It's that time of year again! Razor Clamming out on the Washington State coastline! The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife allows selected weekends during the Fall and Spring to harvest Razor Clams along specified State beaches. For more information, access their website WDFW.
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG, Crabbing in the Hood, Facebook, Twitter, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
The owners had been trying to sell their home for nearly a year.
The first agent had the home listed for 6 months.
The second agent for 5 months.
I was fortunate to be Agent No. 3.
The owners were really great folks. But they were discouraged and frustrated.
They just wanted to achieve their retirement plans of moving to South Florida.
I assured them that I would do my best.
I had it under contract in 20 days.
But that's not Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA.
Implementing my marketing skills and succeeding where others have failed is simply icing on the cake.
The Buyers were represented by a part-time agent who lived on the far Eastern side of the State.
Between his day job and the remote nature of his location, his involvement and assistance in the transaction was a tad bit lacking.
The Buyer's Lender (an out-of-state Internet Lender) ended up contacting me directly in order to obtain information and documentation from the Buyers.
The Buyers called me on several occasions when things got a little stressful and they needed reassurance.
Today, after the transaction funded and recorded, I delivered the keys to the new owners.
I wish you could've seen the excitement and joy on their faces! The husband was smiling ear-to-ear. The wife was giddy as a child on Christmas morning!
As I drove away, the lump filled my throat.
That exact moment. That deep, abiding sense of joy and satisfaction.
That's Why I Love Being a Real Estate Professional in Kitsap County WA.
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
As we test the social media waters for the first time, we all make our fair share of naive mistakes and newbie blunders.
Yikes! Just go back through my early blog archives and you'll find boatloads of them! I wouldn't advise going there, though, it's pretty scary! There's been many times when I've been tempted to go back and delete a bunch of my early articles, but they're a good reminder of the lessons learned and the progress I've made along the way.
One of the most common mistakes that people make is trying to shove a square Web 1.0 peg in a round Web 2.0 hole. What I mean by that is our tendency to bring our old 'interruption' marketing bag of tricks along with us and attempt to use those same techniques as we begin our journey into the virtual realm of social media.
The most helpful tip I could give anyone is to remember that ultimately, at its core, social media is an interactive conversation. The old paradigm of Web 1.0 and static websites, like interruption marketing, was a one-way, one-sided communication. We simply dumped or plastered our self-promotional marketing message wherever people congregated, hoping it would stick and capture their attention.
Unfortunately, consumers have become more and more sophisticated and selective in what they watch, read, or listen to. They don't respond well to one-sided interruption-style marketing anymore. They ignore it like elevator music or TV commercials.
Here's just a few suggestions that will help you avoid some of the same mistakes I made:
Create Content that Causes Conversations
Don't use your blog as just a billboard advertisement or a virtual refrigerator magnet. Share information that is interesting, engaging, and useful.
Reward Reader Comments with a Response
Whenever you receive a comment on one of your blog articles, go back and acknowledge/thank your reader for taking the time to leave a comment, especially those who leave more meaningful/substantive comments.
Don't be a 'Hit-an-Run' Blogger
If you are syndicating/pushing your blog content over to Twitter or Facebook, then you need to spend time on those platforms engaged in actual conversation. Otherwise, you're simply dumping SPAM. Use a basic 2-for-1 rule. For every one post that you syndicate to Twitter or Facebook, go in and comment on at least two other updates/tweets. If you're not willing to invest the time and energy to personally participate on these platforms, then don't send your content there.
From the wikipedia definition of social media:
"Social media depends on interactions between people as the discussion and integration of words to build shared-meaning, using technology as a conduit. Social media has been touted as presenting a fresh direction for marketing by allowing companies to talk with consumers, as opposed to talking at them"
To access the full archive of Blog Tips for Rain Drips, go HERE.
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
As usual, my good friend George does an excellent job explaining all the various elements of the recently extended $8000 1st-Time Home Buyer Credit and the new Move-Up Home Buyer Credit. Thanks, George!
As promised below is an overview and comparison between the present Tax Credit and the New. The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.
Homebuyer Tax Credit Overview:
First‐time homebuyers (those who have not owned a principal residence in the three years prior to the purchase date of their subsequent home) are eligible for a refundable tax credit of 10 percent of the purchase price of a principal residence up to $8,000 for homes bought between January 1 and December 1, 2009.
If the home is sold within three years, the taxpayer must pay back the credit (called "recapture").
Income limits for the current credit are $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers, phasing out completely after $95,000 for individuals and $170,000 for couples. Income limits are based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI).
Extended and Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit:
Extends the availability of the $8,000 first‐time homebuyer credit to taxpayers who have a principal residence under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.
Creates a new $6,500 credit for move‐up buyers. Move up buyers are defined as people who haveLike the credit for first‐time buyers, lived in their current home for 5 or more consecutive years during the 8 year period ending on the date of purchase of the their subsequent principal residence. this credit is available to taxpayers who have principal residences under a binding contract before April 30, 2010, allowing 60 days to close.
Raises the income limits for both the first time and move‐up buyer to $125,000 for single filers, $225,000 for joint filers with a $20,000 phase‐out. The $20,000 phaseout means that no credit can be claimed by those with MAGI above $145,000 for single filers, $245,000 married joint filers.
Both the first‐time and move‐up credit are available for principal residences with a purchase price up to $800,000. Purchase price is defined as the adjusted basis of the principle residence on the datesuch residence is purchased.
Includes strong anti‐fraud provisions:
Gives the Internal Revenue Service math error authority which they have requested when processing IRS form 5405. This would allow the IRS to correct certain errors during credit processing, and avoid the need for a post‐refund, labor intensive audit.
Requires a copy of the settlement statement (HUD‐1) which would verify the date of purchase, the residence address, and the purchase price.
Introduces an explicit age limitation, allowing no one under 18 to claim the credit
Excludes individuals who are claimed as dependents and married individuals who purchase the home from the family of their spouse from claiming the credit
Eliminates the recapture requirement for military personnel and members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community who are forced to sell their homes within three years as a result of an official extended duty of service. In addition, these individuals have one additional year to qualify for the credit if they served for at least 90 days outside the U.S. in 2009 or 2010.
Purchases made in 2010 can be claimed on the 2009 tax return.
The score of $10.8 billion over 10 years is paid for by a seven year delay of the worldwide allocation of interest rule until 2017, not stimulus funds.
Effective after the date of enactment.
Homebuyers who were eligible for the first‐time homebuyer tax credit pre‐WHBAA will be able to continue to claim the credit. Homebuyers who qualify for the credit under the expanded terms will only be able to claim the credit if they close on their home purchase after the date of enactment of this bill (the binding contract can be signed before enactment).
Some of this, like any new Legislation, is going to take a few days to fully understand. As further clarification is made available I will try to provide it.
George Souto is a Loan Officer who can assist you with all your FHA, CHFA, and Conventional mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes Middletown, Middlefield, Durham, Cromwell, Portland, Higganum, Haddam, East Haddam, Chester, Deep River, and Essex. George can be contacted at (860) 573-1308 or gsouto@mccuemortgage.com
Being a licensed real estate professional here on the beautiful Kitsap Peninsula in scenic Washington State, I have the honor and privilege of serving a sizeable military community, consisting primarily of active-duty US Navy service members and their families stationed at Naval Base Kitsap.
As such, a large percentage of the Buyers and Sellers I represent are involved with VA Financing. As a Navy veteran and former submarine sailor, I know firsthand the benefits of using a VA home loan. We bought our first two homes using VA Financing. It's one of the few ‘Zero-Down‘ loan products still available in today's lending market.
Unfortunately, there are some potential pitfalls associated with VA financing, especially as it relates to VA Appraisals.
Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
Each month I publish a real estate market report for Kitsap County WA on my local blog, SOUNDBITEBLOG. It provides an analysis of the combined single-family home and condo market within Kitsap County, Washington for each particular month, including data for Bainbridge Island WA.
Included along with the relevant market statistics is my own personal take on the current markety dynamics/conditions.
In addition, I always provide engaging information that highlights our area and showcases all that Kitsap County WA has to offer.
This week, I share about the pending extension of the $8000 1st-Time Home Buyers Federal Tax Credit and where to find your 'Sushi' fix.
Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
Now appearing at a Holiday Inn Holidome nearest you! A Ricky Ricardo Cover Act!
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
According to an article today on Forbes.com, it appears that the $8000 Federal Housing Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers is very close to being extended!...
With everything else that's been going on out in Washington D.C. of late, i.e. massive debt to bailout Wall Street, dismal 'Cash for Clunkers' program, government take-over of Health Care, indecision on Afghanistan, etc., it's encouraging to see progress on legislation that is truly effective for a change, and makes a difference for taxpayers and the economy.
For additional coverage on this breaking story, go to the full article at SOUNDBITEBLOG (opens up into a separate window for your viewing ease)
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Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
I went thru the list of people I follow on Twitter and compared that to people I enjoy reading on Active Rain. I then came up with this list of people who are active in the Active Rain community, who I recommend following on Twitter. Click on the link below and you can follow them all (or select a chosen few) in one click.
There are so many great Twitterers and Active Rain blog authors, I am sure I left off some people that should be included on this. If you have a favorite person you follow on Twitter (and who is active on Active Rain), please put their Twitter handle in the comments of this post and maybe I'll add them to the list!
If you are just getting started with Twitter, these people are great to follow and see the many ways Twitter can be used effectively.
Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when I post something new.
For those of you who are new to ActiveRain, Social Media, and blogging, one of the most difficult lessons to learn is the importance and discipline of balancing your online marketing efforts with your past, more traditional methods of promotion/business development.
In our industry, there is a natural tendency for people to become so caught up in the latest and greatest marketing craze, to the extent that they often neglect to continue doing those things which have worked effectively in the past.
Let's face it, accessing and utilizing Social Media tools, especially social networks like ActiveRain, can be fun and extremely addictive! And, the more addicting they become, the more time-consuming they become as well. Eventually, we end up expending a lot of time and effort that doesn't necessarily translate into increased business/revenue.
And isn't that really the reason you began your Social Media Adventure? Because someone told you that ActiveRain and blogging was the latest and greatest method for generating business and attracting potential clients?
Well, allow me to share just a few basic suggestions to help put your Social Media involvements into perspective:
Don't Throw the Baby Out with the Bath Water
Remember that Social Media (blogging, social networks) is simply one more tool in your marketing tool belt. Don't neglect those methods and practices you have used in the past to generate business and promote your services. While is could be argued that utilizing Social Media can be a more efficient and effective use of your time and energy, it should not replace those methods you've employed in the past. It should supplement and compliment them.
Be Deliberate and Disciplined
What are your goals for using Social Media? Develop a detailed and intentional Social Media marketing plan. What tools, platforms, applications will you use that will enable you to achieve your goals? Remember that the effective use of the right Social Media tools should SAVE you time, not rob you of your time. Schedule your Social Media involvements as part of your daily ritual and routine. Discipline yourself to stay within the allotted time-frames you establish.
Consistency is the Key
Whatever plan or schedule you determine, stick with it. Any meaningful kind of successful marketing effort takes time and consistency to be effective. This is especially true when it comes to blogging. In order to develop any traction with the search engines, and be 'found' by potential clients, you will need to regularly publish good, relevant content to your blog.
Pace Yourself
If you're new to ActiveRain, Social Media, or blogging, things can be a slight bit daunting and overwhelming. Take baby steps at first. Don't bite off more than you can chew. Trying to do too much at once will only leave you feeling frustrated and defeated. Do one thing at a time until you gain a sense of confidence and comfort. Then move on to the next thing.
Rich Jacobson is a licensed real estate professional providing knowledgeable empowerment and relentless representation for his clients of residential properties and vacant land throughout all of Kitsap County WA and portions of Pierce, Mason, and Jefferson Counties. You can also find him at KitsapLife.com, SOUNDBITEBLOG and Crabbing in the Hood, or e-mail: kitsapagent@gmail.com
Providing Knowledgeable Empowerment and Relentless Representation of Real Estate Clients throughtout the Western Puget Sound, including all of Kitsap County WA, and portions of Mason, Pierce, and Jefferson Counties.
"Helping You to Successfully Achieve Your Next Adventure in Life!"
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.
As we test the social media waters for the first time, we all make our fair share of naive mistakes and newbie blunders.
Posted by 
The information below was just given to us by Senator Dodd's Office.
According to an article today on 
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