Wakulla Springs is just minutes from the heart of Tallahassee and a favorite spot for swimmers, nature lovers, and bird watchers!

I've been going to Wakulla Springs since I was a kid, and taken my kids many times over the years. Wakulla Springs is one of the largest fresh water springs in the world! Over 250 million gallons of water flows from the spring and travels over 9 miles down the Wakulla river to the Gulf of Mexico.

Take a look at the Interactive Exploration Map and you will see why this is such a prized possession of the Florida State Park system. Also at Wakulla Springs you will find the beautiful Wakulla Springs Lodge. The Wakulla Springs Lodge was built in 1937 by financier Edward Ball and is open year-round. It is a hotel, conference center with meeting rooms, a dining room, and is a quaint get-a-way, popular for weddings and romantic retreats. The gift shop features an old fashioned soda fountain bar and ice cream is served just like in the old days! Ole' Henry the log-jumping mullet can be seen from the glass bottom boats and the riverboat tours offer views of alligators, deer, osprey, eagles, and much more wildlife. Here's my photos of Wakulla springs, take a look! Pack a picnic and take the family out for a day on the river.. you won't regret it! If you miss it today,... there is always the Spring Swing on May 8th, 2010 from 7:30-9:30pm.

It's that time again! Every spring new things blossom in Tallahassee, including shiny, stately, spacious new construction homes.

Ever wonder what granite counter-tops would look like with dark maple cabinets, or a white kitchen with tile accents would look like? Do you want to know what a "green-built" home looks like or what features might be in an affordable family home in the NW, or NE?

In the Tallahassee Parade of Homes, there are homes ranging from $159,000 to $1.8 million. Want to envision your dream home? Want information on new construction costs and time-lines? Now is your chance to ask those questions and see the latest in building and design in these beautiful new homes.

The Tallahassee Builder's Association is holding the 2010 Tallahassee Parade of Homes May 8th-9th and 15th-16th. New construction homes and homes which have undergone major renovations will be featured on the tour. The public is invited to tour these homes.

In case you missed getting your copy of the Parade of Homes Guide, here it is just for you! Click the arrow along the right and flip through the pages of the magazine or blow up to full screen!

New construction is my specialty. If you have a plan in mind, and need a buildable lot, a builder referral, an interview for a builder that will work best with your family, give me a call today for a FREE consultation. I will guide you through the process of new construction right up to closing! contact me today for your custom home construction appointment. For all your real estate needs, Debbie Kirkland 850-212-0440

It is hard to believe I began a journey only 18 months ago with social media. It's taken me about 12 months to get organized, put a team together to build a website that works for me, and that is manageable and marketable. Another 6 months and I am learning the ins and outs of content, placement, advertising via some very savvy social media experts. I owe much of it to my exposure to the right people, at the right time in to real estate and social media world to the many people who give of their time and knowledge via social networking.

Here's what worked for me and the order that seemed most logical at the time.

1. First, I found my Center. Where was it I wanted people to go, what was it I wanted them to know, and who was is I would be speaking to?
2. Second, I found the right people for the job and dedicated myself to use the tools they would provide for me.
3. I organized a social media business plan, and I stick to it.
4. I engage, regularly, and have FUN with it.
   

During my first Real Estate Bar Camp, I got the big picture of social media. Not only did I learn in 7 hours more than I could have garnished in a week, I developed a support service of attendees, which are now, proudly, my friends. I am not a quiet observer, I ask questions, watching, reading, researching learning, but when I get it, it is game on!

After the Real Estate Bar Camp in Miami, my first real social media and technology event,  I began implementing my goals of having an interactive website, connected to all my social media and interactive with the public with hopes of gathering and converting real estate leads AND connecting with new faces in order to grow a network. With the help of Dakno.com and Bobby Carroll, my vision came full circle. I have garnished many new contacts, and customers via the web, on one site or another. Local friendships, tweetups and dialogue have people talking about my website and remembering I am a Realtor. The referrals have been steady.

If I wanted to be known as the local expert, I needed an avenue to create that as well. Thus, the blog and facebook group, "365 Things To do In And Around Tallahassee, Florida." I had seen it a few times, but never sure if it would work, earlier attempts at ning.com sites had failed, and I was hoping it would work. In less than 3 posts there were over 300 followers, most of which I had no relationship with yet at all. Another window of opportunity.

My business plan came together in bits and pieces and it evolves and adjusts constantly. I carefully observed the differences in those who use Facebook for simple personal connections and those who work for business and maintain that digital handshake. My goals are to attract customers who will buy or sell real estate, to have a social marketing plan like no other in the area, and to connect with those who keep me up to date and feed my insatiable appetite for learning. Now, I am putting together a guideline for Realtors on Social Media and teaching classes to newbies. I'm certainly no "guru,", but I have something to share for the moment and  that's the circle of giving and learning. There's also the Real Estate Bar Camp in Orlando that I am planning and more time for learning, connecting and making network contacts. Now, more fun begins!

Today, a Realtor from Massachusetts found me on Facebook with a listing referral, and you know, THAT is just the thing that makes it all worthwhile.

Today I completed the Short Sales and Foreclosures" Protecting Your Client's Interest's  CRS Course given at the Tallahassee Board of Realtors.  I have to complete a couple of webinars, after-which I will have a designation of SFR (Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource). While it's an accredited certification program, there is much more significance to this course in my opinion, than a simple certification.

Education is what it will take to understand, to problem-solve and to move pass the challenges that many of our customers and friends, and family are facing. The question was asked in the class by the instructors today as to how many people blog, how many use social media in their businesses, etc. Out of 80, there were maybe two, or three including myself. Given the emphasis on technology in marketing that has been discussed and promoted by NAR and in most all marketing periodicals and PR firms for several years now, I am still amazed at how many agents do not incorporate any social media in their businesses. How will the public know that you can help, if you do not market your services? Given today's technological world, the sheer numbers of people who turn to a Google search for help, or surf the Internet for a Realtor, would it be safe to say that if you had information that customers were searching for on your website, blog or Facebook page that people could use, that they would be more likely to hire you or to seek your advice? There is enough information in this class to be used by every agent in social media to educate the public, enough to keep one blogging for months on this subject matter alone.

Foreclosures, short sales and REO properties are increasing exponentially. The numbers of shadow inventory held by banks alone are more than what we have seen in the past two years combined. No longer are we dealing simply with homeowners who are victims of predatory lending. In fact, none of the short sales I have closed were victims of predatory lending. Instead, almost one-half of these seller's were victims of joblessness, or changes in employment resulting in decreased income, leading to mortgage payments that are no longer sustainable. The other half of my customers facing short sales resulting from necessary moves, after having bought their homes during the height of market value in 2006, before the mortgage industry debacle and market value collapse. All of the latter, are victims of declining values, that otherwise they would not have realized if they were only able to hold onto their investment for the long term as advised and planned. 

No matter what sellers may be facing, there is a responsibility to know how to deal with these customers. Giving uneducated advice, violating privacy standards, or worse not giving the customer sound options or  recommending an accountant and attorney look into their options is the equivalent of malpractice, not to mention against the Realtor's Code of Ethics. Giving the right advice, following real estate law and assimilation of all data are all the right things to do for customers who seek our help.

Take this great CRS Class, prepare yourself and your customers for what is coming, and use your social media sites to help us all educate the public as to why we are professionals, that we are here because we know how to help them.

Has your home been on the market longer than your listing period? Are you on your second.. or possibly your third Realtor? Are you still stumped after all that time, left wondering why your home has not sold? I'm going to attempt to explain what most Realtors want to say, but some can't seem to get out..at least in terms most all will understand.. but some may not appreciate. This is my reality, this is not Realtor TV, and this is certainly not Hollywood.

This article won't appeal to those whose homes have sold, so for you.. congratulations..whatever you did worked! I'll save that for the follow-up. Right now, I have people who are desperate to sell their homes and not hearing what we are saying.

Here goes,.. If you are in an area where values have dropped, I know you are going to be disappointed. I see it on my customer's faces at nearly every listing appointment. Talk about a reason for depression! Yes, we all watch TV and read the paper. Our economy sucks. So now, breathe in an out and lay the cards out. It's my job to turn this thing around, and only with my sellers help can I do that. Sometimes that means I don't get a listing.. sometimes that means I spend hours with a calculator and a pencil outlining Plan A, B, C, D, E and F!

It's my job to tell you the truth, so don't shoot the professional who lives this market everyday who tells you the facts. My paycheck is directly affected by the falling prices and lack of sales. Believe me,.. I feel your pain! However, it is time for truth, a realistic plan and total honesty and disclosure. By that I mean, there is work for everyone to do. This is also not the time to feel ashamed, or to plot how to circumvent the system. Guess what? You are NOT alone. Please don't wait until I have a contract to tell me that you have a second mortgage... you know that line of credit that you used for your business, that was tied to your house as collateral. Oh yes, and let's don't forget about the roof leak that lead to the subteranian termites that lead to the bathroom floor "re-do." Disclose it now.. let's get past it. You can't afford to loose a customer at the closing table over doubt that you created. I can't help you then! So, I put this list together.

There are 5 things you MUST do to sell you home in today's market.

1. Hire a Real Estate Professional. This is not the time for FSBO unless you area Realtor, a real estate attorney (because most do not know current real estate or disclosure law. Could your gynecologist give you a root canal? They're both Dr.s right? It's not the same believe me!) With as many challenges as there are with appraisals, financing hurdles, disclosure issues, and inspection findings...you need someone who is there with you the entire time. Buyers have agents.. and some are sharks! We can't help it.. we are supposed to get the best deal for our buyers. Many times Realtors work both sides of a transaction, in Florida we can do that as "transaction brokers." sometimes that means we help another less experienced agent who falls apart when lender issues rear their ugly heads at the 11th hour...not to mention any names,..."BoOoaaAaah!"

2. Invest In Your Sale. You are a fully invested partner in this transaction. Without your participation, preparation and motivation, this transaction will not take place. Your Realtor will give you a list. Get the things on that list done! Prepare your house to sell before the first person sees it. That first person has been looking at other homes and is going to purchase somewhere. (Getting Ready To Sell tips.) If your furniture is tired and worn out.. get some slipcovers. Pack your stuff..pack the kids stuff..how much can any kid play with at one time? You've seen the Sell That House, HGTV specials, etc. "Get your Move On!" People will make offers with sellers who look like they have gone the extra mile and are ready to leave. Stage your home.. use what you have or hire someone. Re-arrange and de-clutter. If you don't give a rip... well.. let your Realtor know that up front. That's decision time for experienced agents.

3. Start looking at your next home. Whether it is online, or with your Realtor, get out.. see what kind of home you want to make your next home. You will appreciate what other buyers are going through if you are doing the same thing! If you are moving to a different city.. then just go see your competition..the other listings in your area that are similar to yours and that are different. Ask your Realtor to show you these other active listings, and the pending ones.. what made people make an offer on the house down the street and not yours?

4. Review area sales stats every month, the more often, the better. If your Realtor is not providing these.. then ask for them! Get your head around the facts that in most areas, sales and values change weekly, up or down.. few stay the same. You have to know this information. Showings are a good gauge of pricing and competition, and of market conditions. Neighborhood Sold Reports complete with photographs and comparable property information help with this.

5. Review your absolute bottom line. If that line is below what you owe..have a Plan B. If there is no Plan B, no efforts of even the most experienced, high profile agents will work. Knowing whether or not you can compete with a neighborhood of foreclosures,.. that is important! Numbers either work, or they don't. If you are upside down or need to negotiate with you bank.. put them on alert now. You most likely find any lender more motivated than a year ago. Get a contact at the bank. If you can't, get to a Realtor who has , well,.... abilities. Short Sales are not for the weak at heart. You want the Realtor who works full time to work your short sale. Calm, cool, dedicated but a tiger who can reason with the banks and close a sale. Professional always, but on task!

Real estate today.. it is face paced and furious...we are working harder, but are we working smarter? Those who are selling , are working very, very hard and do want to help you make your sale!

I can not wait for this .. what a terrific idea!.. Will have an audience here in Tallahassee for sure! I'm game to sponsor a meet-up in my area...ideas rolling around already!

I write this as I sit waiting to talk on the inagural Twitterqueen radio show and just after a conference call with Florida State University's Family Connection Board of Directors, for which I'm President.  My post is actually inspired by another Active Rain Featured Post of Paul Cutajar: Twitter - Facebook - blogs. When do we have time to work? Paul relays a little "deer in the headlights" syndrome, and Oh is that a familiar feeling!

I had to chuckle reading Paul's post and feeling his "social media" twitch! This past week I taught a class to local Realtors and small business people on social media and marketing, etc. 8 hours of what, when , why , and where.. and they left like wet noodles.  For a beginner, unfamiliar with any social media, it's well.. like a kid in a candy store, only leading to a tummy ache at best! 

First, I'm no social media "guru". What you're about to read here is just a simple southern take on a few things mama will never teach you, cause there's a good chance mama hasn't seen this stuff yet. My best advice is to break it down.. unless you can to devote every spare hour, (and what is that in real estate?), to "playing" on the Internet.  Begin with one task at a time. You prospect, right? You schedule time for that, right? You write an article or two for your local association or paper, right? You can do this! Talking with Diane (better known as @HeyAmaretto of the "Twitterqueens"), last night, we understand the "I don't get it folks!" Nine or Ten short months ago.. I was there! HINT: Try to "get it" soon.

So my advice and suggestions are:

1. Website First- Who in the world are you, and how do people find you! There's a lot of experts out there..so how are you different? Figure yourself out..your market, your profile and get it up and running as soon as possible. Oh, and p.s.... get some help with it unless you are a true SEO genius. Connect. Educate.
2. Pick one.. Social Media Profile - If you're really looking for a "niche," a community or a demographic you may want to start with Facebook (and hey.. forget about the games and such..unless you have time to waste, we are talking real estate, right?). Get your profile geared up, talk about what you know.. post your listing info, your neighborhood involvement. Write some notes.. re-post events, or schedule your own! Learn Facebook. Great tutorials on you-tube by the way. Connect. Educate. Communicate.
3. Pick another one..Social Media Venues- What the heck is a tweet or twitter? It's like a block party, that's what! A block party where you leave with a goodie bag brimming with information you can use.. or again, the kind that give you the tummy aches. When you "get it," your information will be in those goodie bags too! Good news here people! You can choose who you want to talk to at the party.. or you can be the wallflower. Warning, the beat will make you want to dance soon. Follow your friends followers. Build your invite list..(learn how to gather contact information and plug people into your database!), then tell them how to find you and what you do.. the website,..remember? Connect. Educate. Communicate. Engage
4. Ice the Cake - Gather up all your profiles now and put them back on the what? That's right,.. the website. Again,. unless you are a widget master, a profiler, a design diva or dude, get some help with that. share it with your customers and contacts. Connect. Educate. Communicate. Engage. Ice the Cake!

So, in my simple way once again.. it's really about who you know and who you want to know, and completing a marketing program to reach not only people you know, but those you may never have otherwise met had you not found that common thread. don't be daunted! Realtors adapt every day, what's new?

Debbie Kirkland, Realtor, E-pro

I've never had a problem talking... don't get me wrong.  But researching the hows and whats and wheres of social media marketing had been a journey.  IThe journey has lead me to the most fascinating women and minds in my business. The goal of social networking, to build relationships.. well.. consider the goal obtained and so much more!

I began the journey with Google.. who are the top in the industry.. then Facebook.. again, connecting not just to friends.. but starting with industry leaders. Examining each one with great  involvement, reading their blogs, browsing their websites. Secondly.. I spent a lot of time on you tube... looking for tutorials on the "how tos" of real estate technology. then came Twitter.  What started as an innocent few words blossomed into searches for those with similar interests.  Some work involved,.. following their tweets, skipping through to their websites and company information, etc.  I soon became familiar with how it all worked.  I added Tweetdeck for management of the people I have in int erst in, and learned volumes in just days. 

If you are wondering how social networking will bring your busineess also.. well add up all the advertising you do, by talking about your business, This past week, I had not one, not two, ,but three customers come to me via Twitter. All three viable candidates for real estate purchases and sales.

The biggest surprise, meeting other real estate twitterers, engaging in conversation, many into the late night or early morning hours. Women who "get it".  Smart, intelligent and caring women with a desire to have fun, throw around ideas and suggestions to me, and other professionals but with as much "color" as the newest 244 box of Crayola crayons. Before you know it.. there was the creation of the #twitterqueens.

How honored I am to be included, and can not wait to see these ladies in real lilfe... coming soon, God willing and a few more sales under my belt.

If you are not involved,.. you need to jump right in. Research or ask the best in your industry.

See me @FloridaSunSales or the other Twitterqueens at http://twittwerqueens.net !

No doubt.. the best minds in the business.. sharing life, work and play.. all up on the social media networks.. that's how we met.. and how we roll now!  We depend on seeing each other often virtually,.. and soon in person!

Here's Hoping This is the Only Fire Truck You See This Holiday Season!

Don't forget as you are decorating, the safety factor!  Preventing fire and theft  are two of the most important things to be mindful of.  This is a great post by Royal Home Inspectors.. and I look forward to sharing it with my customers! Thanks Bruce!