... there is a difference!
This Tempe, AZ home has just been remodeled and needs nothing! New paint, carpet, granite, faucets, fans, and landscaping, including new sod with timed sprinkler system. Newer A/C, roof, tile, cabinets, appliances, and countertops. Additionally, the Den can be used as a 4th bedroom. 10 X 18 Arizona room with pass-through to the kitchen adds approximately 180 sq ft of living space! This house is approximately 1731 sq ft. Your clients will not be disappointed! Vacant and ready for a quick close! No FHA financing on this one, owned less than 90 days. This Tempe, AZ home could be yours!
All too often we're looking high and low to find different ways to generate income for ourselves, affiliates, partners, clients, etc. As a result, we sometimes overlook very simple measures that take very little effort but can produce great financial returns.
DON'T FORGET TO CALL YOUR BANK TO NEGOTIATE YOUR MORTGAGE/EQUITY LINE!
In consideration of today's housing market conditions in many locales, the banks are beginning to realize that it's much cheaper for them to re-negotiate loan terms than to have to take back a home. Calling your bank doesn't guarantee results but it's definitely worth making the call.
Some of our investment real estate company's holdings are with Countrywide and Citibank. Countrywide is currently reviewing some of our loans (ones that have not been been sold/purchased by Bank of America) and Citibank reduced our margin by roughly 1/2 point on a loan that we have with them.
Five minutes on the phone.
All existing terms on the loan remained the same with the expection of Citibank reducing our margin (roughly 1/2 point drop - prime rate plus .125% to prime rate minus .375%).
No additional costs or fees.
No credit check.
Demonstrating a hardship, being late on payments, or any other financially difficult positions that you or your clients may be in is not a requirement to re-negotiate terms. However, from our experience, the banks are more willing to work with you if a hardship does exist (we suggest that you contact a qualified mortgage broker to discuss potential options if you find yourself in this position).
Be an advocate for yourself and your clients. Again, there are no guarantees but, as you can see, it's definitely worth the call. What are you waiting for? Make the call!
Why do some people consistently work against their best interest? Oftentimes, fear, emotion, or simply not being properly informed gets many of us to this point.
If you are a new home buyer or any buyer for that matter looking to purchase a property what are you waiting for? As real estate professionals, we see this time and time again ... buyers looking and waiting. You often hear, "we like this home but maybe the prices will go lower, maybe there is a better deal around the corner." There are always great deals available in any type of market. However, with the current state of many housing markets, you couldn't ask for a better time to be a buyer.
Without getting mired in the details, very simply put, there is so much inventory in many markets with such little competition (although we are starting to see pockets of increasing competition) you have your choice as a buyer. That great deal is to be had if you work with your Realtor, find the home you are looking for, determine fair market value comps for today's true value, and make an offer!
Too many buyers keep waiting to pinpoint the bottom which is a major mistake because its extremely hard to know when the bottom is until we have already bottomed and can look back to review the data. Additionally, the bottom will vary from market to market, neighborhood to neighborhood.
With the rates remaining close to historic lows, it's a great time to put in offers especially if you are a new home buyer looking for a deal and plan on living in your home over the next 3-5 years. At this point, with the amount of inventory and choices available, it would be hard to go wrong making the right purchase now!
Stop waiting for the text message that will never come. The media will tell you we've reached the bottom but by that time many of the easy deals will be few and far between and the bottom will certainly be in the rear-view mirror.
The stock market will likely remain volatile in consideration of the current financial turmoil ... it's beginning to look like a good time to buy a home!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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It's Time To Wake Up!
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