brokers: Honey Shortbread - 04/16/07 02:32 PM
Honey Shortbread 1 c Butter1/3 c Honey1 tsp Vanilla2-1/2 c Flour Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In large bowl, with electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter, honey and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add flour, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (if dough becomes to stiff, knead in
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brokers: Sugar Free Cheese Cake - 04/16/07 02:31 PM
This is a great one for times when it seems that everyone is dieting, usually just before Spring/Summer! Sugar Free Cheese Cake Ingredients • 16 ounces of cream cheese • 12 packets of sugar substitute or to taste • 2 cups of heavy cream, whipped • 1 tsp vanilla extract or lemon extract•
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brokers: Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies - 04/16/07 02:22 PM
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies In small bowl combine: 2 c oatmeal2t baking soda½ t salt1 c all purpose flour In large bowl cream: 1 Stick (1 cup) butter flavor Crisco1 Cup Chunky Peanut Butter1 c brown sugar¾ c sugar2 eggs1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract (I almost always use Madagascar vanilla - they always
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brokers: Mexican Smothered Chicken - 04/16/07 02:19 PM
Jane's Mexican Smothered Chicken *4 chicken breasts, cooked with quesadilla mix and salsa (mild, medium or spicy - whichever you prefer) - shred mixture and coolShredded Mexican cheeseSour cream8-inch flour tortillasRefried beans In an 8-inch spring form pan, layer tortillas with chicken mixture, cheese, sour cream and black beans. Top layer should be
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brokers: Chocolate-Espresso Chip Cookies - 04/16/07 02:17 PM
Jane's Chocolate Chip Cookies! • 2 Cups Butter • 2 Cups Sugar • 2 Cups Brown Sugar • 4 Eggs • 2 tsp. Vanilla • 2 tsp Maple Flavoring • 4 Cups Flour • ** 5 Cups Blended Oatmeal • 2 tsp. Baking Soda • 2 tsp. Baking Powder • 1 tsp. Salt • 1 8 oz. Espresso chocolate bar from Paul Newman,
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brokers: More Broker's Open House Treats! (you'll get hungry reading this!) - 04/16/07 01:47 PM
More brokers open house recipes!Sugar Free Cheese Cake Ingredients • 16 ounces of cream cheese • 12 packets of sugar substitute or to taste • 2 cups of heavy cream, whipped • 1 tsp vanilla extract or lemon extract• Optional: No-sugar fruit spread and/or sliced fruit With a mixer, blend the cream cheese
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brokers: Brokers Open Houses... TREATS! - 04/09/07 06:02 PM
What do you love to serve at Broker's Open Houses? I love to cook and come up with some great recipes! I always keep mini philo cups in my freezer for really quick appetizers on the fly. They can be filled with anything from chicken salad and topped with a thin slice of
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brokers: Best new market to explore - 04/08/07 06:12 PM
Not sure of the type of response I will get but here goes.We all know that So Cal and other places are over saturated with Mortgage Brokers calling on them.In exploring licensing in other states, what markets do you feel are underserved by brokers? Where are you having the best luck speaking
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brokers: question for agents on 800#'s - 04/08/07 12:54 PM
I am pretty productive agent and have used 800#'s for years trying the free reports, on flyer brochures, ads etc. I have tried some techniques on my own, some from Craig Proctor and other 800 advocates. I would like to get feedback from agents using the 800Z#'s on what is trully
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brokers: What Are Agents Looking For? - 03/31/07 07:56 PM
As the managing broker for a real estate firm, I am constantly trying to develop services and support that will satisfy my current associates and attract new associates. Recently, I have heard through the grapevine that agents are leaving their companies because of the slow market in our area. I wonder why? For
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brokers: One Sign Is Invisible... But Two Signs Get Noticed And Make Your Phone RING! - 03/30/07 01:52 PM
One Sign Is Invisible... But Two Signs Get Noticed And Make Your Phone RING! Before we get into the power and value of using two signs on each of your listings and why... let's take a brief walk into the realm of marketing and advertising. Here we go. We are going to talk
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brokers: 10 Critical Marketing Mistakes Most Agents and Brokers Make and How to Avoid them - 03/30/07 01:34 PM
10 Critical Marketing Mistakes Most Agents and Brokers Make and How to Avoid them This report focuses of the mistakes... common, predictable marketing errors... most real estate practitioners make which ultimately doom approximately 80% of careers to mediocrity. These are the leading reasons why most "traditional" real estate marketing is not working
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brokers: My Service | Your Thoughts - 03/21/07 01:09 PM
Hi Everybody, First, let me just say how happy I am to be a member of active | rain. I've already gathered so much useful information from reading your blogs and comments, so I'm jumping in feet first with a blog of my own. Watch My Listings is a sales & marketing tool
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brokers: Congratulations! Your under contract, Now what??? - 03/19/07 04:45 PM
Get a professional home inspection! You only got aproximatelly 10 days after signing the contract. A professional Home Inspector is typically hired by a potential homebuyer right after the offer to purchase contract is signed, prior to executing the final purchase and sales agreement. However, before the potential buyer signs the offer
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brokers: 3/14/07 Press Release- Ruling Opens Door for Contractor Lawsuits in Real Estate Industry - 03/15/07 01:11 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 14, 2007 Ruling Opens Door for Contractor Lawsuits in Real Estate Industry Human Resource and Real Estate Expert Offers Tips for Compliance Encino, CA, March 14, 2007 - West coast real estate brokerages got a directive from the 9th Circuit Court recently. In Swift v. Realty Executives Nevada's Choice, the
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brokers: Introducing Monique Bryher - 03/14/07 09:42 AM
You needed a commercial realtor in the Woodland Hills/Tarzana area, you just didn't know it yet. But if you're looking for an enthusiastic helper to get you the commercial deal you want, give her a call. In addition, she finds "horse properties" (places where it's possible to have animals without falling
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brokers: Point2 Broker - Great Website Solution Not Only For BROKERS - 02/23/07 09:20 PM
A lot has been said in the last few weeks about Point2 Agent solutions and its related services. In fact, many of ActiveRain members already have a website provided by Point2, whether it is the standard free version or one of the two upgraded services. But very little has been so
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brokers: Join a Thriving Downtown Las Vegas Real Estate Broker! - 02/23/07 12:03 PM
Attention AZ, CA, NV Realtors - Distinctive Real Estate and Investments is searching for prestigious partners in the real estate community representing fine brokerages, agents, builders, etc. We specialize in elite buyer services and the downtown Las Vegas real estate market. If you would like to meet with us, please contact us at 702-798-4848
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brokers: Prospecting for Golden Opportunities and Protecting Intellectual Property - 02/23/07 11:23 AM
SIFTING THROUGH THE DIRT AND GRAVEL OF REAL ESTATE BLOGS SEARCHING FOR GOLD Treasure Hunting through blogs looking for nuggets of golden wisdom from real estate professionals worth their metal? Keep in mind: YOU are the basic element for successful golden opportunities. Prospecting through blogs is worthwhile way to see who you really are and where your professional and personal
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brokers: New Idea in Lending - 02/22/07 01:05 PM
Here's a different thought. I have added a blog session to my website which will enable borrowers and brokers to post different loan scenario's and receive suggestions on the best way to handle those issues. There is no commitment and pressure to secure the loan through me but it will give the borrower a place
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brokers: Curbed asks.... - 02/20/07 10:56 PM
Last week, Curbed posed a question about a buyer who viewed an open house without her buyers agent (please take note, this is a buyer from NY, where there is hardly any buyer representation). When she/he decided to put a bid in with another agent (acting as HER representing agent) the selling agent
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brokers: Preparing a House to Sell - 02/19/07 01:58 PM
Most buyers drive through neighborhoods looking at listed properties from the outside before inquiring with the listing agent to show them the inside. First impressions are nearly impossible to overcome, especially if the prospective buyer doesn't like the house from the outside. To get them past the front door, you need to add some
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brokers: How would you Market this "concept"? - 02/14/07 09:23 AM
I love my job. I get to work from home, set my own schedule and determine when I will work, or not work. Most of you are probably in the same situation. There are drawbacks however. If I don't work, I don't get paid. Bummer. Working for a developer is wonderful, though.
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brokers: The Reason for the Rise in Foreclosures is......... - 02/11/07 09:42 AM
Sure, it could be the brokers, and we are likely to take the brunt of the blame. But the rality is, it's not us. Brokers were around 10 years ago when foreclosure rates were lower. I know that there bad brokers out there. I got swindled by one when I
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brokers: Real Estate Scam - Red Flags - 02/07/07 01:55 PM
http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881350&subchannel=null&sc2=null&sc3=null&contentid=536885791&contenttype=EDITORIAL&programid=536884660&agency=Commerce I'm almost ashamed to get posting points for this, but thought I'd bring it to your attention. Not a thing wrong with it, but pretty interesting. It is the state of Minnesota's warning page on how consumers can spot a real estate sale that may be fraudulent. Would expect this will
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brokers: CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHEDULE~SIGN UP EARLY! - 02/03/07 11:02 AM
GREATER HARTFORD ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® 2007 Continuing Education Schedule Classes to be held at GHAR Office, 433 South Main Street, Suite 106, West Hartford, CT 06110 Any schedule changes will be posted on the Events Calendar at www.GHARonline.com 2007 COURSE REGISTRATION FORM Name Firm Telephone I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER FOR THE
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brokers: Creative Closing Gifts - 02/01/07 03:34 PM
Last night I took the family to a Portland Trail Blazer game. One of the advantages to having a professional sports team that is struggling in the wins department (and attendance) is their need to design creative ticketing packages in order to entice fans. I have to give credit to the
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brokers: Your Brokerage Company Actually Does That?? - 01/25/07 09:08 PM
I am continually surprised at how brokerage companies treat their best assets...their real estate agents. Every time I think I have heard the most inane, ridiculous policy, I hear another one that's even worse. Here's an example. This is a "prestigious" company's new policy regarding listings... An agent takes a new listing and is charged a $200 marketing
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brokers: Are some Agents really just "Bird Dogs" for Large Agencies? - 01/24/07 12:14 PM
When I entered the real estate business in the 1970's, a common practice was to identify those among your family and friends who would "talk you up" to potential clients. These individuals were known as "bird dogs" and would be rewarded with a crisp new $100 bill after the close of
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brokers: Real Estate Deep Throats Wanted - 01/23/07 06:11 PM
Maybe we can have some fun..... Here’s the deal. We’re looking for juicy real estate related “insider” tips and news—The real estate news or photos you would sell to the Real Estate Enquirer if such a publication existed. continue reading here......
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brokers: Is the Grass Really Greener With Another Company or on Your Own? - 01/02/07 11:23 PM
This conversation comes up frequently among real estate agents. Since getting my broker's license I am approached more than ever by other companies. I also get asked regularly, when are you opening your own office? My response has been consistent. I am happy where I am and have no plans of leaving. Here
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brokers: What is the difference between a fixed-rate loan and an adjustable-rate loan? - 01/02/07 11:25 AM
With a fixed-rate mortgage, the interest rate stays the same during the life of the loan. With an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), the interest changes periodically, typically in relation to an index. While the monthly payments that you make with a fixed-rate mortgage are relatively stable, payments on an ARM loan will
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brokers: How Much Home Can I Afford? - 01/02/07 11:21 AM
Generally speaking, you can purchase a home with a value of two or three times your annual household income. However, the amount that you can borrow will also depend upon your employment history, credit history, current savings and debts, and the amount of down payment you are willing to make. You
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brokers: Mortgage Brokers vs. Bankers - 01/02/07 11:10 AM
Think bankers have better prices and more mortgage programs? Think again!Mortgage Brokers make 65% all home loans closed each year. Have you ever wondered why your neighbors selected a Mortgage Broker as their mortgage provider? Because . . .Customer satisfaction is the key to a Mortgage Brokers livelihood and serving you
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brokers: Brokers License Time... who has it? who doesn't and who doesn't care? - 12/31/06 12:50 PM
Here I am preparing to study for my Broker's license and I am curious from those who are experienced brokers, what kind of experience it has been for you. Is it just another ABR course in your eyes or does it add incredible insight into your business and your life.How have
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brokers: Follow up to an email lead… - 12/29/06 11:26 AM
What should be the lag time to follow up to an email lead on your listing? Is it 1 hour, 2 hours, next day, or 3 weeks?! 3 weeks! As a test I filled out a contact form for a new condo development in NYC (a National recognized condo developer) and
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brokers: We CATER to agents and brokers for FREE! - 12/28/06 01:05 PM
In reviewing our agent and broker registrations on condoDomain.com the numbers have shot through the roof more than 150%. The real estate professionals (YOU) are adapting to new technologies and because of this, condoDomain.com now hosts hundreds of condos and lofts in 33 urban markets for condo home buyers to
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brokers: Homes Of The Future! - 12/18/06 07:13 PM
Do you ever notice what your kids are reading about? I do notice ... well, I am "made" to notice. I have a middleschooler in the house who likes to share with me all the "fun stuff" he finds on the internet, in magazines and surprisingly, even at school. And today hasn't
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brokers: Pinehurst, NC | Dec 06 Housing Market Update - 12/16/06 01:16 PM
Pinehurst, NC is a prestigious golfing destination and internationally recognized as being one of the top 3 in the world. Pinehurst has hosted the PGA US Open in 1999 and 2005 and routinely attracts the top names in golf. 01-Nov-06 through 30-Nov-06 there were 31 Single Family Home Sales reported with
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brokers: To leave or not to leave homes on the market over Christmas Holidays? - 12/12/06 05:16 PM
What do you think? Should the sellers leave homes on the market over Christmas Holidays or should they take their homes off the market? Personally, I like to keep homes on the market. Why? ... majority of homes look very presentable during the holidays and because a lot of sellers take their homes
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brokers: Brokers, Schmokers, and the amazing little thing called Knowledge - 12/09/06 09:00 AM
This morning I went along with one of our agents to a showing... not to supervise or educate, or anything else... really, jsut to go on a visit to the house... had not seen it... the selling agent and her buyer came slightly late... actually, the buyer was perfectly on time... his
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brokers: Selling Real Estate is an Art not a Science - 12/08/06 06:09 PM
Manhattan real estate has always been different. Over the years REALTOR® friends and colleagues from other parts of the country have been very sympathetic toward how we do business in Manhattan. They would say: "You have it so hard", "how can you make a living? " No dominant MLS, coops, coop boards,
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brokers: Recruiting agents - 12/03/06 05:34 PM
I am a broker - owner of a small independent startup real estate office located in Lake County Illinois and as such I am in charge of recruiting for our company ... Mipeco Realty, Inc. I could write this blog with the plan to attract and recruit more agents. However, that
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brokers: Old School Real Estate Search: Old Habits Die Hard - 12/02/06 08:48 AM
After watching the interview Trulia conducted with the CEO of Funda, it got me thinking about why newspaper classifieds are still a major part of a real estate agents marketing efforts. Why? Because that's where their customers and clients look and that's where their sellers want them to advertise. That's right.
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brokers: Clients win as mortgage brokers take on banks - 11/23/06 12:31 PM
Do you remember the days long, long ago when the mortgage broker was considered the "lender of last resort"? He was the guy -- there were very few women in the business in the 1980s -- you crept up a rear staircase to see when you were turned down by the
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brokers: STOP! GIVING AWAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON EACH TRANSACTION - 11/16/06 07:49 PM
Did you know a National Board of Realtors survey reported that 90% of the buyers would have preferred to have obtained financing through their Realtor had that option been available? Why? They already have a relationship with you. Have you ever had a lender tell you “everything looks
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brokers: My Frustration - 11/07/06 12:41 AM
It does frustrate me these days when people bad mouth real estate professionals for trying to make a living. I was reading the real estate blog in the Orange County Register, which by the way is a great blog to keep updated on the goings on in the county, and was
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brokers: "No Brokers Fee" or just the old "Bait and Switch" - 10/31/06 08:46 AM
I don't usually do rentals I prefer to sell. However every once in a while a client will call that needs a rental usually a short term rental during a renovation or as an interim until they buy something. Often they will say "I don't want to pay a Broker Fee. I'm
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brokers: Importance of using the right mortgage broker - 10/27/06 12:29 PM
What makes one mortgage broker better than another? A recent survey by TriDelta Financial Partners of their Canadian customers highlights the importance of using independent mortgage brokers who are qualified to understand the financial and retirement planning goals of their client. When asked about what they are seeking from their mortgage broker,
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brokers: "No, we don't issue mortgage commitments........." - 10/16/06 12:21 PM
That is an answer that I got from a mortgage broker. Right after I got off the phone with his client (the buyer) who was screaming at one of my agents(selling agent) that the closing has not been scheduled - yet... Ok, just so all are aware I live and work in a
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brokers: Dance With The Boy That Brung Ya - 10/10/06 11:48 AM
As the member of our team that "manages the process from contract to closing" I've become increasingly frustrated with the financing process that involves, for the most part, mortgage brokers. Now, I don't want this to be construed as a slam on mortgage brokers. I've got some great friends with that
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brokers: Are You A Realtor? If Not, Why? - 10/05/06 09:40 PM
I just completed an ethics traning session at the local Silicon Valley Association of Realtors (SILVAR) today and some interesting statistics were tossed about There are about 550,000 real estate licenees in Californiaof those, only about 190,000 have joined their local association of RealtorsOnly about 34% of licensees are RealtorsI know that
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brokers: Opinions About Real Estate Market - Everybody Has One - 10/03/06 11:34 PM
Almost every day I talk to people about real estate who have different ideas about the real estate market. I want to find out what they think - no matter how outrageous. I talked with one person today who feels that real estate brokerages will be extinct within 10 years. My belief is
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brokers: Auction Terms & Vocabulary - 10/02/06 03:34 PM
This might be a little long to read through in total, but if you are or had been wondering what something meant as it is related to an auction, the answer may be in here. — A — Absentee BidA procedure that allows a bidder to participate in the bidding process without
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brokers: Open house,public & broker - 10/01/06 10:05 PM
For those who say an open house is a waste of time I beg to differ. I just did an open house today, although the market is slow. I had a chance to catch up on some phone calls and reading. I did however have 2 people show. A neighbor who
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brokers: Duties. - 10/01/06 04:47 PM
I advised clients against waving the appraisal contingency when faced with mulitple offers during hot real estate market. I did this because the bank appraiser gives the true value of the property. I never argued with the appraiser. I know many realtors did in order to close the deal. The facts were presented, and
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brokers: Recruiting Agents - 09/25/06 04:10 PM
I would like to reach out to brokers and agents looking for a different way to sell property around the United States AND agents in Ohio looking to specilaize in working the REO and investment markets all over the state. If this sounds like you, give me a call. I am willing to train
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brokers: Who Would Be Your Choice? - 09/06/06 08:45 PM
After reading Jay's post about dishing dirt about working with agents, I thought about the exact opposite. If you were no longer in the business and you were selling a property, who would be the person you would choose to represent you in the transaction. Several years ago when I became
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brokers: Making a portfolio - 09/03/06 10:14 AM
I'm thinking about making a portfolio to show prospective clients (for me that would be brokers, but for most of you it would be sellers or buyers). Perhaps you have had success creating a portfolio and presenting it to clients... I'm thinking about adding pictures from the local paper and magazines
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brokers: Can We Learn HOW to do CMA's As Realtors, Please?! - 08/30/06 08:33 AM
Wow, another wild week! We have had FOUR purchase agreements not go through this week because of listing agents misinforming a seller of a homes worth. How does this work? Oh yeah, Mr. and Mrs. Seller, you can list your home at whatever you want, it doesn't matter, we'll just go
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brokers: What's up With Keller Williams? - 08/25/06 11:34 PM
Keller Williams is growing fast and for great reasons. While there are still many parts of the country experiencing Keller Who? If they are not in your area, they will be soon. In brief, I'll share my story. I entered the Real Estate business over 12 years ago and became the first member
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brokers: I'm the Buyer Goddammit! - 08/25/06 03:21 PM
As a Buyer, I want: 1. To view the freshest listings available. 2. To search efficiently - I not do want to look for a "needle in a haystack" 3. To view listings without giving anyone my personal information. 4. The listings to have the most information about the property
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brokers: I'm the Seller Goddammit! - 08/25/06 03:18 PM
As a Seller, I want: 1. To sell my Real Estate. 2. To sell it for the highest price possible. 3. It to sell in the shortest amount of time. 4. The transaction to go as smoothly as possibe. 5. My listing to be exposed to the widest audience. 6.
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brokers: Congrats! - 08/05/06 07:07 PM
I want to congratulate each and every one of you! More importantly at this time would like to congratulate those of you who just accepted my invite to join us here at active rain real estate network! You have just made a really bold move and it will help your career
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