GreatWest GMAC Real Estate

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: ahttp://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Career in Real Estate

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:52:09 -0600

The ever increasing popularity of real estate profession has brought about a revolution in the careers of several aspiring professionals today. Buying and selling of home, managing property and land development are a few aspects of a career in real estate.

The potential advantages of a career in real estate are endless. High income, respectable status in your community, freedom from time, autonomy and you are given a chance to face several intellectual challenges. Any successful individual in real estate is self motivated, goal oriented and ambitious. The liberty of choosing your work place is another added advantage. You can earn the title of a real estate broker once you clear an additional examination along with relevant experience. You can now own and expand your business by hiring additional salespeople.

A real estate professional is expected to possess a license which is entitled to him/her when he/she clears special examinations meant for this purpose. You can obtain the license of a broker or salesperson when you are found to possess special education with or without relevant experience.

Many of the leading educational institutions offer career opportunities in real estate. Students can take up these programs and upon successful completion, are awarded a bachelor degree in real estate.

The basic course covers the fundamental principles of real estate, helps in the understanding of terminologies and background that are required before you take up any advanced courses further.

These basic courses have a general schedule of eight weeks. Training is also provided online and students can benefit from the facilities of on demand video display and commercial DVDs available for sale. The tutorials are also broadcast on cable televisions and require your presence for the orientation session. Students are advised to watch special programs in particular along with video tapes through high speed DSL or internet connection. Testing sessions and on-campus reviews are conducted. The full time courses are also of similar kind but have a longer duration.

A career in real estate demands very high personal and communication skills. Sales skills are of prime importance and you must be able to easily convince people. The level of computer skills vary from low to medium and mostly, the basic knowledge is sufficient for your transactions. High initiative and medium creative skills would be another added pre requisites.

The jobs in real estate are entrepreneurial and you could get wealthier with an equal mix of entrepreneurial and analytical skills.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: ahttp://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Career in Sacramento

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:14:04 -0600

Education in Sacramento is spread over a wide area of interests ranging from medical to technical and from religious to scientific. Sacramento is home to many colleges and universities along with many vocational schools as well. The religious schools in Sacramento impart the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible to students. The Masjid Annur imparts Islamic preaching and Shalom School is the only school teaching Jewish principles. These colleges and universities offer many graduate and under graduate programs.

With president Obama’s plan on charter education, schools have now adopted professional approach to educating kids at the primary level. This aims to make students more capable to take up challenging career paths.

There are a large number of students out of college or university every year. This calls for a peek into the career opportunities available for these students. The economy in Sacramento has seen a steady growth after the recent recession. There are job opportunities being created in every field by local and international organizations. This is intended to have a number of fresh graduates and experienced to fill those positions and stabilize the economy and be a part of the economic growth.

With Sacramento being the state capital, it is expected to support most of the population as it will host the largest portion of job opportunities. This calls for the government to create more neighborhoods with better facilities.

The newly created job opportunities and a mild climate have started welcoming people moving into Sacramento. This will create a boom in the real estate industry. So it is time for the real estate agents to get into work. The real estate schools are now grooming prospective agents to tackle the changing market trends.

The career of a new real estate agent has to be governed by principles and disciple along with the training on dealing property. An agent must have the ability to survive in a fluctuating market. This requires the agent to plan his career path carefully. The agent has to work according to his plan with discipline to stabilize his career.

Creativity is a gift in any career. To excel in real estate career an agent must utilize technology and incorporate the aspect of online business to reach out to a global audience. The websites and blogs must be unique and interactive to draw more traffic, attaining more traffic is essential to gain better search rankings.

Real estate agent needs to interact with people all through the path of his career therefore, an agent is required to be a people person to capture and maintain his clients.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: ahttp://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

All It Takes To Be A Real Estate Agent

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:13:07 -0600

The real estate market saw a steady growth in October 2009. With the number of home buyers on the rise, an agent will have to remember what it takes to be successful in a market overflowing with agents. New agents determined to make it big in the real estate business are open to a number of challenges. Most of these challenges determine your approach and attitude in business.

Most importantly, it is essential for an agent to know everything about the market. A thorough understanding of the market helps him plan his strategies and offerings to his clients. This requires a lot of market analysis. Many theories present on market strategies may mean nothing to you until you understand the market trends and know what you have to offer to your clients.

To begin with, start with the basics. Setting up of goals will help you plan your direction of work. Once you are set, it is always an advantage to make use of technology to market yourself. Websites, social media and networking sites give a platform of exposure and also to meet up with prospective clients.

Clients are those who keep your business going. Real estate is more about communicating with people than about selling or buying property. An agent should be able to provide his clients with all the information they need to know. It is extremely important that you know about the area, property and taxes before you meet up with your clients. This will need a lot of researching and making other contacts from where you can get complete information about the locality and neighborhood. Patience, charm and compassionate cheerfulness have an advantage in convincing your clients to sign up a deal with you.

Creativity has an added advantage. Clients like agents who can offer them better deals than the ones already available. With a great deal of people now buying online, an online business option can have you earn more. Learn to make the best use of websites, blogs and social networking sites. It is always advised to stay involved in the business from the beginning to the end.

Honesty, professionalism and discipline will add to your client interaction. Agents who can deal money related issues for their clients like calculating taxes and returns by understanding the client’s investment policy are always welcomed by clients.

When bad times hit, they hit hard. It takes a lot of strength and courage to keep up to your clients' need and stick to your commitments. Handling such situations will influence your prospective clients as a lot depends on your behavior and managing skills.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: ahttp://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Technology and Social Media in Real Estate

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:36:55 -0600

Estate Are you overwhelmed about using technology in your real estate business?

If this decision is making you frustrated, then it is time for change!

There is always opportunity hidden in change. There are tons of opportunities out there on the internet. Make a quick decision and start learning how to employ technology in your business.

Internet is the way to connect to as many customers as possible in a single marketing strategy. The buyers in the new marketing world are educated and have access to far greater information than ever. A recent survey showed that 87% of the buyers in the USA are using internet for information in their buying process.

Websites provide all the information about properties and buyers can choose the location, price range, car parking, number of rooms and more as per their needs. They can also check on local transport and facilities in the area of their choice.

In the era of social networking you are in total chaos if you are a real estate agent dipping your toe in the social media waters for the first time. Networking sites like twitter, facebook, LinkedIn, blogging, are all platforms where you can carryout your business. These sites help you in industry referrals, keeping in touch with past clients, referrals from clients or friends, finding new clients or establishing your reputation.

Before jumping into the ocean of contacts, visit the social sites regularly to learn the rules of the game and the expected behavior. Look out for people who are in your area of business and learn how they are portraying their business.

A real estate agent must know that selling homes is not just about homes but a big part is about people. Present clients, past clients and potential clients form the core of an agent’s network. Naturally, every agent wants and can make that network grow.

Creating a page on facebook or a community network on twitter or just posting your website on any of these sites will land you in a pool of prospective clients. Posting of relevant news stories, offer photos and using the discussion boards to generate a buzz highlights you and increases your network of prospective client.

An important aspect to be remembered is that social networking sites are ranked high in search engines and these rankings could carry on to your website or blog as well.

Don’t wait any longer to take advantage of the latest technology and social media to get in touch with your current clients and consider expanding it by meeting prospective ones!

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: ahttp://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Real Estate Education

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:46:31 -0600

Real estate is considered to be the best investment in the life of an individual. Real estate includes real estate business purchases, sales and property rentals. An individual can reap all the benefits of real estate only by having proper knowledge and complete information about the business. Real estate investments yield a very good return when proper steps are taken and planned well. But people fail many times in spite of planning.

A proper education will prepare these investors and provide them with the needed skills to tackle problems along the way. This education will also teach innovative techniques that many investors might not have. This will give the students an advantage in the competitive industry.

Real estate education can be a part of the conventional college programs or online programs. This education can also be obtained by means like books, magazines or articles. Getting hold of most up-to-date information is crucial, irrespective of whether your area of interest is land survey, construction or running a real estate agency.

You are required to enroll in real estate schools to make a carrier in real estate. Courses are conducted at business schools to provide individuals with an opportunity to learn tricks of the trade in order to identify market trends and patterns.

A number of these diplomas and courses are now offered online. Those who take an online real estate course have the freedom to work and study at the same time. Enrolling for an online program is more practical and economical than entering a regular school. There is no limitation to what you can do along with learning and enhancing your skills through the use of a computer.

The well educated real estate investors now see a new era of green revolution coming their way. Companies like Green Real Estate Education are educating professionals like real estate agents on the future to spread news of going green while considering renovations and upgrades to save money.

The “green” revolution had its birth in California. Green building practices involve dealing with airborne pollutants that help you design and construct with a higher level of efficiency and sustainability. With the onset of economic recovery we are beginning to see emerging technologies leading the way to development of green building products and real estate practices.

Green homes are expected to make up 10 percent of our new construction projects for the next several years. The benefits of green homes like healthier indoor air to energy savings make home buyers opt for Green homes.

The building materials used in the construction of green homes are expected to be toxin-free, sustainable and energy efficient. Also a green home is more durable than standard homes because of its high quality building materials and construction processes, requiring fewer repairs.

The value of a green home is more than that of a standard home and the market demand for green homes are on a rise.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites:

Resource Links:

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Sacramento Region – Interesting Real Estate Trends

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:25:21 -0600

The real estate scenario in Sacramento has been in favour of the buyer this quarter. California Association of Realtors has predicted a slower home sales by 2.3% in the year 2010.Unemployment and tax incentive loss have also contributed to this downward trend.

Homes in surrounding regions

The one bedroom homes in Roseville/Rocklin have an average square footage of 750 sq. ft and around 700 rentals are estimated. Two bedroom houses have an average estimate of 1001 sq. ft and there are a thousand and odd rentals as estimated. The median price for a new home here is $380,300. There are more than four hundred homes available for sale (till date) and close to fifteen hundred (1500) foreclosures. Local market statistics indicate a rise in the home resale inventories, estimating a 3% rise since October 2009. Foreclosures and short sales decreased in November. Median listing prices recorded a downfall from October to November. Thirty one (31) price increases and a hundred and twenty four (124) price decreases were recorded.

Elk Grove is a little ahead of Roseville with one bedroom homes having an average square footage of 1090 sq. ft and an average of fifty (50) rentals. Two bedroom houses rentals is 1115sq. ft and there are around two hundred fifty (250) plus rentals. The median price here is $345,702 with around four hundred (400) homes available for sale and more than three thousand (3000) foreclosures.

The median price for a new home in Yuba City is $179,990. There are around one hundred sixty (160) houses for sale and almost seven hundred (700) foreclosures in this city.

The GreatWest real estate school is one of the esteemed institutions that offer services in mortgage, insurance and real estate training. Courses are offered on courses sales, lead generation, negotiation, and time management. One has an option of either to take up live classroom training or Distance Learning through the GMAC Real Estate Online University.

Looking for Green Homes?

Green homes are gaining popularity in the recent times owing to the increasing concern for our environment. They not only help protect the environment but also provide us with a better quality of living and helps in cost reduction. Real estate agents promote these homes heavily. But before buying a green home one should look into the aspects such as its location, construction material used, plumbing system, and landscape. Inadequate information on any of these aspects will lead to a poor quality home.

For additional resources and information please visit the following sites.

Resource Links:

http://www.gmacrealestate.com

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net

GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com

GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com

T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com

Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com

GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com

GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens

Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens

Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale

MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens

MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest

Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens

GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com

Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com

Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Sacbee http://www.sacbee.com

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

Real Estate: Online Promotion Techniques

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:26:33 -0600

Almost everyone who is looking for a house today depends on internet for help. Real Estate Business has gone online and if you don’t want to be left behind then it’s high time that you guys keep pace with the technological revolution and get as much as possible from the various social media.

You can promote your real estate business with ease using real estate technology and that too free of cost. One needs to carefully choose from the many solutions available and keep the ones that are useful.

With lot of competition in the real estate market, it is very important that your real estate business is visible to more and more people online and this can be done via Search Engine Optimization (SEO) with the help of which you can get on top of various search engines.

In the past maintaining business secrets was the trend but today the scenario has changed. The more information you share, more people will trust you. Make sure you have content rich real estate website that gives complete authentic information about your company and the industry. This will drive lot of traffic to your website.

You should also actively participate in various real estate forums as many prospective clients exchange their views and opinions. You can answer their queries and help them in finding the house of their choice.

Blogging has also become very common and a powerful tool that helps realtors. Real estate blogs not only include write ups on real estate but also covers various other topics which are of interest to the readers.

Video marketing is a boon to the real estate industry. Sitting at home buyers will be able to get a peek at the property that they are looking to buy. You can get a lot of marketing exposure by putting up a video of your listings for free of cost on YouTube.

Social online networking is something that you should not really miss. Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Orkut are very helpful. You can get lot of referrals for your real estate business as all it takes is a click of a mouse. It saves lot of time, effort and energy and earns big for you!!

Made in the USA

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:54:11 -0600

A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would. With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good American.
Good idea . . .. one light bulb at a time.

Check this out. I can verify this because I was in Lowes the other day for some reason and just for the heck of it I was looking at the hose attachments. They were all made in China. The next day I was in Ace Hardware and just for the heck of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in USA . Start looking.

In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track. Let's get behind her!

My grandson likes Hershey's candy. I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more. My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest. You have to read the labels on everything.

This past weekend I was at Kroger. I needed 60 W light bulbs and Bounce dryer sheets. I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value". I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this - the USA in a company in Cleveland, Ohio.
So throw out the myth that you cannot find products you use every day that are made right here.

So on to another aisle - Bounce Dryer Sheets . .. . yep, you guessed it, Bounce cost more money and is made in Canada. The Everyday Value brand was less money and MADE IN THE USA! I did laundry yesterday and the dryer sheets performed just like the Bounce Free I have been using for years and at almost half the price!

My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in the USA - the job you save may be your own or your neighbors!

If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying American, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!

Made in the USA

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:51:47 -0600

Flu Vaccines

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:36:23 -0600

By Anna Tong
atong@sacbee.com

Published: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 - 7:16 am

Last Modified: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009 - 2:20 pm

Seasonal flu vaccinations will be available at two more locations in the next few days.

Capital Public Radio will hold a vaccine clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at 7055 Folsom Blvd. in Sacramento.

Travel Med Inc. will administer the shots, which cost $25. Of that cost, $5 will support Capital Public Radio.

Another clinic, hosted by the Yolo County Health Department, will be 2-6 p.m. Monday at the Bauer Health Building, 137 North Cottonwood Street in Woodland. The department has limited amounts of the nasal spray vaccine and shots. The flu vaccines are free but the health department is asking asking for a $10 donation.

The two clinics will not be administering the H1N1 vaccine.

Though the seasonal flu has not spread yet, a high demand has been seen for the vaccine. Throughout the United States, 91 million doses have been distributed and about 20 million more doses coming in.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned this week that there might not be enough seasonal flu vaccine to meet this season's demand.

Bill Fields All Star Coaching Program: http://www.AllStarCoaching.net
GreatWest GMAC Search all MLS Listings: http://www.LocalHomeLink.com
GreatWest GMAC Consumer Buyer/Seller Blog: http://www.GreatWestBlog.com
T. Sami Siddiqui (Broker/ Owner) Buzz About Sacramento Blog: http://www.samisiddiquiblog.com
Brodie Stephens (Executive Vice President) One Stop Blog: http://www.brodiestephensblog.com
GreatWest Podcasts- Weekly Updates on new REO, Short Sale, Bank Owned Foreclosure Listings: http://www.HouseTalkOnline.com
GreatWest Videos: http://www.youtube.com/brodiestephens
Facebook Brodie Stephens Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/brodiestephens
Facebook GreatWest Profile Page: http://www.facebook.com/searchmlshomesforsale
MySpace Brodie Stephens Blog: http://www.myspace.com/brodiestephens
MySpace GreatWest Blog: http://www.myspace.com/greatwest
Picasa Web Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/brodiestephens
GreatWest Real Estate Careers- GMAC is looking for Professional Realtors to Join Us: http://www.CareersWithUs.com
Global Employee Relocation: http://www.employeerelocation.blogspot.com
Apply for a Loan: http://www.choice1funding.com

ActiveRain Blog Brodie http://activerain.com/blogs/brodiestephens

ActiveRain Blog Company http://activerain.com/blogs/greatwestgmac

Company WordPress Site http://www.thehomeholders.com

Real Living http://www.realliving.com

GMAC Real Estate Merges with Real Living

GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:59:34 -0600

Date: November 11, 2009

To: GMAC Real Estate Sales Associates

From: Graham Badun, Managing Partner & CEO, Brookfield Residential Property Services

Re: GMAC Real Estate to be Re-branded ‘Real Living’

I am very pleased to let you know that Brookfield Residential Property Services has acquired Real Living Network Services, and as a result will now rebrand GMAC Real Estate as Real Living.

Real Living is a national, award winning company known for its innovation, customer service and track record of attracting results-driven brokers and sales professionals, along with a culture of partnership and collaboration. It brings a suite of innovative marketing tools, relevant training and a technology platform that when brought together with key GMAC Real Estate services like Premier Service, will position us for success for many years to come.

I am also excited to let you know that as a result of this acquisition, we are welcoming an additional 2,000 Real Living brokers and sales associates into our North American real estate network of almost 30,000 real estate professionals. By merging GMAC Real Estate and Real Living, under the Real Living brand, we are creating a very solid real estate brand that will become the foundation for future growth opportunities across the U.S. and into new markets internationally.

The Real Living acquisition is the culmination of several months work and satisfies all that we were looking for through the rebranding process. We considered many options including developing a brand from scratch and the Brand and Transition Councils were instrumental in guiding our thinking and reflecting the broad interests of our entire company. As well, our research pointed us toward creating a company that has great services to help you be more successful and a differentiated culture and brand promise that positions us to stand out from, and above, the competition. With this acquisition, we can take the best from what we have in our existing business, such as Premier Service, and combine it with the best that Real Living has to offer; allowing us to take advantage of the opportunity identified in our research and deliver a brand that meets your needs.

I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Real Living’s Harley Rouda, Jr., a long-time real estate industry broker, owner, operator and franchisor, as President of the newly combined operations. We believe that under Harley’s leadership, and with our solid, combined management team, the guidance of our Advisory Board which is chaired by Dick Schlott, and strong, successful brokers and sales professionals on the frontlines delivering exceptional customer service, we have a winning team with a proven track record for success.

We realize that you may have a number of questions about the new brand and transition, and we want to make it easy for you to get the answers you need. Accordingly, we are making available in the News > Transition News section of gmacmembers.com, a number of informational pieces including the Press Release, Sales Associate Q&A, Talking Points, Real Living Fact Sheet and a biography on Harley Rouda. Also included will be materials, such as a new video, and client and vendor letter templates, that will help you to communicate this great news to your clients, prospects and vendors. If this information does not provide answers to all of your questions, please speak to your broker or manager, or alternatively, contact the Real Living Help Desk at 866-208-6050. And, as always, we will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis.

Kindly direct all media enquiries to Hugh Siler, Siler & Company PR at 949-646-6966 or hugh@silerpr.com.

On a final note, it has been my pleasure to serve you as Interim President of GMAC Real Estate over the last few months, and to get to know many of you personally. I will return to my role as CEO of Brookfield Residential Property Services (the parent company to our real estate and relocation operations) and will remain closely involved throughout the transition and integration of Real Living. Thank you all for your commitment to GMAC Real Estate and your untiring service to our industry and clients. I hope you join in my excitement about our future, as we begin this great, new chapter for our company.

Graham Badun,

Managing Partner & CEO

Brookfield Residential Property Services

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GreatWest GMAC Real Estate — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:55:09 -0600

Below you will read from one of our valued partners, Cindy Holland of Costello and Sons Insurance Brokers. We are so Proud. Thanks Cindy!!

From: Cindy Holland [mailto:cholland@costelloandsons.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2009 8:33 AM
To: T. Sami Siddiqui
Subject: The difference between you and other brokers I have come to know or encountered

Is very simple;

Character, integrity, kindness, genuine concern for others....

I have a theory or personal conviction; We are all accountable for our own reputation.

With that said I for one hold you in the highest esteem, and just wanted you to know that!

And - you surround yourself with those that mirror those same qualities!!!

I am honored to serve your offices, but more important value the relationships I have had the privilege of developing!

With respect & gratitude - your friend & colleague,

Cindy

***Proudly serving the Real Estate Community as the:

"California Association of Realtors" endorsed Insurance Broker...

Cindy Holland
Personal Insurance Sales Executive
4564 Stoney Ridge Rd
Placerville, CA 95667
p: 415.257.2126 | c: 916.919.3005 | f: 916.932.1105
cholland@costelloandsons.com
www.costelloandsons.com

Voted one of the 25 Most Innovative Agents in the United States.
The National Alliance for Insurance Education and Research and The Rough Notes Magazine

This message originates from Costello & Sons Insurance Brokers license #0754591 and is intended for the use of the individual entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by calling 415-257-2100, and return the original message to us. Please note, email does not constitute authorization to bind coverage. Thank you.

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