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!
And finally, so as to not lose the Social Aspect of the BarCamp atmosphere, we are encouraging volunteers around the country to organize In-Real-Life MeetUps for immediately after the online event. Sponsorship donations will help fund these Social Media Happy Hour style gatherings, so please let us know if you would like to help by volunteering your time to organize a local MeetUp.
As the calendar of sessions and the IRL MeetUps start to come together, we will keep you all posted through Twitter and our Facebook Fan Page.
Block off your entire calendar for Tuesday, Nov 17th. None of these webinars will be available after the event. You do not want to miss this.
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:
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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!
Yes, the holidays should be merry and bright, but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers that the holidays bring the dangers associated with the improper use of decorative lighting. By avoiding such hazards as dried out Christmas trees, unsafe lights and unattended burning candles, thousands of holiday-related injuries can be prevented. By all means enjoy yourself this holiday season, but make following the fire/electrical safety tips outlined below a priority in your merrymaking so as to avoid any mishaps.
Trees:
•· Look for the label "Fire Resistant" when buying an artificial tree. While this label does not mean the tree won't catch fire, it does signify the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
•· Check for freshness when purchasing a live tree. You can do this by looking for deep green trees whose needles are hard to pull from branches and do not break when bent between your fingers. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin. When tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
•· Be sure to place trees (artificial or live) away from fireplaces and radiators. Live trees dry out quickly in heated rooms so be certain to keep the tree stand full of water at all times.
•· Place trees out away from traffic paths and do not block doorways.
Lights:
•· Use only lights that have been tested for safety by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another recognized testing laboratory. A UL label indicates the lights conform to certain standards. Use only lights that have fused plugs.
•· Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Throw out damaged sets. Always replace burned-out bulbs promptly with the same type and wattage bulbs. Using the wrong bulbs can cause overheating.
•· Connect no more than three standard-size sets of lights together.
•· Make sure extension cords are rated for the intended use.
•· Never use electric lights on a metallic tree. The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and a person touching a branch could be electrocuted.
•· Before using lights outdoors, check labels to be sure they have been certified for outdoor use.
•· When hanging light strings, stay away from the electric power lines that may run from utility poles to your home.
•· Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other mean of supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks. Or, run strings of lights through plastic hooks.
•· Since damage or a short-circuit could quickly start a fire, turn off all holiday lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
•· Use caution when removing outdoor holiday lights. Never pull or tug on lights - they could unravel.
•· Outdoor electric lights and decorations should be plugged into circuits protected by ground-fault circuit-interrupters (GFCIs). GFCIs have been installed on exterior circuits in new homes since the 1970s and can be added as a safety retrofit in older homes.
Decorations:
•· Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles of plastic or nonleaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
•· Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
•· In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep tree trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
•· To avoid eye and skin irritation wear gloves and glasses or goggles while decorating.
•· When using artificial snow sprays, follow container directions carefully to avoid lung or eye irritation.
•· Do not burn wrapping papers in the fireplace. A flash fire may result as wrappings ignite suddenly and burn intensely.
For 12 toy safety tips for your holiday gift giving, visit Consumer Report's blog at http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/ Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.royalhomeinspectors.com
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injure up to 2,600 individuals and cause over $930 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration(USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips about preventing Christmas tree fires, inspecting holiday lights, holiday decoration safety and holiday candles you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.
Despite the ominous gloom and doom portrayed by the media, there is still a movement of real estate across the country. With job transfers, life changes, and the quest for the uncharted path in life comes the need for housing.
Historically, there are eerie similarities that seem to have been repeated. People compare our market to the Great Depression. The facts are failing interest only loans issued preceding and during the Great Depression were replaced with fixed rate mortgages which became the norm until the early 2000's. Economists warned government officials in years preceding 1921 of the impending issues that failing capitalism would bring. The educators and intellectuals of that era leaned toward socialism and ignored the warnings of the economists. Sound familiar?
Those who made money during the depression of 1921 were those who continued to build their wealth, to provide goods and services that people depended on such as household goods and housing. Investment groups were born as people pooled their hard earned savings to acquire housing and income producing properties. Landlords became popular. Seller financing increased and in most cases it created win-win scenarios for home-owners and property owners. Today, we are getting back to the basics, we are getting creative, and we are selling homes and real estate. What seems so new, is not so new!
The good news is, there is still affordable housing. There are homes for sale that are NOT short sales or foreclosures, that can be bought for reasonable prices. Can you expect a homeowner who has cared for their home, maintained their home and responsibly acquired equity in their home to give this home away for prices comparable to those who have not - the short sales and foreclosures? This is not true comparison shopping. If you are shopping for bargain basement properties, go to that market, if you are shopping for quality and value shop in that market. There is a huge difference in the distressed sale and non-distressed sale and their expected closing times. Be specific with your Realtor and be realistic in your expectations of time involved to acquire your property.
The nuts and bolts of the market are this... it's a great time to buy, it's still a good time to sell and realize a reasonable profit if you are not over-extended or credit-challenged and have gained steady equity during your period of ownership. If you have not, that is where a Realtor can help you get creative and explore your options for selling and purchasing.
Pricing, it's not a science.. it is an "art." The medium is constantly changing and the results are looked upon by others who will want to know how you did it, how it made you feel. There is no secret formula, no one answer to the question, "How much do you think I can get for my house?" It's a cooperative effort. The statistics for my company and my personal statistics show that our listings sell for 95 - 98% of their asking price. In what was labeled as a declining market, that's pretty awesome statistics. What does it mean? Our homes are priced well. We are not selling for .75 cents on the dollar as in some areas. We never have here in the Tallahassee area, thanks to well educated Realtors.
So, what about over-priced listings? Should sellers expect their homes to sell in this market? Should they expect their Realtor to have an idea what it will sell for or in what time frame? Well, certainly! However, they are an integral part of the equation. Choosing a professional who knows how to price is critical for a seller.. and removing the sellers emotions from the "transaction" is essential for the Realtor. There are some universal concepts of listing a home for sale however:
Agents who take over-priced listings don't care if your listings sell or not. Is your home an advertisement for your home, or for your agent? You have control over that by pricing it to SELL.
Signs in the yard, ads, open houses, etc. all result in nothing more than buyers for the Realtor on overpriced-listings
These realtors don't care if your listing ever sells, they are gaining more exposure by the free advertising
To some agents it is all about competition of "winning the listing", falsely making them look like they won something over other Realtors
These agents let the sellers dictate price instead of setting it properly from the beginning, which is the ethical thing to do.
The agents also get a reputation for taking overpriced listings with their peers. - That's important in this business.. These are the people they will be working with for 30 - 45 days while a transaction is processing. Being realistic brings respect from other agents while negotiating and throughout the sale. Top producers are a tight knit group; we don't keep listings around long, and have been known to give them back when sellers are not cooperative or realistic. Greenhorn agents sometimes make mistakes of just getting listings and loose sight of how to "sell" the listing.
So, how do you set a price?
The real price comes from what the comps show is moving and at what price - many factors are considered from the comps. Studied Realtors will give seller statistics on comparable properties and has studied sales trends. Sellers and Realtors should visit some of their competitive listings to see what their competition looks like.
Having a Realtor who thinks outside the box sheds new light on price negotiation as well. Marketing strategies and negotiation abilities should be the real focus of a seller.
Some agents think they can get seller to reduce a price after a few weeks
Price reductions hurt the seller - there is a danger of stigmatizing a property, of creating a "tired" listing, and so buyer's offer even less
Remember when Sellers ask their Realtor to cut their commission, consider they may already have by wasting time and advertising dollars while waiting on a listing to sell. How much more will you get from your Realtor by expecting them to burn all their profit. A few of these and Realtors will be out of business!
Remember it is not important what you think your home is "worth", nor what the agent thinks, no 2 appraisals will be the same. Even appraisal standards change with market activity and available comparable sales. There is no exact magical figure in pricing. It is an estimate based on market conditions that change daily! "Market value," the true price your home will bring, is based solely on "what a buyer is willing to pay." It is "an imaginary price, in an imaginary world".
What will a long drawn out listing cost you? Ultimately, carrying the extra mortgage payments combined with the aggravation of showing a property, keeping it spotless and sometimes taking off work or taking time away from your family is a financial loss that most sellers do not consider before strategically pricing their homes, but they should! Given most home-owner's busy lives, it could be a logistical nightmare!
So, what is your home worth now that you have read this? Hopefully you have the correct answer to that question without even thinking! Can I negotiate with a buyer who makes any offer? You betcha!
Sometimes the media does actually come through! Not everyone has the the total "Local" picture.. but we do depend on the media to report current events and trends. People do listen.
I think we all have a responsibility to hold the media accountable to report not just the doom and gloom of the market, but how to utilize the services of Realtors, as in the following clip to be helpful. It is a fine balance. Interviews with people who offer "Solutions", not just problems, is a key element in our industry's recovery.
There are several helpful videos in the series, but this week, the CBS segment on relating to "How to Sell in a Buyer's Market" was helpful for me in communications with my sellers.
There are other clips available.. for buyers, etc. It's an interesting series, and more interesting that the days of FSBO are not as popular..the media is returning to the industry for answers from professionals.
Does the dream of homeownership still exist? I have to believe so.
Yesterday, with the help of my network of professionals, I was able to help a young couple secure their dream of homeownership. We met at a holiday event, and through a relative I learned that this couple had been "turned" down astonishingly enough, by a lender and a real estate salesperson. It seems their budget of $150,000 was just too small. Hmmm.
Personally, I think the first time homebuyer market is what is keeping this industry in business. Young people.. fresh credit, good, steady jobs all lead to the perfect candidate to invest in real estate. What better investment really, what better advice can you give these folks than to invest now, not later? The wise Realtor knows this is truly our future!
The market is saturated with homes from which to choose, the funds are still available to help with down-payments. Lenders are working wtih fixed-rate programs to insure that payments don't overwhelm these folks. If all goes well.. these will be the next true investors...one step at a time.. 3 - 4 years from now..taking the next step towards their second homes,.. then their third. Creative negotiations, creative financing, creative minds win the customer. This is real estate at it's best.. not it's worst as far as I am concerned.
I can guarantee you this.. these folks will remember who said "yes".. who went the extra mile, sat with them as they spoke to their lender, to their parents.. who showed them a way to begin their lives. Think twice,.. be nice..go the extra mile.. win the smile.. and win the referrals that roll in from "one good deed."
I never would have believed it... but utilizing technology is paying off!
Business networking is no longer a handshake or simply meeting for a drink or at a function to make the personal contacts that have served us all so well. Businesses, including my own industry are turning to a more global marketing approach while making connections, advertising services, etc. I am learning,.. and most importantly, having some fun. Being able to say that after nearly 7 years in the business... it is so true!
I have always said, "You really must love what you do for a living, or why do it!" I am loving the constant challenges of my business. Growing.. a few steps behind my college daughters..well.. that is ok! I suppose it is my turn! I'm catching on... finally.
So I've created profiles and made "friends" and established business networks I never dreamed of. Allowing people to see not just a business profile, but a touch of my personality, has already provided rewards! Today I had a young couple from New York call.. and we have an appointment to see condos in Southwood Plantation on Tuesday. Go figure! So, now I've now got a My Space profile,.. A Facebook profile, an Active Rain profile - strictly for real estate professionals, and am even a "Digg" profile where people send me great articles and diversions about travel and where I send interesting articles to others.Blogging in all of these areas and on my google page.. well, I am loving how it is all connecting! It's just a whole new world folks... and what fun! Florida Real Estate is alive and well.. and Realtors are surviving, thriving and smiling as every day is an adventure!
Let's help each other out.. that is the real point of all of this.. I will remember those who help grow my business..the favors will be returned!
"Tallahassee Town Talk," Debbie Kirkland's Real Estate Blog. Join today for information on the real estate from Florida's capitol city to Florida's forgotten coast!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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!
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