Late last year, I taught a class about the importance of blogging- what a great tool it is, how it can boost your business and show a wide range of potential clients just how much you know about real estate and your market. I've been addicted to blogging since I created my Blogger account, which is free to start up by the way. My mantra is, "Those who can, blog!"
I just recently started paying more attention to my Active Rain, as ashamed as I am to admit it, but partly it was because I was building up my own real estate blog site. In fact, my individual blog website has become my main website, rather than an aspect of it. I can still relay information about my business and the market, while also focusing on other subjects of importance to the people in my community. I am able to keep counter on the number hits I recieve, just like most websites, have my information promiently displayed, and have tools that visitors to my site can use.
Another great way to get your name out there and in a positive light is to BE blogged about. I have several contacts and past clients who (without any prompting from me) have blogged about the ways I've helped them as their agent. This in turn has given me referrals! We can never dismiss the power of the blog! These days people are sharing everything from what they had for breakfast to their favorite rock band, don't you think making that kind of a sell/purchase is going to make it to their status message or blog?
The Feds announced that the $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can now be used for a downpayment! I've seen that this has been a bone of contempt with many potential home buyers- they don't have any money to put down, or at least not enough. This will open many more doors for those of you who are wanting to own a home.If you have never owned a home or have not owned one in the last 3 years, you may be eligible for this.
Contact me today and I'll help you take that first step to home ownership!
For more information about the tax credit, go to http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009
You can't turn on the t.v., read the newspaper, or talk to someone without hearing about the effect the economy is having on not just our country but on a global scale. That truly shows how crucial it is for the US to be in good standings because we're the Breadbasket of the World. It breaks my heart to see people out of work and businesses that have been around for years shutting their doors. There are many many reasons for this dilemma we're in but it's taught us a very valuable lesson about saving money for times exactly like this. People are actually having to decide whether they should eat or pay their mortgages!
There are so many ways to save your money and the biggest thing is to not live beyond your means! We live in a world of instant gratification and we want for nothing. It's like the old saying, "Give the boy a fish, he'll learn nothing. Teach a boy to fish, he'll never go hungry." I'm not saying go learn how to fish right now, but we need to learn to be more capable of taking care of ourselves and teaching our families how to be too.
As for real estate, my personal opinion is that we will see a definite improvement within the next year. It shouldn't hinder anyone from buying since it's a buyers market, all the way! Rates and prices are low, inventory is plentiful and although there are more strict guidelines for obtaining a home loan its a preventative measure to ensure that things like this don't happen as often. Ask your realtor, bank, or trusted lender how you can qualify or what you need to do to qualify and draw up a budget with a specific timeline for your goals if you aren't looking to buy right this second. Don't wait too long because it won't be this way forever!
DeSoto County, located at the top Northwest corner of the state of Mississippi, is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation today. Having been a native since the age of 3, I can vouch for the explosion of progress and population we’ve had just in the last decade. All the while maintaining our small town southern roots. I think that’s part of the allure of living here- even as we continue to grow, our values remain the same.
I can remember Highway 302 (a.k.a Goodman Road) being just a gravel road off of Highway 51. Today Goodman Road is the epicenter of the county, taking you from the Town of Walls to the outskirts of Olive Branch, with buildings popping up along both sides like daisies. I can remember back in the day when you had to go to Memphis to go to the mall or do anything for entertainment. Today we have a plethora of shopping and great attraction sites for concerts and big scale events, like the Snowden Grove Ampetheater and the DeSoto Civic Center. As a teenager I never imagined my favorite rock bands would come to my neck of the woods, let alone, know DeSoto County existed!
Something I think we are most proud of is our school system. We have many wonderful teachers, administrators and Milton Kuykendall, our school superintendent, makes sure our students are getting the best education possible. In 1996, DeSoto County welcomed a satellite campus of Northwest Community College DeSoto Center, which offers courses for University of Mississippi as well.
Here’s some links that will take you on a tour of DeSoto County! See for yourself why it’s a great place to be!
At the insistence of my regional director, I'm stepping up and clearing the air of all this negativity surrounding our market in DeSoto County. Folks, don't feed into the hype! The market here is holding its own. Just because other areas of the country have been hit hard, don't assume that we have too. The market is shifting, as it does, as it will do. Don't be afraid to buy, sell or invest! This is a great time to buy, the interest rates are low, there are alot of great programs out there for first time buyers, the possibilities are bountiful these days, and there's really no reason you shouldn't be able to get into a house.
But with all we have available, you have to be responsible with and for your finances. If your credit isn't great, work on it! A home is one of the biggest investments you are going to make in your life, why risk giving that up! You have great research tools at your fingertips - the Internet and the telephone- to study up on loans and prepare all your information. If you don't know your credit score (and you should!!!) talk to a mortgage consultant about obtaining a copy of your credit report and discuss with you options to getting a home loan. If you don't know any, I will be more than happy to put you in touch with one and get you on the road to owning your own home. After all, its my job!
If you're uncertain about selling your home, I will be more than happy to schedule a meeting with you to go over the aspects of everything involved. Don't be afraid to put your home up for sale; overpricing will more than likely not get you a buyer anyhow! Consulting a licensed real estate agent like myself is the best course to take in order correctly price and effectively marketing your home.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, if you have any questions please feel free to email me; rebeccajaffe@kw.com
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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