Rose's Blog

Feel Right at Home in the Mt. Washington Valley

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Mon, 24 May 2010 14:52:39 -0700

When we moved to the Mt. Washington Valley, in the northern moutainous region of New Hampshire, we immediately felt right at home. A popular tourist destination with a multitude of retail outlets, it was the unparalleled beauty of the area that sealed our decision to relocate here. Surrounded by the 750,000 acre White Mountain National Forest, and set at the base of Mount Washington - the highest peak in the Northeast - the Valley is just 2-1/2 hours from Boston.

Primarily a four-season resort community with a foliage season that attracts many folks (locally called "leaf peepers") as well as a winter haven featuring Alpine and downhill skiing as well as some of the best cross country and snowshoeing opportunities in the East. Summer brings a gamut of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, swimming, and camping. Visitors to the Mt. Washington Valley enjoy all of this as well as over 80 restaurants, 2400 lodging rooms, and excellent outlet shopping (no sales tax!).

Photo of Silver Lake, Madison, NH

Tourism is the Valley's largest industry. Being a year-round vacation destination, it attracts visitors from all over the world. For those of us who are lucky enough to live here, the Valley is a great place to live, work and raise a family!

Conway Lake in the NH White Mountains!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:08:38 -0700

Conway Lake- Conway, New Hampshire

May 18th, 2010

The water is perfect!

The Mt. Washington Valley is comprised of many distinct towns surrounded by magnificent mountains which include the 780,000-acre White Mountain National Forest. This area was originally a 19th century summer destination for wealthy Bostonians who sought out the superb vistas, the picturesque Saco River and the ponds and lakes such as Conway Lake. Habitat to fish species such as salmon, smallmouth and brook trout, the lake also attracts swimming, boating and fishing enthusiasts. Here are more fun facts about Conway Lake courtesy of Wikipedia.

Conway Lake is a 1,299-acre water body located in Carroll County in eastern New Hampshire, in the United States. The lake is located in the towns of Conway and Eaton, just to the east of the White Mountains and is part of the Saco River watershed.

Conway Lake was formerly known as Walker's Pond. At the northern edge of the lake on Mill Street there is a park by that name that comprises the Conway Lake Dam and original mill site. The lake itself was once much smaller in size; the creation of a dam to build a grist mill enlarged the lake to its present size. In 1817 the Gazetteer of the State of New Hampshire said of Conway: "It contains 4 corn mills, 5 saw mills, 1 mill for dressing cloth, 2 carding machines, 3 distilleries, and 3 retail stores."
It was not until the coming of the train tracks in 1865 that the mills started to prosper. At that time logs were floated over Conway Lake for processing before being hauled off by freight car to Portsmouth and other places. Together with the nearby granite from Redstone, the mills on Mill Street were responsible for producing wood for several train stations in New England.

Through the years, Conway Lake has been a source for recreation, where fishermen and canoeists can go for a quiet paddle. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department manages the lake for landlocked salmon; fishing licenses are required, and the lake waters are patrolled regularly. Lakeside residents and day visitors can swim on private and public beaches. Sailing and water skiing are prevalent in the summer months.

The legend of Ol' Pork Chop:
The lake is home to herons, loons, eagles, deer, snakes, stinkpot turtles, painted turtles and snapping turtles. According to older residents, there exists a very old and very large snapping turtle named Pork Chop, who is so-called because a summer resident claims to have fed the turtle pork chops each year. Stories of Ol' Pork Chop have been used successfully to coax children out of the water, but there have been no known snapping turtle attacks reported.

A Leader in Luxury Home Sales

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Wed, 19 May 2010 08:01:25 -0700

The Coldwell Banker Previews International has been a world leader in the marketing of luxury homes since 1933.

Property specialists for the group participated in more than 11,971 transaction sides of homes priced at one million or more in 2009 with a total sales volume of $22 billion.

The average sales price for a luxury home transaction listed and/or sold by the Coldwell Banker system in 2009 was $1,84 million, with the highest priced home sold in 2009 being $28 million!

Lost in the Shuffle

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:43:13 -0700

I've been in real estate for over 23 years; I've lost my excitement---I've lost my way.

That was my mindset with the real estate slowdown of 2008. This year, i tried to get over that malaise that had set in, and truthfully got ahead a bit, but not enough to say I have regained my enthusiasm for this business. I am looking for something that will lift me out of that "ho-hum" feeling. Any suggestions?

Blogging wasn't even on my mind; reading some of these new blogs, I see I got lost in the shuffle. Every blog seems to be about "short sales", HUD houses, foreclosures, etc. Aren't there some normal, owner-owned real estate being sold out there? Maybe I'm being naive, but I swear there are homes being sold that aren't in distress!

Please, someone must be selling good-honest-realpeople-housing! Share with me, my mind needs it.

When the Lord takes your hand

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 09:15:37 -0800

You have to obey and follow. Being a type-A businesswoman, sometimes that is very hard for me to do. I hem and haw and many times outright just refuse to obey. After all, i know what's best for me (what does God know?) In a deep pit is where I usually end up. After a period of "doing it my way" I was up against a wall, and shared with a client who has also become my dear friend, Donna. She listened to my ramblings, then told me this story (it's her story, so sorry Donna, if I don't paraphrase it exactly the way it was told to me).

Donna is a waitress, and an excellent one! One day driving into work, she was musing on her lot in life, getting a bit discouraged that at age 50+ she felt she had not accomplished perhaps as much as she thought. She was still a waitress, living with her fiancee, and collecting stray animals whenever she could. She did not feel that she was successful, nor accomplishing anything of any importance. She said a little prayer to God to help her see what her purpose was in life, to help ease her unease at her lack of accomplishment...after all what major impact does a waitress have in anyone's life. She realized that her thoughts were focused on the things she had NOT done in her life; serving others as a waitress hardly seemed to count for anything. So she changed her prayer to add, "thank you God for blessing me as a waitress and thank you for giving me a job in this economy! Help me to see you in everyone I meet today."

She got into work, and immediately got very busy, serving her clientele. Her first table had an older woman, quietly sitting by herself. Donna felt sadness at seeing someone eating alone and set about trying to make the lady comfortable with her service. She solicitiously asked if she wanted extra water, if the food was to her liking, and if she wanted the daily paper to read. When the meal was over, Donna brought the bill and asked the woman if she could do anything that would help make her stay in the Valley more pleasant. The woman replied that Donna was very kind and she appreciated her question.

Donna collected the bill and the credit card off the table and started to walk away to the register; she noticed that the tip was for $100. Alarmed that the lady had made an error writing the tip, she turned around to walk back to the table. She was almost there when the lady said to her," It's not a mistake; you earned it dear!" Donna was flabbergasted...how could this be? The lady's bill was only $23- and she was giving her $100- as a tip? The look on her face must have been funny because the woman stated, "Don't look so shocked - you are by far the best waitress that I've had in a long while...I hope you stay doing what you do, because you are very good."

Donna said to herself, "Thank you God for answering my prayer."

Imagine Waking Up to This Sight!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:57:17 -0800

It's amazing how we as human beings can become so anesthesized to our everyday world that we start to take for granted many of the wonderful things that are given to us.

Let me share a story. In 1990, my hubby and i decided to give up all that was familiar and dear to us, and move north to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It wasn't easy to do. Our families were not in favor of this move. For years, we felt like pariahs to our own families, as we were "the black sheep". We weathered the criticism, the disdain for moving "so far away" and eventually (finally) were forgiven. So here we are. In the best, most beautiful area in the world. Looking out our back deck we see glorious views, awe-inspiring sunsets, and occasionally a deer or a turkey. Recently though, I noticed we were taking all this natural beauty for granted; so I started to take daily photos and post them. Here are today's photos taken after yesterday's 16-inch snowfall. Enjoy!

COFFEE ANYONE?

Living in the White Mountains...what more can anyone ask for. If you would like to MOVE, please contact me. My neighborhood is a new community (there are 3 houses and 4 owners so far) and we would LOVE new neighbors! Go to www.royalview.net for more info. Thanks for looking!

Ever Been to Bretton Woods? Check this out.

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:52:40 -0800

Yesterday, we took a scenic drive past Pinkham Notch (which is lovely itself!) and went to Bretton Woods. For those of you who have never been to Bretton Woods, I think it snows every day in the winter months. The views are beautiful! Talk about eye candy. The people are friendly. And if you ski, you have found heaven on earth.

Here are some of the photos that we took:

Snow over historic Mt. Washington Hotel (one of the Grand Dames of the last century!)

Views from the top of the mountain - just above the chair lift. Some of these properties are listed at over 1 million!

This is why we're here at Bretton Woods; to take pictures of a condo listing slopeside at Rosebrook! For only $299,900 (very well-priced almost $50K less than competitor) you can call this 4-bedroom, 2 bath, fully furnished unit "home".

Here are some interior pictures:

For more information on this wonderful tri-level condo go to www.roserobinson.com or go directly to the local MLS with this link: http://www.nnerenmls.com/nne/maildoc/sd_AAAa000Cj20090110144504.html

This is a great value for a ski condo, and the owners are really motivated!

Anyone can be a Great Video Master!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 11:25:50 -0800

These days anyone can be a great video master. All you need is a digital video camera to record, transfer and share! After experimenting the last few months, I have come up with a list of "video tips" that work:

1. TELL A STORY. Don't just start shooting. Plan out your "story" - what do you want to capitalize on this short clip? Have a beginning, middle and end in mind before you start to record. This can be as simple as panning the outside landscaping on a home, then ringing the door bell before you proceed inside a home!

2. KEEP IT SIMPLE. Include only images the audience needs to keep them informed and interested in your subject. That means editing the video for a final version that is clean and focused. There are lots of free editing software out there. For snazzy tutorials on many of them go to www.video-tutes.com.

3. KEEP IT BRIEF. Most folks can only assimilate information in short bursts, so try to keep your video brief. Once again, that means editing to eliminate excess material. For real estate videos highlighting property my suggested length is around two minutes. It sounds short but your audience won't stay with you much longer than that. Also www.you-tube.com is now confining the length of their videos to 10 minutes.

4. KEEP IT STEADY. There's nothing more aggravating (or nauseating) than shakiness on a video. Avoid this by purchasing a tripod (there are many available for as little as $30) or keeping as steady as possible. Be careful of zooming in and out too fast---it makes the video uncomfortable to watch.

5. PROPER LIGHTING. Proper lighting is essential for capturing details. Practice experimenting with room lamps and window shades to see what comes across on video. Sometimes too much light can also ruin the video...so try out different scenarios to see which one works best for your video camera. Do a couple of quick videos in varying lights to compare. For those of you that want much more information than I can give you, read this blog on lighting.

6. LABEL IT. How many times have you taken videos and later can't remember where it was? I always name the video and label it with the location and date for future filing.

7. FINAL PRODUCT. Polishing up your video with simple editing can be the difference between a mediocre video and an outstanding one. You can add voiceovers, music, sound effects and some editing software allow you to put dialogue balloons with text in them.

Why I Like Using Twitter!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:34:21 -0800

When I first began using Twitter, I was incredulous that this type of medium would be of any value to either me personally or to my real estate career. My thought was "why would anyone care to know what the heck I am doing every minute of the day?" I was talked into creating a profile by my office manager because as he proclaimed, "It's social networking Rose, just like going to the Chamber After Hours!" So I went for it. Incredibly, I have found that i like using Twitter for a variety of reasons.

1. I have made many new friends! At last count, I was following over 1,000 people and had over 800 following me. Exponentially, i had grown my sphere of people in just a couple of months. Some of these people have become really good and close friends with shared experiences and social benefits.

2. I have learned so much during my time on Twitter. I've learned about twitter tools such as www.twitpic.com (which allows you to post pictures), www.tweetlater.com (to continue your twitter presence if you know you can't get to your computer for length of time) and www.tweetdeck.com (helps you organize your "tweets" or posts). In a round-about way, I've learned about marketing myself in an entirely different way.

3. My Activerain Blog traffic (and coincidentially my website also) has increased significantly. When I added Activerain to my Twitter account, any blog entries that i write get automatically updated on Twitter; so my audience enlarges with Twitter.

4. It has helped me to stay up-to-date on current events. Even by checking into Twitter updates once a day, I am able to parse through the information and gather what is important to me. Last week, I found important and valuable information about listing short sales! But it could be information considered mundane to others, but to me was significant such as recipes, books to read, and pets.

5. My writing has improved by using Twitter. I have learned that being clear, concise, and correct all contribute to my effectiveness as a writer. Since i only have 140 characters, it has forced me to write short, bite-sized informative chunks of information.

6. It has shown me reality like I've never seen it before. While I have always considered myself a straight-forward and authentic person, (not subtle at all), I never gave much thought to how others might react to that. Being on Twitter, I have come to realize that all people have quirks, that they experience the same wide range of emotions that I do, and that everyone has both good and bad sides to their personalities. By sharing all this on the Twitter forum, people (or tweeple) are able to share themselves in a unique way.

7. I have loved the way Twitter has enabled me to stay in touch with people that I enjoy and that matter to me. While other mediums are also capable of doing much the same, Twitter is so fast that it creates a quick and easy bond. My relationships with others have improved, my level of communication has increased, and my feeling of well-being is enhanced!

8. It is addictive (I admit it). Twitter is seductive. My husband asked me recently, what is so fun about writing "what I am doing" umpteenth times a day? I realized that isn't what Twitter is about; it's about sharing yourself to others, and allowing them to share themselves with you. It can be funny, emotional, sad, or just plain entertaining.

9. It is relatively quick, easy, and free way to invest your time. I limit my Twitter Time to once in the morning (for about 5 minutes) and later in the evening while dinner is cooking (another 5 minutes).

10. I haven't realized a sale as a direct consequence of being on Twitter, or if by "marketing" myself as a realtor on Twitter will lead to any business, but I suspect that it will. Just the fact that 1000 people are now aware of me as a professional, should translate into tangible business in the future. As one of my "twitnicks" said to me, "Twitter gives you another way to build your brand". I think it just might do that.

Virtues and Vices of 2008

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 09:11:10 -0800

Late last night I was reading in the Bible about the power of light. There was a particular passage that really stuck in my mind: "I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18

What does this Bible verse have to do with virtues and vices in 2008? Simply this: if the CEO's of companies had believed in God versus Satan, had curbed their greed, had served their clients and their stockholders instead of themselves, the word "bailout" would not have become the most-used term in the English language. If these leaders had become bearers of "light" to their people, instead of bringing darkness, we would not have had the "year of the bailout" in 2008!

The height of vice was very apparent in the saga of Bernard Madoff. Despite several warnings about disgraced Wall Street money manager Madoff's investment methods, he successfully dodged regulators for years. Today, the House Financial Services Committee plans a hearing to find out how the SEC failed to detect Madoff's alleged $50 billion Ponzi scheme. How could a man of his standing within the financial community carry out such an elaborate plan to defraud so many people?

"Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you!" The answer for us in 2009 is quite simply- WAKE UP! Let us not be deluded into thinking that vice is a thing of the past. There are many pitfalls just waiting to be tripped into. Our main defense is to remain vigilant and to expose the perpretrators. Even if the infraction seems minor, look these people in the eye and say "don't do that". Only when we remind ourselves that we are the light will we be able to change anything. God is totally separate from darkness. The darker the darkness, the brighter Jesus' light shines!

Ski Deals? You bet.

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:30:26 -0800

We're not getting a bailout here in the Mt. Washington Valley in northern New Hampshire. We are offering lots of ski deals to vacationers though; in the hopes that enticements not bailouts will work.

Cranmore Mountain is offering two-for-one lift tickets from Monday to Thursday (no holidays). They also offer a package deal of 3 tickets for $135- which is pretty good being only $45- per day. If you buy a lift ticket after 2:00 p.m. you can ski that day and continue onto the next day also (that's the "After 2, tommorrow too" deal)...for more information on Cranmore in North Conway, go to www.cranmore.com.

Shawnee Peak just 20 minutes east of North Conway in nearby Maine, offers 40 trails, of which 19 are lit for night skiing. Some Mondays, you can pack up the car full of people, and the whole carload pays $75 for the day (be sure to arrive before 11:00 a.m.) Monday nights bring tickets for $12-$14; Tuesday nights are two-for-one ski passes and $15- on some Tuesday nights (call first to confirm which nights offer the discounted prices). Thursdays are men's day and Fridays are women's day; both are $28 lift tickets. Got a honey who likes to ski? Take him or her on a date every Saturday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. for just $15. You can splurge on champagne later at these prices.

Attitash in Bartlett has a special promotion; buy a lift ticket and get a $10- off coupon for your next lift ticket, purchased between January 9th and March 1st. Go to their website at www.attitash.com for more ways to save at Attitash.

King Pine in East Madison is no slouch either; my daughter-in-law took advantage of their ice skating for just $12 this past weekend and loved it! Their ski packages are great: $45 Saturday night family deal (2 adults, 2 children); their senior deals are worthwile also. Those aged 65 to 69 can ski for just $28.

At Wildcat in Jackson, there is a $25 Sunday afternoon ticket. Wednesdays are two-for-one on any non-holiday. Your birthday? You can ski free here on your special day.

Last but certainly not least, Black Mountain still has their family special in place; two adults and two children ( 6-17) can ski for $79 midweek and $99 on weekends and holidays.

These are some of the "snow much fun" here in the Mt. Washington Valley!

Welcome to the Majestic Presidential Range!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:02:04 -0800

The Mt. Washington Valley comes alive in the winter months, as the mountainsides are dotted with happy skiers and snowboarding, ice skaters out of a Victorian painting, and vacation fun is at its peak!

With the backdrop of the Presidential mountains, many of our local scenery is right out of a Currier and Ives print. Winter nights are magical as sparkling lights illuminate snow covered trees. Mt. Washington is the picture of everything a New England resort should be with its charming villages, icy rivers and snow-covered mountains rising magnificiently against blue skies. With seven terrific downhill ski areas, ice skating at Ham Arena, cross-country ski trails and lots of lakes and ponds just begging to ice fish on, and you can see that recreational fun is plentiful.

At the end of a bustling day, whether it be from snow-sports or from shopping at the many outlet stores, local restaurants and pubs offer a fireside to warm your tootsies and savor a hot toddy.

Many of the towns are still dressed up from the holidays; it adds to the festive air. Experience small New England Villages with their town commons and white steepled churches, many covered bridges, and of course country roads and ski trails...here are some photos to enjoy (taken by Jackson XC, and posted on their website: www.jacksonxc.org. Many thanks to Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in Jackson Village for these wonderful photos!)

The famous Jackson Falls, as the tumultous water slowly turned into ice art!

A lone skier cuts the first path on the ski trail.

Ever wonder what silence feels like? Untouched and beautiful after a snowstorm, this path could lead to many adventures.

Fannie Mae Listings!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:56:23 -0800

We have an agent in our office that is the local Fannie Mae representative. Fannie Mae listings are now flowing into the agency on a weekly basis. They range from affordable housing such as mobile homes, to luxury homes that command your attention. All of them at bargain-hunter prices!

My personal favorites are these two:

Enjoy Life right on the Bearcamp River! Click here for full details.

This Colonial in the heart of North Conway, NH is a best buy! Click here to check this out.

Thinking of purchasing property? No ready cash?

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:26:39 -0800

Many options exist that allow you to use your IRA to purchase property, even for a vacation home.

If you have enough funds in your IRA to purchase property outright, these are the steps to take:

1. Roll-over the IRA into a "self-directed IRA". You need to use a custodian to manage the IRA; there are many companies that specialize in this. I personally use Pensco Trust Company and have not been disappointed with them (for more info go to www.penscotrust.com).

2. Then shop and buy your dream home or a jazzy getaway! That's the fun part.

3. If you do not have enough funding in your IRA to purchase the property, you may use the money in your IRA to utilize as a down payment, then have the IRA acquire a non-recourse loan for the balance. ("Non-recourse" means that neither you nor your IRA are responsible for the debt if the IRA cannot make payments on the mortgage). There is a catch here; typically lenders will want to see at least 30% down on non-recourse loans. They may also ask for personal financial information, and financial reserves within the IRA.

This use of alternative assets within retirement portfolios is definitely rising. The trend towards use of real estate represents approximately 62% of this increase, mainly to balance out retirement portfolios against the risk of a non-performing stock market.

What is happening in the midst of the dramatic shift in market values for real estate is the creation of the largest opportunity for real estate investors in the last 10 years - especially for those who can afford to buy and hold. And that can be easily done from within your self-directed IRA.

ALL ABOARD! The Money-Making Train...

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:20:11 -0800

This is a money-making idea for 2009. One of my partners in the Coldwell Banker office reminded me this week of an idea that really works. I am already doing this, but frankly I had forgotten all about it. Thanks Lindsey Maihos for memory-jog.

Ever hear of IRA's? Most of us have one. Two years ago, discouraged by the rate of return on our IRA's, my husband and I looked into doing a "Self Directed IRA". Coincidentially, while at the state real estate convention, I conversed with a company rep (Pensco Trust Company- see www.PenscoTrust.com ) and he gave me an education in getting a self-directed IRA and funding it with real estate.

1 What is a Self-Directed IRA?

A self-directed IRA is legally no different from any other IRA. The term "self-directed" simply indicates that you choose your IRA's investments. Most brokerage houses and banks that offer "self-directed" IRAs limit clients to the scope of their own investment products. Custodians such as PENSCO Trust without proprietary products do not need to impose the same restrictions. What this means for you is MORE CHOICES & MORE FLEXIBILITY for your retirement savings plan.

2 What can a Self-Directed IRA invest in?

The rules governing what an IRA CAN invest in are exclusive - not inclusive. That is, the rules only specify where you CANNOT invest. Therefore, there is a virtually unlimited array of possible investments that fall well within the permissible boundaries.

The IRS only defines the following assets as excluded (prohibited):

􀂄 Life insurance contracts (e.g., a life insurance policy on the life of the IRA owner);

􀂄 Collectibles (e.g., antique rugs, cars, stamps, furniture, etc.);

􀂄 Capital stock in an "S" corporation.

2.1 Examples of investments allowed (specialized assets) within self-directed IRAs

Self-directed IRAs offer you, the investor, tremendous flexibility in choosing investments for your retirement savings.

Investing in real estate through your self-directed IRA may be the key to turning those dreams into reality. While most self-directed custodians accommodate traditional investments such as mutual funds and stocks, specialized companies (such as PENSCO Trust) also allow clients to invest in all forms of real estate (e.g., raw land; rental properties; commercial properties; even real estate-related private entities, such as limited liability companies, that invest in real estate).

As an example, my husband's IRA account and my IRA account jointly bought a piece of land in our area. Should we decide to build a house on it (restrictions do apply so be sure to research further) we can take another partner into the IRA, such as a bank to fund the construction.

Another thing you can do with this self-directed IRA is fund a new busines with it! There are many possibilities and as long as you follow the IRS rules you will be ok.

What are the implications for us as real estate practitioners? If you sell Real Estate, you can promote yourself as the self-directed professional and help folks find properties to purchase with their IRA.

If you are simply looking for a good way to invest your IRA, why not do it in the vehicle that you know best? (not the train) YOUR REAL ESTATE BUSINESS! Any questions you have feel free to direct them to me even though I am no longer a financial planner (in a previous life) or to Pensco Trust (they are the company I am using, though there are many others to choose from).

Future Waves? Social Media Predictions...

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 09:46:50 -0800

My previous blog "The Wave is Coming" delienated the social media wave that has rushed into our lives (whether we want to or not). The future is anybody's guess; however, I will make a few predictions here (these are NOT in any particular order):

1. Twitter - Twitter will far outshadow any other "short and tweet" media for communications and sales! Already Twitter is out-pacing most of its competitors and it continues to grow at a pace that is astounding. By-products of Twitter includes Twitter Groups (for more info go to www.twittgroups.com) for those wishing to affiliate themselves further with like-minded people, and Twitter Pictures (go to www.Twitpic.com) for posting pictures on your twitter updates. To join go to www.twitter.com, I'd love to follow you!

Remember: Twitter hit its "billionth tweet" last month! What does that tell you?

2. Facebook - This relationship-builder network is HOT! Its main purpose is to further and cultivate relationships with existing (and grow new) friends. The "Wall" feature in Facebook is very much like Twitter - quick and easy way to update friends on what is happening! Photo downloading is so simple a child can do it (my grandson does!) So I predict that Facebook will only get more popular! Join by going to www.facebook.com and please include me in your friend network.

3. LinkedIn - Now this is just an opinion (none of these are professional or high-techie observations) but I find LinkedIn to be a bit cumbersome. The whole idea of getting people to recommend you is time-consuming not to mention useless (I can get zillion of friends to recommend me---but does it mean I am any good?). I haven't been able to "get into" this network! My prediction is it may fall by the wayside unless someone comes up with a compelling reason to attract more users. To join go to www.LinkedIn.com.

4. Activerain - Well, shucks...you found me here so you know where my heart is. I LOVE ACTIVERAIN! It is the best of the best for bloggers. I love the ease of joining, and posting. I love the relationships I've found here, the way some of these friends pop up everywhere else (Twitter, Facebook etc.) it makes for a Win-Win Wheel...so i predict that Activerain will continue to blossom! The support from AR staff has been priceless; I've learned so much here.

5. YouTube - I like this network and it certainly has proven to be helpful in getting video images out there. My biggest concern is there is also a lot of junk here (porno etc) and that bothers me. I feel that I have to filter through the junk to get to the gems! For such a large network they should be growing faster (I think) Maybe they aren't making enough money...which can only mean more ads next year (not so good). The verdict is still out on YouTube.

Did i miss any other major network here? (I don't do myspace---sorry, too young for me-but not knocking anyone else who belongs!)

Top Twelve Digital Royalty (The A-List)

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:23:27 -0800

The people who in 2008 made us wish we were smarter, brighter, and certainly more internet-savy.

I've copied this content courtesy of AdvertisingAge: (check them out-great source of information!)

Digital A-List 2008: No.1, Unilever

Digital Marketer of the Year Scores by Making Web Tactics Part of Its Mainstream Marketing Plans

Here's the funny thing about Unilever being Digital Marketer of the Year: It doesn't really do digital campaigns.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 2, AKQA

Ad Age's Digital Agency of the Year Is Actually in the Business of Product Innovation

Fourteen years after it started as a boutique in London, AKQA has become a global powerhouse. In 2007, the San Francisco-based agency reached nearly 700 employees; revenue was up about 40% to $99 million; and new-client wins included Kraft Foods, Unilever, Cadbury Schweppes and Motorola, adding to a roster that already included Nike, Visa, McDonald's Corp., Microsoft Corp. and Coca-Cola Co. !

Digital A-List 2008: No. 3, Google

Search Giant Strikes Deal With Publicis, and Doesn't Lose Share Upgrading Rivals

Convincing ad agencies that it was friend, not foe, was imperative for Google if it wanted to start snagging the big-brand budgets major agencies control, and the barely 10-year-old company was effective enough in that campaign that it struck a deal with Publicis Groupe to share ideas, co-develop products and exchange employees.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 4, NYTimes.com

Ending an Unpopular Experiment to Capture Circ Revenue Has Paid Off

When The New York Times' website demolished the pay walls that had separated its columns and other premium content from the freeloading hoi polloi, it sealed a spot on the Digital A-List.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 5, Apple's iPhone

Changed Consumers' Perception of the Mobile Phone

No doubt Apple's sleek touch-screen iPhone is changing the look and feel of mobile phones. But more important, Apple CEO Steve Jobs has given mobile marketing a major boost with his iPhone.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 6, Digitas

Agency's Acquisition by Publicis Has Helped Shop Think Big Picture

Digitas continues to move beyond its roots as a direct-marketing agency to becoming a strong full-service digital partner that engages marketers building brands and businesses.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 7, J&J's BabyCenter

E-commerce Site Is Dominating Digital Mommyhood

Johnson & Johnson's BabyCenter is aiming for global domination and to follow moms beyond the confines of its website.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 8, Baidu

The 'Google of China' Is Moving Past Text-Based Search to Video, IM

Baidu.com is known as the "Google of China," the world's second-largest online market. Baidu has a dominant 62% share of China's search-engine market, according to China IntelliConsulting Corp. Google is the No. 2 player, with a 22.7% share, followed by Yahoo at 10.8%.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 9, ESPN

Its First-Round Knockdown at the Hands of Mobile Led to a Surprising Comeback

Keeping ahead of the game has been ESPN's signature play through the evolution of media, from its traditional TV base to print to its newer digital efforts.

Digital A-List 2008: No. 10, 'Cloverfield'

A Chancy Experiment Created an Immersive Online Marketing Experience

The J.J. Abrams-produced horror movie "Cloverfield" played hard to get through the late summer and fall of 2007. A mysterious online movement was a key ingredient in the run-up to the movie.

Digital A-List 2008: Next in Line

From Rising Star Tribal DDb to ... 'Whopper Freakout'?

In the end, we chose 10. But there was plenty of debate over who should make this year's A-List. Maybe it's no surprise that a burgeoning global power like Tribal DDB would come close, but a purveyor of flame-broiled burgers? These players' remarkable forays in the digital realm show new media's not just for tech companies.

Digital A-List 2008 Executive of the Year: Brian McAndrews

As Microsoft's Ad-Solutions VP, He Is Helping Map the Giant's Online Future

While many industry watchers have proclaimed the wisdom of Microsoft's Brian McAndrews, it's less his willingness to tackle the unproven path ahead and more the foresight in his past at aQuantive -- and that whopping exit strategy -- that makes him Ad Age's Digital Executive of the Year.

There you have it---The golden twelve (kinda like disciples) who made it this year...wonder who is on the horizon for next year?

The Wave is Coming...

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 08:46:06 -0800

and if you are not prepared it WILL KNOCK YOU OVER! I'm referring to the social media wave that has been building momentum for the past 2 years or so and now is ready to reach critical mass proportions. Not even a year ago, and I was not aware of Activerain, Twitter, etc...now everyone that I associate with is either on one of these networks or has an outside blog going.

Initially I was very resistive to this phenomena but I buckled in the wake of reading and researching. My generation (Baby Boomers) are still the primary force when it comes to consuming goods and services; we are older and have more disposable income and time to spend it.

HOWEVER, THE NEXT GENERATION (and the one after that) are already well on their way to topping our earning power and guess what? They are more mobile, independent, and internet-savvy! Their online expertise is second nature to them; most of them have grown up around computers from kindergarten onto college.

My question to you is, "Are you ready for the wave?"

Are we missing the boat?

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 13:09:57 -0800

In doing some trend research, I came across statistics that had me wondering if we are missing the boat when it comes to the "over 50" consumer (of which I am one!). We are the so-called "Baby Boomers". To give you a bit of historical perspective...here are some Boomer Stats:

The United States experienced an "explosion" of births after American soldiers returned home from World War II. The sociologists define those born between (and including) 1946 and 1964 as "baby boomers." Some people born on the fringes of this period do not think of themselves as boomers. When we think of the baby boomer generation, we often think of the 60s. That is the decade that seems to have defined the boomers.

For the years 1940-1994 202 million Americans were born; about 77% of all Americans now living were born after 1939. During the baby boomer years, 1946-1964 (inclusive), 75.8 million Americans were born. The biggest year of the boom was 1957, when 4.3 million boomers were born.

Boomers today represent 28% of the U.S. population. In 1964 however, they represented about 40% of the population. In other words, in 1964 more than a third of the population was under 19 years old! No wonder the baby boomers attracted so much attention. Boomers are now aged between 40 and 60 years old. Approximately every 7.1 seconds, a boomer turns 50!

What does that mean in terms of the economy? I would have to say "very significant!" We are 76 million strong! We represent the vast majority of the work force; we ARE the economy. That means we spend money!

What are we spending our money on? Whatever the goods are... we are buying it. What kind of cars are we buying? My son, who works for Volvo, says "We ARE the upper end of the automobile market". How's that for clout. (Maybe the Big 3 should be interviewing US)

Which brings me back to the original question: "Are We Missing the Boat?"

Like gearing our business toward "baby boomer" prospective clients. Recently I showed a brand new home to a couple in their late 50's. The house was a very nice home, extras throughout, but had some major flaws. The builder had designed the garage under with a huge set of stairs going up into the main level (difficult for carting groceries from vehicle into home) and all the bedrooms were on the second floor. For young families, this layout is great, but for the over-50 crowd not so great.

Are you a baby-boomer??? If so, where and how do you think we are missing the boat?

The Morning After!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 08:16:45 -0800

Ever have one of those mornings (especially after a party or extremely hectic week) where all you wanted to do was crawl back into bed and sleep some more? This morning I woke up to a grey, drizzly and cold day; my mood was identical! Looking around, I saw more of the same...

On the tube, media mongrels were grousing about stuff that made my teeth grind---Illinois Governor trying to sell Obama's seat? PLEEEEASE! I don't get it...why do these young(er) good looking, politically correct men with golden lives (and wives) go on the deep end and do such stupid self-destructive things?

They must be thinking they're God and nothing will touch them---are they so vain to assume they are above the moral and right compass for the rest of us? Like I said, I don't get it.

And then there's the headline "Joe the Plumber is Angry with McCain---I wanted to get off the bus, he says." WHAT? Don't we all have better things to do then listen to Joe the Plumber???

I apologize if I seem jaded, but for once, I would love to turn on TV, or the news blog and see a news-worthy article or story that will make my heart sing, and be glad to be alive! Don't you agree?

So disgusted with this, I decided to start my day by affirmatively speaking a new reality:

TODAY, I will not be locked into a purposeless routine. I will open up and branch out! I will begin to recognize and appreciate the function that I am and the purpose that I serve. I will continue to identify myself with a greater purpose and leave behind being caught up in mindless (and meaningless) routines. Life is infinitely more than it seems. This is my affirmation for today.

TODAY, see if walking around in a galaxy instead of walking around your office in the same wornout shoes is possible! See what you've been missing. See what you've been over-looking. See that a purposeless routine is a small concern for a vast creature like yourself who can dream up anything in any moment! Let the sense of being part of a galaxy come into being with you today!

(Acknowledgements: Toni Stone for her teaching me about affirmations; Astro Images by Jason Ware)

The Morning After!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:54:52 -0800

They must be thinking they're God and nothing will touch them---are they so vain to assume they are above the moral and right compass for the rest of us? Like I said, I don't get it.

And then there's the headline "Joe the Plumber is Angry with McCain---I wanted to get off the bus, he says." WHAT? Don't we all have better things to do then listen to Joe the Plumber???

I apologize if I seem jaded, but for once, I would love to turn on TV, or the news blog and see a news-worthy article or story that will make my heart sing, and be glad to be alive! Don't you agree?

So disgusted with this, I decided to start my day by affirmatively speaking a new reality:

(Acknowledgements: Toni Stone for her teaching me about affirmations; Astro Images by Jason Ware)

How to Be Prosperous in 2009! (Part I of Prosperity Series)

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:46:47 -0800

There are many ways to make money. To be truly prosperous requires a mindset adjustment that accepts the true source of where everything comes from. Today is a good day to consider the possibility that prosperity is created by us; we create our realities with our thinking. Life itself is suported by the creating power of the mind. Each of us unavoidably produces the events of our lives.

How? BECAUSE YOU SAY SO! Today: it's a day unlike any other day you've ever had before. Unless it's JUST LIKE all the other days and it's only that way because you say so!

In fact, everything is the way you say it is! because you are saying it's that way. Don't you already have a lot of ideas about how your days are? Of course you do, they are JUST LIKE you say. They can't BE any other way. A friend of mine, T. Stone once said "Words are the clothes that thoughts wear". We are rooted in our language; what we say we create.

An integral part of prosperity is speaking words that pivot creation forward. Therefore the first principle of prosperity is---

ALL LIMITATION COMES FROM LIMITATION SPEAKING AND THINKING! In other words, to dissolve limitation you have to start speaking abundance, creating the world that you wish to have occur.

YOU WILL ONLY BE OPEN TO RECEIVE TO THE LEVEL THAT YOU GIVE - this is principle number two. Giving and Receiving are the same coin, different sides. You can't have one without the other. The principle is simple: whatever you are lacking, GIVE MORE of that! It will open up the channel for greater good to come into your life and to RECEIVE! Lacking love? Give more love. Lacking money? Give more money. If you doubt these principles, test them out. Try giving more of what you lack, and watch what happens!

These principles are Bible-based, for those of you who are thinking that's not what Jesus taught...the laws of prosperity are all over the Bible (take it from me, I read it every day). There wasn't one prophet who was poor in the Bible---they were all wealthy! Why? Because they understood the laws of prosperity, that all comes from the source (Divine), speaking and thinking good, understanding that with our thoughts we make our world.

WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR NOT, YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! The experiences we have in life is a direct result of the thoughts we think and the words we speak. There are many tools to support this way of being. I will write more on this in the next blog in this Prosperity Series, "Prosperity Tools." stay tuned...

Thinking of a ski home in White Mountains?

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:38:34 -0800

If awesome views are what you are looking for, this home is for you! All the mountain vistas laid out to tempt you to leave the toasty family room with brick hearth fireplace and go skiing at nearby Bear Peak at Attitash. (BTW, Attitash is an ancient Indian word that means "blueberry"---these mountains must have had abundant crops)

So sit back, relax, and take a tour of this wonderful large family home! Enjoy!

This seemingly small and unpretentious home hides a multitude of features...lots of separate family areas including bedding areas, beautiful hardwood floors throughout, large family room with fireplace which opens into the kitchen and dining area. Just outside is a good-sized screen porch and open porch with the panorama of mountain views that can't be imagined. You have to see it to appreciate it!

The following video will give you a peek into this wonderful family hideaway in the mountains of NH, just minutes from the ski slopes, shopping, hiking, swimming, and all the other amenities that this 4-season area offers. Priced to sell at $389,900.

Click here for more information about this fine home.

When the market is shaky, the gold commercials come out!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:51:39 -0800

I noticed that once again, because of market conditions, that the gold commercials are out in full force. They use celebrities and promise safety and investment returns that beat the traditional methods. Are they correct?

These ads prey on people! Many people have the mistaken notion (and these ads capitalize on that) that gold is a good investment that will cover them if the economy collapses.

Gold is actually a lousy investment. Having been a financial advisor for over 14 years (before I became a realtor 21 years ago) I can recall the "gold pushers" back in the 70's saying the same exact thing they are today! The average rates of return (tracking it WAY back) are around 2% per year!

From a numismatic (fancy word for coin collector/expert) point of view, gold coins are historic and incredibly beautiful! I have a few numismatic gold coins myself...they look lovely on glass display (backlit of course).

In the last 50 years, gold has rallied to a 4% gain a year, which equates to just above the average passbook savings account and about the same as inflation. It should be noted that during that same time period, an investor could have made approximately 12% in a good growth fund. Also gold is extremely volatile and has much more risk than a mutual fund.

History shows that when economies fail, gold is NOT used...if anything, a system of bartering usually occurs (give me some of your vegetables I'll give you some lumber etc.) In the case of new governments, the first thing that is established is a system of paper money; most certainly NOT gold bars.

Don't be suckered into these claims of gold being safe and the way to make money; real estate is still by far the better hedge against a failed economy!

Can you believe it? SNOW before Thanksgiving!

Rose Robinson (Coldwell Banker Wright Realty) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:15:01 -0800

I woke up this morning to the most beautiful sight...snow! The mountains around our home were shrouded in all their majesty, the snow softening their hard edges. It looked more like Christmas than the week of Thanksgiving.

I couldn't resist going outside to "play" in the white stuff; my two puppies were rolling around in it as if it was made especially for them. At times I could barely see them, as they are white also!. Eventually I ventured into my office; thank goodness I have four-wheel drive though as the roads were treacherous.

Here are 2 pictures from my office (not plowed yet):

It reminded me of when I was a teenager, when we used to have terrific snowstorms...with the exception of last winter, we've had really mild winters; this early snow may be a harbinger of this coming winter!

Time to clean out the motorhome and get ready to travel south??????