Erica's Real Estate Blog

Attending Inbound Marketing University this week . . .

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:11:50 -0500

This week I am attending Inbound Marketing University that runs until Monday June 22nd.

Inbound Marketing University (IMU) is a free marketing retraining program for marketing professionals-as well as marketers between jobs-looking to gain new skills to get ahead in the competitive workforce.

The IMU program includes ten webinar classes and one review session.

Professors include: Chris Brogan (New Marketing Labs), Brian Carroll (InTouch), Mack Collier (MarketingProfs), Rand Fishkin (SEOmoz), Eric Groves (Constant Contact), Ann Handley (MarketingProfs), Jeanne Hopkins (MarketingExperiments), Lee Odden (TopRank Online Marketing), David Meerman Scott (New Rules of Marketing & PR), Marshall Sponder (Monster.com), Elyse Tager, (Silicon Valley American Marketing Association) and Mike Volpe (HubSpot)

The university program concludes with the inbound marketing certification exam.Those who will complete IMU and pass the exam will become Inbound Marketing Certified Professionals and will receive a certificate.

Program Schedule: (Can't make one of the classes? No problem. Everything will be archived

(provided by http://www.inboundmarketing.com)

So far the classes offered have been fantastic and full of good, USEFUL information. We're through five one hour webinars as I write this, and there has not been one yet that I didn't get at least one thing I could start using immediately out of it.

Live tweeting during the presentations via twitter.com using the hashtag #imu has been an excellent opportunity for meeting new people and expanding networking potential with other marketers. Check out all the chatter at search.twitter.com and search #IMU

Huge kudos to Hubspot (hubspot.com) for providing us with such a unique quality experience. Highly recommend!

Find me on twitter twitter.com/ericawallace

Hopkinton Independent Features Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty & David Meerman Scott's World Wide Rave

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 15:04:33 -0500

Via Erika Paul (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty):

The Hopkinton Independent has written a feature article on our office, Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty, in their latest edition. The article is about well known author and speaker David Meerman Scott who featured our story of recruiting Mike Lefebvre, via twitter, in his latest book about marketing in the age of technology and social media, World Wide Rave.

We could not be happier they chose to share our story with our local community. In our evolving world of technology and given that approximately 90% of buyers shop online, we understand the importance of meeting the needs of the new age of real estate. We strive as a company to stay at the forefront of online technology and the latest marketing and industry trends. We appreciate and are humbled by the recognition both David Meerman Scott, and the Hopkinton Independent have given us.

Our ad was featured directly below the article as we welcomed our newest realtor, Hopkinton resident, Lynn Hargrave.

Lynn brings her six years of experience in residential real estate along with her strong relocation background. We are so happy to have her join our team!

Proud To Be Part of the World Wide Rave!

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:45:32 -0600

So proud of all Mike is doing in such a short time. We are lucky to have him here.

Keep up the awesome work!!

Via Mike Lefebvre (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty):

Just received my copy of David Meerman Scott’s new book, “World Wide Rave” from Amazon today. It may be the first time ever that my name has appeared in a book’s index. To say I am flattered is an understatement. Call me an egomaniac (you won’t be the first), but I immediately flipped to the couple of pages about me. David did a fine job of describing how a little less than a year ago I took my struggling real estate business and attempted to turn things upside down with a video entitled “Steak Out in Franklin, MA”. I am incredibly honored to have my uncommon story go from casual conversation in a Lexington Starbuck’s directly into the pages of his new, soon-to-be best-selling, book.

If you are a fan of marketing, branding, social media or simply figuring out why things like a video of a sneezing panda can catch the imagination of the masses, check out his new book. Not for the 2-pages about me, but for the 180 some odd other pages about people doing really cool things and creating real raves through the power of social media. You know the rules of the game have changed when a rookie real estate agent entering one of the most challenging markets in recent history gets his story spread to the world by a best selling author in the pages of his new book.

Thank you David for sharing one of the most fruitful cups of coffee I’ve had in a long time.

Hopkinton Real Estate Market Report - Sold Single Family Homes Data for all of 2008

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:37:17 -0600

Real Estate Market Report - Hopkinton, MA

Single Family Home Sales Sales 2008

Hopkinton, MA - SOLD Property Statistics - 2008
Property Type(s): Single Family Homes
Status: SOLD
Dates:: 01/01/2008 - 12/31/2008
Town: Hopkinton, MA

Price Range

# of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Average
Sale Price

Average
List Price

SP:LP
Ratio

Average
Orig Price

SP:OP
Ratio

$0 - $49,999

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

288

$143,000

$159,900

$199,900

$150,000 - $199,999

140

$177,480

$183,440

$200,540

$200,000 - $249,999

155

$236,667

$242,933

$276,267

$250,000 - $299,999

185

$273,391

$282,482

$298,482

$300,000 - $349,999

127

$317,891

$331,613

$351,625

$350,000 - $399,999

$368,115

$376,580

$390,040

$400,000 - $449,999

113

$432,100

$454,740

$464,740

$450,000 - $499,999

$477,125

$493,238

$505,488

$500,000 - $599,999

113

$555,288

$573,730

$597,315

$600,000 - $699,999

114

$651,524

$671,231

$689,669

$700,000 - $799,999

166

$740,731

$773,683

$817,221

$800,000 - $899,999

133

$850,900

$887,473

$932,118

$900,000 - $999,999

124

$939,714

$988,371

$1,046,814

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

189

$1,088,415

$1,127,930

$1,161,940

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$1,800,000

$1,950,000

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

$10,000,000 - $99,999,999

Total Properties

130

Avg. 131

$594,511

$617,750

$644,218

Lowest Price: $143,000	Median Price: $569,500
Highest Price: $1,800,000	Average Price: $594,511
Total Market Volume: $77,286,453

For a detailed analysis on what your home is worth contact us today!

www.HallmarkSothebysRealty.com

*The property data below was compiled from MLSPIN.com

Hopkinton Holiday Stroll - Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty Saturday December 6th 12-5:00

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:12:50 -0600

A Fun Holiday Event for Friends and Family.

Stop in at our Holiday Open House this Saturday! We would love to see you : )

Hopkinton Holiday Stroll - Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty

Saturday December 6th 12-5:00

Please join in the holiday fun at Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty during the annual Hopkinton Holiday Stroll Get out of the cold and come inside for some hot chocolate, mulled cider and assorted homemade holiday goodies. We will have a craft project for the kids (and adults!) to make and decorate their own gingerbread ornament to take home and hang on the tree or give as a gift. Hope to see you there!

Loving Google Tools - Sharing Top 10 Free Google Marketing Tools by Titus Hoskins

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:36:37 -0500

With Google celebrating its 10th Anniversary, and using so many of these free marketing tools myself and as an office, I wanted to share this top ten list provided by Titus-Hoskins. Our office's shared calendar, and use of Google docs has made tracking our open houses, contract dates, and important paperwork more centralized and efficient in every way; and don't get me started on how much I love gmail! : )

10 Most Useful Free Google Marketing Tools

09 27 2008By Titus-Hoskins

You can find out more about Google Impact Project
here: 10 to the 100

10 Most Valuable Free Google Marketing Tools

Google has become the dominant search engine on
the Internet. It would be hard to imagine a web
without Google. For that matter, it would now be
hard to imagine a world without Google. As frightening
as that may seem to many people, it is none the
less true.

For better or worst, Google has permeated into almost
every aspect of our everyday life. Being Googled is
now a common expression and an act carried out by
millions of users around the world each day. New
Google products and services are coming on stream
at a staggering pace, further increasing Google’s
impact on our lives.

Despite this dominating presence, many people still
don’t realize Google offers some excellent free marketing
tools for marketers and webmasters. Marketing tools which
can prove extremely valuable to any webmaster or marketer
trying to promote their sites or products online. Useful
tools that will make your promotions easier and much more
profitable.

Don’t be fooled by the ‘free’ label, these marketing tools
might be free but there are also valuable. One even wonders
why Google would be giving away these tools and services for
free? It probably makes good business sense in the long
run, by providing these free tools Google is fostering a
lot of company good-will and building up the Google brand
name in the process. Good PR is good business.

Every marketer and webmaster should be taking advantage of
Google’s good-will and snapping up these professionally run
services and marketing tools. Here’s a quick run-down of
the 10 most valuable free Google Internet marketing tools:

1. Google Analytics

Perhaps the premier marketing tool offered by Google.
It will prove helpful to both the marketer and the
webmaster. Google Analytics gives you a daily snapshot
of your web site. Google Analytics analyzes your traffic,
where it comes from and what it does once it enters your site.
You can monitor up to three sites for free.

Google Analytics is extremely valuable in analyzing your
marketing funnel, it tracks all the steps leading up to your
sales or checkout page. Vital information for raising
your conversion rate and ROI.

You may be placed on a waiting list for this highly in
demand service from Google.

Google Analytics

2. Google Sitemaps

Webmasters can use Google Sitemaps to almost instantly place
newly created pages on their site into the Google Search Index.
This is an XML file that is uploaded to Google as new pages
are added on your site. Needless to say this can be a valuable
service for any webmaster or marketer who wants to get their
information on the web quickly.

Google Sitemaps

3. Google Alerts

Be notified when someone or another site lists your site
or mentions your name. Great way to keep track of all your
online activities. Great way to monitor all your online
business interests and products.

Google Alerts

4. Google Froogle

Froogle is Google’s price directory! It simply lists all
the cheapest prices for different products on the web.
For marketers and webmasters who are promoting products,
it should be studied and analyzed. Optimizing your
site’s content for Froogle may prove to be very beneficial.

Follow Froogle or Google directions exactly on how to
list or display products on your site. Froogle will
spider your site and display your prices and products
to thousands of targeted customers. That, as they say,
is priceless.

Google Froogle

5. Google Checkout

Not exactly free but for those marketers who use AdWords
- for every $1 spent on AdWords you can process $10 for free.
You can also place the shopping cart logo on your AdWords ad
and take advantage of the prestige and trust the Google
brand name has built up.

Over time marketers may find this tool to be very
effective and valuable.

Google Checkout

6. Google eBlogger

Blogging has become vitally important to the health and
functioning of your web site. No site should be without
at least one blog and RSS feed. Creating a blog (online journal)
on the topic of your web site or product will bring in extra traffic
and targeted customers. eBlogger is a simple free
blogging service that even lets you publish or post your blog
files to your own web site server. Keep in mind, each blog
has that all important Google Blog Search bar.

Google eBlogger

7. Google Toolbar - Enterprise Version

Try the new enterprise version of the Google Toolbar
for your company or business. Integrates countless
features with all your employees or corporate
network. These could include a common customer
database, company calendar, financial news…

Keep in mind, Google also ranks every page it indexes on
a scale of 0-10. While it is important to know the Page Rank of
your own pages, it is even more important to know the PR of
your competitor’s pages. You can use the toolbar to get
the PR of each page you’re visiting. Extremely helpful
information for webmasters and marketers to know when
forming online linking or business arrangements.

Google Toolbar

8. Google Groups

Every marketer knows the important of having a large
contact list of people with a similar interest. Social
networking will play an ever increasing role in your
success on the web. Just look at the growing popularity
of sites like MySpace and LiveJournal.

Google groups is another form of social and business
networking that every marketer should be aware of and
pursuing.

Google Groups

9. Google Adsense

One simple way to monetize your web content is to
use Google Adsense. Just place the Adsense code
on your site and receive a check from Google each
month. For webmasters who are not really into
online marketing (does such creatures exist?) Adsense
can be a painless way to earn extra income from
your site.

For professional marketers using the Adsense system can
supply a tremendous amount of marketing information on the
keywords in their particular niche. It keeps the
marketer informed on what keywords are being bid
on and how much advertisers are willing to pay.

Adsense also has an excellent real-time tracking
system you can use to keep track of all your
important web pages.

Google Adsense

10. Google Docs

A recent addition to Google’s stable of free products.
Google Docs (Writely.com) is a full featured online writing
editor with spellcheck and great collaborating features.
It also lets you publish your content directly to your blogs.
One feature that may be of interest to marketers, it lets
your save files in the popular download format of PDF.

Lets face it, until video takes over the web in four
or five years time - the written word is still king on the
net. It is the medium that markets, promotes and sells
your content or products. Writely will help you write better.

Google Docs

Honorable Mention - Google Trends

This Google program will let you search popular trends,
important for marketers searching for the latest hot
product to promote. You can also break down these trends
by different regions.

Google Trends

Final Note

Please take note that signing up for a Google account will
usually help you in obtaining most of these free services or
programs. Some of these programs may have to be applied for
individually. But be assured, all these free Google marketing
tools are well worth your time and effort. They will make your
marketing easier and they will help any webmaster or marketer
run their online business more efficiently.

For more information regarding the above post please visit http://www.sitepronews.com/category/titus-hoskins-blog/

It's official! This Boutique Real Estate Firm is now a Sotheby's International Realty Office

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:32:07 -0500

Introducing . . .

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Massachusetts Real Estate Firm Joins Sotheby’s International Realty^® Network

HOPKINTON, Mass. (July 22 2008) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced that Hallmark Realty Ltd. in Hopkinton, Mass., has joined its luxury real estate network. The company has 11 sales associates that service the MetroWest Boston area.

The firm, owned by Erika Paul, now will do business as Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Hallmark Realty truly is unique in its approach to client service and embodies all the qualities we look for in an affiliate,” said Michael R. Good, president and chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “Erika Paul truly understands the art of developing and creating solid long-term client relationships and has made that the core of her successful business.”

According to Paul, the Sotheby’s International Realty affiliation offers her firm the tools and resources needed to provide clients with the very best in real estate services. “Hallmark Realty established itself as a boutique brokerage firm that has always offered its clientele a level of service not often found in the industry,” she said. “Now, as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty network, we have access to the very best in marketing resources and technology, which we feel will take our level of service to new heights,” she said.

Paul also cites the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s commitment to clients as a reason for her decision to affiliate. She said, “Our focus has been, and always will be, completely on the well being of the client and building lasting relationships that endure long after a home is bought or sold. In this brand I saw this same dedication to the client and knew right away that we would be a perfect fit.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has more than 9,500 sales associates located in more than 485 offices in the United States and 32 other countries and territories. Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty listings will be marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global Web site. In addition to more referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from these sources, the firm will benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house and worldwide Sotheby’s International Realty marketing programs.

Hallmark Sotheby’s International Realty is located at 11 Grove Street, Hopkinton, Mass., 01748, and can be reached at (508) 435-9200. For more information, visit www.hallmarksothebysrealty.com.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

For more information visit HallmarkSothebysRealty.com

Gmail & Google App Question - Can you use a Task application

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:00:12 -0500

Does anyone know of a task list/ to do list application I Can use with gmail and google calendar.

I would love to have an online task manager without having to sign in to another account. Even if it allowed me to keep a button on my gmail page or calendar that would be great.

I have looked online and it seems like there isnt one that is fully integrated with google yet, but if someone knows otherwise, I Would really appreciate any information or recommended links you may have.

Thanks!!

56 Wenham Street Unit #1, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 15:42:30 -0600

Fantastic Opportunity to Own this 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 4 Years Young. Condo in Jamaica Plain (Boston)Steps to "T" and Arnold Arboretum!

Modern unit with Designer flair and great layout. Featuring that highly sought after open floor plan in Living and Dining Area with bow windows; great for entertaining. Spacious master bedroom suite features walk-in-closet & marble bath. Second bedroom also good sized with double wide closet. Enjoy the convenience of full sized laundry in-unit, tons of closets, & off street parking. Huge private storage room with many usage options has great Ikea cabinetry. Look forward to enjoying your spring from the fabulous rear deck, just a short walk from the Arboretum. Blocks from T! New Everything - Entire property built just 4yrs ago! Simply gorgeous!

56 Wenham Unit #1 , Jamaica Plain is being offered at $399,900. For more information on this property, please visit www.56Wenham.com or for a private showing, please call Erica Wallace (617) 762-3541 or email EricaWRemax@gmail.com of RE/MAX Real Estate Center, Boston

For more information on properties like this or to sign up for free daily email alerts and access ALL properties listed in the MLS database, please visit www.EricaWallaceHomes.com to sign up for a free membership

Hyde Park (Boston) Pending and Sold Property Statistics & Active Property Snapshot

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:08:07 -0500

Untitled Document

HYDE PARK SOLD Property Statistics - Past 3 Months through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): Condos, Single Families, Multi-Families
Start Date: 05/21/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Hyde Park, MA

Price Range

# of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Average
Sale Price

Average
List Price

SP:LP
Ratio

Average
Orig Price

SP:OP
Ratio

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$120,950

$122,400

$127,400

$150,000 - $199,999

$180,500

$180,900

100

$180,900

100

$200,000 - $249,999

189

$219,650

$261,100

$277,267

$250,000 - $299,999

176

$266,788

$278,929

$303,359

$300,000 - $349,999

$324,369

$336,547

$350,927

$350,000 - $399,999

$371,265

$381,469

$391,815

$400,000 - $449,999

105

$417,667

$432,100

$436,267

$450,000 - $499,999

$460,000

$499,900

$500,000 - $599,999

$525,750

$535,700

$548,450

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$750,000

$759,900

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Avg. 119

$330,016

$344,375

$358,747

Lowest Price: $114,900	Median Price: $322,400
Highest Price: $750,000	Average Price: $330,015
Total Market Volume: $22,111,050

HYDE PARK Pending (Under Agreement Statistics) - Past 3 Months through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Start Date: 05/21/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Hyde Park, MA

Went UAG

Current Status

Price Range

# of
Listings

# UAG

# Sold

# Other

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

$200,000 - $249,999

$250,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $349,999

$350,000 - $399,999

$400,000 - $449,999

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Lowest Price: $114,900	Median Price: $324,500
Highest Price: $799,000	Average Price: $378,164
Total Market Volume: $31,765,842

HYDE PARK - Active Property Market Snapshot as of Today, August 21, 2007 vs August 21, 2006
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
ONE YEAR SNAPSHOT - Snapshot Date: 8/21/06 vs. 8/21/07
Towns: Boston: Hyde Park, MA

8/21/2006

8/21/2007

Price Range

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

vs. today

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

112

$150,000 - $199,999

$200,000 - $249,999

$250,000 - $299,999

146

152

$300,000 - $349,999

118

$350,000 - $399,999

104

135

$400,000 - $449,999

102

146

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

112

119

$600,000 - $699,999

120

$700,000 - $799,999

246

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

248

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

181

Avg. 100

193

Avg. 124

Lowest Price:	$125,000
Median Price:	$384,900
Highest Price:	$810,000
Average Price:	$399,075
Total Market Volume:	$72,232,584

Lowest Price:	$109,900
Median Price:	$359,900
Highest Price:	$949,000
Average Price:	$370,946
Total Market Volume:	$71,592,600

For an updated FREE Market Analyis of what Your Home is worth in Today's Market, please contact me at ericawremax@gmail.com or through my website at www.EricaWallaceHomes.com

Property Statistics compiled by Erica Wallace of: RE/MAX Real Estate Center through the Multiple Listing Service.

To search for Homes in your area - Click on the button Below:

West Roxbury (Boston) Pending and Sold Property Statistics & Active Property Snapshot

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:18:58 -0500

Untitled Document

WEST ROXBURY SOLD Property Statistics - Past 3 Months through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): Condos, Single Families, Multi-Families
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:West Roxbury, MA

Price Range

# of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Average
Sale Price

Average
List Price

SP:LP
Ratio

Average
Orig Price

SP:OP
Ratio

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

101

$184,177

$190,548

$199,415

$200,000 - $249,999

$230,800

$238,740

$244,880

$250,000 - $299,999

$273,105

$282,970

$292,740

$300,000 - $349,999

$327,972

$335,950

$337,844

$350,000 - $399,999

$374,850

$388,738

$396,242

$400,000 - $449,999

$424,134

$441,021

$454,431

$450,000 - $499,999

$471,822

$483,528

$490,472

$500,000 - $599,999

$543,648

$563,791

$576,664

$600,000 - $699,999

133

$618,125

$641,811

$654,311

$700,000 - $799,999

178

$753,625

$773,000

$803,000

$800,000 - $899,999

$828,750

$889,900

$450,390

184

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

149

Avg. 81

$410,713

$425,071

$428,732

Lowest Price: $166,000	Median Price: $405,000
Highest Price: $847,500	Average Price: $410,712
Total Market Volume: $61,196,190

WEST ROXBURY Pending (Under Agreement Statistics) - Month of July through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:West Roxbury, MA

Went UAG

Current Status

Price Range

# of
Listings

# UAG

# Sold

# Other

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

$200,000 - $249,999

$250,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $349,999

$350,000 - $399,999

$400,000 - $449,999

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Lowest Price: $127,000	Median Price: $399,900
Highest Price: $859,000	Average Price: $413,514
Total Market Volume: $24,397,374

WEST ROXBURY - Active Property Market Snapshot as of Today, August 21, 2007 vs August 21, 2006
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Snapshot Date: 8/21/06 vs. 8/21/07
Towns: Boston:West Roxbury, MA

8/21/2006

8/21/2007

Price Range

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

vs. today

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

112

$200,000 - $249,999

111

105

$250,000 - $299,999

122

$300,000 - $349,999

130

$350,000 - $399,999

106

$400,000 - $449,999

$450,000 - $499,999

107

$500,000 - $599,999

139

122

$600,000 - $699,999

138

157

$700,000 - $799,999

170

375

$800,000 - $899,999

153

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

196

Avg. 108

127

Avg. 118

Lowest Price:	$124,900
Median Price:	$409,000
Highest Price:	$899,900
Average Price:	$427,315
Total Market Volume:	$83,753,747

Lowest Price:	$139,900
Median Price:	$392,900
Highest Price:	$1,800,000
Average Price:	$415,220
Total Market Volume:	$52,733,019

For an updated FREE Market Analyis of what Your Home is worth in Today's Market, please contact me at ericawremax@gmail.com or through my website at www.EricaWallaceHomes.com

Property Statistics compiled by Erica Wallace of: RE/MAX Real Estate Center through the Multiple Listing Service.

To search for Homes in your area - Click on the button Below:

Jamaica Plain (Boston) Pending and Sold Property Statistics & Active Property Snapshot

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 17:03:25 -0500

Untitled Document

JAMAICA PLAIN SOLD Property Statistics - Month of July through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): Condos, Single Families, Multi-Families
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Jamaica Plain, MA

Price Range

# of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Average
Sale Price

Average
List Price

SP:LP
Ratio

Average
Orig Price

SP:OP
Ratio

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

216

$180,000

$221,500

$244,950

$200,000 - $249,999

$221,738

$231,950

$241,517

$250,000 - $299,999

$273,553

$278,153

$283,776

$300,000 - $349,999

$324,991

$332,513

$337,786

$350,000 - $399,999

$382,190

$386,880

$392,768

$400,000 - $449,999

$423,322

$423,188

100

$429,854

$450,000 - $499,999

$482,250

$489,225

$499,225

$500,000 - $599,999

$555,136

$571,636

$578,991

$600,000 - $699,999

$652,083

$690,333

$702,833

$700,000 - $799,999

$757,000

$757,667

100

$774,333

$800,000 - $899,999

$842,000

$854,000

$882,000

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

315

$1,350,000

$1,412,500

$1,487,500

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$1,616,000

$1,600,000

101

$1,600,000

101

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Avg. 63

$437,747

$448,547

$458,154

Lowest Price: $180,000	Median Price: $379,100
Highest Price: $1,616,000	Average Price: $437,746
Total Market Volume: $39,834,950

Jamaica Plain Pending (Under Agreement Statistics) - Month of July through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Jamaica Plain, MA

Went UAG

Current Status

Price Range

# of
Listings

# UAG

# Sold

# Other

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

$200,000 - $249,999

$250,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $349,999

$350,000 - $399,999

$400,000 - $449,999

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Lowest Price: $188,000	Median Price: $349,900
Highest Price: $1,049,000	Average Price: $453,418
Total Market Volume: $35,820,048

JAMAICA PLAIN - Active Property Market Snapshot as of Today, August 21, 2007 vs August 21, 2006
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Snapshot Date: 8/21/06 vs. 8/21/07
Towns: Boston:Jamaica Plain, MA

8/21/2006

8/21/2007

Price Range

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

vs. today

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

116

$200,000 - $249,999

109

$250,000 - $299,999

101

$300,000 - $349,999

102

$350,000 - $399,999

$400,000 - $449,999

103

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

119

101

$600,000 - $699,999

103

$700,000 - $799,999

122

166

$800,000 - $899,999

124

161

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

101

343

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

367

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

260

Avg. 99

196

Avg. 98

Lowest Price:	$169,900
Median Price:	$389,000
Highest Price:	$2,150,000
Average Price:	$483,000
Total Market Volume:	$125,580,014

Lowest Price:	$166,999
Median Price:	$399,000
Highest Price:	$1,890,000
Average Price:	$458,889
Total Market Volume:	$89,942,439

For an updated FREE Market Analyis of what Your Home is worth in Today's Market, please contact me at ericawremax@gmail.com or through my website at www.EricaWallaceHomes.com

Property Statistics compiled by Erica Wallace of: RE/MAX Real Estate Center through the Multiple Listing Service.

To search for Homes in your area - Click on the button Below:

Roslindale (Boston) Pending and Sold Property Statistics

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:44:26 -0500

Untitled Document

ROSLINDALE SOLD Property Statistics - Month of July through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): Condos, Single Families, Multi-Families
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Roslindale, MA

Price Range

# of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Average
Sale Price

Average
List Price

SP:LP
Ratio

Average
Orig Price

SP:OP
Ratio

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

$170,000

$175,500

$189,900

$200,000 - $249,999

110

$220,875

$227,000

$235,500

$250,000 - $299,999

130

$272,056

$284,278

$289,956

$300,000 - $349,999

$323,625

$333,462

$340,963

$350,000 - $399,999

$373,750

$385,100

$397,612

$400,000 - $449,999

$421,714

$428,686

$437,257

$450,000 - $499,999

$476,750

$492,975

$507,975

$500,000 - $599,999

$545,400

$550,980

$560,980

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Avg. 83

$362,326

$372,133

$381,472

Lowest Price: $170,000	Median Price: $355,250
Highest Price: $573,000	Average Price: $362,326
Total Market Volume: $16,667,000

ROSLINDALE Pending (Under Agreement Statistics) - Month of July through August 21st, 2007
Property Type(s): SF, CC
Start Date: 07/01/2007
End Date: 08/21/2007
Towns: Boston:Roslindale, MA

Went UAG

Current Status

Price Range

# of
Listings

# UAG

# Sold

# Other

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

$200,000 - $249,999

$250,000 - $299,999

$300,000 - $349,999

$350,000 - $399,999

$400,000 - $449,999

$450,000 - $499,999

$500,000 - $599,999

$600,000 - $699,999

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

Lowest Price: $127,500	Median Price: $329,900
Highest Price: $619,900	Average Price: $363,266
Total Market Volume: $14,167,400

ROSLIINDALE - Active Property Market Snapshot as of Today, August 21, 2007 vs August 21, 2006
Property Type(s): SF, CC, MF
Snapshot Date: 8/21/06 vs. 8/21/07
Towns: Boston:Roslindale, MA

8/21/2006

8/21/2007

Price Range

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

vs. today

Number of
Listings

Avg. Days
on Market

Under $50,000

$50,000 - $99,999

$100,000 - $149,999

$150,000 - $199,999

139

135

$200,000 - $249,999

161

124

$250,000 - $299,999

198

$300,000 - $349,999

141

185

$350,000 - $399,999

148

158

$400,000 - $449,999

110

119

$450,000 - $499,999

110

139

$500,000 - $599,999

110

$600,000 - $699,999

106

$700,000 - $799,999

$800,000 - $899,999

150

228

$900,000 - $999,999

$1,000,000 - $1,499,999

$1,500,000 - $1,999,999

$2,000,000 - $2,499,999

$2,500,000 - $2,999,999

$3,000,000 - $3,999,999

$4,000,000 - $4,999,999

$5,000,000 - $9,999,999

Over $10,000,000

Total Properties

186

Avg. 118

159

Avg. 152

Lowest Price:	$134,900
Median Price:	$383,450
Highest Price:	$895,000
Average Price:	$402,110
Total Market Volume:	$74,792,472

Lowest Price:	$159,000
Median Price:	$369,900
Highest Price:	$899,000
Average Price:	$392,045
Total Market Volume:	$62,335,228

For an updated FREE Market Analyis of what Your Home is worth in Today's Market, please contact me at ericawremax@gmail.com or through my website at www.EricaWallaceHomes.com

Property Statistics compiled by Erica Wallace of: RE/MAX Real Estate Center through the Multiple Listing Service.

To search for Homes in your area - Click on the button Below:

Organizing Your Home - Managing Incoming Mail with a System . . .

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 01:53:15 -0500

I find that one of the hardest things to keep organized at home is all the paperwork that comes into our homes, whether it's catalogs, junk mail, bills to pay, invitations etc. Here's a great article that was emailed to me from RealSimple.com. It also includes a link to a great bill planning worksheet. I think you will find some great tips for getting systems in place to manage the clutter and create a plan for handling incoming mail going forward. . . .

Systems for Managing Your Mail

Create a Workspace for Handling Mail

Designate something as an in-box. It can be a basket, a storage box, a drawer — anything big enough to hold a week’s worth of mail and no more.

Post a large trash can or recycling bin near the in-box to hold all the junk mail that you’ll be purging. Helpful hint: Pitch junk mail the second you reach your in-box each day.

Consider buying a paper shredder. It will let you dispose of documents containing personal information and account numbers without having to worry about identity theft.

Decide on a regular time to sort through your in-box and distribute its contents to the organizational systems you’re about to create. Make it a habit.

Create a System

To keep bill paying from being married to a particular room (and feeling like such a chore), devise a portable filing system that will let you work anywhere you like.

Stash a checkbook, pens, stamps, and envelopes in the back pocket of your organizer so you don’t have to hunt for them when you’re ready to go.

Label the file pockets in a way that works for you, whether that’s day by day — labeled 1 to 31 (great for chronic late payers) — or a pay-this-week and pay-next-week system. (Use the Managing Monthly Bills Worksheet to help you master payment due dates once and for all.)

Then decide on a good time to tackle the job — such as during the two- or three-minute commercial breaks in your favorite TV shows.

When you’ve paid the bills, move them to a file cabinet or box (see 5 Steps to Simpler Record Keeping).

Find Ways to Streamline

Many banks let you set up bill-paying plans.

Some utilities and service companies (cable, phone, Internet providers) offer online and automated-payment options.

Magazines and Catalogs

Magazines and catalogs can overstay their welcome, usually in piles on the coffee table and the nightstand. Give them a (smallish) home and they’ll be easy to keep in line.

Separate these bulky items from your other mail before you even take off your coat. Put them in a designated container so you can transport them easily from room to room for perusing, then to the recycling bin when you’re done.

If you find you’re often loath to part with certain recipes or months-old magazine articles, tear out the pages and store them in a binder or an expandable file.

If there’s a magazine whose issues you haven’t so much as cracked the binding on in six months, consider canceling the subscription.

If you’re inundated with catalogs you have no interest in, call the companies and ask to be taken off their mailing lists.

Article Provided By Alexandra Rowley of Real Simple Magazine

Exposing Yourself to the Media . . . A great article

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 22:38:55 -0500

Getting Connected to the Press

I thought everyone would appreciate this article from Daily Real Estate News....most of it really applies to blogging as well ... I know I appreciate any tips on how to better market myself and get more media exposure.......

Daily Real Estate News | August 17, 2007

Making the News: How to Win Over the Media
A reporter interviews you for a story, but when you read the published article you ’re surprised to find she missed your main points. Or maybe you’re having a hard time talking to a reporter at all: You keep pitching story ideas but can’t seem to get a reporter to listen.

Learning to talk to the media can be a valuable tool since being quoted in real estate news articles can help you spotlight your expertise and land your name in front of consumers, says Nan Tolbert, a communications coach and former TV reporter.

Tolbert gave several tips to working with the media during her talk on “Tools to Make News” during the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Leadership Summit, Aug. 16-17 in Chicago. Here’s some of her advice to working with the media:

Know what’s newsworthy. Reporters are looking for timely stories that impact their readers. Think of yourself as the audience: What are the attitudes and concerns of your community? How does your event or information benefit others? You might consider pitching stories about real estate trends in your city or state, your market’s response to national trends, or offer to comment on legislation affecting home owners, Tolbert suggests.

Develop relationships with local media. Make initial contact with reporters via e-mail (unless you know them already) and consider complimenting them or commenting on a recent article they wrote as a way of introduction. If you’re pitching a story, give the headline in the subject line of your e-mail to entice them to read your message. And when you pitch, be able to answer “Why should I care?” in less than 30 seconds. If you do call them, late morning follow-up calls tend to work best with reporters’ deadlines.

Prepare 3-4 clear, compelling messages. Have interesting facts and examples that support your talking points. If you have too many talking points and give too much information, you risk burying your main message. Resist using jargon. Deliver your most important message upfront, using pauses and verbal flagging — such as slowing your speech down — to draw emphasis to key information.

Be the 3 C’s: confident, concise, and conversational. For phone interviews, stand up because you’ll be more energetic when you talk on the phone and less likely to get distracted than if you're sitting at your desk and near your e-mail. With TV interviews, make eye contact with the reporter, not the camera. And practice aloud what you plan to say, anticipating likely questions.

Call back with additional information. After the interview is over, be free to contact the reporter again with extra information (such as a factoid or statistic) or to clarify or add to something you said during the interview.

Never take a reporter’s call cold. If they call you for an interview, ask them when their deadline is and then set a time to call them back before that deadline. This will allow you time to prepare and get focused on the interview. “A media interview is no place for original thought,” Tolbert says. “You can go ahead and sound like you’re talking off-the-cuff but don’t actually talk off-the-cuff because we all know what happens when you try to wing it.”

Become a trusted resource to the media. You can be that "expert" source reporters turn to again and again to interview. Make yourself stand out by always honoring reporter deadlines, contacting them after a story they quoted you in appears to comment about it, and offering them additional sources or experts for stories they’re working on.

— By Melissa Dittmann Tracey for REALTOR® Magazine Online

48 Norfolk Street - Solid Three Family Home in Dorchester (Boston), MA - Two out of 3 Apartments with Leases

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:28:02 -0500

Great Value! 3-Family in Dorchester! $399,999

Three Family Home for under $400k ! Very solid. Maintained by one owner for three decades. All units have eat in kitchens and newer windows. All separate heat, hot water and electric. Chimneys repointed, recently paved driveway, fenced yard and parking. Units have lots of closets. Top floor is a renovated unit with vaulted ceilings and cool space. Basement also has finished room. Easy to see.

48 Norfolk Street , Dorchester is being offered at $399,999. For more information on this property, please visit www.48NorfolkSt.com , or for a private showing, please call Erica Wallace (617) 762-3541 or email EricaWRemax@gmail.com of RE/MAX Real Estate Center, Boston

For more information on properties like this or to sign up for free daily email alerts and access ALL properties listed in the MLS database, please visit www.EricaWallaceHomes.com to sign up for a free membership

229 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain (Boston), MA 02130

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 12:45:49 -0500

Fantastic Opportunity to Own this 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhouse with Private Yard in Jamaica Plain (Boston)Steps to "T"!

Single Family living at a Condo Price - Do not miss this sundrenched townhouse abutting Southwest Corridor Park. Open layout features expansive floor plan. First floor features one oversized bedroom with double clostes, half bath, and large living room opening into renovated granite/stainless kitchen and dining area that overlooks the backyard and beyond to the lush green space of the Southwest Corridor Park . Two sun drenched bedrooms & full bath are on the 2nd floor. Host your summer BBQ from the large private fenced yard. Additional amenities include in-unit laundry, private basement for storage or work room. Only 1 block to Stony Brook T. Be in downtown Boston in under 10 minutes.

229 Amory , Jamaica Plain is being offered at $275,000. For more information on this property, please visit www.229Amory.com or for a private showing, please call Erica Wallace (617) 762-3541 or email EricaWRemax@gmail.com of RE/MAX Real Estate Center, Boston

5 Eldridge #3, Jamaica Plain (Boston),MA $264,900 - Beautiful Sundrenched Condo

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:16:11 -0500

Untitled Document Open House - Sunday August 26th 2:00-3:00

Great Opportunity to own Beautifully Renovated Condo with parking in Jamaica Plain (Boston) for under $265k

Sophisticated Loft-Style Jamaica Plain (Boston)Condo

This sun drenched oversized one bedroom condo is a fantastic value! Private entrance starts on the second floor landing, leading into the open floor plan of this lovely unit. The vaulted ceilings give the space a lofty feel, and make this condo very unique.

Living Room and Master Bedroom boast huge windows and skylights that fill the space with light while the renovated kitchen with granite countertops and breakfast bar with built-in blender, opens into large dining and living area, making this a great place for entertaining! Updated bathroom has double sink vanity with beautiful Corian countertops. This condo blends lovely original details, built-ins, and beautiful hardwood floors with the modern conveniences of wiring for surround sound, new windows, updated systems and fabulous cedar closet.

Additional amenities include private front deck, as well as access to gorgeous common backyard area; the perfect spot to enjoy your summer! Enjoy the convenience of a two-off street deeded parking, as well as being located within walking distance of the “T”. This condo is not to be missed!

5 Eldridge Unit #2, Jamaica Plain is being offered at $264,900. For more information on this property, please visit www.5Eldridge.com, or for a private showing, please call Erica Wallace (617) 762-3541 or email EricaWRemax@gmail.com oRE/MAX Real Estate Center, Boston

About Me- I've been "Meme'd" on Active Rain by Karen Rice - 5 Things You Didn't Know

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 02:27:38 -0500

I've been "Meme'd" on Active Rain by Karen Rice - 5 Things You Didn't Know About Me:

I got an email having been on Active Rain for all of 3 days and had NO idea what it was. Like everything here, it seems all you have to do is "search" and the information pours in - WOW is there a lot of information on what being "MEmed" is and what you have to do.

If I understand correctly I am to write 5 things about myself that you wouldn't know, and post it on the internet for everyone to now know....Then I am to link this blog to the original blog....sort of like a chain letter. And finally, I am to "meme" 3 more people so the fun never stops. Getting "memed" on Active Rain doesn't seem to be something anyone enjoys (Search "Getting Meme'd"& you will see what I mean). So I apologize in advance to the next three victims below. All in good fun : )

So here goes:

1. I had my 15 minutes of fame when Jay Thomas (The actor from Mork and Mindy, and Cheers who is now a realtor in CA & radio show host) had me on his Sirius Radio show for a brief guest appearance to talk about real estate and ran my name across the screen while I was on.

2. I had my own two hour radio talk show in college and worked at WEBE 108 in CT as an intern where I got to drive the WEBE 108 Mustang in a parade.

3. I love the Holidays, the decorations, the music, the whole nine yards - If my neighbors wouldn't kill me, I could happily live in a house decked out like the Griswold's in Christmas Vacation

4. I cannot cook - I'm not good at it and it totally stresses me out.

5. Fall is my absolute favorite season - but winter is a close second - love the cold, (Christmas again) & love to snowmobile. Every autumn, I fall in love with Boston and New England again. Going up to Lake Winnepesauke in New Hampshire this time of year to pick out a pumpkin and breathe in the mountain air is my favorite thing to do! I took this photo at a farm in Meredith last year.

Okay - It's Your Turn - My 3 People:

Ryan Hukill

Suzanne Sands

Mike Jones

My Grandmother Wants to Go "Home"- Giving Up a House You Love

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:29:32 -0500

As a Realtor, selling houses and condos day in and out, with many homeowners selling and upgrading quicker than they ever were, and working in Boston where the average homeowner spends 3-5 years in their first home, I don't have as much exposure to those people who have lived in their homes for years and years. I was reminded after visiting my grandmother recently of how important a house is, when it is truly a "HOME".

My grandmother had the most beautiful Victorian Home on Fairmount Hill (a really nice area in Boston). She is the reason I have such a passion for real estate, as at a very young age, we would walk daily through the neighborhood (where I now own my own place) and she would point out all the beautiful homes and details, and gardens, talking about what the rooms inside must be like, and telling me which family lived in each home. These walks are some of my favorite memories.

What's hard now is that my grandmother has Alzheimer's and while most of the time she is doing well, there are some days she is just so confused. She now lives in a condo-like community for the elderly. She opted to move to this community a few years back, feeling that after my grandfather had passed, being alone in an old house had many difficulties. With a long wait list at places like these, when they did call with an open condo, she had to make a quick decision, or the wait would have been another four years. She now has a bright corner unit at "Winter Valley" with lots of windows, and tons of light. Her pastel colored furniture brightens up what would otherwise be a "Vanilla Box" as we like to say. Her walls filled with family pictures bring life to the space, and her rocking chair with knitting basket fits right in as it had in her own home.

The other night we went out to dinner, and I was driving her back and like old times, again she was pointing out all the houses she loves, and now I am able to tell her which ones I have been in, and what the rooms like. At one point she said to me: "I always thought that as long as I could go on my walks, I Would never have to leave my home." I was so taken aback that I went into realtor mode - pointing how nice and bright her place was now.....how much easier it was to take care of a smaller space .....how much of a pain old houses can be...how things always need fixing etc. I meant all of it, but didn't want to face the truth of what she really was saying. She finally looked over and said: "I know it's nice, but I just really miss my home."

This broke my heart for so many reasons. She loved her home more than anyone I have ever known. She liked certain rooms at certain times of the day because of the way sunlight streamed in, or on a hot day she knew exactly which spot had the best breezes, she never missed watching a sunset from her kitchen window, and she was a welcome face for the commuters coming home on the train as she watered her garden every night. I was so naive to not see that no matter what her new small "condo" looks like, or how bright and sunny it felt - it just isn't HOME.

I guess I am just writing from the heart here...because I didn't know what to say to her then, and I don't what to say now. How do you help someone find the peace they felt in a home they truly loved, when for life's unfair reasons, they had to give that home up.

Was Asked Tonight: I'm putting you on the spot "Why are you in Real Estate" ....my answer came immediatley "Because I LOVE IT"

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 23:42:23 -0500

Was Asked Tonight: I'm putting you on the spot "Why are you in Real Estate" ....my answer came immediatley "Because I LOVE IT"

I had a business dinner tonight at a great restaurant with my business partner and a fantastic mortgage broker who had set the night up. He was looking to take us out, and discuss how we can each help the other's business grow, with the end result being that our clients receive the best service.

It was a wonderful dinner, and great conversation - and at one point, He asked point blank: "So Erica, don't think, just answer right now - why are you in Real Estate?" Without hesitating, I quickly responded: "Because I Love it". He appreciated my response - because like myself and business partner, he believes that unless you really love what you do, and have the passion for it, you won't be very good at it. He is one of the few people I have met that also selects Realtors he works with based on having similar ethics, values, and concerns of the client as a primary focus. This seems sort of basic and obvious, but in reality, we all know that there are far too many in this industry who do value these things. It goes back to the idea that "Like Attracts Like", and that if you surround yourself with people of like minds and values, you will only bring other positive people.

At the end of the day, I Really do just love this business. Are there times when it's stressful ...of course. Are there times where it seems impossible to not let business interfere with family/social life...yes. Are there times when the stress of being the solo income provider in a commission based business is a little much to handle....ummm yeah definitely.

But for all of it, there is nothing better than meeting new people, helping them get through difficult situations, seeing a first time buyer turn the keys of their first place, or watching how happy a family is that relocated to a community they didn't know until you brought them there. And for all of the crazy "Type A" personalities that exist in this wacky industry - I think one of the absolute best perks of all are the wonderful friends I have made in colleagues who share the same feelings, and quite honestly are just a REALLY FUN group of people. I can see already on ACTIVE Rain that I will come to find many more people I feel this way about.

Oh...and did I mention - the mortgage broker also paid for dinner.........just another perk : )

Is Taking Good Photos really all that Hard? Bad Photos In MLS are EVERYWHERE

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:04:29 -0500

I can't help but notice the amount of not just poor photos in MLS - but terrible photos!! With so much marketing of properties happening online, it is more important than ever to reflect your seller's home in the best light possible. I feel like it is our duty as Listing Agents to be working for the Seller's interest at all times. This comes into question when we have countless agents posting photos upside down, sideways, blurry, so dark you can't see a thing, etc..

I urge you to checkout Norm Fisher's Visual Tour of "Bad MLS photos" with his hysterically funny commentary. You will not be sorry.

Click Here - then click on "The Unbelievably Bad Real Estate Photography Tour Hall of Fame"

I feel like ending up on one of these "Bad MLS Photo" Lists or Blogs is similar to a celebrity ending up on the Worst Dressed List after having paid a fortune for a stylist to prevent that. Just shouldn't happen. Our sellers rely on us to market the home by not just throwing it all over the internet, but instead rely on our judgment and experience with buyers to carefully select photos and descriptions that reflect the best attributes of the home.

We really have no excuses anymore. I am not saying my photos are always perfect - but in a time now where you can SEE the PICTURE ON THE SCREEN as you take it, I really don't understand how these bad photos even happen. It was one thing if you had to go develop the film only to find out you made some mistakes. But in this age of technology and "instant gratification" - we see our results immediately. Just because our ability to turnaround photos has become so much quicker, the quality should not have to suffer.

Anyone else with me on this or am I being too picky?

And I will just leave you with this if you're still not sure what I mean: (courtesy of Fredric A Din (the poster-not photographer at http://www.reagentinct.com/category/bad-mls-photo-of-the-day/

Just When You Least Expect It.....

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:44:05 -0500

Just when you least expect it……A Referral!

I am not the best with car mechanics – but I thought that I would have no problem putting air in my tire. I had done it before, but never really felt like I was doing it right (always felt the tires were not really inflating very much). This time my tire was dangerously low (as several nice strangers pointed out to me throughout the day – so I stopped a the gas station on the way home to fill the tire.)

I had met my mother for dinner earlier and asked her if there was any “trick” to filling the tire correctly – Her response “It’s not like you can blow up a tire – just wait until you hear the “ding ding” sound and you’ll be all set. Sounded simple enough.

What a surprise when 20 seconds into putting air in my tire, it POPPED ….yes…POPPED….like a balloon – but way louder and a lot scarier.

Lucky for me, the valve that shot like a bullet over my shoulder didn’t hit me, and I was completely unharmed. I did manage to give the gas station attendant and surrounding neighbors quite the scare. One concerned employee came rushing over to make sure I was okay. I thought I had caused the tire to blow up so I was so embarrassed. The attendant pointed out that it was a “faulty tire” that was the cause, as I had only been using the air compressor for about 15-20 seconds. I told him I had been waiting for the “ding ding” sound. He looked at me quizzically – but said nothing. I later found out, that my mother apparently hasn’t put air in her tires recently either….like not since the late 80’s – since that was the last time air compressors went “ding ding” around here.

Anyway – the very nice and concerned employee wanted to make sure I was okay. We started talking and he noticed my REMAX Open House signs in my trunk as I unloaded everything from my trunk (my God – do I need to clean out my trunk!) to get to the spare tire.

Turned out this very kind stranger had a friend who is looking to buy a condo in the Boston area in about 6 months. He took my card, and gave me his friend’s contact information. I haven’t heard back from him yet – although I think I will – regardless it does go to show you that even in the most unlikely situations, you may find yourself in a position to get a referral. Like it or not we are always “working” even when a tire has just blown up in our face… : ) If it turns into more business it’s the silver lining of what would have been an otherwise negative experience.

Just Finished 100 Days to Greatness Brian Buffini

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:53:19 -0500

Hi Everyone,

I have just completed the Brian Buffini training program "100 Days to Greatness" through my RE/MAX office. I really enjoyed the experience, and the group meeting every week.

I was wondering for anyone else who runs their Business along the Buffini model or also recently finished this course - How do you stay focused on getting all the activities done. I know they offer coaching, but at this point, it's not in the budget right now. I have continued on with the CAP Program so I will keep up with the monthly mailing. I am just worried as things get busy, how I can keep myself on track.

Any suggestions in lieu of formally joining Buffini coaching - which I am planning on doing everntually? Thanks for your input!

Someone stole my Camera but not My Wand . . .

Erica Wallace (Hallmark Sotheby's International Realty) — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 22:46:25 -0500

So I went to see this woman who spoke at a RE/MAX conference named Amanda Gore. She was one of those very positive, over the top, fun, make you uncomfortable and pull you out of the audience, if you had the unfortunate experience of sitting in the front rows type of speaker.

She was very funny (from afar - I really hate when people pull you onto a stage to put bunny ears on you - seriously she did that to someone) ...Anyway - she is very good and has written some great books.

At one point, she suggested wearing bunny ears around the office and out with clients, as well as using a happy face finger puppet to spread endorphins, and make the grumpy people...well less grumpy. I can feel that I am starting to lose you - so hang in there. She then brings out her "Magic Wand" - I'm still being serious. Now she suggested that we bring this out and wave it around after clients sign a Purchase and Sale, or wave it over the head of our grumpiest co-worker, or client. Now, while I thought using the wand in this way (or any way for that matter) might undermine my professional image just a bit; I could not help loving the wand and wanting one IMMEDIATELY. It was pink, it was glittery….and ready for the best part, when you waved it – it made the coolest sound….like…I don’t know …a magic sound. She, being a salesperson herself, of course then mentions that you can buy this wand at her website.

Already I can hear my inner voice justifying my need to buy this wand. “Well I thought, it will a positive reminder of all this great speaker had to share, and I will remember her great lessons etc. etc.” Reality – I really liked it – it was pink, I’m a girly girl, and wanted to have it on my desk. If this behavior is confusing to anyone feel free to familiarize yourself with my previous posts which make mention of some other addictive habits & guilty pleasures - Tivo, reality tv, active rain, online shopping, and (gasp)…the home shopping channel).

So I admit, I went and ordered the wand. At the same time I ordered a digital camera (home shopping again! – Look we are Busy people!). They were both set to arrive at the same time.

Well they did – sort of. I live in Boston, and usually it’s not the best idea to have packages left on your doorstep. Although I had never had a problem before. This time however, someone moved my packages to the back of the house, and sliced them both open. I arrived home to find the empty box no longer holding my brand new digital camera. Also next to it was the box from Amanda Gore – the “thief” had opened that box as well – taken one look at the pink wand, and left it completely untouched. Do you have any idea how bad something has to be that a thief won’t even take it? A perfectly working brand new pink wand that made SOUND was left behind.

Needless to say I was very disappointed about the camera- but was refunded the money (again…gotta love home shopping). But I had the wand to make things bearable. Too bad it wasn’t magical enough to get the camera back. : )