Jessica's Blog

Slide:ology,

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:19:03 -0500

Yeaaaaaaaaaaah! I finally won something! All thanks to blogging.

I am not sure how I stumbled upon Duarte Design, but these people quickly became my "PowerPoint Mentors". Duarte Design create presentations for Fortune 500 companies, and people like Al Gore. They are the aficionados of presentation design. When you have nothing better to do check out their portfolio.

Anyways....I subscribed to their blog which ran a contest for a new idea to replace this old cliche, "Susie Customer Service" we all know her from commercials and ads. I am even guilty of using her.

So I submitted my ideas for her replacement and was randomly selected to win an autographed copy of:

"Slide:ology" The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
by Nancy Duarte.

I cant wait to read this book. If you regularly give PowerPoint presentations, or any kind of presentation I would recommend checking this book out. It not only gives you the "how to's" but also diagrams and ideas on how to apply them. Boy is my listing presentation getting a makeover.

Here is a little more about Nancy Duarte (source Amazon.com): Principal of Duarte Design (http://www.duarte.com) since 1990, Nancy Duarte passionately pursues the presentation development and design niche. One of the largest design firms in Silicon Valley and listed as a top woman-owned business in the area, Duarte Design is one of the few agencies in the world focused solely on presentations, whether they are delivered in person, online or via mobile device. Nancy's twenty years of experience working with global companies and thought leaders has influenced the perception of some of the world's most valuable brands and many of humanity's common causes.

Project 10 to the 100

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:27:55 -0500

Do you have an idea that you believe could help people? The people at Google, in celebration of their 10th birthday want to hear your ideas, as part of the "10 to the 100 Project".

Submit your ideas now until Oct. 20th. Google will then post a selection of 100 ideas for the public to vote on. The selection will then be narrowed down to 25 semi-finalists which will then be narrowed down to about 5.

Google has commited $10 million dollars to help these ideas become reality. Here are the categories, your idea should fit into 1 of them............

Emergency Economic Stabliization Act

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:35:27 -0500

HUD Secretary Steve Preston allocated almost 4 billion dollars Friday to all states as part of the HUD's new Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). The NSP program will give states fund (especially harder hit ares) to purchase foreclosed properties and redevelop them. The goal of this is to prevent abandonment of these home which would then become "eye sores" for the communities they are within.

The funding is provided through HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.

Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

Summary of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

Section-by-Section of Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008

(source House Committee on Financial Services)

Every state will recieve a minimum grant of 19.6 million dollars. There are stipulations and guidelines as to how the money will be allocated. Communities will receive the funds as soon as they submit a plan that complies with the CDBG program. It will be up to the local and state government to determine the best use of the fund, and develop a plan.

HUD plans to host a national housing summit in Washington, D.C. on October 7-8, as well as a series of regional conferences to explain the details of this new program to governors, mayors, county executives and other state and local leaders.

It's Friday!!!!!!

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 08:00:49 -0500

Here is a blog under 50 words. Not going for points on this one. Found this picture on an agentgenius.com blog and it made me laugh. Happy Friday everyone....what a week!

What's the Plan? Financial Rescue

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:23:40 -0500

I subscribe to the House Committee on Financial Service blog/newsroom. Its not edge of your seat material, but it is a great place to get an overview of what in the world is going on with our economy. Lately I have been surfing the Treasury department site too since apparently there is a money tree there that is losing about 700 billion dollars worth of leaves right now.

What sparked this blog topic was my desire to know more on what is going on with the ongoing Wall Street bail out. The headline news cliffnotes are not going to cut it for me this time. So here is what I have gathered so far, for your review, if you are like me and want to know more. Feel free to comment with your links, documents if I miss something here.

U.S. Economy Strength for the week of 9/19.

Chairman Frank's proposal in response to the Treasury Department's plan - Draft 1 Work In Progress.
42 pages.

The Army is Going Green...

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:40:19 -0500

Going green?  Yes!.... and Im not talking camouflage here folks.
It's Operation Change Out.  This year, army installation across the country are
participating in Operation Change Out, a nationwide effort to bring a little energy efficiency to the military environment.  Service members are urged to replace there less efficient incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs. Fort Bragg is joining the "fight" to protect our environment by soliciting 5,000 pledges from base employees and family members by October 1st.

Ft. Bragg began this mission in August by replacing 2,000 incandescent bulbs in base halls and pledges to replace another 2,500 at a later date. Beginning January 2009, 75,000 light bulbs in Ft. Bragg housing will be replaced with ENERGY STAR CFL's. All total Ft. Bragg has committed to replacing 190,000 light bulbs over the next 3 years. Wow. Way to go green!

My Legacy.....Online Edition.

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:32:27 -0500

I had never really given much thought to an online legacy until this contest came up. If I died, I wouldn't think people would say, "Jessi's blog was great". But I see the point in this. The web is like a world of its own, and blogging is unique in that it allows you to get a sense of the writer with out every meeting them. That is what is so powerful about blogging...no matter the subject.

I have no idea what people would say about my blogs, and websites. I would hope it would include words like; informative, funny, creative, local, and that it is not a "me parade" (except this blog). If I had to choose a word I would choose "sharing".

I started blogging with Active Rain. I wanted my blog to be less about me and more about Fayetteville and Real Estate. Then in surfing around AR I would find posts from tech savvy agents, and they were super informative. My business began to go in a new direction as I learned more and more how to make my computer work for me in new and exciting ways. Now 4 months later I teach tech classes here at our KW market center and I also have started a nice local virtual assistant, and web design business.

Memorable discoveries: that source code is not some FBI jargon, and that if I change something here and there the world will not stop turning. I have discovered Google Reader, Flickr, WordPress, and even figured out how to design my own AR background. I have made my 07' Microsoft Office Suite bend to my will (kinda like conquering the universe), and recently jumped for joy when I Google'd 82nd Airborne Fort Bragg and found my blog at the top of the page (was not expecting that).

    Active Rain.....Duh

    The Not So Secret Agent Blog

    Some Assistance Please

Point2Agent... undergoing a face lift within a
week or so...check back it for the update.

SearchFayetteville.com template site - I
designed content and images.

TechRani.com my first GoDaddy site, and
home page for my Fayetteville Virtual Assist
business.

So there you have it. My online legacy featured in a blog online. It's a legacy that is growing daily. Its a legacy I hope is positive, and helps people. In closing I'd just like to mention that all the photo tricks, and clip art in this post I have learned from reading blogs on AR and other professionals blogs who chose to share what they are good at online. My legacy is a spin off of there legacy. Thanks.

New Nursing Center at FSU

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:24:57 -0500

Fayeteville State University is in the process of constructing a new $10 million building which will be located on east campus near the Charles W. Chesnutt Library. When completed in 2009 this modern 3 story building will house both instructional and research facilities including 11 classrooms, 3 labs of 36 bed, and a computer lab. In addition there will be 36 offices, 3 conference spaces, as well a smaller break out rooms and student lounge areas.

Fayetteville State University is no stranger to exploring new construction projects and having gone to the college myself, I would say has a spirit and genuine interest in growing to service the student, not just to become a bigger campus.

Some other construction projects in past years has been the Fayetteville State University, University Place Apartments. This 8 million dollar, 322 bed project completed in 02' the apartments addressed the housing crunch brought about by increased enrollments, and also serves as a great recruiting tool.

Each apartment contains four private bedrooms with a private bath, a kitchen and dining area, a spacious living area, large windows and a washer/dryer closet. All apartments are furnished, and specific units are ADA-accessible. The complex also features a clubhouse with amenities (student lounge, foundation and property-management offices) and a central laundry facility.

Perhaps my favorite building on campus is the new Seabrook Auditorium...if you had seen the old one you would really appreciate this gorgeous new building.

This new $7 million dollar gem replaced the old auditorium which had been at FSU since the 50's. The old stage house was completely demolished and replaced with a lobby, ticket office, and covered entrance. A historic campus gate has also been incorporated into the design. Only the auditorium shell and balcony structure were retained. All existing building systems were replaced and a new sound, lighting, and sprinkler systems were added. The two-story glass and steel lobby connects the auditorium to the campus and acts as a vibrant addition to the campus at night.

The Valley Pavilion.....Its Ready!

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 08:50:16 -0500

After 6 years in the making the Cape Fear Valley Hospital here in Fayetteville has just completed construction on the Valley Pavilion expansion project. The Bauhaus design influenced structure features metal archways, silvery finished wall panels and expansive glass work that gives the hospital a new sleek look.

"Its the kind of facility Cumberland County has deserved for a really long time," says Braxton Strickland Administrative Director of Non-Invasive Cardiac Diagnostics for the Heart & Vascular Center.

The new patient friendly designed Valley Pavilion boasts larger patient rooms, enhanced reception areas for family and visitors, and a new emergency department features all private rooms.

The patient rooms are now 50% larger and more technology has been brought bedside with personal computers in every room. The new modular bed system will minimize the needs to move patients from unit to unit as they recover from surgery. Patients will be able to stay in the original room they were assigned and their status will be updated in the electronic tracking system. Even more important the number of patient beds has increased significantly. The emergency dept. has 3 times more beds than before. All total there are around 132 inpatient and observation beds.

The Valley Pavillion contains a new Heart & Vascular center boasting labs featuring the latest technology for diagnosing and treating heart disease. There is also a Bariatric center, Women's Pavillion, Imaging Center, and a brand new Children's Emergancy Dept.

I forgot to mention there is a new 5 story parking deck as well that makes finding parking at this hospital much easier then years past.

Extreme Boredom Leads to Extreme Homes

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:20:52 -0500

The rains of Hana have driven us inside and looking for things to do. I have cleaned out the refrigerator, played a couple games of sorry and now I have resorted to surfing around the Internet for never before read blogs. I stumbled upon the Sellsius real estate marketing blog's
posting about a dome shaped home and a resort with dome shaped rooms.

This brought to mind that show on HGTV called Extreme
Homes and Extreme Homes International. Because I am bored and because I love houses...here is my self indulgent collage of Extreme Homes.

Negotiation's Trump Style

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:34:01 -0500

If you are a regular reader by now you should know that I am a big fan of "The Big Idea" show on CNBC with Donny Deutsch. If you have not watched the show yet TiVo it and check it out, its great free business advice.

Here are a few tips for negotiating like a Trump that I took away from a recent show:

1. There is not just one negotiating technique that you can use for every situation. Knowing this may very well be the key to negotiating. Tune into not only the deal at hand, and your position on it but pick up on your counters position, and body language then adjust your techniques to that.

2. Flexibility - and I don't mean Yoga. You cannot be so focused on "your way or the highway" that you do not pick up on the positions and body language of the other person. By seeing their point and presenting your position in a way that makes them feel like they are not totally losing you will have greater success. Keller Williams refers to this as "Win-Win or no deal".

3. You know what you are talking about. You do right? Do the research before hand. Know what you are negotiating inside and out. When you don't you are allowing for "loop holes" that other person, if they did there homework will use to take advantage of you, or get their deal. They may just very well let you think you got a great deal, meanwhile you get to thinking about it later on and say "Wait a minute"...

4. Its all about confidence. I am not the most confident person in the world, who is, but when you go into a situation and you know that you have done the research, you have done the job, the confidence is automatic. That is why it is so important to do the homework. When you know the facts and the resources available then you are able to focus on the negotiation and countering.

5. Body language. I have read that even when you are not consciously aware of it you are reacting to the body language of the people around you. An easy example; when I am talking to someone and they have been standing there listening but then they start swaying back and forth or fidgeting I think "Ok I need to wrap this up". The Big Idea did an episode on body language not to long ago. They said that there are 3 areas that should be pointing at someone during a interview or negotiation; throat, belly button and "naughty zone", this gives off the body language of power, or that you are an Alpha. For more watch these great videos 1, 2, 3.

6. Don't get all emotional. Don't let emotions drive the negotiating, and know your walk away points, if possible before going into the negotiation.

Want more information?

* Janine Driver: Body Language expert. Great video on her website.

* Negotiation Genius: By Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman.
     Click on the image to read a blog with excerpts or click here for the book
     site.

Good luck - and sit up straight!

Google Gadgets - Get Yours!

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 09:55:29 -0500

Really I am not...ok maybe I am. I found another cool site, (or I may just be a little late) and of course it has to do with Google.
Google Gadgets.

Just when I thought I had enough cool stuff on my site I find this. From weather forecasts, to driving directions, maps, news, mini search windows, even games and mp3 players.

Some are customizable...I customized the driving directions gadget to bring people to my office. Cool Beans!

Rofo.com: Cool Site, Funny Advertisment

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:00:25 -0500

Rofo.com is a commercial real estate site targeting small businesses and entrepreneurs. Its goal is to match office space to people. I think this ad is hilarious. Not to long ago we were having a space issue at our market center so I can relate to this poor guy. I am sure some of you have days you feel like this too. Great commercial!

Power Tools

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:40:12 -0500

Its time for my first Power Tools for Real Estate Agents Blog. Websites, books, blogs, and programs that will put a little "wow" into your business.

First off...Freerangestock.com. Here you will find free images for commercial and non commercial use. The photos are taken by either FreeRange photogtaphers or submitted by members. A nice free alternative to office.microsoft.com which I love.

Have a powerpoint presentation you would love to share our create an html code for. Slideshare.com is the place for you! What could you possibly do with a PowerPoint Presentation embeded on your website?

You could do this

Tucson Real Estate Market Report April 2008

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: tucson real)

or even this

Keller Williams Realty, Real Estate Careers

View SlideShare presentation or Upload your own. (tags: keller williams)

Boxing Kitty

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:36:20 -0500

Too cute!
Watch

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit FAQ

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:27:52 -0500

The recently passed Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 has sparked many questions, many of which have been regarding the $7500 tax credit for first-time home buyers.

I have put together the following links to help shed a little light on the Act, and how it will effect you and your family.

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions
About the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Other Provisions

Home Buyer Resources

The American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act

National Association of Home Builders

Get It In Writing

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:14:01 -0500

Getting anything in writing is always ideal. When it comes to home inspection reports, having it in writing can be a blessing when it comes time to sell.

Buyers often decline the written reports to save on inspection costs. As a Buyer the benefit of having a written report is the ability to negotiate a concession from the seller should defects be discovered during inspection. Also, the report documents the property at a point in time. If you sell the home 5 years later, you can make this information available to the buyers. This can shed light on whether or not an issue is new.

For sellers having a written presale inspection could move your home forward on buyer's list's. This way the opinions on the property's condition are the inspectors and not just your word for it. You also get the advantage of choosing who does the inspection. A buyer can always seek a second opinion, but at least you have a report to back up your position in the negotiations.

Seller diclosure laws vary form state to state. In NC we do have Seller Disclosure forms. Speak with a REALTOR® to find out your disclosure requirements and options.

Gates Four To Be Annexed

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:27:13 -0500

The City of Fayetteville is expected to begin annexation of the Gates Four golf course community. According to the city plan, the Gates Four Country Club will become part of Fayetteville on October 28, 2009.

In 2004 the community fought off annexation - both parties agreed the city would wait until this year before beginning the process to forcibly annex the community.

In 2003 the previous city council voted to take in the 28 square miles with 43,000+ residents. The city now surrounds Gates Four on three sides. The residents of the community have thus far managed to fight off the annexation but most know it is inevitable. The homeowners association maintains the streets within the community, and would remain to do so since they are private streets. Also to remain under private control are the guard shack at the entrance and the security force. Almost all homes within Gates Four are on public water and sewer, and all homeowners pay for private garbage collection - most residents want to know what the increase in taxes will do for them.

To find out more on Fayetteville Annexation projects click here.

Gates Four Home Owners Association

Look Everyone....I Can Fly!

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:03:18 -0500

Not too long ago on the outskirts of Fayetteville this funny looking building appeared.
Driving down 401 on the way to Raeford people would ask, "What in the world are they building there?" Then a sign.....Paraclete XP SkyVenture.

Some call it indoor skydiving...some call it bodyflight....I call it cool! What a unique attraction to come to Fayetteville. But with Fayetteville being the home to the 82cnd Airborne some would say "Why didn't we think of that sooner?

The sport of bodyflight is an exciting way to experience the thrill of flying without the whole jumping out of a plane part. Within the safety of the wall to wall air flow chamber, you can enjoy the excitement and adrenaline rush of flying.

No experience necessary as their professional instructors will guide you through the basics...so get ready for fun! The link on the picture above will take you to the "Who Can Fly?" page for Paraclete XP SkyVenture, but basically if you are in good health and fitness you are ready for take off. I'm sure the biggest issue you will have after visiting this local attraction is wiping the big smile off your face...

One of the newest camps around this year is the High Adventure Summer Camp, which allows children in the 5th to 12th grades to experience not so traditional sports. This program is part of Youth Education Support Services whose goal, thru some of its new initiatives, is to bring more extreme sport experiences to teens. They also have an initiative that will bring the SkyVenture experience to children who have parents that are deployed free of charge. The High Adventure Summer Camp is available to Child and Youth Service members with CYS membership cards. Those interested in this camp can call Tolson Youth Activities Center at 396-kids or go to the Fort Bragg MWV website to register. Click on "kids and family", then "skies unlimited".

VA Eligibility FAQ's

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:42:00 -0500

The following Q&A about who is eligible for a VA loan and reuse of eligibility for another VA loan has been so graciously provided by Vicci Bonner with Granite Mortgage Inc., for more information on VA loans you will find Vicci's contact info at the end of this blog.

Q: Does my entitlement guarantee that I will get a home loan?
A: No, VA cannot compel a lender to make a loan that would violate their lender policies. Lenders must also comply with VA income and credit standards. If a lender is unwilling to make a loan to you, we can only suggest that you try other lenders.

Q: How much is my entitlement?
A: Your basic entitlement is $36,000. For loans in excess of $144,000 to purchase or construct a home, additional entitlement up to an amount equal to 25 percent of the Freddie Mac conforming loan limit for a single family home may be available. This loan limit can change yearly. The conforming loan limit for 2008 is $417,000 ($625,500 for Hawaii, Alaska, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands). This means that qualified veterans could get a no down payment purchase loan for those amounts.

Q: How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?
A: You can apply for a VA loan with any mortgage lender that participates in the VA home loan program. You will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the lender that you are in fact eligible.

Q: How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?
A: Complete VA Form 26-1880, request for a Certificate of Eligibility. Although it may be possible to establish eligibility without your proof of military service, to help eliminate possible delays go ahead and include it.

Q: Can my lender get my Certificate of Eligibility for me?
A: Yes, its called ACE (automated certificate of eligibility). most lenders have access to the ACE system. Not all cases can be processed through ACE - only those for which the VA has sufficient data in its records.

Q: What is an acceptable proof of military service?
A: If you are still serving on regular active duty, you must include an original statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters which identifies you and your social security number and provides your data of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time loss.

If you were discharged from regular active duty after 1/1/1950, a copy of DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty should be included with your VA Form 26-1880. If discharged after 10/1/1979, DD Form 214 copy 4 should be included. A photocopy will suffice - you do not submit the originals.

Q: I sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on assumption. Can I get my eligibility restored to use for a new loan?
A: In this case the veteran's eligibility can be restored only if the qualified assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute his or her available eligibility for that of the original veteran. Otherwise the original veteran cannot get his eligibility restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

For more information on the VA guaranteed home loan program visit the US Department of Veterans Affairs website, or contact Vicci Bonner:

Vicci Bonner, Loan Officer
910.484.7272 Office
866.417.7272 Toll Free
910.263.1639 (mobile)
910.484.7278 (fax)

Financing Solutions With David Reed

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:19 -0500

Five Year Increments

Which is better, a 30-year or a 15-year fixed rate mortgage? A common and important question which, when answered, affects both the monthly payment and the amount of interest paid on a mortgage loan. While paying less interest over a shorter timeframe seems to be the obvious answer, the difference in monthly payment is surprising to some.

For instance, on a $300,000 note at 6.25 percent over 30 years, the principal and interest payment is $1,847 per month. Whereas on that same loan amount over 15 years at 6 percent, the payment jumps to $2,531! It's easy to understand why most choose a 30-year loan over a 15-year loan; not only is the payment lower but it takes less income to qualify.

On the other hand, more money goes to interest on a 30-year loan compared to a 15-year loan. Using those same figures, the 30-year note yields $364,920 of interest, most of it in the first 10 years of the loan, while the 15-year loan only requires $155,580. That's less than half the interest that a 30-year loan produces!

So, which is better? Maybe neither.

While few lenders advertise this, there's a compromise available to you. Loan payment periods can actually be acquired in five year increments. You don't have to choose between a 30 and a 15-year loan! You can select a 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 year mortgage. Some lenders even offer 40-year loans. Now it's possible to both keep monthly payments manageable and save on interest charges.

Here are the payments for these additional amortization periods on $300,000:

Term(yr) Rate Payment

10 6.00% $3,330

20 6.25% $2,132

25 6.25% $1,979

Since these five year increments aren't advertised you'll typically have to ask your loan officer for a quote. Don't be shy, you'll find out that you just might be able to have the best of both worlds: lower payments with reduced interest charges!

Written by David Reed, author of Mortgage 101 and Mortgage Confidential.

Welcome Home Hereos!

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:25:58 -0500

I would like to send a BIG WELCOME HOME to the 300 paratroopers from the 82cnd Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team who have just returned home after a 13 month deployment to Iraq. The soldiers arrived home Sunday shortly after 11am.

The soldiers were responsible for establishing communications lines, running convoys and guarding key command, control and logistical sites. Eight soldiers from the brigade died during the deployment, and roughly 2,200 soldiers are still overseas.

Thank You to all our brave soldiers and their families for all of their hard work and sacrifice. Be sure to thank a soldier today....they will sure appreciate it.

Find more photos like this on Fort Bragg Life

Great Online Marketing Blogs

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:10:22 -0500

Once again I have to present a shameless plug for Google Reader, because I love using it. If you are not using it to keep up with your favorite blogs you are waisting alot of time. Its free and easy to use. (Video) Moving on....Of course I have alot of blogs from AR that I read regularly but they often direct me to other blogs from which I discover even more blogs - like a domino effect.

Here are my 3 favorite blogs at the current moment;

Hubspot - great online marketing site
The Big Idea Blog - MSNBC show with great business ideas.
How To Change The World - Guy Kawasaki's blog (discovered from watching The Big Idea). I recommend the free ebook he has under the blog title "The Inside Word on Word of Mouth Marketing"

If you know of any great business building blogs to share please comment - together we all grow!

Happy Friday All!

41 Hours In An Elevator

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 09:39:36 -0500

I found this video on the New Yorker website. It's about Nicholas White, who went to go for a cigarette break and instead was trapped in an elevator for 41 hours. The video was taken from inside the elevator. What would you do in such a situation?

Trapped in an Elevator

Guerilla Marketing

Jessica Ranavaya (Keller Williams) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:02:12 -0500

Enjoy 51 Guerrilla Marketing Advertisements From rogiertje, posted on SlideShare.com.....creative and funny advertisements.

| View | Upload your own

Here are the payments for these additional amortization periods on $300,000:
Term(yr)	Rate	Payment
10	6.00%	$3,330
20	6.25%	$2,132
25	6.25%	$1,979