Joshua's Blog

What does Real Estate Webmasters do exactly? An AR Special Promo / Explanation.

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:50:24 -0500

I'm a happy clienta nd thought I'd share...

Via Real Estate Webmasters (Real Estate Webmasters):

What does Real Estate Webmasters do, exactly? An AR Special Promo / Explanation

(Summary) Real Estate Webmasters (REW) is best known for our high end custom website developments, search engine spiderable custom IDX and dominant organic search engine performance. Some examples of our more noted works are: buysarasota.com, jimolenbush.com, hartanovteam.com, and realsourcebrokers.com (see realestatewebmasters.com/portfolio/ for more examples of our custom works).

So yes, it's true! - Real Estate Webmasters is a super high end custom design firm that can pull off any kind of project, assuming our customers have the appropriate budget and imagination. And yes, on truly "custom" projects, budgets can be significant. But what surprises many people who only know us for our custom work is that we offer amazing (search engine friendly) DIY platforms & products at surprisingly low costs.

Our CORE platform for instance costs only $40 (USD) per month and includes the industry's best content management system custom built for ease of use and search engine performance, a listing management system (unlimited listings), a complete, multi-tier lead management system, 24-7 online support, hosting and email service. Combine that with the FREE education on search engine optimization, lead follow up and tons of other things we provide via our super popular Realtor Forums and you have a platform that is tailor made for the ActiveRain member who already inherently understands the fundamentals of content development and its impact on search engine performance. You might have a few holes, or need some tweaking, but this is where the 20,000 strong at the Real Estate Webmasters Community can help.

Our template based products: A Real Estate Webmasters template website is the perfect launch pad / platform for the entry level agent or those suffering significantly from the current economic crisis but still have the need for a very professional and search engine friendly website that allows them to work on the quality of the content and SEO without incurring additional billing. As your budget / comfort level increases you can increase the features of your template (add a built-in multi-user blog skinned to match the template, add a search engine friendly IDX or quick search, or any of our other "common upgrades") . Templates do have a $740 USD setup fee, and are well worth the price of admission - but make sure you READ ON as there is a very special offer below that is for ActiveRain members only. *Spoiler - we are waiving the setup fee

New! LEC program (Limited Edition Customs): The LEC Program is Real Estate Webmasters's most robust and popular program. You get the high end look & feel of an REW custom, exceptional conversion, search engine performance and flexibility, market exclusivity and a total feature package ranging in value from $30,000-$40,000 depending on the selected version - all for $10,000 or less. This is a program for the "advanced" user who understands and appreciates aggressive search engine marketing, wants the highest conversions possible, and desires to instantly have the top end website in their marketplace. In fact, the LEC's are not meant to just compete with "local" realtor sites - these sites are designed from a technology and search perspective to give Realtor.com a run for its money. *Yes, we will be offering a special discount to AR members on our LEC products as well.

Some Example LEC's:

LEC Version 1: BocaHome.com (pilot project) - Retail price $8000 + hosting
LEC Version 2: MarkZProperties.com (read what Mark had to say after launch in this post) - Retail price $10,000 + hosting
LEC Version 3: BestSkiProperty.com - (this one has a custom color scheme on it, showing what can be done to make an LEC even more market specific) - Retail price $8000 + hosting
LEC Version 4: MyHomeHouston.com - (Steve was also kind enough to post his results thus far, in this thread) - Retail price $10,000 + hosting

A special deal for ActiveRain members only!

And now to celebrate being the very first preferred website sponsor on ActiveRain, I would like to offer a very special deal open to ActiveRain members only.

Here's the deal:
Purchase a template - setup fee is normally $740, AR member cost: $0
That's right, we're giving them away – all you need to do is pay the year's hosting fees which are $480.
And for those who want to trick out your templates, the following are ALL 50% off:

Search engine spiderable (built in) CORE IDX solution (save $1250)

Built-in REW blog, skinned to match your site (save $150)

Quick Search (save $150) *

Featured listings module (save $150) *

Suckerfish dropdowns (save $150)

301 redirect module (save $100)

Agent roster module (save $250)

Google Streetview IDX enhancement (save $250) *

XML / HTML advanced IDX sitemapping (save $250) *

Microsoft Birdseye IDX enhancement (save $150) *

Control panel (save $500) *

Keyword conversion module (save $100)

Google Directions enhancement (save $150) *

Featured areas callout - (save $150)

(* - requires IDX)

"What the heck are these things?" You can read about them at our upgrades page, but let's make it even easier - if you have questions about a particular module or upgrade, or you would like to see a live demo of one of the items listed, just ask right here in the comments section of the blog – we'll be happy to assist you.

Special deal on LEC's as well! - Want to step up your game even more? Right now, if ActiveRain members purchase an LEC product, they will receive a 25% discount (save up to $2500 USD) on the setup. As an added bonus you can also request a custom color scheme (up to 20 hours design time) in case the LEC is perfect for you but the colors just aren't quite right to go with your market or branding. (This is coloring only, no design modifications.)

Questions to be answered on ActiveRain Only!

Part of the reason we are offering such a large variety of our most common products on special here at ActiveRain is to introduce the membership to everything that we have to offer. As such, we are implementing a special caveat to our normal education process should you wish to take advantage of the savings - you MUST post your questions here at this post on ActiveRain (specifically in the comments section on this post).

This way, everyone else reading the post can see the answers and get educated on our products at the same time, and it helps us to streamline our ability to get to everyone in a timely and complete manner. So if you have questions, ask away!

How to place your order

Once you know exactly what you would like to order, head on over to the ActiveRain order form. This is a special custom order form we've created specifically for this promotion, and it is the only way to place your order and to get the discounts on services. When you fill out the form, we will create your customer account from the info you give us, and send your invoice / paperwork. Once paid, you are in the queue (it's first come, first served so get in early!).

Don't worry if you don't know about everything you want - you can always add items later - most importantly you need to decide whether you want a template or LEC and if you go for a free template, your other big decision would be whether to spring for IDX (which hopefully is a no-brainer). Here is a permalink to the order form as well http://www.realestatewebmasters.com/active-rain/order.php

Okay folks, let's get this promotion started! If you have questions or comments please leave them below – we will be here to answer them. If you want to order something, please head over to the ActiveRain order form. From our side, we'd like to thank ActiveRain for reaching out to us and encouraging us to sign up as AR's very first preferred website vendor. We look forward to taking very good care of all your members.

Community and Lifestyle: Key Elements in Choosing a Great Neighborhood

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:16:00 -0600

When searching for a place to call home, consider that choosing the "right" neighborhood can be just as important as finding the "right" home. Many elements that will distinguish what is a good neighborhood for you, will of course, be personal. But, there are some general characteristics to look for, and also some particular trends that may help you be successful in scouting out and investing in a "hot" neighborhood.

Lifestyle and community benefits are part of a greater trend towards neighborhoods that are convenient, healthy and livable. A large part of "lifestyle" these days involves cultivating and encouraging a relationship with the outdoors. Many communities are moving towards protecting and creating more greenspace for residences to enjoy. These spaces offer recreational opportunities, privacy and tranquility by offering public space, screening out busy street noises and reducing glare from headlights.

Studies have show that over a 30-year period, in neighborhoods where landscaping projects are promoted, there has been a definite increase in resident's self esteem and a decrease in vandalism. Parks and street trees have been found to be second only to education in residents' perceived value of municipal services offered. Trees, well-landscaped grounds and places for taking walks, tend to be among the most important factors considered when individuals chose a place to live.

Along this line, there is a growing trend towards communities and neighborhoods that are designed and planned to be walkable. Walking is beneficial to people's health, and is positive for the environment as residents are choosing to walk to destinations rather than drive. Also, walking benefits a neighborhood in terms of community vitality.

Walkable communities generally thrive on land use patterns similar to the towns of the early industrial years where true city centers were at the heart of urban planning. These walk friendly downtowns often offer a mix of restaurants, offices and housing, and all these elements promote interaction.

Communities with neighborhoods and downtowns that are walkable are capturing a greater share of tourist dollars, as visitors are interested in experiencing authentic community life. This attraction results in greater potential for economic well being as these areas tend to boast a strong tourism economy.

Neighborhoods that take advantage of walk ability are becoming highly favored by potential buyers. Look for walkable neighborhood shopping centers that offer "a sense of place". Lifestyle centers and New Town Centers are being developed to replicate the community and shopping experiences available in the traditional downtown centers. If you can find a neighborhood that offers such smart planning and development, you'll benefit as a homeowner and in terms of resale down the line.

Some other general considerations that will usually inform the value of a neighborhood include, its proximity to quality amenities and institutions such as schools, hospitals, libraries and public transport.

Try to get a sense of what the neighborhood might look like in ten years. Are there signs of new construction in the area? What kinds of homes and zoning are present in the area, and in what direction do developments seem to be heading? You'll want a clear sense of the town's vision and how your particular neighborhood fits in to it.

Choosing a neighborhood the has been designed with a strong sense community will benefit your lifestyle as a homeowner, and ensure a solid investment in an area that is great today, and has all the intention to become even better in the years to come.

Joshua Keen is an Atlanta real estate agent with Real Source Brokers. To search Inman Park Atlanta real estate listings or for information on homes in Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead, visit RealSourceBrokers.com.

Ditch Your Car and Raise the Rent

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:42:14 -0600

Atlanta's come a long way in the past decade, the city ranked 14th out of 30 walkable American cities in a recent survey done by the Brookings Institute. Committed to combating its notorious urban sprawl with sidewalks, public transit, high-density housing and mixed-use development, Atlanta is helping it's population get a bit trimmer and its property values get a bit higher.

What's Walkability?

What makes a community walkable is simple: lots of places to walk to and easy routes to get to them. And though it's only one way to measure a the livability of a particular neighborhood, it's proving to be a consistently reliable one. Software developers have even developed the "Walk Score" for anyone who wants to take a sneak peek into prospective neighborhoods in far away cities. Just plug in the address of the house you're interested in and the site will calculate a walk score for the neighborhood. Combine this info with the advice of a good real estate agent and you're in great shape.

Walkable Neighborhoods are Better to Live in

Atlanta has long been at the forefront of research that has connected neighborhood design to health. A 2005 Atlanta SMARTRAQ study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, found that residents in Atlanta's most walkable neighborhoods were 2.4. times more likely to get 30 or more minutes of exercise per day than their more suburban counterparts. Were they heading to the gym? No! They were heading to the store to pick up some milk, walking their kids to school and going to work.

Of course if being healthier isn't a good enough reason to move somewhere, there's a whole host of other benefits to living in a walkable community. Where there are pedestrians you'll typically find less traffic congestion, higher property values, more places to go, local businesses, stronger communities, civic involvement, reduced crime, safer streets and less pollution.

Though Atlanta still has a long way to go, there are a number of success stories and we have some great, walkable, livable and lovable communities where people are proud to be seen on the street. Some of our favorites are:

DECATUR: Ditch the car and come live in Decatur. Let your kids walk to their top-rated public school, run into people you know, take a walk down to the city square and throw a penny in the fountain. Dating back to the civil war era, this community's tree-lined streets are a popular place to be. 20 minutes to downtown Atlanta.

MIDTOWN: This is Atlanta's cultural mecca and home to places like the Fabulous Fox Theater, the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Margaret Mitchell House and the Woodruff Arts Center. But what makes it a great place to live is the strong sense of community and diversity that ties people together. With 200 acre Piedmont Park at its heart, Midtown also has places to stop and play whether you want to feed the birds of Rollerblade along the trails. Bonus: the sidewalks don't roll up after dark.

ATLANTIC STATION: Though technically this is also midtown, Atlantic Station deserves it's own honorable mention. Built on the former site of the Atlantic Steel Mill, this mixed-use development has reclaimed a part of the city that had been lost for years. Blends a great deal of shopping with condos and other great places to live. Right next to downtown.

BUCKHEAD: This newly revitalized community has been recreated as a walkable neighborhood with urban trail ways and plenty of places to go, places to work and things to see. Home to one of the city's most important business districts, Buckhead is also fast becoming a cultural center for Atlanta with a real handle on live entertainment. With good transportation options so much to do, residents find it easy to extend their living rooms out into this community.

Joshua Keen is an Atlanta Real Estate Agent with RealSource Brokers. To learn more about Decatur Atlanta Real Estate or homes in Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead, visit www.realsourcebrokers.com.

The New Facebook of Real Estate

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 12:41:26 -0600

OK, so your daughter came back from her first semester at university and set up a Facebook account for you. But now that you have it what are you going to do with it? Well, if you're a REALTOR, you could start by connecting with your family, friends and colleagues that also have profiles. And then you might want to try to use it to sell some real estate.

Social networking isn't just for kids. There are more than 60 million active users on Facebook alone with the over 25 age group being the fastest growing demographic this year. Everyone and their mom is on there now, literally. Not bad for a site built by a college student less than five years ago. Originally designed for university students at Harvard, the online tool has since expanded to include professionals, corporations and high school students. Charging ahead in a typical trail blazing style, REALTORS are learning through trial and error how to make this social networking site work for them.

Application: Cocktail Party

Evidence of the real estate industry's presence on Facebook can be seen in the handful of applications that have been developed strictly for Facebook REALTORS. Individuals and groups can use these mini-programs to advertise events, courses, seminars and invent excuses to throw real estate-related cocktail parties. Though encouraging, applications like these will never be able to compete with the fun times delivered by the likes of the "Scrabulous" or quiz applications which may explain why their use has not really taken off. A better indicator of REALTOR involvement in the Facebook world might be the 500+ groups that categorize themselves as a "Business - Real Estate" group. A quick glance down the list reveals that it's a real hodge podge with everything from a group entitled: "accountants, real estate & finance peeps" weighing in at 1278 members, to a group called "I own real estate in BC and all I can afford to eat is mac and cheese." Certainly, if you hit on the right topic and make the right connections it's not hard to get people to join your group. Once formed, REALTOR groups can hook up with other groups and members can connect with financial professionals, buyers sellers, past and future clients.

But does all this virtual networking actually result in sales?

Yes and no. Just like anything, some virtual networking works, and some doesn't. The trick is to do what works and stay away from what doesn't. A quick survey will reveal that most of the real estate group bulletin boards and comment walls are overflowing with spam and self promotion. Is this likely to result in client conversion? Of course not. It will however, allow you connect with other folks in the field and that never hurts.

What Works?

It's well known that 80% of home buyers start their home search online. And why wouldn't they? These days, 80% of everything most people do is started online. Facebook profiles can now be spidered and you can make your profile visible to the world if you wish. Please do. Allow yourself to be found. Invite new clients to look you up whenever you want them to get an idea of who you are. When you join a social networking site and present yourself as an ethical professional with a good reputation and knowledge of the industry, this will naturally build into sales over time. All you have to do is get out there and participate in the online culture.

Leave the hard sell at the login screen

The key to success here is simple. If you want social networking to work for you, keep it fun, keep it real and stop selling. The heavy-handed hard sell simply doesn't work on the Internet. This is a medium where users can control the time spent on a site entirely independently of the site itself. It's not like TV where you've got 30 seconds to slam them with whatever product or idea you may have. Social networking works on a far more subtle level. Your internet presence is not a brochure either. An active profile is something much greater and potentially more powerful. It's a living testimonial that places you as a professional in a social context.

What Now?

With the above in mind, just get started. Over time, your comfort level and expertise with the medium will increase. Some ideas to get you started:

Engage your audience by starting a group for "fans" ie: your mom and childhood friends who want to see you succeed. Get people to join you in a real estate related game.
Join existing groups that interest you
If you join one of the big real estate groups, engage your collegues by opening a discussion. Start at least one fire on the message boards by asking an intelligent real estate question that people are compelled to answer.
Don't blow hot air, post notes that clearly show your expertise.
Some Realtors offer gift certificates and rebates for referrals that result in a closed sale, you may want to experiment with this
Include links to your blog and website
Check your profile settings and make sure your profile can be indexed by search engines
Make sure to tell people you are a REALTOR

Now go about your business: say hi to your mom, post pictures of your trip to Nunavit, share funny stories, shine like the star you really are.

Joshua Keen is a leading Atlanta Real Estate Agent with RealSource Brokers. Visit RealSource for the ultimate guide to Intown Atlanta Real Estate.

What are Buyers Databases?

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:21:27 -0600

Some real estate buyers don't find the best homes - the best homes find them. Popular new Internet buyer databases make it easy for buyers to quickly establish an online profile, and have details on the best properties sent directly to their real estate agent. With more sellers and agents searching these databases every day, a profile can mean the difference between having to search everywhere for the right home, and choosing from dozens that fit the bill.

Buyer databases work because they provide an easy solution to the missing half of the real estate puzzle: buyers themselves. For decades the industry was focused only on the obvious half, property for sale, while buyers had to do all the work finding homes. Now buyers and sellers can meet in a forum where both parties know the other is serious about a real estate transaction, and work quickly towards a sale. For real estate professionals, buyer databases are an opportunity to provide much more effective service.

In contrast to home listings, buyer databases require a commitment from the buyer - that's what makes them so attractive to sellers and agents. Buyers can 't simply go online, see some homes they like, and get in touch for a showing, they have to register and provide information for others to search. In many cases, buyers working alone can't even register on a database - they must be working with a real estate agent. This makes the database even more valuable for sellers, because it only shows people who have formally begun their home search, and are potentially pre-qualified for financing. The service is also attractive to Realtors because it allows them to maintain the client-agent relationship when they register buyers and deal with sellers on their behalf.

In reality most buyers starting a home search probably aren't even aware of buyer databases because the services aren't directly related to the home search, and don't produce instant results. For the most part buyer databases are targeted at real estate professionals looking for another angle on behalf of their clients.

Another advantage of buyer databases is that they can provide access to homes not listed anywhere else. Sellers and their agents may choose to search a buyer database before making a listing, in order to advertise directly to the right buyers. Smart sellers will contact as many buyers this way as possible to promote competitive offers, but the end result is still advanced access to listings.

Buyer databases are a risk-free way for real estate agents to expand their services, and a chance for buyers to seek even better deals on the homes they want - a definite step ahead for the industry.

The Keen Team has more information on architecture in the Intown Atlanta real estate area. Visit their website for detailed information on houses and neighborhoods throughout the city, advanced home search technology, and details on their extensive Atlanta Realtor® services.

Federal Architecture's Lasting Appeal

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:21:00 -0600

Federal architecture is one of the most easily recognizable building styles in the eastern United States. Many of the nation's most famous buildings are done in this style, as are a large percentage of houses along the Eastern Seaboard. With its emphasis on symmetry and classic decorative features Federal architecture also evokes a variety of similar styles such as Neo-classical and Greek Revival.

Owning a Federal-style home usually means owning a piece of U.S. history. Many homes in this style were built during the post-revolutionary era between the late 1700s and the 1830s, while the nation was shaping its identity. It's a testament to the architectural soundness and building quality of the time that many of these buildings are still still occupied and in fine condition. Cities with large original Federal-home collections include Annapolis, Maryland, Savannah, Georgia, Castine, Maine, and Salem, Massachusetts. New England port cities, in particular, tend to have the highest percentage of Federal-style homes. Population booms after the revolutionary war helped produce many of the old Federal homes, while long periods of slow development helped extend their lives until they became recognized and protected for their classic appeal.

Federal architecture is characterized by its spacious, rectangular designs, and simplicity. The style calls for symmetry, and homes built in the style are usually identical on either side of the central doorway. Even Federal row houses, common in cities like Philadelphia and Boston, come close to achieving complete symmetry, and sometimes even function with a central doorway for all residences. Unlike many modern-styled homes, Federal homes usually include a full second floor, and sometimes a third story attic. Roofs on federal homes are sometimes shielded by a balustrade, and are often hipped, with slopes on all four sides. Facades and outer walls are generally flat, broken only by porches or pillared entrances, and windows usually have small panes, due to the high cost of making large sheets of glass at the time - windows on these homes are also commonly equipped with shutters.

Patriotism also played a role in the development of Federal architecture. Homes built in this style were among the first to feature the American eagle motif, and helped popularize it throughout the nation. As well, similarities in Federal architecture to Greek and Roman building styles, like the more bold Neo-Classical style, represented a conscious effort by Americans to link their new nation with the great democracies of the past.

Federal architecture was the first of many great building styles developed in the U.S., and it remains one of the most distinct and popular.

Appeal to your buyers emotions.

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 17:02:53 -0600

Most of us have an emotional attachment to our home, and while this is a good thing, it is best if we can be detached from it when it comes to the sale of our house. Emotional attachment can lead to lost equity.

There are many areas where our emotions can show, for instance we may think that our home is so wonderful that we believe it should be higher priced than the realtor is suggesting. This can lose us many interested purchasers as it may not even fit inside their price range. If we finally drop the price in frustration two months later, it does not have the same effect, prospective buyers feel cheated and it does not encourage a positive feel at the negotiating table.

Another big area where emotions play out is the actual appearance of our home. It is our home and the parts of it that have our stamp of identity are the parts where we most recognize the home as ours. Yet it is just for this reason that the personal things should be removed. Any prospective buyers will not want to feel as if they are intruding on your personal space You want them to feel an emotional attachment to your home, to be able to imagine their things in it, and to visualize the house as their house.

Therefore, if you are hoping as we all are, to sell your home quickly, schedule a quick walk through the house with your realtor to help you to identify any areas you may have missed. There are employable experts in the field of 'home staging' but it is also something that you can achieve easily yourself. It is not very expensive, or troublesome, and it only requires that a few simple rules be followed.

The first rule would be awareness. Its only when you accept the positive impact you can make on your buyers' emotions, that you will feel motivated to prepare your home as a show place.The buyer will not want to feel that he or she is intruding in your space, and home staging helps this feeling to dissipate.

When we put our home on the market, we get it ready to sell. We have to encourage someone else to want it for their own. Therefore we must allow them to visualize it with a view to it becoming their home. This means that they do not want to see a your kids' latest art work on the fridge door, or granny's faded family portrait hanging in the hall.

It will be helpful to have some of your husband's golf trophies packed in advance, and while you are doing that there is another area where you should exercise caution. Any religious or cultural artifacts which may deter others from feeling comfortable in your house should be removed..

Have you checked for curb appeal? Have you washed the windows and swept the driveways? Removed your garbage cans? As you open the front door will the smell of smoke waft out to greet your prospective buyers. A no-no! Remove all coats from hooks and stair rail and all shoes from the front door.

The personal ornaments and photos that you so proudly display must be packed into boxes, thus exposing clear and clutter-free surfaces that will make your home look more spacious. And more like a show home. Remove your DVDs and take most of the books from your shelves. Apply the same de-personalizing rules to the bedrooms (teenagers will NOT like this idea!)

In the bathroom, do not have any shampoo bottles showing, or toothbrushes or baby's training potty! Think show home! Spend a few dollars on a couple of plug in deodorizers so that you know the bathroom and the hall will always smell nice.

In the living room, keep all the side lamps on and if you have wooden floors, remove the rugs and show it off. If it feels overcrowded put an armchair in the garage and make more space. Play low volume easy listening music.

In the kitchen, fix any dripping taps and have the appliances sparkling clean. They will look newer. Check the caulking around the taps. Remove those fridge magnets and tuck toasters etc in a cupboard. Empty counter tops give a suggestion of more counter top space.

Once you have recovered from all this, sit back and fight off the offers!

This article was written on behalf of Joshua Keen. Joshua is an experienced intown Atlanta realtor and is 'ahead of the curve' in all areas of the Atlanta real estate market.

Don't Throw Away Thousands! Why a Buyer's Agent is Crucial to FSBO Purchases

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:43:54 -0500

Homes that are listed as "For Sale By Owner" can be very enticing to potential buyers who are looking to save a bit of money. Most sellers decide to sell their homes themselves in order to avoid having to pay commission fees to real estate agents. They are then likely to be flexible with their asking price. Buyers often know this, and see FSBO properties as an opportunity to get a good deal on a property.

Agents however, know that a FSBO purchase can be riddled with complications that neither the buyer nor the seller may see coming.

A great deal of homes that are put on the market without an agent are listed far above the price that they should be. If a buyer doesn't have an agent representing her, she may be wholly unaware of the fact that the property she is interested in is overpriced. She could end up spending thousands of dollars more than she needs to. A buyer's agent will be familiar with local market conditions, and will be able to advise his client about property values and appropriate asking prices. A buyer's agent can help client avoid being taken advantage of.

While some FSBO sellers are willing to negotiate price, others are not. They are often emotionally invested in their homes, and may be unwilling to budge on their asking price. For a buyer without an agent, there is little that he can do.

Some sellers decide to list their homes themselves as a means of concealing problems with the property. A buyer without any representation may take the seller's word on the condition of the house, and end up with costly problems down the road. Of course, in many cases the seller is unaware themselves of problems with the property, but their ignorance does nothing to lessen the financial blow that certain structural problems can cause.

Because FSBO sellers are not professionals, there are many details that go along with the home buying process that they may not be aware of. Aside from knowing about any problems that the property has, they may not have accurate information about square footage of the house, or where the property lines are. This information is very important for a buyer to have, so it is wise to have an agent by her side, who can find out all the technical details about a property, as well as any potential pitfalls the purchase may present.

A buyer's agent can also assist in obtaining all the necessary paperwork that the seller may not know about. Even a seller that knows which forms are needed, may take his time in acquiring it, thereby wasting the buyer's time. An agent can speed things up and make sure that everything is in order.

If you don't have an agent, and you are considering purchasing a home that is listed as "For Sale By Owner," you could be taking a big chance, as both you and the seller are novices in this field. Required paperwork may be missed, which could lead to legal issues in the future, and price negotiations are much more difficult without having a seasoned professional at your side.

A buyer's agent is invaluable even during the smoothest transactions, but when dealing with an FSBO house, an agent will be crucial in making the process go smoothly and with the fewest amount of headaches. Without an agent, you could be groping around in the dark, trying to decipher the ins and outs of the real estate industry. Get a professional in your corner, and you can breathe easy during the house buying process.

Joshua Keen is a progressive and hard working real estate agent from Atlanta, GA. For more information on buying an Intown Atlanta home, or if you would like any information on Atlanta GA real estate, contact Joshua today!

The Realtor's Best Friend: How New Technologies are Changing the Real Estate Industry

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:43:28 -0500

While most industries have been affected by the development of new technologies, the real estate industry has been turned on its head thanks to the introduction of new technologies.

This was once a very personal business where referrals could make or break an agent's career. A client would be dependent on their agent for information about property values, market trends, and current inventory available in their local market. If a client had a question for his agent, he would have to leave a message at the agent's office and wait around for a reply. Depending on the number of other clients the agent had, the client could be kept waiting for a very long time.

This waiting game could be a very frustrating experience for proactive buyers and sellers who wanted to be in the know when it comes to handling the biggest investment of their lives. Fortunately, new technology has made the real estate industry much more accessible to the average person.

Cellular phones have had a huge impact on the real estate industry. Rather than sitting around playing phone tag with your agent, you can now reach them directly, and leave a message where they will be sure to get it. Communications are sped up and made more effective, meaning that much less time is wasted, and misunderstandings are less likely to occur.

Another benefit of the cell phone is that real estate agents are always in touch with their offices as well as with other agents. This means that they are on top of local market activities such as when a hot new property enters the market. Buyers who want to make an offer on a home can also get their bids on the table as quick as possible. The real estate market is always in flux, and cell phones enable agents and clients to roll better with the punches.

The internet has changed the way buyers, sellers, and realtors do business. Internet search technology is continually improving, making it easier for searchers to find relevant information in a short amount of time.

Buyers can search online MLS databases to view homes from all around the country. Sellers can have their homes featured on their agent's homepage as well as on online databases. This has been an excellent development for clients because they can see examples of what they like, what price ranges are out there, and the availability of homes in their market area.

Some argue that because clients are able to locate properties on the internet, that real estate agents' value will decrease. What is important to keep in mind is the fact that real estate agents provide a much greater service than simply providing a list of available properties on the market. While you may be able to find homes on the internet on your own, not every available property will be on all of the databases. Your agent will have inside info and can pare down the house search for you. They also navigate the many other issues that are involve with buying or selling a home. The internet has not changed the need for good quality agents in the least.

Blogging is a great tool for real estate agents. With such a focus on online technologies, the real estate industry can lose some of the personal interaction that was once such an integral part of the industry. Blogging can change that. By writing a blog for their websites, realtors are able to share their opinions, prompt discussions, and show a bit of their personality. This can be invaluable in showing potential clients why they should hire you. Also, it is of benefit for you personally, as you are able to express yourself and network with other real estate professionals.

While some people believed that the internet was going to spell the end for real estate agents, this has not come to fruition. In fact, the real estate industry is continuing to thrive. For agents who are willing to go with the flow and adjust to the changing technologies, both clients and agents can benefit.

Joshua Keen is a professional and dedicated agent specializing in Atlanta real estate. Search the Atlanta MLS today to find your Atlanta dream home!

Nightmare House Guests Part Two: Visitors from Beyond the Grave

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 16:42:55 -0500

The definition of a nightmare house guest would certainly include behaviors such as slamming doors, moaning, coming around uninvited, breaking your things, and being insensitive to the fact that it is time to leave.

Many home owners have had the experience of hosting one of these hangers-on, but not many have had the worst of all nightmare houseguests: the undead.

Hauntings have captured people's imaginations since the dawn of time, and ghost stories can be found in every culture on the planet. Yet there is no definitive proof as to whether or not these apparitions truly exist. To those who have experienced a haunting, there is no doubt that ghosts are very real, and that extricating them from the house can be quite an ordeal.

If you think you have a ghost, there are things that you can do. First you need to decide if the ghost is really presenting a problem to you and your family. Many ghosts are harmless, and therefore may not need to be evicted. However, you may find the whole idea of its presence to be unnerving enough that its expulsion is necessary.

If you decide that you do want to rid your home of your spectral houseguest, try not to panic. Treat the ghost like you would any other moocher whose time is up. Talk to them in a firm and honest manner. Do not yell or appear frightened; you will only escalate the situation. Tell the ghost how you feel; that their actions are scaring you and your family, and that you need them to stop. Many ghosts don't even realize when they've stepped out of line, and will appreciate your honest feedback. They may stop the offending behavior, or they may leave the premises completely. Again, they are not trying to impose, and will try their best to fix the situation.

Other ghosts are unaware that they are dead. This is a trickier predicament, as you have to first convince the ghost of their passing before you can evict them from your home. They may have lived in that house for a very long time and see the home as being their property, not yours. You must assert your right to the home, as the rights of the living surpass the rights of the dead (or undead, as the case may be).

If you have a ghost that appears to be confused as to their mortal state, inform them of their death in a calm, authoritative manner. Ghosts, like people, trust those who speak with confidence, so they will be more likely to believe what you're saying. Suggest that the ghost go towards the white light that is (hopefully) lingering nearby. Just keep telling them to go towards the light, and even if there doesn't seem to be one, you can perhaps convince the ghost to leave the premises while they keep on looking.

In the case of poltergeists, things can get complicated, fast. Like the most extreme freeloader, these folks aren't going anywhere. They like to cause trouble and do damage to your home. They feed off your energy when you get worked up. Asking them to leave or to head towards the light may not get them to budge. Do your research. Folk remedies abound for getting rid of a troublesome spirit, and include methods such as sprinkling holy water around the property, or by keeping garlic and blessed sea salt in the house. If you find yourself really in a pickle, consider seeing a priest or other spiritual leader. Even if you aren't religious, a priest will have a wealth of knowledge in this area, and can offer you invaluable advice on how to rid your home of this wily presence.

Like calling in the police to escort a moocher off your property, a priest will be your last resort in exorcising a ghost. Try reasoning with them first, explaining how their behavior is affecting your family. If that doesn't work, tell them about all the wonderful things that await on the other side of the light. Be sure to go into detail if the ghost appears skeptical. If you had a human freeloader, you would tell them about that shiny new condo development on the other side of town; play up the benefits of moving. If none of these methods work, then I suggest you try getting to know your ghost. They may prove to be stimulating company on a cold winter's eve.

Happy Halloween!

Joshua Keen is a real estate agent based in Atlanta. Joshua can tell you about the Atlanta GA real estate market and can help you find the home of your dreams. If you are thinking about selling your Atlanta home, give Joshua a call today!

Nightmare House Guests Part One: Creepy Crawlies

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 16:38:25 -0500

October is here, and with it our minds turn to spookier subject matters. One scary topic is that of uninvited house guests. While in-laws and old college buddies can be scary house guests, there are creatures that lurk in the darkness, waiting to infiltrate your home. Spiders, bats, and rats are the stuff of nightmares, but they've also been known to come out of the shadows and into our homes.

Spiders creep into your home through tiny cracks in the walls, crawl though open windows and doors, and hide in dark corners. All eight eyes watch and wait until you're cozy in your bed. They wait...and they wait, and just as you begin to nod off, they scurry across your face.

Aside from squishing them or vacuuming them up, there are other ways to get rid of spiders. One way is to wipe kerosene on your windows, including the frame. This method is effective in repelling not only spiders, but also flies and mosquitoes too. If kerosene isn't readily available, you could use furniture polish on window frames instead. Since spider have taste buds on the legs, you can turn them off by spraying an area that they are likely to hang out in. They will quickly get sick of furniture polish, and head for tastier ground.

To prevent spiders from inhabiting your home, keep the area clean. Piles of laundry and having papers strewn about offer numerous hiding places for arachnids.

Spiders also love to eat, so keep food waste properly covered and disposed of. You can also target the bugs that spiders feed upon. If you stop their gravy train, the spiders will stop coming around.

Lights are a surprising attractant to spiders. Porch lights act like magnets to moths and other bugs, which then brings out the arachnid cavalry. Keep outdoor lights that are near your doors and windows turned off unless necessary, or switch to lower watt bulbs.

Rats and mice strike a nerve with humans. Perhaps it is because they are disease-carriers, or maybe it's the noise they make as they scurry around. Is it that they scoot along at a rapid pace, and can squeeze into exceptionally tight corners? Or maybe it's the tail. Fat or thin, long or short, rodent tails are creepy.

While most mice and rats are harmless, people generally do not want them in their homes. You can tell you have these unseemly houseguests by their smell, their sounds, and their droppings.

Rodents urinate, defecate, and shed hair everywhere they go, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. They can pass on deadly diseases, and they can also do major damage to your home.

Rats and mice love to gnaw on things, whether it be wood, plastic, or electric cables. This puts everyone in the home at risk for electrocution or fire. Your home's value can be significantly affected by the presence of a rodent population due not only to the stigma attached to having rodents in your home, but also due to the major structural damage that these animals can cause.

As with spiders, the key to both preventing infestation, as well as evicting them, is to keep your home clean. Properly store anything that could be seen as a food source by rats and mice. Be sure to clean out cupboards and behind the fridge; anywhere that crumbs and debris can build up. You don't want mice and rats to see your home as a 24-hour buffet. Take away the food, and you take away their motivation to stay.

Block up any holes in your exterior walls, and repair cracks to prevent any creatures from slipping through.

If traps or exterminators offer too much finality, consider purchasing a sensor that emits a high pitched noise that is too faint for humans to hear, but is quite unpleasant to rodents. The irritating sound will provide ample motivation for the rats to move on. You can also buy live traps that do not harm the animals. Take the trap far away from your home and release your captive.

Bats are a more rare household pest, but they still occasionally make their way inside family homes. Sometimes they come in by accident, other times they find your home to be a nice warm place to roost.

If a bat flies in by accident, open all exterior doors and windows. Leave it alone, as it will panic with you being there. Nightfall is when bats are most active, so if you leave the bat alone until then, he will likely find his way out of the house.

Roosting bats inside attics and such are not only creepy, but they also urinate and defecate in your home, which can lead to illness. Rabies is of much less concern with bats than popular thought suggests, but do be careful to not threaten the bat in any way. Bats only bite as a means of self defense, so if you leave it alone, it will do the same for you.

If you have a bat problem, observe the bats' comings and goings in the evening to find their access point to your home. Install bird netting in that area to allow bats that are still inside to get out, while preventing outdoor bats from getting in.

Joshua Keen is an Atlanta REALTOR® who specializes in Intown Atlanta real estate. Contact Joshua today for results-driven service in the Atlanta real estate market.

Buying New Construction Homes

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:43:19 -0500

This country has a bit of a love affair with new construction homes. The past few years have been marked by a construction boom of unmeasurable proportions. All across the country developments are springing up in any available space that developers can find and cities and towns are expanding at a rapid rate. With all the construction that is happening people assume that they should be able to get themselves a great deal on a new home without utilizing any sort of representation. Sometimes this is the case but on the average those who utilize the skills of a realtor to purchase their new construction home get better deals and are happier with their purchase when everything is said and done.

There are some unique concerns that should be considered when purchasing a new construction home. The first thing that needs to be considered is the reputation of the builder. Local Realtors usually have the inside scoop on which builders operating in their area are reputable and which ones are not. Recent years have seen a huge number of sub-par homes being built and many new home owners have found themselves with a home that is fraught with problems. This is something that could have been avoided by the use of a Realtor. A Realtor is also a trained home professional and they know what to look for in homes and what they don't know can easily be handled by a professional inspector. Buying a home from a developer or builder is just the same as buying from another person and a buyer's interests are best represented by a experienced Realtor. Realtors are simply skilled in the purchase of homes. The same paperwork and title concerns apply to a new construction home as they do to an established home so why would you not engage the services of someone who knows how to deal with these things? If you want the process of purchasing a new construction home to be as streamlined and stress free as possible then it just makes sense to hire a Realtor to protect your interests. You deserve the best possible deal when purchasing a home and a experienced and professional Realtor is the one who can ensure that you get it.

Joshua Keen is a real estate agent located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Keen Team specializes in the sale and purchase of Intown Atlanta real estate. When looking for Atlanta MLS Listings, contact Ben and Joshua for the best Atlanta realty services!

Buyer's Agents And FSBO

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 14:42:20 -0500

There is a real wave of FSBO properties sweeping the nation. The question that needs to be asked is: "As a buyer should I use a buyer's agent to purchase a FSBO?" And the answer is a resounding "Yes!", Let's look at the situation this way. Sellers who have chosen to sell their homes themselves don't have the selling savvy of a Realtor behind them. Therefore a few assumptions or educated guesses could be made about the property. One should ask whether or not the property is correctly priced for the area and what it is offering. Typically when a Realtor lists a property they perform some careful market comparisons to ensure that the home is correctly priced. This will ensure that the home is competitive and not overpriced.

Another thing that most Realtors will do when listing a home is take a close look at the home itself and let the seller know what should be upgraded or fixed in order to make the home more appealing and to justify the asking price. Now, a seller can easily do this themselves but it is always nice to have a professional opinion in such matters. This brings us to the idea of utilizing a buyer's agent when considering the purchase of a FSBO property. Just like any other property purchase a buyer's agent will do the legwork of arranging the deal, offers and negotiations. Sometimes FSBO negotiations can be more complex than the average real estate transaction as you are dealing directly with the seller who has a personal and emotional stake in the home that is for sale. It is quite easy for emotions to run high during the process and a Realtor or buyer's agent acts as a layer of insulation from this stress.

It can be pretty easy to get caught up in everything that is going on during a real estate sale, especially when dealing with an FSBO sale. As there is no broker involved all dealings have to go through the seller on their own time and under their own conditions. Sometimes these conditions can be somewhat restricting and the last thing you need is to get involved in a sale with a seller who is too emotionally involved in their sale. Let a buyer's agent deal with the transaction and you should find that the whole process is much smoother and stress-free.

Joshua Keen is a real estate agent located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Keen Team specializes in the sale and purchase of Intown Atlanta real estate. When looking for Atlanta MLS Listings, contact Ben and Joshua for the best Atlanta realty services!

Intown Atlanta: Buyer's Market

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:31:46 -0500

As real estate markets fluctuate around the country home buyers are seeking areas where the market is stable and favors the buying of homes. Occasionally they find an area that is hot for a few weeks but these spurts generally do not last very long. Sellers are likewise wondering if their area is going to pick up and see a shorter average listing time from open until sale. Intown Atlanta is a market to watch currently as there is quite a bit of action happening in this area. In fact Atlanta is showing definite signs of developing into a buyer's market and there are some great deals to be had on beautiful homes.

Buyer's markets are simply the best time possible to purchase a home. Atlanta's current market is running somewhere around 5 available houses for each buyer that is out there so as you can well imagine there is some really attractive pricing happening here in order to garner the attention of buyers. So what can you do to get yourself ready for buying in a buyer's market? The best thing to do is to be ready to react quickly. Homes can move pretty fast in a buyer's market so you need to be ready to move at short notice. This will of course mean that your finances should be pre-arranged and pre-approved so that when the home you love comes available you can make a move on it.

The home buying climate is not the only attractive thing about Intown Atlanta, For years Atlanta has been one of the most lively southern cities and along with Miami, Dallas and Houston is a driving force in the "New South." Atlanta is a growing city that is constantly adding new amenities and recreation facilities for the new residents that have flocked to this area over the past decade. Atlanta has dealt well with this influx in stride, providing excellent public services and employment opportunities with such notable companies as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, UPS and Cingular Wireless calling Atlanta home for their headquarters. Atlanta is a growing city with a lot to offer. With the current state of the real estate market it makes sense to check Atlanta out if you are seeking an area for a new home.

Joshua Keen is a real estate agent located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Keen Team specializes in the sale and purchase of Intown Atlanta real estate. When looking for Atlanta MLS Listings, contact Ben and Joshua for the best Atlanta realty services!

4 Major Selling Factors: What YOU Can Control

Joshua Keen (The Keen Team) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:30:41 -0500

In a typical home sale, sellers are always wondering about what they do and don't have control over. This can be a major point of contention and a great cause of stress for seller and realtor alike. As a seller there are some things that you have direct control over and as such you as the seller have a huge impact on how the sale process goes. We are going to examine the aspects of a sale that the owner of the home can directly affect and how to utilize these aspects in order to have a quick and profitable sale. It's no use in worrying about the things you cannot influence, this is where trust in your realtor and their abilities.

Price - This is one aspect that you as a seller have a lot of control over. Your realtor will perform a CMA to let you know what comparable homes are selling for in your area but in the end the choice is yours as to what the home is listed at. What you should remember about this fact is that your home should be priced within range of the comps in the area or the home may be overlooked due to the high price. This is one of the biggest aspects of a home sale in ensuring that your home is competitive on the market.
Show Quality/Condition - This is the biggest responsibility that an owner has in the sale process. If the home is not in pristine condition then buyers will not be as interested or as taken with your home as they could be. Preparing for a show is a big deal but it just as big a deal keeping the home in that condition as the time progresses. Upkeep on the home will need to be a daily activity.
Exposure & Marketing - This aspect of the home sale process is going to be all about your choice of realtor. Find an agent that has a comprehensive marketing & advertising plan that is designed to showcase YOUR HOME. Don't hesitate to ask prospective agents about what their plans are for getting the word out about your home.
Access - The keyword here is flexibility. If your home is able to be shown on short notice or at odd times then you may open yourself up to more buyers. Again keeping your home in tip-top shape is imperative as the show that sells the home may come in without warning. Having to scramble to get the home in show shape is never fun and much of the time small things are overlooked that buyers will notice.

If you keep these things in mind when your home goes up for sale then you should have a lot less in the way of worries. Make sure that you are working with a professional realtor that will hold up their end of the bargain when it comes to the sale. Professionalism on both sides makes any sale go quicker and with less worry all around.

Joshua Keen is a real estate agent located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Keen Team specializes in the sale and purchase of Intown Atlanta real estate. When looking for Atlanta MLS Listings, contact Ben and Joshua for the best Atlanta realty services!