new england: Connecticut Post: Home Sales Price Plummet - Where Do Those Numbers Come From - 06/13/08 09:50 AM

 
This is a response to an article in The Connecticut Post:  Home sales, prices plummet
     We deal with the facts about the housing market, and not add to the confusion with spin causing mis-perception. 
     Professionals who  dispute the numbers from The Warren Group,also need to admit that many Connecticut Real Estate Professionals rely on The Warren Group information everyday for facts and figures. 
A couple of examples:
The Greater Fairfield MLS Tax Data comes from The Warren Group.  The (CMLS) Greater Fairfield MLS provides municipal tax and sales data for 36 communities in Western Connecticut. This information is gathered … (0 comments)

new england: Is Sexual Orientation a Real Estate Niche? - 10/01/07 10:12 AM
Here is a portion of a spam letter that I FREQUENTLY receive:
Market to the Gay Friendly Real Estate Community-One of the fastest growing market today.http://quogtron.com/080E111D1C06131106320007061A1F131C00175C111D1F0E4540444A0E434B4A4B46420E400E47444644470E08.aspx One of real estates fastest growing market segments today is our gay family communities. They are highly successful and very influential members of our American society. They have the means and the need to purchase homes in some of the wealthiest communities. If you are a gay or gay friendly real estate agent or broker we would like to invite you to become a part of our community. Our future gay homeowners would like view you website listings … (8 comments)

new england: Too Busy To Blog - We Chugging Along - We can do it! - 09/22/07 12:26 PM
     I just checked to see how long it has been since I last made an entry on ActiveRain.  Oh my gosh, just under a month!  Where has the time gone?  To customers!
      I suppose this is tooting our horn, but you can only imagine how delighted I am to report that we are busy!  It was not an easy decision to give up a weekly paycheck (I was in management) in real estate to go out on our own, in a market that is what it is.  But, we are still plugging along. Customers are giving us referrals, customers are coming back. The business … (3 comments)

new england: Lead Generation Transparency - Beta "Disclose" - 08/15/07 12:58 PM
Lead Generation Transparency -  It's Not Transparent, It Is Just Full of Holes
Sorry AgentMatch, beta disclose.
"...view local agents based on criteria such as location, marketing services offered, commission rate, and transaction experience."
Reading through Jessica Swesey's article in Inman News, AgentMatch Aims to Add Transparency to Lead Generation, the word "agent" keeps appearing.  This is interesting because the Broker owns and is accountable for their buy and sell contract information. 
TRANSACTIONAL DATA: (excerpt from article)
..."to put transactional data in front of consumers, which the creators hope will enable agents to better explain their value and commission rates.  Some of the data consumers will be able to see … (2 comments)

new england: Being Laughed At - May Be A Good Idea - 08/11/07 03:25 PM
    Darn!  Someone else has beat me to the punch line and wrote a book with this in mind:
Author:  Scott Berkhun (website Essays and Advice)
 "...With innovations like the computer and the Internet, we tend to believe that they were accepted right away and that their innovators were lauded as bringers of the future. Most of the innovators were laughed at."
   Almost 15 years ago, I said to a group of real estate friends that the Internet was going to change the way real estate is done. They kind of stared at me in disbelief.  I spelled out a few possibilities. A couple of them chuckled, and one got … (5 comments)

new england: Are You in the News? - Google Lets You Respond - 08/09/07 07:52 PM
     There has been much said about online presence, reputations and public perception.  Now Google is taking NEWS into the realm of conversation.   Some may even want the PR (whether positive or negative) and keep a story going. There are benefits for being in the news.  
Things might  get pretty interesting!
"There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary."Brendan BehanIrish author & dramatist (1923 - 1964)     
Google lets subjects of news stories comment on articles about them
"...The company this week introduced an experimental feature on its Google News Web site in the United States to allow any person mentioned in a news report that is linked … (2 comments)

new england: If The Real Estate Market Has Slowed Down, Have You? - 08/08/07 03:57 PM
       Do you act like an EMPLOYEE or an  ENTREPRENEUR?
       I have witnessed all too often agents just sitting there on floor-time waiting for the phone to ring without doing any other work.  I have listened to agent complaints about "their creativity being stifled by their license holder."  
       My thought:  the only thing holding an agent back is "the agent".  Agents should make their own phones ring.  If an agents company is too controlling, well, agents are in the moving business, you know. 
How to Be a Master Networker Know--and Brand--Thyself The Perfect Presentation: Appearance5 New Places to Advertise     
       My Mantra (and a great classic)
        It Don't Come Easy  
"Got to pay your dues if you … (2 comments)

new england: Some Links for Purple Cows to Chew On - 08/06/07 09:57 AM
The following are lists of links and links of lists! A plethera of resources and ideas.  Things for a creative user can utilize to their advantage! Bon Apetit!
<Update:  Bonus List of Office 2.0  Applications >
WHY GIVE THE MILK AWAY FOR FREE?
     Some local papers (in my area, anyway), have real estate related articles written by real estate agents. These are not even paid advertisements; the newspaper is using them as journalist. These articles come with the agents bio.
<Hmmm...not a bad little advertisement, oh that's right, it is not advertisement. (wink - wink)>
     As real estate professionals, we already do a lot of the (grunt) work … (1 comments)

new england: Marketing Placement Is Important - 08/05/07 08:16 AM

Glorious Sunday Morning to All! 
Before I head out to a family gathering today, I thought this link may entertain an agent stuck in an office on floortime.
 Take a few minutes from updating your files,  grabbing another " old and bitter" coffee from the company Bunn Machine and  enjoy something that is out of our control (for the most part).
By the way, good luck on floortime!
 15 Unfortunately Placed Ads Published on 7/17/2007Advertising can be creative and even purposely funny. But sometimes, an ad on a bad place can have unexpected results! Here is a list of 15 unfortunately Placed Ads.
… (5 comments)

new england: Hand Soap - Conversation Pieces - 08/03/07 07:15 PM
Skin crawling creativeness in a Juxtapoz kind of way. 
These "hand soaps" will literally grab some attention!
"...you will get at least 10 hands (at least/about 100 grams of soap).  it's goat's milk + vegetable glycerin & has a light scent.really quite lovely! (& a little creepy)comes in a pretty bag... all ready for gifting to a friend with dirty paws!"
   What?  No Hand Towel??? 
… (0 comments)

new england: Wild Turkey and The Real Estate Professional - 08/03/07 02:10 PM
Now that is a title that is fit for the National Enquirer or Star!  Alas, it is a Local, Fun Post. 
These are just a few of the turkeys that live in Weston, Connecticut. 
(Photo taken from my downstairs window)  <Note to self: wash windows>
Giving Thanks for Wild TurkeysFeathered dinosaurs of the American woods
By Robert Winkler
"...Adult males mix with these winter flocks, travel alone, or gather in their own groups. A winter flock might have 100 members, but in Connecticut flocks of 10 to 20 are typical.
This guy was no slouch with the females.  He had about 10 chicks following … (3 comments)

new england: The Wheels On Hiring School Bus Drivers Go Round and Round - 07/18/07 12:21 PM
      VIDEO
      Change In Law Could Bring Bus Driver Shortage
    There is a priceless value of having competent bus-drivers.
    Years ago, in Raleigh, North Carolina,  I (and several children) came close to being killed when a "16 year old bus-driver" pulled out of a side street onto a four lane highway without looking.  I could see the children's faces looking out the window, and grabbed the wheel of my car as hard as I could spinning and spinning across the four lane road.  I missed going under the bus by inches .  I almost flipped over, but slammed against a very high … (0 comments)

new england: Part One - Consumer Shortcuts & Info: Cut Down the Telephone Tree - Talk to A Human - 07/17/07 11:48 AM
 gethuman.com  <Click Here>
     Since I am a consumer and want to be a "savvy consumer" just like everyone else, there are little bits of information (that have made my life easier),like the site "gethuman.com".
     It can be the most aggravating waste of time for the consumer to jump from branch to branch on a telephone tree, sometimes only to end up being left out on a limb. 
    This website gives you the phone numbers (or how to's) to make contact with a human DIRECTLY for several companies! 
     Cut down on the endless minutes spent listening to horrible muzak, or using the speaker-phone feature and … (0 comments)

new england: SECURITY BULLETIN: Java flaw poses widespread security threat - Updated Java Patched - 07/13/07 11:15 AM
     "Google's security team has discovered vulnerabilities in the Sun Java Runtime Environment that threaten the security of all platforms, browsers and even mobile devices."  From Cnet. <updated later - 7/13/2007>
       Fidelty uses this system for their Paragon MLS Systems and Solutions, (used by Consolidated MLS - Connecticut and  other MLS in the United States)
     "... We are here to help and direct you to the quickest fixes from updates from Microsoft, Java, and other third party applications. These alerts will provide detailed information on how these changes may affect your system and the steps you will need to take.(I hope … (0 comments)

new england: To MLS or To NLS - That is the Question - 07/08/07 01:03 PM
  
Checking out a recent newsletter from Broker Agent News, I found this interesting article (use above link) I thought I would share:
Online Marketing: DOJ vs NAR®  by Michael Parker 
"What it might mean to you and what you might want to start doing today. " 
   The article included this information:
...That system is called Point2 NLS® (Point2 National Listing Service) and you can join absolutely free by going to http://nls.point2.com/Content/Who.asp. That system wasn't designed by Washington lobbyists, trust-busting attorneys, would-be Goliaths, or people whose interests are contra those of agents and brokers. In fact, the purpose behind the design and implementation of … (4 comments)

new england: Will Hugh MacLeod Still be There or Will There Be A Gapingvoid? - 07/08/07 11:17 AM
     Real Estate Connect San Francisco 2007 Open Source. Open Data. Open Dialogue. August 1-3, 2007 has names of many well-known and diverse real estate company professionals speaking.  The voice I feel is the most important is Hugh MacLeod's.  He is a successful marketing strategist and NOT in the real estate biz AND THAT IS WHERE (I believe) FRESH IDEAS COME FROM. 
     This great mind is based in London, and is globe trotting to San Francisco to be the keynote speaking at Real Estate Connect.  I envy all the ticket holders that are going to have a chance to listen to (no doubt) eye-opening information from this unique individual. I genuinely considered making … (0 comments)

new england: Lazy Is The New Busy - I Don't Buy Referrals - 07/05/07 02:14 PM
    No doubt in my (un) usual way I will say something to aggrevate someone. 
    Sorry!  But, I can't apologize.
     I have rarely bought referrals.  That's a pretty honest statement.  I have participated in a few things that have given leads and never paid a dime (or more) until closing. I have no regrets.  But I have no intentions of paying up front for leads. 
    Yes, the market is a little on the "less than fast" side, which means that not only real estate agents are feeling the pinch, so are companies who sell referrals. 
    Last week, a "SELL-A-MARKETER"  called my office, offering zipcodes at a … (4 comments)

new england: Bright Green Site to Behold - 07/02/07 09:15 PM
    MakeMeSustainable.com, Beta.  A site to behold!  An introduction from the Carbon Crusaders wordpress blog gives a great introduction to their hardwork and heartfelt efforts in creating a site could benefit the world. 
Not everyone cares about the future if it does not include them.
My philosophy: "never leave a mess behind" 
I encourage you to check this site out. 
About CarbonCarbon in the Atmosphere and Global WarmingCarbon at the Everyday LevelCarbon Emissions Around the WorldAbout Carbon OffsetsRenewable Energy Credits (RECs)How RECs workTree ReforestationMethane Harvesting and Industrial Efficiency MeasuresAbout MakeMeSustainable AffiliatesEnergy Federation Incorporated ("EFI")NativeEnergyAbout Actions and Lifestyle Choices to Reduce your Environmental … (3 comments)

new england: The Buzzmachine - Public Life - 06/27/07 04:56 PM
          The public life, -June 27th, 2007.  I just finished reading the Buzzmachine's, (Jeff Jarvis) article on the Public Life. 
    It interested me because of what we do when we are not in "our suits" or "on our blogs".  What is our demeanor in public life when we assume  no one will recognize us.
    Today I had to go to the DMV. (Not my favorite place.)  After waiting a small eternity, and listening to someone with a holier than thou attitude get disgusted with a teller for following protocol, it was my turn.  I handed over my paperwork to the verbally beaten clerk.  She managed to muster … (0 comments)

new england: Thank You Geni.com! - Great Marketing and Presentation! Wow! - 06/25/07 01:33 PM
    Yessirree, geni.com has got the total package!  Or should I say, "I got the package". 
     After mentioning geni.com on Activerain, I received a friendly email from Joanne of geni.com.  She thanked me for the mention and offered me a FREE tee-shirt.  I was so impressed that this new internet venture was paying attention to where their name was appearing and thanking people!  A simple thank you Wowed me.  Throwing in a tee-shirt Wowed me. 
    June 19, 2007, I posted Viral Sphere of Influence - Geni.com
    Today, June 25, 2007,  Fed-Ex shows up, and a box secured with geni tape is delivered.  … (1 comments)

 

Ruthman Real Estate

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