Home Selling Tips For Novices and Experts

Are We Kidding Ourselves About The Value of Social Networking?

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:18:46 -0600

Is social networking an excuse for real face to face communication?

OK, I know this isn't a popular stance, especially since we are all "cutting edge professionals" and all that. However, I am having serious doubts as to the overall value from social networking vs. good old fashioned face to face networking. I have come to this conclusion after following several businesses who spend a lot of time tweeting facebooking, etc. to the point that I wonder when they are working on stuff that really matters to their clients/customers. Answer me this...how can a business that composestwenty tweets a day to a group of 140 followers, most of whom are totally unrelated to our area (many are in the 6,000+ followers club who have never read an actual tweet from anyone because they're so busy chasing tweets) have time to communicate with its own customers and potential customers?

Maybe it's just easier to zone out and compose endless social networking posts/tweets/etc. than to actually pick up a phone and face rejection.

Maybe it's just easier to pretent to be busy sending our message and never listening to a response.

Maybe it's just easier to send an email and not pick up the phone, fearing the response at the other end.

Maybe it's just easier to sit in our offices being Twitter Queens, talking about lunch and how many times our iphone apps aren't working than to follow up on information sent to our clients and customers.

Maybe it's just easier.

My children, now 18 and 20, are Millenials who have grown up distancing themselves from personal contact. They are comfortable communicating mostly through text messaging. They prefer not to talk on the phone as it can be awkward -- texting can be controlled much more easily. If the conversation becomes difficult, they can defer responding, blaming the inability to effectively communicate with a lost signal, forgot my charger, or the ever popular low battery.

So, I'm reconsidering my time spent with this new medium. That's not to say that I won't post what I consider to be meaningful information (at least I hope it is), but I will not use social networking as an excuse for other marketing and customer service. There, I've said it and I feel better. Please don't take any points from me.....

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

22 Hedgerow Lane, Amherst MA 01002 Home For Sale By Owner

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 07:52:18 -0500

This is your chance to live in the #1 college town in the U.S. ( "Top 5 College Towns in North America" featured on msn.com’s Encarta Web site ranked Amherst ahead of Berkeley, Calif., Montreal, Washington, D.C. and Boston)

Turn-key condition colonial-style home with wrap-around porch on cul-de-sac in wonderful family neighborhood. Walking distance to elementary, middle and high schools, and conservation trails. Located near the farm-zone in east Amherst, close to Amherst center and on bus route. Main level offers eat-in kitchen, formal dining area, living room, and powder room. Hardwood floors in kitchen and dining areas, wall-to-wall carpet in living room, tiled formal entryway. Wood clad sliding doors in dining area lead to back deck overlooking huge flat backyard - perfect for kids, sports, and/or future pool - backing up to conservation area. Second floor has three bedrooms and dual-sink full bath. Partially finished basement offers TV/play room, and separate laundry, utility and plenty of storage space. This beautiful home in a priceless neighborhood could be yours!

1450 sq. feet, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths (1 up, main), Gas heat, 0.28 acres, $4,882 annual taxes, Low-maintenance vinyl siding, Wrap around front-side porch, Separate back porch off dinning/kitchen areas, Huge back yard with multiple vegetable/fruit garden areas, 20 ft set-back from street, Black-top driveway w/4-car off-street parking, Beautifully maintained 16 year old colonial-style home.

This home is offered exclusively "by owner". The full listing, including a Virtual Tour slide show may be found here.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

22 Katelyn Way - Red Brook Estates Southampton MA 01073 For Sale By Owner

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:16:34 -0500

TAKE A LOOK - 3,000 square foot colonial with open floor plan and attached 2 car garage, nestled on .95 acres, built in 2007 and located at Red Brook Estates, an exclusive Southampton neighborhood.

With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, living room, family room, home office or 5th bedroom, second floor Master Suite with big walk-in closet and bathroom. Kitchen includes maple cabinets, 6' island and granite countertops. GE Profile appliances include: 4-burner electric cook top, oven/microwave wall unit, dishwasher, island with wine fridge - top and bottom refrigerator/freezer.

First floor has living room with gas fireplace, family room, office, dining room, kitchen and breakfast area. First floor ceilings are 9 feet with crown molding throughout. Hardwood floors throughout first floor.

Second floor has 4 bedrooms, laundry room and full bathroom. Carpet on second floor. Bathrooms and laundry have tile.
2 zoned - oil forced warm air heating system, including air conditioning and humidifier. Large backyard with irrigation system and 12 x 12 deck. House also has a security system and central vac.

Full listing (and owner contact)

View slide show

This property is being sold "by owner". Buyer's agents are welcome.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

The Emotional Aspect of Moving - Helping Buyers Get Unstuck

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:03:52 -0500

I have been providing marketing assistance to help a local builder sell condominium units in a new development in our area. I have designed a print and online advertising campaign, created an effective drip marketing campaign, designed a website, blog and online newsletter to capture search engines and to keep buyers coming back to the progress in the development. Our efforts have paid off and the first few units are now under deposit. Many more potential buyers have raved about the complex but have not been able to commit to purchasing a new home. What was preventing them from making the decision to move to the new complex...the economy? the amenities? the price? something else?......

What we determined after analyzing the data was that the biggest obstacle the builders faced was not competition from other condominium developments, it was the seller's inability to take the next step; to leave a home where years of memories and accumulation of "stuff" would potentially be lost. How could we get potential sellers "unstuck" and able to take the step toward downsizing their lifestyle and moving toward condo living. It was time to call the Diva of Downsizing....Moving Mentor!

We enlisted the help of Moving Mentor and Dr. Barbara Perman, a Move Management Consultant specializing in Senior Move Management to help us. We invited potential buyers who had visited the units to come to a special seminar called "Don't Downsize Your Life, Rightsize It". Dr. Perman was able to help the attendees open up, express their fears, concerns, and worries about the moving process while helping them to embrace the "Moving Mentor Mindset". In the end, they were relieved to know that they can have control over the moving process, bringing them a sense of renewed energy and positive focus to use in taking the next step. This is the first of a continued series of events planned. Stay tuned.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Local Western Mass Builder Kent Pecoy Selected for ABC's Extreme Home Makeover

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:19:21 -0500

As an member of the Western Mass Home Builders Association, I was thrilled to receive word that one of our members has been selected as the local company to complete a build for the ABC hit series Extreme Home Makeover. Kent Pecoy and the Pecoy Companies will construct a home somewhere locally in the Connecticut River Valley, which could mean in Connecticut or Western Massachusetts, I suppose. The build is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2009 and must be completed in ONE WEEK.

Hopefully, the project will benefit another local comany, The Restore, which was recently the recipient of many new items as the Pecoy Company took the reigns on a "deconstruction" project here in the area. In this case, Kent and company literally de-constructed a home piece by piece, donating as much as possible to the area Restore in Springfield Massachusetts before building a new home on the site. Instead of a tear-down, it was recylcled for a new use. Congratulations Kent!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Follow Through - It's Harder Than It Looks

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:59:06 -0500

I took tennis lessons years ago and remember spending hours just trying to hit the ball in the general direction of where I wanted it to go. My instructor was relentless. "Step, arm back, step, swing, step, follow through." It took me quite a while to learn the importance of following through on my serve. My two girls are, unlike their mom, both accomplished athletes and skilled basketball players. Over and over their coaches would yell, "Follow your shot, follow through, follow it up." Once they grasped that concept and incorporated it into their game, there was no stopping them.

In a world that is changing by nano seconds, it's easy to get caught up in the latest technology gimmick. I recently watching Rebecca Lobo (former U-Conn Husky turned ESPN announcer) use Twitter for the first time live at the Final Four (which U-Conn won, by the way!). She told the crowd she was "twitting", instead of "tweeting". I'm sure the Twitter gang loved that one. Oprah just devoted a whole show to Twitter. I've got a Twitter account, but I'm really bad at using it. I'm not really sure I want to use it, telling everyone what I'm doing 24/7 -- as if the world really cares!

Over the years working in sales and marketing, I have observed how small businesses, especially those involved in real estate (home building industry, agents, etc.) handle their own marketing. I found that small businesses are extremely vulnerable to a lack of follow through by adding new marketing tools without fully committing the time and effort it takes to maintain their presence.

My Top 5 No Follow Through (NFT) Check List:

Website Design: Template designs are becoming hugely popular but are not foolproof. Classic signs of NFT include:
- Oversized images
- Poorly chosen color schemes
- Use of animated graphics
- Inappropriately sized text
- "under construction" pages - or worse, the whole site is "coming soon"!!!
Website SEO:
- Page titles that do not clearly identify the page content. Check by looking above your URL window in your browser. Telltale signs of NFT are a home page that says "home", or all pages that are titled the same.
- Missing meta tags and keywords. Again, in your browser, click on View and find Page Source. This is the actual HTML code used for your website. Near the top you should see several descriptive keywords and a description of your page.
- Lack of placement - a great looking website must be found where people are looking. Placement in certain directories will help increase your visibility. Signs of NFT include incomplete company information or lack of website link.
Blog:
- Post regularly. A blog that hasn't been updated in several months looks abandoned. Having 5 outdated blogs is not as good as having one that is posted to on a regular basis
- Market your blog. Sure signs of NFT are blogs that are not included in appropriate directories that promote their existence
Social Networks: Twitter, Facebook, etc. If you think blogs are hard to keep updated, don't even start an account.
Online newsletters: Newsletters should be sent on a regular basis. Personally, I find that monthly works well for most businesses. Too frequent mailings can hurt your subscriber totals.

By taking the time to adequately follow through, we can craft and maintain a marketing plan that makes sense in today's crazy world of Web 2.0 technology. Which reminds me, I'd better Tweat this post!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Selling A Home During The Holidays

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:01:20 -0600

The decision to market your property during the winter holiday season really depends on your personal situation and lifestyle. One of the reasons people choose to sell "by owner" is to control the sales process, ie. showings, in order to maintain a balance between family commitments with that of a desire to sell their home. While some sellers decide to pull up the yard sign and eliminate all advertising expense during this period, that may not be the best solution. There are ways to continue to market your property whle still keeping your family priorites in the forefront. We have gathered many ideas from our successful home sellers over the years on selling during the holidays, and would like to share some of them with you.

Internet FSBO Advertising: The Internet has the capability of reaching a wide pool of buyers continually at a very nominal advertising cost. Use lots of pictures to help buyers see the interior of the home at its best. Rooms should appear clutter-free and staged for maximum buyer appeal. Regional for-sale-by-owner marketing services have a broad range of marketing options, many including local media as well as Internet advertising and can syndicate your listing over a broad network of the most popular websites used by agents and private home sellers alike. You may also use free online classified sites like craigslist or backpage to point buyers to your main website and photos.
Flat fee MLS: This might be a good time to think about adding the MLS to your marketing plan. Putting your home on the MLS in the off season will increase your exposure to the broker market and to buyers who may be viewing public websites such as realtor.com and others. Again, ask your regional FSBO marketing expert for help to determine whether this might be useful. Remember, unlike selling "by owner" using other marketing strategies, you are obligated to pay a buyer broker commission in order to list on the MLS.
Yard Sign: Some sellers prefer to take the yard sign in during the holidays in order to discourage drive by interest. Again, this is optional. If your yard sign has a website address rather than just your phone number, the buyer will most likely look online before calling you. At this point, you have a pretty motivated buyer who is requesting a showing.
Showings: Here is where using a calendar is a must. Block off dates when your home is not available for showings and mark "preferred" dates and times. We have found that most buyers are eager to accommodate your schedule, especially during the holidays. A word of caution: Never disclose to a potential buyer that you will be away. Use phrases like, "Our home will be available for showings on Wednesday and Saturday."
Open Houses: Some sellers have found that holding an open house during the holidays provides a perfect way to generate interest. Depending on your reasons for selling, inviting the neighbors in for a gathering might also serve a similar purpose. Make sure you have plenty of flyers on hand!
Social Networking: There is no better time of year for social gatherings than during the holiday season. Try printing up some business cards with a picture of your home and a link to your website address where you are advertising your property. As conversations unfold and your selling plans become a topic of conversation, offer to give them a card. A word of caution: Don't try this at the office Christmas party if you haven't told your boss you are leaving the state.

Should you decorate for the holidays? This is tricky. Holiday decorating is very personal and the number one rule about staging your home for the greatest buyer appeal is to remove all personal style. Buyers should not be distracted by decorations that overshadow the room. If you are going to decorate, try fresh greenery and candles and pack your singing Santa doorbell for your new home.

Don't forget safety factors during winter months, especially in areas like Western Massachusetts where we are located. Shovel and sand all walkways, steps and driveways and be sure to clear a path to your yard sign and information holder.

Remember, all it takes is one buyer to find your home and fall in love with it, even in these challenging economic times. If your home is priced fairly for the market (another great reason to sell by owner), has been prepared carefully and marketed to a wide enough pool of buyers, it will sell itself.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Belchertown MA Home For Sale - 267 Bay Road

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 10:27:28 -0500

FOR SALE BY OWNER:

This lovely Cape style home is located at 267 Bay Road in Belchertown Massacusetts and sits on almost 4 acres.

Check out the link below to view the owner's Virtual Tour and feel free to contact the owner directly to request a showing.

Buyer Brokers Welcome!

View Now!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Wanted: Experts in real estate investing - Western Massachusetts

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:28:50 -0500

Are you currently working with real estate investors?

Do you have expertise in the area of real estate investing?

Would you like to be considered for participating in a panel of EXPERTS?

We are looking for area real estate agents who consider themselves "movers and shakers" in the area of Real Estate Investing. If your market is Hampden/Hampshire/Worcester counties, and this sounds like you, we should talk. You can respond below or contact me through email for more details.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Good Morning America Whistle Stop Tour Comes To Springfield Massachusetts

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:00:06 -0500

Western Massachusetts will be welcoming Good Morning America this weekend as they make a stop in Springfield on their way across the country. Although I thought sure they'd visit the Big E, playing basketball at the Hall Of Fame isn't too shabby.

The train will be pulling up to the train station on Lyman Street in downtown Springfield on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 12:30.

Producers are looking for a large enthusiastic crowd to cheer on a basketball game between the 4 major anchors of GMA- Diane Sawyer, Robin Roberts, Chris Cuomo and Sam Champion.

People should be in place at about 12:00- no later.

What a great way to promote Springfield with national coverage!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Visit The Big E This Month - Eastern States Exposition - Things To Do In Western Massachusetts

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:19:07 -0500

Whenever I travel and mention to people that I am from Massachusetts, they immediately envision Boston. When I tell them that I live in Western Massachusetts, they look puzzled, like they're trying to search for a visual and can't quite come up with it. Western Mass has so many wonderful communities and offers a million things to do. One of my favorites is going to The Eastern States Exposition, or The Big E, as it is now known.

The Big E is a multi-state regional fair that takes place in West Springfield, Massachusetts each fall. For three weeks, the fairgounds are teaming with over 1-million visitors, many of whom return year after year from all over the country just to reconnect with the fun, food and activities that are only found here. A local radio station recently reported that over $7.5 million dollars is added to the local W. Springfield economy during this three week period alone.

So, what can you do if you go to the Big E? Here are some of my faves:

Standing in line for a Maine baked potato - a meal in itself
Finding the Tempura Veggie Stand - hey, at least they're vegetables!
Eating lunch and resting in the cool horse arena - great jumping
Almost coming home with an adopted Greyhound
Watching the chickens hatch
Picking up camping and inn brochures in all the state buildings
Patting the sheep - baaaaah
Sitting in the vibrating chair in the Better Living Center
Watching the chickens hatch
Trying to win a Morgan Horse - every year I tried!
Viewing the art exhibits
Walking the midway - no rides for me
Enjoying apple pie for desert
Watching the chickens hatch
Learning about llamahs - why can't I spell that?
Counting the piglets - must be at least 16, nursing from a giant sow
Coming home tired and happy.

If you've been to the Big E, what are your favorite memories? I'm sure I've forgotten some good ones!

Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner

2 Mechanic St., C-1

Easthampton, MA 0102

MA4salebyowner.com

and introducing. . . . . HomesByOwner.com!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner Now Owns Western Mass HomesByOwner.com

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 11:26:07 -0500

Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner Partners With HomesByOwner.com to further enhance private home seller options in Western Massachusetts. The addition of the HBO (HomesByOwner.com) website to our growing list of services positions our company to provide unbelievable exposure for home sellers, builders or investors wishing to sell without paying a commission.

We feel that, by combining our strength offering both local print advertising in "A Buyer's Guide to 4 Sale By Owner & Builder", exposure on MA4salebyowner.com, our top-ranked website focusing on the Western Mass region, and now HomesByOwner.com, we can provide our advertisers with a powerhouse of resources. Ad rates now begin at $49. per month, up to our $499./12 month package plan that includes enhanced listings on both websites, plus prime regional exposure in the buyer's guide.

An exciting new feature that HBO's Web 2.0 technology brings to the table is the ability to create an instant BLOG for a property listing, which is a stand-alone website that can increase search engine ranking. Also, HBO offers sellers a professional-quality HTML flyer through which a seller can post an ad on popular Online Classified sites like Craigslist.com. Both features are included in our enhanced listing packages.

In addition to exposure on MA4salebyowner.com and HomesByOwner.com, take a look at what sellers get:

The Internet is a powerful tool when combined with good preparation, the ability to price correctly for the market, and use quality local, regional and social networking tools. These tools, PLUS having the support and knowledge of a good local FSBO marketer spells SUCCESS. Is it any wonder that home sellers are finding it easier than ever to sell privately?

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

The Exclusive Agency Listing Contract - And The Winner Is ..........

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:28:56 -0500

A recent study by the Smeal School of Business (Penn State) concluded that while the most common listing agreement signed by home sellers and used by real estate agents is the Exclusive Right To Sell contract, "houses sell four percent faster under another agency listing contract-the exclusive agency listing."

This comes at no surprise to those of us involved in the for-sale-by-owner business. Competition builds urgency and an Exclusive Agency contract levels the playing field between agent and home owner/seller. Whose marketing strategy will work the quickest? Whose advertising dollars will be best spent for the desired result? Will the agent be able to put his/her commission at stake and risk losing any advertising dollars spent on the effort?

The study also pointed out the selling time was slightly less in the Exclusive Agency contract (by 4 days) and the average selling price varied by 1%, most likely due to the flexibility the seller had.

We have occasionally recommended an Exclusive Agency contract to our sellers who are pressed for time due to a major move out of the area, feeling that it would be a good compromise as they would end up needing to list with an agent when they would no longer be in the area. The difficulty seemed to be finding an agent who is willing to work under those terms.

Among the many new business models, this seems to be a "win-win" for sellers and agents who really work hard to get the job done.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

161 Burnett Street, Granby MA 01033 - Colonial Home on 2 acres - For Sale By Owner!

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:36:32 -0500

This beautiful colonial home was built in 2006 and is loaded with quality features! It features 4 or 5 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and is located on 2 acres of land.

View Slide Show online, Ad#H128450, or link HERE

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Fall 2008 Buyer's Guide To 4 Sale By Owner & Builder Now Available in Western Massachusetts

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:07:10 -0500

Our Fall 2008 publication, "A Buyer's Guide To 4 Sale By Owner & Builder" is now available for viewing ONLINE and we are beginning local distribution to businesses, restaurants, supermarkets, and other high-taffic locations throughout Western Massachusetts.

In this issue:

• Buying real estate by "short sale"

• MassReia meetings come to Western Mass

• PODS now available locally - with up to 10% discount

• Internet real estate scams on the rise

• The energy-efficient home

• Caveat Emptor - Indoor Air Quality Alert

• A Buyer's Wish List

• What families need to konw about senior housing

• Is your home ready for winter?

Attention, builders and home-related businesses!!! Be seen in the next edition - early ad placement receives FREE internet. For rates and availability, contact our office at 413-529-2970.

Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner

2 Mechanic St., Easthampton, MA 01027

413-529-2970

www.MA4salebyowner.com

VIEW NOW

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Moving In Western Mass? Discount on PODS

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:07:13 -0500

Searching for a new home is FUN. Visiting Open Houses is FUN. Moving is NOT FUN.

Take if from one who made 13 apartment moves before finally settling down. With each of my moves I ended up renting or hiring a moving truck and still remember the many problems I encountered on "moving day".

Wrong sized truck waiting
Air conditioning not working in truck
Moving company guys smoked and had trouble lifting items
Friends who promised to show up early on moving day were late
Friends didn't show up at all - ex friends now
Bad smell in truck
Non-stop packing, lifting and then having to drive and do it all over again
Rain all day
Snow all day
Very, very hot all day
Late getting truck back - $$$ more money
Couldn't find truck rental place

I wish that PODS had been around when I was a nomad. With PODS, I could have ordered a unit that would be delivered to my driveway on the day of my choice. I could take as much time as needed to pack it and still have access to all my stuff if I needed it. If I needed to just store stuff for a while, PODS would have come and taken it to their secure storage location until I was ready to have it moved. They would move my container anywhere I needed - across town or across the country.

We are pleased to bring PODS to Western Mass and offer ANYONE who wants to order their POD through us, up to a 10% discount on services.

To learn more and to order, link here.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Real Estate Commissions vs. For Sale By Owner - A Family Moment

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:07:01 -0500

In 2002, I was doing our first year-end sales figures, adding up the total commissions that our advertisers saved by selling their homes using our for-sale-by-owner service here in Western Mass. My very astute 12 year old daughter asked me what I was doing. I was at a loss for words for a moment, thinking of the scene in City Slickers, when Billy Crystal participated in Career Day at his son's school. He had the misfortune to follow a father who was in construction and had just saved someone's life and wasn't sure how to explain what he did for work at the local radio station. The class thought that he owned the station or maybe produced shows. As an advertising salesperson he quietly told them that he "sold air". A hush came over the crowd.

Well, getting back to my story...How could I explain what I did for work? I told my daughter that we saved people who sold their homes through us that year over $800,000. Her eyes got huge and she said, "You mean we made that much money?" I told her no, that the $800,000 would be what they would have paid to a real estate agent. She stared at me for a moment and quietly replied, "That's stupid. Why aren't you a real estate agent? The we would have had all that money." With a roll of her eyes, she left the room.

Since that time, my daughter has helped me out with countless marketing projects, and seems to enjoy helping out in the family business, but I have never forgotten her initial reaction to my newly formed business. Maybe Robin Hood heard the same stuff from Lady Marrion. Oh well.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Selling A Home By Public Auction

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:31:49 -0500

Going, Going, Gone! If you've ever been to an auction you know how exciting it is. The adrenaline starts pumping as the item you have been waiting for comes up for bid. The auctioneer begins his banter, and the first bid is offered. SOLD to the highest bidder . . . . .

I've been to country auctions under a tent. I've participated in benefit silent auctions - most recently the "Show Us Your Bra" gala event in Northampton, MA. I've been to horse auctions and cattle auctions in a barn. I know about real estate foreclosure auctions. Until this year, I had never heard about a public property auction held by a "private owner".

As a "for sale by owner" real estate advertising service, we're always open to new ideas and ways for people to sell their properties on their own. When a local auctioneer approached us about advertising his upcoming auctions, I needed to be educated about the process.

He told me that the owner can set a reserve amount to avoid selling too low, that buyer's must be pre-approved before bidding, inspections may be made before the auction, but properties are sold "as is", and buyer's pay a "premium", like a commission to the auctioneer that is stated in the auction rules. The whole event can be over in 10 minutes! Now, that's fast marketing.

So far this month, we have advertised three auctions - one has sold, one didn't and the third just went online today. Take a look! It would be interesting to know how real estate agents view properties that are for sale by public auction. Do they search these properties out for their clients or do they assume they are not worthwhile. All I can say is that we are pleased to help educate sellers and buyers about the auction process and help consumers learn more about cost-effective ways to buy or sell a home.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Massreia Investors Coming To Western Mass

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:56:39 -0500

Attention all real estate investors, landlords, flippers!

Thursday, August 7th - 6:00 PM - The Sheraton - One Monarch Place, Springfield MA

MASSREIA (Massachusetts Real Estate Investors Association) is coming to Western Mass. After much planning, a new sub-chapter has been created in response to the needs of investors in Western Mass area - Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berskshire counties.

We have been asked to participate as a Featured Speaker for the opening event, and will present "Pocket The Profit - Selling Solo In Any Market", tools and strategies for selling (and buying) properties "by owner".

Meetings will be held the first Thursday of every month at the Springfield Sheraton (One Monarch Place), beginning at 6:00 for networking, and followed by the meeting.First meeting scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2008. If you'd like more information, give us a call or log onto our website and join our newsletter for up to date information on these and other events.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

369 Crane Ave. Pittsfield MA - Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Home For Sale

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 09:13:40 -0500

#H128494

This architect-designed contemporary, set on almost an acre overlooking a golf course, is in the heart of the Berkshires. It would make an ideal retreat or year around home. The home is being sold "by owner" and is featured on our website. Feel free to view the Virtual Tour, map the property and call the owner directly for showing information.

View NOW!

Berkshire Mountain Views!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Western Mass Open House Weekend - May 17th & 18th

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Sat, 10 May 2008 08:17:05 -0500

We are excited to announce our first Western Mass Open House Weekend, to be held on Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th. Participation in the event is open to anyone currently selling "by owner" in Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin or Berkshire counties of Massachusetts.

Home sellers will be encouraged to download and offer visitors a special newsletter which will include all open houses included in the weekend, with addresses, the seller's name and phone number and a photo of the property.

Buyers who sign up for our Property Alert Notifications will automatically be given access to all open houses, along with mapping directions, Virtual Tours online and Print and Go property flyers

Agents who work with buyers are welcomed to attend the event, or pass along the information to their clients. If you are a real estate agent in Western Mass and would like to be notified of future Open Houses or other events we may hold, please feel free to email me or call and you will be added to our mailing list.

NOTE: Sellers who use our services are educated about the role of a buyer's agent in the sale of their home. They have been given information regarding how the commission may be paid and most are open to buyer agent participation. You will find that the majority of homes advertised through us have been carefully prepared for the market. Many sellers have attended one of our Home Seller Seminars and understand how important it is to prepare and price for the market. It is not unusual for our sellers to pay for a pre-market home inspection and professional appraisal, or occasionally hire the services of a home stager or professional photographer. To see for yourself, feel free to their Virtual Tours online.

Be sure to sign up to receive our Online Newsletters to learn more!

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Women Build 2008 - Springfield Massachusetts

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:22:50 -0500

Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner is pleased to lend our support to "Women Build 2008" project undertaken by the Greater Springfield, Massachusetts chapter of Habitat For Humanity. The Women Build 2008 campaign will get underway on Mother's Day weekend and will end next year at this time when the keys to a brand new home will be turned over to a deserving family in the Springfield area.

As a for-sale-by-owner real estate advertising service that is also a member of the Western Massachusetts Home Builders Association, we have had the opportunity to work with builders throughout our area, some of whom are accomplished female business owners and successful contractors. Statistically, women make up a very small percentage of those involved in the building trades. Through a special partnership with the Hampden County Women’s Correctional Facility, Women Build 2008 will provide low-risk incarcerated women the opportunity to learn building skills through on-site job training in the construction trade.

We would like to invite members of the Active Rain community as well as business owners throughout the area to join us in supporting the Women Build 2008 initiative. We are announcing the year-long event in our new Buyer's Guide To 4 Sale By Owner & Builder which will be distributed throughout Western Massachusetts.

If your company provides products and services to home buyers and would like to show your support for Women Build 2008, please contact us. Eligible businesses include: lenders, buyer's agents, home inspectors, attorneys, home furnishings, interior design, etc.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Buyer's Guide To 4 Sale By Owner & Builder

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:43:22 -0500

We would like to introduce our brand new publication this spring - The Buyer's Guide To 4 Sale By Owner & Builder. This brand new, unique digest-sized guide is the first of it's kind (that we know of anyway) and is representative of the changing world of real estate as it embraces the for-sale-by-owner concept, is focused on the buyer's need for accurate information and resources beyond what an agent might provide, and regional in its approach.

Featured in this informative guide will be articles pertaining to financing, regulatory changes in Massachusetts, how to work with agents (dual agency, buyer agents, etc), green building and remodeling, property tax tables, and a great Q & A section. For the first time we are inviting area buyer brokers/agents to participate with us, using display advertising, writing articles for the guide as well as our blog, and for our website.

Buyers will be able to learn about relocating to Massachusetts, particularly Western Massachusetts through a series of articles relating to our towns, cities and community events. A drop distribution is planned for 15,000 and the guide will be revised three times per year with seasonal content. While we are initially focusing on Western Mass., we may extend the guide (online at least) to other parts of Massachusetts.

If any buyer agents, lenders, home inspectors, builders, attorneys or others who commonly work with buyers and who are reading this post would be interested in talking with us about how to be included in a local guide, please feel free to email us or call. This is a pretty exciting time for those who operate within the real estate community and related services who are looking for a new way to attract buyers of their services and those not afraid to explore new avenues.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

110 Mosier St., South Hadley, MA 01075

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:16:06 -0500

H128448 - B&B Potential with Indoor Pool

• Stunning custom built home
• 850 sq.ft. professional office suite
• 6 bedrooms
• 3.5 baths
• 1.5 story barn - store your classic cars

.... visit our website to view the Virtual Tour and call the owner directly to request a private showing today!

View Now!

Note: This property is being offered directly by the owner. Massachusetts 4 Sale By Owner is an advertising and marketing company only and is not directly involved with the sale or purchase of real estate.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"

www.massmarketingresources.com

www.ma4salebyowner.com

www.mabuilder.com

Derrill's Race - May 4, 2008

Liz Provo (Mass Marketing Resources) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 08:01:23 -0500

The crocuses are up, I can see some bare grass and it's time to dust off those sneakers in time for Derrill's Race. Word has it that local teams are already forming and as the race's webmaster, we are receiving email requests for information and registration. Derrill's Race is a 5K Run-Walk charitable event held on the Manhan Rail Trail, right behind our office in Easthampton, Massachusetts. To my knowledge, the use of the rail trail (Easthampton's five mile bike path) as our race route is unique and its hard for participants not to take in the beauty of the Nora Valdez mural and sculpture as they begin their run. I love having my office border the bike path. Haley (my loyal office dog) and I are often found taking a noon walk along the trail, meeting neighbors and visitors to town along the way.

I love the sense of community that living in a small town brings and Derrill's Race is a perfect example of why Easthampton, along with other small cities and towns in Western Massachusetts, is now being looked at as a highly desirable area in which to live and work. When I chose Easthampton as home almost twenty years ago, it was based upon location - 16 miles from Amherst, where I worked at the time, and 16 miles to Springfield, where my husband worked. Easthampton was the logical choice for us. A lot has changed in the community over the years - we became a city, electing a mayor to replace our Board of Select"men". We reinvented our downtown, now home to nationally known artisans and renovated long-idle factory buildings into incubators for many small businesses, restaurants and artists.

Visit Derrillsrace.com for registration information.

Liz Provo, Mass Marketing Resources

"Virtual Marketing Assistance....and More"