Katie Van Nes ~ Keller Williams Elite Realty ~ Real Estate Blog

Introducing Brian Treliving to the Van Nes Group!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:47:09 -0600

ANNOUNCMENT!

We are so excited to have Brian Treliving on our team.

He brings to the team great ideas and energy! We are a month into this partnership with Brian and feel blessed to have him on board. The month has shown great success and that hasn't come without it's challenges.

Brian has shown tremendous resolve in what some would say were high stress situations. Let's face it! Real Estate can be stressful, with the longer hours and unpredictability of a negotiation, you never know....

But what I love about having Brian on our team is the way he has grasped our systems and models, both in Keller Williams Realty and in the Van Nes Group - and he's run with them.

Thanks Brian ~ it's great to have you as part of our team!

Katie :)

Internet Lead Generation ~ Thanks Keller Williams Elite!

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:12:37 -0600

A great big thank you to KW Elite! I really enjoyed teaching Internet Lead Generation to the class today, you guys were great and thank you for your participation.

I wanted to share ---

We had a discussion today regarding what I would call Link Backs. I looked into this a bit more because I thought that there was so much more on this topic to explore. Sure enough I found many different definitions and explainations of what this means to link with another website. Here is some of what I found... to name only a few

A reciprocal link is a mutual link between two objects, commonly between two websites to ensure mutual traffic.

Multi-way linking is a technique used for website promotion whereby websites may create similar one-way links that each involves 3 or more partner sites. This provides each website with a one-way non-reciprocal link. This technique has evolved from reciprocal linking. The latest search algorithms have evolved to hold less favor towards websites that contain a high percentage of reciprocated links, and a higher favor towards websites that maintain a high level of incoming non-reciprocated (one way) links. How to filter out excessive reciprocal link schemes is even being mentioned in anti link spam patents.^[1].

The term multi-way simply refers to the fact that the link exchange is between 3 or more websites, however each link is singular by only pointing to one other website. Other means of linking that may increase your web presence may also include other indirect methods such as loading images, videos, content or RSS feeds from a third partners website.

Link campaigns are a form of online marketing and SEO. A business seeking to increase the number of visitors to its web site can ask its strategic partners, professional organizations, chambers of commerce, suppliers, and customers to add links from their web sites. A link campaign may involve mutual links back and forth between related sites, but it doesn't have to require the reciprocation of links.

So as a result of my research, I am on a mission to find websites in Canada dedicated to real estate, that are free to post in their Realtor Directory, and free to post my listings...

So far I've found these four websites, and they seem to be free, however the third one does require... YOU GUESSED IT! ~ A Link Back to their site! LOL

http://www.homezilla.ca
http://www.realestatechannel.ca
http://www.openrealestate.ca
http://www.snapuprealestate.ca

Any more suggestions...?

Introducing TapaderaEstates.com

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:02:07 -0600

I am so pleased to announce that we have a new domain name for Tapadera Estates.

You may be wondering why this is so exciting... It just so happens that nearly two years ago I tried to buy www.TapaderaEstates.com and it unfortunately was not available. I looked it up and I'm not even 100% sure where it was owned/located.

BUT... Jennifer our wonderful Office Manager was online the other night... and found it was now available!!!!!

{Much to my mother's dismay ~ we were having a web domain purchasing spree!!!}

Do you ever get those!?

Lets all say it together....

We love buying Domain Names

Long time no see ~ missing the rain...

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 02:35:04 -0500

It feels like a lifetime has passed since I've written something worthy of 'the Rain'...

The early spring brought many changes, and if you asked I would without a doubt say I LOVE CHANGE! And I'll add that I find it hard to believe anyone would not love change... maybe I suffer from being a mover and a shaker and change allows me to feel one with my environment :)

I find calm in the chaotic... and am often at my best when I'm in the throws of a challenging situation!

Moving from a single agent to the Rainmaker of a wonderful, vibrant team at Keller Williams Valley Realty in Abbotsford BC was without a doubt the best decision I have made this year to date, not to mention extremely well timed. When other teams and companies were making cut backs my focus was growth. I felt that growth in a down market would give us the opportunity of time. Time is a grace that a fast paced market doesn't allow for. We have taken this grace and implemented systems and procedures. Meeting weekly to go over our goals, individually and as a team, not leaving out the personal goals that are so important... the reason why we work as hard as we do.

Never for a moment have I thought that business would be better without these wonderful ladies, Sita Mulder (Buyer Specialist) and Jennifer Lal (Technology / Admin Extraordinaire). Having an opportunity to truly specialise, to focus and hone in on our own individual strengths has brought about a tremendous realisation of our weaknesses... and it is realising those weaknesses in ourselves and sometimes in each other that lends us to growth.

When others fear growth... Think opportunity to grow.

The roots of a tree expand to the reach of its branches.

Wow - Another Great listing in East Abbotsford!

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:44:46 -0500

New Listing! 34462 Marcliffe Place, Abbotsford, BC - ONLY $519,700 INCLUDING GST!

Carefee family living at the Quarry! Fully finished basement entry style home quality built by E. Schmidt Construction. Chef's dream kitchen with a huge granite island (will seat five!), large dining area and double sided floor to ceiling rock F/P with custom built in millwork. This brand new home features beautiful crown molding, high quality 3/4 inch hardwood flooring throughout the main and luxurious carpeting in the 4 bedrooms. Finishing second to none! This energy smart home features 2x6 construction, low E windows, high efficiency furnace and hot water tank. Enjoy year round bbq's on your South facing partially covered patio featuring natural gas hookup. Fully landscaped lot. Move in today! Call me for more information at 604.855.8228

New Listing in East Abbotsford!

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:57:26 -0500

Just Listed: #7 35035 Morgan Way - $369,900

LEDGEVIEW TERRACE! Great 40+ complex offering panoramic views of the Valley and North Shore Mountains. Well designed layout featuring over 1500+ sqft and Master bedroom on the main level. Spacious walkout basement features a large recreation room, hobby/storage room and a great view of the Valley! New Japanese Maples to be planted. Brand new roof. Views from both levels of the home. Got an RV? This home comes with one RV parking space. Private East Abbotsford location close to Ledgeview Golf Course and recently updated Abbotsford Rec Centre. Must view to appreciate. Call me for more information at 604.855.8228

Great Family Home in East Abbotsford - Awesome Cul-de-sac location!

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:10:22 -0500

Don't be a Secret Agent

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:53:10 -0500

We all know we need to market ourselves so remember to promote yourself everywhere, and be unique.

Most of us have the same old advertising and the same as everyone else's.

Try something new and different.

Think about your responses when you are talking with clients/customers. If you meet or hear from someone new ask them "What did you hear about me?" not "How did you hear about me?" You will get way more info this way and maybe you can incorporate some of it into your marketing and promotional material.

Don't say "I did 100 hundred transactions/ends" - why not say "I was involved and assisted / helped 100 families move into their new homes" or whatever it is ........... it is far more effective. They don't care if you are Mr. or Mrs. #1 in Canada but they do care that you can help them.

When people ask you how you are doing or how business is, always be positive and upbeat. They don't want to work with someone who is negative or struggling or down in the dumps. Be upbeat and positive and for goodness sakes don't listen to those negative people around you! There are opportunities out there. Let your clients and customers know that you are in control, doing great and it will make them want to work with you. Keep your sense of humour!

Don't be a Secret Agent.

People love real estate and they want to talk about it. Where your name badge or the REALTOR pin when it is appropriate which is pretty much all the time unless you are partying or going to have road rage or something like that.

Abbotsford Business ~ Reaction Fly & Tackle

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 23:30:32 -0500

I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Opening a week ago for Reaction Fly & Tackle at their New Location, a 3000 sq ft store, #107 2054 Whatcom Road, Abbotsford, BC, V3G 2K8.

For local business owners, and recipients of Abbotsford's Chamber of Commerce ~ Customer Service Excellence Award, Terry Skipper and Derick Van Nes, this move was the logical next step.

Reaction is with out a doubt the place to go for fishing tackle and apparel, whether locally in the Lower Mainland, at their Logan Lake location in the Logan Lake Lodge at 111 Chartrand Ave or shopping online.

The new 3000 sqare foot store houses apparel from many top of the line sporting apparel brand names.

This local business has taken customer service to the next level by offering classes on various topics. Take your time to browse through the upcoming events and take an opportunity to learn something new and improve your fishing savvy.

Rod Building

"It's one thing to catch a fish on a fly you've tied. It's a whole new sense of accomplishment to catch a fish on fly you've tied with the rod you've built." ~ Anonymous

Instructor Terry Skipper will guide you through every step of the rod building process. Start with a bunch of parts and end up with a customized work of art - just in time for trout, bass, and salmon seasons. Limited seating means you'll get plenty of attention. It also means you had better book your spot today.

Advanced registration required. Each student is responsible for their own rod building materials and supplies-a complete list will be provided.

Cost: $60
Required: Materials and supplies (list provided)
Dates: April 7, 14, 21, 28
Time: 6:00pm
Location: RFT Abbotsford

Chironomid Fishing Basics

Chironomids are a staple food for trout around the world. If you haven't used chironomid stillwater methods before now's your chance to learn from one of the best. Join professional guide and FlyMax Films contributor Matt Moisley as he steps you through a classroom session on entomological fundamentals (fancy term for life cycle and habits), location, presentation, and tying chironomids. Followed up with a half-day on the water session at Mill Lake.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to register.

Cost: $75 / person
Limit: 12
Dates / Times: 15 & 18 April 09
Location: Wednesday @ RFT Abbotsford, Saturday @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio

Book your spot for a 2 day on the water Spey Casting Workshop with Chris Seipio (see bio below). Bring your favourite stick or use one of ours, and learn from one of the absolute best. Whether you're ready to get started and know nothing about spey casting, or need an expert to tweak your technique this is a must attend

With only 6 spots available, Chris is able to give ample time to everyone. Plus the course is conducted at a beach with plenty of room.

Chris is a certified Master Caster with the Federation of Fly Fishers and does numerous guest speaking engagements and over 30 fly fishing schools each year.

Chris has fished in Iceland, Alaska, Cuba, Mexico, Florida, Hawaii, the South Pacific and Europe. He was a fishing guide for over 8 years and has caught virtually every species of fish on the fly in Canada. His wide range of knowledge on the technical elements of the sport and his ability to implement them has resulted in several invitations to be part of the Canadian Fly Fishing Team and represent Canada at the World Games.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER TODAY. There are only a few spots left so don't delay!

Cost: $295
Limit: 6
Dates: April 18 - 19
Location: Fraser River

Fly Fishing 101

"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing."
~ Norman McLean, A River Runs Through It

Find out what it's all about in this two part course where we give you the head knowledge (terminology, equipment, etc) and then the basic skills to fling a fly.

Once you've fly fished, and anyone can do it, you will be hooked. It is an art and a science, a pastime and a passion.

Call the store at 604-870-3591 to REGISTER.

Cost: $95 / person
Limit: 6
Dates: TBA
Location: Classrom @ RFT Abbotsford, Practicum @ Mill Lake, Abbotsford

Shift into Overdrive ~ Coming to the Fraser Valley!

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:11:05 -0500

St Patrick's Day Shenanigans! ~ All Welcome!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 03:09:02 -0500

Tell Me Somethin' Good! ~ Wow ~ Clint Swindall

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 23:20:01 -0600

I had the absolute pleasure to be one of thousands of real estate agents at Keller Williams Family Reunion in Orlando, Florida. My Monday morning was blessed by an amazingly simple and encouraging message.

This year's Keynote Speaker, Clint Swindall, picked up on that note, and was pitch-perfect in his delivery. The main theme of his presentation was the idea of "engaged leadership."

Clint cited some Gallup Poll statistics concerning the behavior of people within any organization:

- 26% of any organization is comprised of people who are defined as "engaged" in the activities and goals of that organization. They are loyal, productive team members who take ownership in their job.

- 55% are people who are defined as "disengaged." These folks do only what is asked of them, and take no initiative beyond their assignment.

- 19% are "actively disengaged." Meaning, they are a negative force within the organization, and actually work actively against the activities and goals of that organization.

Clint's question for all of us is "where do you fall?" And, if you want to ultimately succeed (particularly in a challenging environment), where do you need to be? The answer is obvious, you need to be in the 26% who are "engaged."

Simple enough, right? But it takes work. Clint's central point is you must be personally engaged, before you can be professionally engaged, and he offered some simple steps to starting on that road:

#1 "Keep an eye on the good stuff" - What you start the day with, usually dictates how you end the day. When you start with positivity, you tend to be more productive.
#2 "Create a culture of celebration" - You have to be willing to look for things to celebrate. Anticipate celebrating achievement, and you'll achieve.
#3 "Stop being right all the time" - Every time you have be "right" with someone, that person by definition has to be "wrong."
#4 "Be true to your character" - Leadership talent is nothing if people question your character.
#5 "Keep it all in perspective" - Even in a challenging business environment, your life is an overwhelmingly positive experience. 50% of the world's population live on less than $2.50/day. By comparison your life is rich beyond compare.

Clint's final piece of advice ... before you go looking for "new" ideas to build your life on, get the "old" ideas right first.

Your success is driven by your choice to succeed. Which is why we're all here at Family Reunion. We've made that choice to redefine/revisit the simple, teachable activities that lead to success.

I'm always amazed by the quality of speakers at Family Reunion. Clint Swindall did not disappoint.

Retail Business Opportunity! Owner's 3brm Suite Above!

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:53:43 -0600

Retail (Com) at 1862 No. 9 Highway Agassiz

Search All MLS Listings | See More Listings | See Full Listing Details

Description:

Commercial Opportunity in central downtown Agassiz. This is a well known Landmark in Agassiz. A movie theatre converted into a studio with spacious owners suite above includes kitchen, family room & three bedrooms. A potential of two separate lease spaces! Ranging from a workshop or studio to an ice cream parlour! Great street front location, excellent signage and foot traffic here, the possibilities are endless.

For inquiries, please contact:
KATIE VAN NES
KELLER WILLIAMS VALLEY REALTY
1 (604) 855-8228
http://katievannes.com

The Pines ~ RANCHER WITH A VIEW ~ #11 3457 WHATCOM Road Abbotsford

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:10:22 -0600

AMAZING RANCHER WITH A VIEW ~ No Backyard Neighbours

Search All MLS Listings | See More Listings | See Full Listing Details

Description:

The Pines. Beautiful Cascade plan by Su Casa Design Inc. Over 2800 finished SqFt Rancher with walkout daylight basement. Mbdrm with a fantastic view, bdrm/den & laundry on main floor. Two bedrooms and full bathroom finished in the basement.In time to choose your colours and flooring. Neighbors to one side of this lot and a landscaped area on the other. Enjoy watching the sunsets from your partly covered balcony. Much to be appreciated and beautifully finished by DKT Homes. Photos and virtual tour are of the showhome.

Floor Type Dimensions

Main F.	Kitchen	13'2 x 12'
Main F.	Great Room	13'2 x 17'8
Main F.	Dining	10' x 12'
Main F.	Master Bedroom	13' x 14'10
Main F.	Bedroom	10'6 x 12'2
Main F.	Patio	13'8 x 11'
Bsmt	Bedroom	12'4 x 13'2
Bsmt	Bedroom	12'4 x 12'10
Bsmt	Recreation Room	23'2 x 18'

For inquiries, please contact:
KATIE VAN NES
KELLER WILLIAMS VALLEY REALTY
1 (604) 855-8228
http://katievannes.com

Recreational Lot ~ #39 14600 MORRIS VALLEY Road ~ Tapadera Estates

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:36:00 -0600

Land Only at 39 14600 MORRIS VALLEY Road Mission

Search All MLS Listings | See More Listings | See Full Listing Details

Description:

TAPADERA ESTATES - This lot is zoned for use as an RV or a Park Model Lot. Located on the Harrison River in Harrison Mills, BC just 17 miles East of Mission off Lougheed on the road to Hemlock Ski area. Activities include fishing onHarrison River, relaxing at the clubhouse with indoor pool and hot tub, golfing at the Sandpiper measuring over 7000 yards with a championship rating of 74.5. You could live in Tapadera all year round or park your RV/Trailer here, bringing your boat out on weekends for fishing - Boat launch on river. "Enjoyable Living" - Next to the beautiful River Reach, Eagle Point and Harrison Lane at Sandpiper. It's obvious the new caretakers take pride in living in Tapadera Estates.

$59,900 - 39 14600 MORRIS VALLEY Road Mission (Mission, Lake Errock) V0M 1A1

For inquiries, please contact:
KATIE VAN NES
KELLER WILLIAMS VALLEY REALTY
1 (604) 855-8228
http://katievannes.com

Where's your SPACE?

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 04:22:57 -0600

Where do you reside as a Realtor in your community?

For over a year I have worked from my home office, which I love to bits.

Here I have everything I need to run my business in the way I like ~ Going into our KW office for meetings, training, floor duty and office tour, but never formally to my very own office space.

In a market where it seems many Realtors are cutting costs and expenses, moving home and leaving their office space behind to collect dust... I found I had a strong desire to get more involved in the comings and goings of KW Valley Realty.

What was holding me back? Thoughts of:

Can I afford it?
Would I put it to good use?
Is this the best use of my time?
I do most of my calling while driving...
Are there too many distractions at the office?

I decided that what was holding me back was really just a self limiting belief. A belief that I shouldn't formally have a space outside of my home, to call my own! This is crazy! It sounds crazy to me, yet I kinda thought it... To commit to my career, may mean to lose flexibility ~ after all that is what I really love about selling real estate.

Or maybe a belief that I hadn't earned it yet... that was possibly more so the reason ~ My productivity level needed to WARRANT the move???

The responsibility of being accountable, daily time blocking my hours of productivity, and doing so in a manner that is separated completely from the many distractions (and comforts) of home fills me with a nervous excitement.

Does this mean no more weekly coffee group with 'Mommy & Me'?

Now that I've made the MOVE... which seemed like more of a LEAP, I'm extremely pleased with the results!

I've added 9 hours a week of lead generation and I come home at the end of the day with a sense of really having accomplished many of the things that contributed to my 'night owl' syndrome before.

With that being said we are taught to LEAD WITH REVENUE!

If sending flyers out to a certain area brings you business, then that is $$$ justifiably spent.

But in this case I didn't know what I didn't know!

I didn't know that being in the office not just cost me money, but directly effected the way I do business. I will treat every minute more golden from this point forward

Wordless Wednesdays ~

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:54:38 -0600

Valentines Day Fun @ KW Valley Realty

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:33:24 -0600

This just makes me laugh every time I see it!
LOL Lots of Fun :)

ANNOUNCEMENT ~ Family Reunion Contest Winner ~ Keller Williams Valley Realty

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:01:54 -0600

WOW! This was a very exciting Office Contest ~ for any of you who are trying to think of different Productivity Challenges in your office THIS WAS A GREAT ONE!

And not just because I won! LOL...

The truth is that this seemingly simple office productivity contest amp up my participation and enthusiasm for Keller Williams Valley Realty. Let me give you the low down. The contest ran from September 1st 2008 to December 15th 2008. The grand prize was a paid trip to Orlando Florida, flights, hotel and admission to Keller Williams Family Reunion! (Family Reunion is an educational, inspirational & networking conference held yearly, for all KW Agents and Realtors from other brokerages interested in high octane learning and networking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Points were earned by:

Attending an office meeting
Going on office tour
Participating in a KW Educational Event
Teaching a KW Educational Event
Listing a property
Selling a property
Attending a floor duty shift
Introducing an Agent to Keller Williams Valley Realty

The results were surprisingly overwhelming, with many agents jumping to cover a floor duty shift, within seconds of an 'ALL PAGE', increased class sizes, and increased listings taken :)

We tried to even the playing field by requiring teams to split their points on listings taken and listings sold. Ultimately the goal to increase productivity and participation within our office was greatly achieved!

Thank you to our 2008 ALC (Agent Leadership Council) for approving and implementing a great contest!

If you're going to FR in Florida in February ~ safe travels ~ Hope to see you there :)

Ottawa In Autumn ~ What an Adventure

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:45:50 -0600

The sun was shining today, and even though we still have a chill in the air, here in Abbotsford, BC, I was reminded of my recent trip to Ottawa.

Well not too recent, it was in Autumn 2008 and 'O'Canada' ~ 'Oh so Beautiful.'

Do you ever feel that life is getting a little too crazy, the pressures of having to produce and doing what it takes to be successful weigh on your mind and body and spirit?

Sometimes you just have to get away, gain some perspective! Go to the spa, that sort of thing!

And that is exactly what I did!

I was at an open house, it's a regular thing for me, at a development just down the road from my house.

Thursday - Sunday 1 - 4!

I was thinking... (On a Thursday, there's a bit of time for thinking!) 'If I go away for a day or two, spa day, catch up with friends!' 'Maybe I could even attend a Keller Williams Training Event, network, referrals, get out of my comfort zone a little'

I went online to Keller Williams University and thought well the largest Keller Williams office in CANADA is located in Ottawa, the Bronson office! I have a friend in Ottawa that was just about to have her 35th Birthday! It all seemed too easy.

So tickets booked and a phenomenal course selected, Buyer and Seller Mastery ~ taught by Rick Geha. Easy as that, I hit the spa on Thursday! Went to the KW Course on Friday! There I met Mary-Anne Gillespie who was so hilarious and great to talk to, Mary-Anne was kind enough to take me to a local watering hole Friday night as well, what a blast.

I took myself on a tour of Ottawa on Saturday, in high heels ~ armed with a handbag & my iPhone.

I was searching for beauty & light!

I captured so many great shots of this wonderful city in it's glory.

Two hours later, it was time for a break... enough walking... so I treated myself to high tea at a beautiful hotel ~ Fairmont Chateau Laurier, wow what a treat and next to impossible to eat all the delicacies.

It was out on the town with some friends from New Zealand Saturday Night! And home on Sunday in time for Thanksgiving.

What an adventure!

Mission accomplished, and much fun had!

Ottawa is beautiful, saving a perfect Autumn day just for me.

Amazing and any wonder I didn't come back more exhausted than when I left.

The only problem is now I think I'm completely and utterly hooked to attending courses outside my region.

An Apple A Day ...

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 06:21:04 -0600

I have a secret... I love apples... Green, fresh & cold apples!

I eat apples in the morning, on the way to take listings, on my way back from taking the listing, even as I'm walking into the restaurant to have lunch with fellow Realtors! LOL
My colleague Jen Lal has noticed my affinity for eating apples. To question 'why' is to ask why a Zebra has stripes... really...

Our apples are our great ideas,the ones that set us apart from the rest. I'm sure if we're like minded then you know what I mean! As Realtors we are continuously on the go, from here to there, getting to the office, getting to the appointment.
We time block and then we are left with the challenge of sticking to our schedule. If you erase you must replace. That sort of thing... and it doesn't stop, not even for a good idea

If you ask me the process we take with cultivating our ideas, and sharing them with others isn't too far off the idea of planting a seed and watching it grow!

Eat an apple, Save the core.
Plant the seeds. And grow some more.

We have the ability to effect each others lives through the way we conduct our businesses. While driving around our cities we come up with so many interesting and wonderful ideas for our businesses, our offices. Some of these thoughts would be better once shared.

Ten red apples grow on a tree, five for you and five for me.
Let us shake the tree just so, And ten red apples will fall below 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.

Once an idea is shared there is MORE for everyone.
Even when everyone has taken a bite, there are still seeds left to be planted.

This is beginning to sound like I'm about to break out in song or something... and that wasn't my intention. Just my thoughts. Actually it's beginning to remind me of a play we did in grade 4, Johnny Appleseed.

Johnny Appleseed spent 49 years of his life in the American wilderness planting apple seeds. Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman. He created apple orchards in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio. After 200 years, some of those trees still bear apples.

Johnny Appleseed's dream was for a land where blossoming apple trees were everywhere and no one was hungry. A gentle and kind man, he slept outdoors and walked barefoot around the country planting apple seeds everywhere he went.

Johnny was a friend to everyone he met. Indians and settlers liked Johnny Appleseed. His clothes were made from sacks and his hat was a tin pot. He also used his hat for cooking. His favorite book was the Bible.

I have another secret... I love ideas... Wonderful, new & innovative ideas!

Howdya like them apples?!...

Wordless Wednesdays ~ My winter wonderland

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:08:22 -0600

Adopt a Client???!...................

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:09:21 -0600

Armed with the utmost enthusiasm, a craving for learning and hunger to be taught, I have been on a mission to learn all things REAL ESTATE! Yeah baby! LOL. Focusing on surviving in a SHIFTING MARKET, and joining all groups / calls / coaching / meetings / classes / tours etc.

Last night I was listening to a coaching call from my archives, thank Heaven's for all things mp3... love the iPhone... Anyway, my coach on the call said that most clients would prefer to do business with the REALTOR that sold them into the house. However, he mentioned that 4 out of the 5 clients will not be kept in touch with by that REALTOR, the one who they worked with to get their home???

I know we are all great REALTORS and that this doesn't apply to us, Right! We all do our absolute best to stay in touch with all of our BUYERS. BUT think about it... you maybe the one in five that does!

So let me ask, because this is completely new to me, have you ever thought of 'ADOPTING A CLIENT'!?

I can think of may a time I've been there to hand over the keys and the BUYER's REALTOR hasn't been able or bothered to show up...

Should you include that buyer in your database, include them in your marketing, and mass mailouts? What about specific mailouts, your direct marketing? Possibly not if the agent was from your office, that's not cool. What if they are on of the 4 out of 5 people that fell through their Realtor's cracks?

It's about creating top of mind awareness, right?

My coach went on to say that, when you sell a listing, and the BUYER is represented by another REALTOR you should then include that buyer, after the closing, into your database... thus beginning to market to them. He referred to it as 'ADOPT A CLIENT'!?

However this is for you to decide. At the moment, I'm on the fence.

Speechless Sundays

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:58:35 -0600

Take your website and run with it...

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:13:21 -0600

It was not so long ago when even having a website was a big deal. And now that so many of use have one. It's more a question of 'Now what are you gonna do with it?' What sets your site apart from the rest.

While throwing some ideas back and forth today with a colleague, I thought about what I was doing to create BUYER TRAFFIC! In a shifting market, I have to say ~ Love the Buyer! And the Seller too of course, but with fewer pickings, I'm thinking GET IN THE PATH OF THE BUYER!

That isn't an original thought I assure you, it's been said before... for sure.... but what may be somewhat original, at least I'd like to think it is (even just a little?? humour me...) That is taking your site and creating a page to feature your listings (or all the listings, if you don't have any yet) from that area / subdivision / apartment building / trailer park / waterfront that you love so much.

So you're a MARKET EXPERT, right? Well, an expert in what, where? Think about it, create a page on your site, and change it up a bit... it doesn't have to be all cookie cutter & matchy matchy.

Let's take it one step further and say for instance BUY A DOMAIN NAME, shoot buy seven. Point them all to their corresponding specific page on your site for direct and instant gratification of what the Buyer is looking for.

You'll be a star and the expert you so know you are.

For example my home page is crisp and clean and I would like to think that this 'look' flows through the majority of my website http://www.katievannes.com

However I listed a 19 house development. And even though they have their own, expensive and professionally done website http://www.highlands-homes.ca- I created a page on my site to look in keeping with the developers colours and style... combining my branding and theirs, and fed my addiction of purchasing domain names. I purchased www.pinesrealtor.ca and www.highlandsrealtor.ca and pointed both domain names to the page I created named pinesathighlands.html http://www.katievannes.com/pinesathighlands.html

Similar but different enough.

Let's take it a step further. What if you have an area you'd like to farm... whether you currently have listings, you can add buttons on the page that are linked to specific search criteria. For example, a search criteria of being For Sale on X,Y,Z Streets.

I can refer to my Auguston page. I live in Auguston... so I just had to purchase http://www.augustonrealtor.ca , http://www.augustonrealtor.com , and http://www.augustonrealty.ca and you guessed it... pointed them all to the page I created on my website called auguston.html http://www.katievannes.com/auguston.html

There are detached homes and townhouses in Auguston, and if there is one for sale, no matter the listing brokerage it is pulled when a buyer clicks on one of my tabs or buttons, because I've assigned a custom search to the image.

Think about it... Feedback & Questions welcome :)