Gallatin Hendersonville Homes

Potato Chip Marketing

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:35:55 -0500

Has anyone had an issue with the company called Potato Chip Marketing? (www.pcmtools.com) Jennifer Cummings the owner of Potato Chip Marketing had a free webinar that I and several others attended introducing us to her company and the marketing capabilities she has to offer.

Here is my problem, I signed up for a free 12 day trial period and could cancel at anytime. 5 days before I received an email stating that I will begin getting charged $197/month for gold membership in 5 days from this email. Which is what I signed up for under the trial period. Or you can cancel by calling such and such (866) #. Since my company rolled out a new marketing program, I decided I will cancel. Well for the last 8 days I have called numerous times to cancel, only to leave a message. Not to receive a phone call back or talk to a LIVE person. I have been charged $77 for bronze membership and $197 for gold membership and still no one has called me back.

In the past and recently has anyone had a problem with this company. As much as I hate this, but did I get scammed??

Look out friends for Potato Chip Marketing!!

Free First Time Homebuyer Seminar

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:35:07 -0500

Have questions about the Sumner County real estate market? Not sure where to start your home-buying journey? Come to this FREE seminar! You will discover money-saving secrets to buying a home in Gallatin, Hendersonville and all over the Sumner County area! This seminar will show you step-by-step how to save time, effort & money when buying your next home and empower you to make confident, educated real estate decisions.

What will you learn?

Roles of the Lender/Mortgage Broker
Credit
Pre-approval
Financing Options
Contracts
Negotations
Closing
and More!

Seminar is FREE, but you must RSVP to attend. Register online here or email Michelle Sarabia at msarabia@realtracs.com or call 615-594-3171 to reserve your spot today!

IF YOU RSVP, I WILL PAY FOR YOUR HOME INSPECTION! DON'T MISS OUT!

Your Expired Routine

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:54:15 -0600

I have learned so much from all you ActiveRainers!

I want to ask a question...what is your routine for expireds? If you don't mind sharing, I would love to hear what's your formula? How many letters do you send out? Everyday? Every other? Phone calls (not my cup of tea)?

I send letters out to expireds, but wonder what to do with with those that haven't called YET?

Look forward to your responses!

A Routine for Expired Listings

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:27:08 -0600

I am an agent that specializes in Luxury Homes. More and more I see expired and withdrawns coming everyday. I have sent letters in the past and am currently doing so now, my question is what do you guys do after that first letter is sent out? Do you send another one in two days? Make a phone call (which is not my forte)?

I would love to hear your routine for expired listings or what your follow up is when you haven't heard back?

Each of us creates our own reality

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:09:11 -0600

The following add says it all!

My Broker's face

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:49:33 -0600

Today was such a busy day for me. Since the kids have gone back to school, I have been going crazy with phone calls with some different buyers I have been working with that they are finally ready to come "off the fence". But strangely I talked to my Broker today and she seemed to be ready to burst into tears. She said, "Michelle, I have tried to stay so positive this last year about the market, but I'm afraid of what's gonna happen this year." I thought my eyes were going to pop out of my head...What?! Your my broker, your suppose to be the positive one out of this office no matter what the newspapers say or what the 2008 Luxury Market Report tells us.

In her voice it sounds like she is ready to give up. I hope not. I came to Sumner County from Brentwood in Williamson County this summer. Brentwood is one the wealthiest counties in all of Tennessee. So I have dealt with many affluent buyers and sellers. One thing my past clients have always wanted is expertise. Moving to Sumner County, I have seen such a WIDE open door to a need in the luxury market and have really focused that as my niche out here. (It always has been!) I believe I have come up with a marketing plan that I don't think any homeowner has seen in Sumner County.

From the 2008 Luxury Year End Report, I know now what I knew in my heart, we need to be listing agents that know our expertise or get out! We need to know what our clients want and what our buyers are looking for. We need to spend our time wisely looking for buyers FOR our sellers. Not hoping they will come through the MLS. Spend the money and MARKET or don't take the luxury listing.

I can go on about Lakefront and Historic Homes in Sumner County. But I'll leave that for a later post. Homeowners it's time to step up and make sure your agent is doing what you feel they need to do and keep "surprising" you with something you never thought of. I'm sure (I hope) that there are agents that are doing a great job with luxury homes, but I don't like the look on my Brokers face. And maybe your Broker has the same face. We need to work hard, harder than we ever have before! Because if we have another 1% problem in 2009, than we don't have a market to niche.

Contact me to today if you are wanting to sell or buy your Luxury Home with a Specialist. I specialize in Luxury, Lakefront and Historic Homes.

Until next time.

You need to get on Facebook

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 09:45:59 -0600

Since I've joined Facebook in the last few weeks, I have seen old friends and have gained new ones. With Facebook, I have joined such groups as Historic House Sales, Luxury Homes, Social Media, Bloodhound, even my local chambers. What I like most about it is that the people that see me know that I am real and I go through "stuff" just like anyone else. I also can see what others are doing to keep them going. I would suggest everyone jump on this. It is a great tool to use and it's not just for the 20-something crowd. It provides great networking and social opportunities.

Now Twitter...that scares me. But who knows I may try that down the road too.

A setback for 2009

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:29:49 -0600

On 11:47pm on Dec. 31, New Years Eve, I went to the hospital to see my uncle in the emergency room. At 12:00am January 1st, they were telling us to begin thinking about saying our goodbye's. He had a brain anorysm. The brain was swelling and was not going to make it. My aunt decided to have the surgery to begin the process of reducing his swelling. It is now, January 5th and we have learned he is paralyzed on his right side and will not know how much brain damage has been done until he wakes up. The doctors don't know when that will be.

WHAT! This is suppose to be a New Year. The best year I am going to have. But I know this is just a setback for the New Year. But I have to believe I have God on my side and whatever He wants will prevail. I didn't want THIS for the New Year, I was ready to go buy my new planner for 2009 and start writing all my dates of chamber meetings, charity events, etc. Begin writing my business plan and pray over it! I didn't expect this! I haven't really worked these last few days, but have received 2 emails with new prospects that will be purchasing this Spring! So I'm excited to see what the year holds even though there's this tiny little setback.

So I ask all my ActiveRainers to include my Uncle in your prayers tonight. And that he will walk out of there whole!

Good RE Market Report for 2008

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:03:12 -0600

Does anyone, who is willing to share, have a good format that they have used for a RE Market Report? Something that tells stats, but also explains what they mean.

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 22:32:46 -0600

To all the ActiveRainers,

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

I'm believing that this year will be a year of growth and prosperity in our business. Not just financially, but spiritually. That we continue see God in everything!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I look forward to posting more in the future to AR!

Finding the time to do Social Networking

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 22:48:25 -0600

With all the social media out there for us to network with, how do we find the time? With keeping up with my website www.michellesarabia.com and my blog www.sumnerfrontporch.com and making sure the SEO is always being implemented with each post. How do my fellow activerainers find the time to do social media? Yes, I'm LinkedIn, Trulia'd, and Zillowed. I also use Facebook and Activerain, of course! I'm registered for Twitter, but it scares me! But then there is that thing called SOI we are suppose to keep on top of and make sure were taking them to lunch, calling them, or sending them our new Christmas cards! I know for me at times it's 1:00am by the time I'm done with it all and I'm finding myself exhausted the next day.

My goal for 2009 is to be a better social networker and my content have the most powerful words yet. For my SOI, I will hold on to them dearly. I still believe person-to-person is the best ROI, whether its time or money.

Reaction to my 18 comment post

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:52:03 -0600

Thank you everyone for the great responses!

I do have to say Bill Brannon hit it right on the nail! These are my thoughts exactly and it's nice to feel like I'm on the right track with someone that has been doing this for 30 years.

Also, a lot of you expressed that I need to find a niche. But what if that is the "new" niche? What if the niche is an agent just like Bill posted. I believe we need to take not only what has worked in the past, but also look at what we can do if we limit our clients (niche) and give them top-notch service (niche). It only fuels more happy clients prospecting other clients for us.

I wish everyone luck in 2009!

Here is the original post:

I started my RE career in June this year. So I am still considered a Rookie. Because of my construction background, I am always thinking of new ways to be ahead of the market. Here is why I am writing...I recently relocated to a new office 50 miles south of Nashville. I am truly starting all over again with networking. I am working with 2 buyers, one, good friends of ours and one I picked up from Trulia (Trulia does work!) Anyhow, In the community I am in you can drive within a 25-30 mile radius and you see For Sale signs on each street corner of a particular Realtor. (not naming names since some of you from TN use ActiveRain). So when I came over to this market, my question to my broker was how can one person dominate the market. She has over 100 listings! Seriously! Yes she has assistants, but it's her name on the sign.

Here is my marketing idea, what if I started to advertise that I would only list a certain amount of houses, say 5? What would clients think if they knew that if they were on my list they were going to get top-notch service because my marketing dollars will be placed to actually sell the house, not see how many listings I can get. They see that an agent can be honest and know that to truly do a good job, (yes I know about MLS, etc. but I'm talking about marketing dollars), and sell that house they need to let people know its out there. With 30, 50, 100 listings how can you possibly do that? And how do you make your sellers feel that you are putting them first? I know location, price, etc. are factors, but I'm talking about truly being an agent that says "Hey, my limit is 5 and when 1 becomes sold you have it's place." Somehow I think this might sell and settle better for future listings with sellers.

I surely want your thoughts! That's why I wrote this post.

Michelle

P.S. - I know the market. I know it's tough right now, but I'm thinking ahead.

A New Idea for the Market that lies ahead

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:25:09 -0600

I surely want your thoughts! That's why I wrote this post.

Michelle

P.S. - I know the market. I know it's tough right now, but I'm thinking ahead.

A New Idea For The New Market That Lies Ahead!

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:55:22 -0600

I started my RE career in June this year. So I am still considered a Rookie. Because of my construction background, I am always thinking of new ways to be ahead of the market. Here is why I am writing...I recently relocated to a new office 50 miles south of Nashville. I am truly starting all over again with networking. I am working with 2 buyers, one, good friends of ours and one I picked up from Trulia (Trulia does work!) Anyhow, In the community I am in you can drive within a 25-30 mile radius and you see For Sale signs on each street corner of a particular Realtor. (not naming names since some of you from TN use ActiveRain). So when I came over to this market, my question to my broker was was how can one person dominate the market. She has over 100 listings! Seriously! Yes she has assistants, but it's her name on the sign.

I surely want your thoughts! That's why I wrote this post.

Michelle

P.S. - I know the market. I know it's tough right now, but I'm thinking ahead.

Call to Action for Website

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:13:43 -0500

After several great comments from my blog entry to my website, I have a newbie website question. You talked about Called to Action needed on the website. What is that? Is that a form they need to fill out before they search the MLS on my website. Just a guess.

What do you think of my website? Was I taken for $2,000?

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:56:27 -0500

My website is complete, but I really need your help! $2,000 later, I am unhappy with it! Was I taken? I pretty well made myself clear as to what I wanted. I wanted clean and simple, but I don't like the blog layout. What else do you think needs changing? I can think of others, but I want to hear what you ActiveRainers think of it first.

Here is the website http://www.buy-nashville-homes.com

Williamson County School District - WHAT!

Michelle Sarabia Gallatin, TN Real Estate (615) 594-3171 (Bob Parks Realty, LLC) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:11:43 -0500

As some of you read this morning in the Tennessean, Knight's article about the Assessment Director for Williamson County School District, Chris Nugent inadvertently posting personal data, including Social Security numbers, of thousands of elementary kids on his website. Mostly second graders and seniors that took their ACT this year.

It's hard to understand, but the District knew about this months ago and just notified those parents this week of whose child(ren) were breached, that this occured. Knight's comment in her article was one as myself and other parents are asking how can this happen. She goes on to say, "Thousands of employees of W.C. schools have access to various components of our families' personal information. So many people, with so much data. All we can do is trust, and this case is going to make that a real challenge.

Come on Williamson County let's get it together! Not only are we looking at the potential of Franklin Special School District joining with Williamson County School District. Which would only put more strain on our budget, but we need to vote for a new Sheriff this year, because the other one failed us because he was addicted to drugs and got caught.

The houses and the people that are in those houses love it here! I hope we can get these kinks worked out and still keep Williamson County the best place to live in Tennessee!