How to Get Your Text Away from Your Pictures in AR blogs - 10/18/09 11:54 PM
Here are some great tips to help you with your blogs and how not to lose your work!
Via Bob Haywood, www.BobHaywood.com (McGraw Realtors):
Ever notice how some Active Rain blogs look nice with the text away from the pictures while others seem to have the text all jammed up against the picture?
Believe it or not, it's easy to make you pictures stand out by keeping the text away!
Here's how to do it.
First, start typing your blog.
Step Two:  SAVE your work!
When you're done, SAVE your work using the "Draft" setting in the visibility setting.  This way you won't loose … (4 comments)

Social media icons for Active Rain users - Raindrops - 10/09/09 11:03 PM
Check out these cool buttoms!
Via Brian Brumpton, Boise Idaho Real Estate (Keller Williams Boise):
I decided to take a stab at creating some social media icons.  I like the bottle caps that Jeremy and Bob have been using but wanted to do something more specific to Active Rain.  So without further ado here they are:
You can link this as a blog subscription button or to your active rain profile.  It's pretty much universal.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Here's one for Facebook.  You can use it to link to your profile or fan pages.
 
 
 
 
 
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I Got A Letter From Lindsey Graham - 10/09/09 10:39 PM
I received an email from NAR asking us to send a request to our Senator about extending the 8,000 tax credit for the first time home buyers. I was shocked today, when I went to the mail box and found this letter. I never expected to get something in writing from Lindsey Graham. I am very impressed with the quick acknowledgement of our concerns and the personal contact that his office has made. What do you think?    
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Real Estate And Sea Gulls - 10/09/09 05:42 PM

 
What do Real Estate Agents and Sea Gulls have in Common? The Sea Gull can still make her deposit on the Mercedes! Thought this might give you a chuckle today. I tried to post it from the office this morning, but the server went sideways and then down and I had to leave for outside appointments. Hope all of you have a great weekend! … (11 comments)

Wow What a Workshop and a Beautiful Home Too! - 10/07/09 10:05 AM
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500 Blog Post in Less Than 1 Year - 10/07/09 08:29 AM
 
Was doing my regular morning coffee, Active Rain and answering email. Flipped back to my home page and there it was ~ 503 blog posts. OMG I have written over 500 blog posts in less than one year and also accumulated over 150,000 points. Some of my first posts were really sad and some were really bad. I would like to thank Active Rain for making me a better blogger, not that I'm that great now, but much better than before. This site has really helped me in this down market. It helps to read blogs from all over the … (36 comments)

"I Hate to Be the Bearer of Bad News, But...." - Delivering the Truth to Our Seller Clients - 10/07/09 08:02 AM
Tell the Sellers the truth about where to price their house ~ don't sugar coat it.
Via Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (512-796-7653) (Austin Texas Homes, LLC):
Over the course of my career, I have been the bearer of tough news for my listing clients many times.  I don't ever relish the thought of sharing bad news with anyone, but I must admit that my skills in this area have improved dramatically with experience.
I have a few tips to share that might help you if you are faced with delivering undesirable news to your own clients. 1. Just say … (8 comments)

Limitations and Success - 10/07/09 07:55 AM
You are what you think you are!
Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):
 
Motivational Power Quote



Limitations and Success
 
"Our limitations and success will be based,
most often,
on your own expectations for ourselves.
What the mind dwells upon,
the body act upon."
Denis Waitley, author, speaker
   
As I see it. . . . . . . .
Limitations and success . . . .  
We control the limitations that we encounter and the levels of success that we achieve.   
What we think about is the foundation of … (2 comments)

Google Wave will change the way real estate transactions are conducted online - 10/05/09 11:53 PM
Catch the Google Wave
Via Real Bird (RealBird Inc.):
First, please watch this YouTube video by Epipheo Studio explaining why Google Wave will revolutionize email communication. Then see how it will change online real estate transactions and sales cycles for the better, by making it integrated, manageable and streamlined. 

Most of what I write below is based on my expectation of the exact features of Google Wave without actually having access to it and to the API sandbox (Google - please send us an invite already, will you?) 
As you can see from the video above, Google Wave improves email communication by solving the mess, that … (3 comments)

Are We Safe Out There? - 10/05/09 01:42 PM
 
Lori Bowers posted a blog about real estate agents being safe and wanted to know what other agents do to stay safe. My comments have turned into this blog post. Here are some of the things that we do at our Keller Williams office in Spartanburg, South Carolina: The first thing we try to do is have the prospect to meet us at the office. We always make sure that someone knows where we are going. We have a code word in case things should go bad. We try to go in pairs. Try to arrive after the prospect, park behind them and … (24 comments)

Do You Flickr? - 10/05/09 01:03 PM
What's Up with Flickr?
Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:
I just opened up my Flickr account tonight.  What took me so long?  Jeremy Blanton gave me the idea.  Jeremy is such a whiz when it comes to all this web gadgetry and social media.  Watching him do his magic is both entertaining and awe inspiring; the man is a genius! Getting back to Flickr: if you haven't done so already, you should!  Just get yourself a Yahoo webmail address (mine is Mirela.Monte@yahoo.com), then go to Flickr.com and garner yourself a free account.  Start uploading your pictures and creating your … (3 comments)

Beautifully Decorated home with beautiful gardens and outbuildings - 10/05/09 10:45 AM
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Thanks for Getting Me Started on Active Rain - 10/04/09 01:58 PM

Just this week I reached 150K points on Active Rain and I wanted to thank my great friend and fellow Rainmaker, Jean Terry for introducing me to Active Rain. She practically had to make me sign up. I told her, "I don't have time to do that!" She told me that if I tried it, then I would see the benefit. So, reluctantly I signed up. And here we are 150K points later, with lots more friends, a huge file of clip art and a lot more knowledge. I wrote a post about reaching 150K, Here is the link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1267166/150-000-points-an-active-rain-success-story
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Clip Art Users-Have You Checked out the Upgrades? - 10/04/09 01:38 PM
If you love clip art ~ then check this out
Via Pat Fenn (Marketing Specialist for Cindy Jones RE/MAX Allegiance):

If you are a subscriber to www.iclipart.com and haven't logged in recently go take a look.
They have done some nice upgrades to the site and they've added some terrific new graphics.
The new menu on the left hand side of the screen makes it easier to narrow down your choices.  Some of the new 3D graphics are quite eye catching.  Some of the graphics themselves might inspire a blog post or two.
The subscription rates are reasonable and you know when you … (0 comments)

Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house? - 10/03/09 11:24 PM
If you want to sell your house ~ then read this blog
Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Carra Riley Inc.- Real Estate Consultant, Author, Speaker ):
Every Seller Needs To Know, What Sells a house?
There are four varibles that sell a house.

1.  Price
 




2.  Terms
 





3.  Condition
 



4.  Location
 
 
All four of the variables go together to create the "perfect sale."  Each aspect must be taken into consideration if you want a property to sell.








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Is IT Point Worthy? - 10/03/09 08:44 PM
IT's all about the points?
Via Jane Penttinen (Sunstreet Mortgage, LLC - Sr. Loan Officer):
Is IT Point Worthy?  I've been thinking about that little phrase quite a bit and it dawned on me how many parts of my day revolve around points of one type or another.
In my business, I very often get a phone call that starts out with
Loan Client - "Hi!  I need a mortgage.  My credit score is excellent.  I have 20% for a down payment and I make a great salary.  I want the lowest interest rate available." 
Me - "Okay.  I can get you a rate … (2 comments)

Once upon a time, in the land that banks forgot. . . . . . - 10/03/09 08:39 PM
You should read this about mortgages
Via Jane Penttinen (Sunstreet Mortgage, LLC - Sr. Loan Officer):
Once upon a time, in the land that banks forgot. . . . . .getting approved for a mortgage loan was quite a different and more human process. 
Your loan application was completed by hand and every box was filled out Your employment was documented with a written Verification of Employment - no pay stubs and W-2's. . . uh! uh! Your bank accounts were documented with a written Verification of Deposit. . . no bank statements. . .uh! uh! Your credit report took 3 weeks and … (0 comments)

REAL ESTATE AGENTS ON HIATUS. . . REAL ESTATE BROKERS CLOSING OFFICES. . . AGENTS "ON REFERRAL". . . AGENTS ON SABATICAL. THEY'LL BE BACK. - 10/03/09 11:53 AM
Don't quit ~ go on a sabatical ~ Lenn is going to tell you how:
Via Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate:
REAL ESTATE AGENTS ON HIATUS. . . REAL ESTATE BROKERS CLOSING OFFICES. . . AGENTS "ON REFERRAL". . . AGENTS ON SABATICAL.  THEY'LL BE BACK.
A SIGN OF THE TIMES and clearly A REFLECTION OF THE ECONOMY.  
Laurie Mindnich writes an intriguing article today about agents dropping out.  My question is "Dropping out of what?"
True, many are dropping out of their local, state and national Realtor associations or boards.  The fees are outrageous and clearly discourage continued membership … (1 comments)

150,000 Points ~ An Active Rain Success Story - 10/02/09 09:43 PM

Tonight, I have reached another milestone in my evolution here on Active Rain. Heather Chavez reached her 100K mark last week and this week Sandy Childs has reached 150,000 points. So, hey Heather I doing the Snoopy dance with you! I need first of all to thank my great long time friend and fellow Rainmaker, Jean Terry for just almost making me join Active Rain. She sat me down in the conference room at our office and showed me how to get started. I've been hooked ever since. Thanks Momma Jean! I have learned where to go to get really … (23 comments)

The Skinny on Making Links Count the Most - 10/02/09 07:41 PM
Make those words count ! ! !
Via Dynamic Page Solutions (Dynamic Page Solutions):
I've noticed that a lot of people on ActiveRain use "linking text" in their blogs to empower their links to the full potential, but I've noticed quite a few that don't. Well here's how to use "linking text" and why you should do it. When writing a blog for your real estate website, don't just put your web address as the link to your site.
Bad Example
Carlsbad Oceanfront Homes Capture the Southern California Lifestyle
Oceanfront homes in Carlsbad embody the legendary surf-and-sun lifestyle of Southern California. Wide stretches … (4 comments)

Helping People Through Short Sales: Gary Keller Audio Interview with Mega KW Agent - 10/02/09 07:38 PM
Short Sales According to Gary Keller
Via Keller Williams Realty:

Keller Williams Realty’s Realtor Career Audio Training:
Gary Keller Audio Interview: Helping People Through Short Sales

Kristina Arias, Keller Williams Integrity First Realty

Related Posts:
KW Agent Mountain -Gary Keller Audio Interview: Four Key Steps To Getting REO Business
Keller Williams Realty News: Get The Best Distressed Training In The Industry!
KW Agent Career Training: SHIFT – Mastering Short Sales(Slideshow Presentation)
KW Real Estate Agent Training: Audio Interview with Top Short Sales Agent Sean Healey
Sharpen Your Expertise Within the Pre-Foreclosure Arena





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LOL Friday: Those Crazy Californians! - 10/02/09 07:31 PM
Old laws on the books can really be a HOOT!
Via Heather Chavez, Second Self Virtual Assistance (928) 412-4469 (Second Self Virtual Assistance):
This is why we are referred to as "Those Crazy Californians":
1. No vehicle without a driver can exceed 60 mph anywhere in the state.  So, if you're going to be in a passenger seat of a car that has no driver, make sure you keep it at 59 or below, buddy!
2. Women may not drive in a house coat in California.  They can, apparently, drive naked, though, as long as they don't get out of the car.
3. … (5 comments)

The Hummingbirds Have Moved South - 10/02/09 07:20 PM
                                        Every evening after work I love to sit on the patio and enjoy the hummingbirds. They are so delightful as they play and drink from the feeders in the back yard. I love to hear them chirp and flutter past. Sometimes they appear to even want to fight with one another touching their fluttering wings together ~ they have been so sweet this summer.  
Tonight after work there were no chirping birds, only empty feeders. Fall is upon us!  
 
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Wow What a Workshop and a Beautiful Home Too! - 10/02/09 06:37 PM
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Creating Title Tags And Content To Match It - SEO Tips - 10/02/09 12:27 AM
Read this blog about title tags:
Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate Immaculate Homes):
One of the most crucial factors in ranking high for your targeted keywords in search engines is your Title Tag.
What is a title tag?
If you look at the top of your browser when you're on a web page, it's those words that are in the little blue bar at the top. The reason for this post is because of the number of real estate websites I see that don't take advantage of such an easy way to promote your website to … (3 comments)

Newspaper Print Is It Destine For Extinction? - 10/01/09 05:48 PM
Look at What is Happening to the Printed Media:
Via Lorraine and Loretta Kratz-Certified Negoitation Expert, (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.):
After reading a very provocative article on the future of newspaper print and the now pending hearings that Congress is holding as to whether or not to save this industry? Yes, Congress is considering bailouts for newspapers? Why is President Obama saying he'd consider it? Why is Congress holding hearings and considering "The "Newspaper Revitalization Act" in a bid to save this form of print media. 
Should this media be rescued? Or must we realize this form of communication has gone … (8 comments)

Where There’s a Will… There is a Windmill... - 10/01/09 08:14 AM
This is a very toughing story of determination, it's worth watching:
Via Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Real Estate Connection:

What a motivational story this is.  The human spirit is amazing.  Please watch this short documentary; you too will be inspired by it!  It’s succinct and loaded with all the wonderful things that make us who we are: Remarkable!   “This is a story that should be shouted from the rooftops”.   Mirela Monte, Your Myrtle Beach Connection              Join The Optimist Group!  

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Childs

Sandy Childs - Spartanburg, SC Realtor®

Spartanburg, SC

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: 245 East Blackstock Road, Spartanburg, SC 29306

Office Phone: (864) 921-1523

Cell Phone: (864) 921-1523

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