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Calling All Buyers! Final Days to enter contract for federal tax credits

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 00:18:39 -0700

Final Opportunity For Many Buyers To Take Advantage Of Federal Tax Credits Ending This Week!

Via Laura Coffey, ABR, QSC, CDPE (Re/Max of Santa Clarita):

Calling All Buyers! Final Days to Enter Contract for Federal Tax Credits..

This is the final week for home buyers to enter a binding contract to take advantage of the federal tax credits for certain home buyers. I think most everyone has waited to the last minute. Eligible purchasers must enter contract by April 30 and close escrow before July 1 to claim the tax credits on their federal tax returns. I have been working around the clock to help buyer's secure properties and enter contracts by Friday. A one-year extension may be available for members of the military and other federal employees who served on official duty outside the U.S. for at least 90 days from January 1, 2009 to April 30, 2010.

First-time buyers may be eligible for up to $8,000, while existing homeowners may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500. Neither credit requires repayment if buyers live in the residence for three or more years.

For more information on home buyer tax credit providing incentives for buyers.

Laura Coffey, ABR, QSC, CDPE

For all your Real Estate needs please visit www.Laura4Homes.com

For a FREE personal custom web-site with all the current listings in your area please click
Santa Clarita Homes for Sale

To answer questions or concerns regarding your personal options to avoid foreclosure please visit www.SCVDistressedPropertyHelp.com

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Life After The Tax Credit

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 23:31:57 -0700

David had some great food for thought.... Life after the Tax Credit Ends This Week ! !

Via David Monsour (Prudential Bob Yost - Sites, Gettysburg, PA):

There aren't many people in the US right now that aren't wondering what the real estate market is going to look like after the tax credit. Buyers are wondering if they'll extend it yet again, but from what I understand it's highly unlikely. Realtors are wondering if the spike in activity we just witnessed represents their "nut" for the year, and well I have some opinions of my own.

As we close in on the deadline we are seeing the last minute flurry of buyers that decided that $8000.00 was enough of an incentive to pull the trigger on a home. Realtors and buyers alike are hustling to get those contracts agreed upon and ratified in time for the April 30 deadline. Unlike the last credit, there will be two months to get from ratification of the contract to settlement. This should take a tremendous amount of strain off of settlement companies and mortgage lenders, but that is yet to be seen. This flurry of action will most likely show unrealistic 2nd quarter numbers in almost all markets. So is the world going to end on June 30th when the clock strikes midnight and the tax credit is nothing more than a piece of history (unless of course you're getting a credit)?

Nope, it sure isn't. My belief is that we will return to normalcy. You see the government intervention in the real estate market will finally be over. Economies eventually self correct. We've placed a band aid here and some gause there, and stiched this, and stapled that, but at the end of the day the wound is going to heal itself with time. As of the end of March the government pulled out of mortgage backed securities putting private investors back in control of interest rates. A few days from now we will be past the tax credit deadline restoring a "normal" market. It will operate on it's own without outside influence from the government.

Consumers have realized that prices aren't at the same levels as they were in 2005. They've swallowed that lump that formed in their throat when the Realtor showed up at their house with a less than dazzling sale price. It has been generally accepted that these are the levels than many markets across the country were meant to maintain. That ridiculous spike in prices was nothing more than a lapse in judgment by some greedy individuals. The inflated prices will be reached again at some point, but for now, they are what they are.

Will the market be simple for the second half of the year, probably not, but the more realistic consumers get the more overall success we will have. I firmly believe that the "normal" market will be fine once we overcome the large numbers of buyers that left the market earlier than they otherwise would have (first time buyers). We've purged the market in waves putting many more buyers into the market in lumps instead of distributed over time. Eventually we'll get back to an equal distribution.

I look forward, like everyone else, to adapting to a real estate market without so many incentives, where the buyer wants to buy, the seller wants to sell, and the Realtor wants to bring it all together.

__________________________________________________________________________

Please View My Other Social Media Profiles

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

David E. Monsour, Realtor

Prudential Bob - Yost Sites Homesale, Gettysburg, PA 17325

717-319-3408

David.Monsour@gmail.com

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ActiveRain Proxy Error What's Your Secret?

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:43:19 -0700

If agents can't blog because PROXY ERRORS then how are consumers Reading Them ? Most consumers will not stick around if they saw a proxy error! Don't worry though... this recent problem will probably be fixed... it's been a month of this lately but I know Active Rain surely knows they have this issue and are working on resolving it! I think everyday I see about 10-15 posts talking about this! It really is firing up agents at this time... I hope it gets fixed soon!! Cross our fingers but I think the servers are in overload mode until they get their "New Servers" they were talking about adding. Hang in everyone! I'm sure they are doing their best!

Via Orange County SEO | SEM | Photography Dave Keys 888-216-1231 (Dave Keys SEO, Web Marketing, Photography, Video):

It must be some kind of conspiratorial plot to drive me mad.

I can tell. It's coming. I watch the spinning icon on my browser and fire up three or four other websites just to be sure it isn't my connection and then...

wait for it...

wait...

Proxy Error

The proxy server received an invalid response from an upstream server.
The proxy server could not handle the request GET /action/agents_secure/my_home.

Reason: Error reading from remote server

Apache/2.2.3 (Red Hat) mod_ssl/2.2.3 OpenSSL/0.9.8e-fips-rhel5 Server at activerain.com Port 80

AAAACKKKKKKK!

Oh, come on! I was just trying to log in! Just how does the ActiveRain Apache server know when I'm in a hurry and decide to lay an ambush for me?

Ever feel this way?

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I can't believe I have earned 500,000 Points on Active Rain.

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:26:32 -0700

500,000 Points... What does it feel like? Just ask Gita.... She hit the milestone JACKPOT ! Congrats once again!

Via GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors):

I would like to thank all my associates, blog subscribers and all those who commented on my posts for helping me reach the 500,000 point milestone.

When I started on Active Rain , I did not expect to reach 100,000 points and here I am three years later with 500,000 points.

I enjoy writing about my community and sharing information about Real Estate with others. The main reason I blog is for Google ranking so customers will find me , and for networking with agents for referrals,

I love to read posts by other members for the wealth of information I can get by reading. I have learned about technolgy , internet marketing and photography here on Active Rain. This is the best online university that anyone involved with Real Estate can join.

If a new member were to ask me what they should do on AR

Here are some tips.:

Write posts about your community and market reports.

Promote your listings but do not just write about listings. Your posts should be about real estate topics. Tips for sellers and buyers etc.

Comment on posts by others. Do not limit it 10 comments.

If someone comments on your post, try to reciprocate.

Thank you Active Rain.

Gita Bantwal is a Realtor with ReMax Centre Realtors in Bucks County, a Northern suburb of Philadelphia. You can view 1000s of listings on her web site www.GitaBantwal.com

She can be reached at 215-343-8200x124 or direct 215-275-8491 or via email gita01@aol.com

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Portraits for a business card.

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:24:26 -0700

Irina gave me some flavorful thinking about business card pictures... they say realtors look nothing like their pics... and even I know I need an update on mine!!

Via Irina Fernandez:

Is it important to have your photo on business card? If you are in a real estate - YES. You are the the face of your own company and you want people to remember and recognize you. Your business portrait is going to be on many web sites, flyers, magazine ads and your business card. It is very important to look your best. You should invest in some good photo here. Put your best suit on, best face and find a great photographer who will spend two hours in Photoshop making you look gorgeous. You know - a good painter is the one who makes a model look amazing? The same goes with photography.

I have been working on this business card last week and I think it would be nice to share it with you.

If you live in WA state, give me a call and I can take your photo and create a new business card for you.

From those three different portraits, light wise and business card thinking - the last photo is the best. So, after cutting agent Mark out of the background - and creating design - we've got this:

.

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Acquiring new business by being proactive

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:22:06 -0700

Russel has a great business mindset and shows you the proactive way of doing things... Priceless! Thanks Russel!

Via Russel Ray, San Diego home inspector (Russel Ray, Property Consultant):

When builders build subdivisions, they often use the same thing in all the homes, mainly because they get a volume discount for buying so much.

As a home inspector with past experience in various other aspects of real estate, I know that. When I'm at a home inspection and find certain things that I know have been recalled or have various problems associated with them, I can often acquire new business by being proactive in telling the neighbors about the recall or problem.

I'll often do this if the problem concerns something that could be a significant fire or safety hazard, or has a recall or class action lawsuit associated with it.

After the inspection, I'll create a mailing list of all the addresses in the subdivision and send out a simple postcard. Recently, I did this when I found polybutylene water supply pipes in the attic:

Notice that I didn't try to sell anything. I only wanted to be helpful, but it's this kind of help that can generate a tremendous amount of business, either by home owners wanting me to come out and check their attic, or them calling me for a home inspection when they go to buy or sell.

If you know something specific about a neighborhood that typically is a problem, try being proactive in contacting the home owners to demonstrate your knowledge and helpfulness. It just might turn into significant business for you.

Acquiring new business by being proactive

☺☻☻☺

Post a picture of your cat right here.

♫♫♪♫♫

Twenty most recent posts

Guilty as charged!

Ever wonder how home inspectors set their prices?

Gather information from all your reports to make the best decision

Wanna child or a home? Sorry, you need a license first.

Are you too tired for sex?

Is this a ménage à trois?

It pays to know the neighborhood

If your child is missing, look under the house!

They do things a little differently south of the border

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

I saw it! I saw it! Did you?

We have alpine meadows in San Diego!

Realtors, practice your craft!

The Border Patrol didn't like my pictures.... :(

What if your mouth was shaped like a shoe?

Obelisk: San Diego's bookstore for the GLBTQ community and friends

Head to Souplantation for the best buffet!

Valley Farm Market: Open 9 to 9 daily with farmers' market prices

It's okay to get dirty at Weidners Gardens in Encinitas

Catch a quick meal at Sixth Avenue Bistro in downtown San Diego

My Favorite ActiveRain Groups

ActiveRan Travel Station
ActiveRain Convention Station
ActiveRain Guerrilla Marketing Station
ActiveRain Library Station
ActiveRain History Station
ActiveRain Nature Station
ActiveRain Symphony Station

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How to become a business magnet by giving to others

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:19:57 -0700

Don't Trick People into business... be a business magnet instead... use Care and Give Back with no strings... Thanks Susan and Russel !

Via Susan Neal, Fair Oaks CA Real Estate Broker (Century 21 Noel David Realty):

I was just reading a great post by Russel Ray, discussing something he does that benefits whole neighborhoods, and ultimately I'm sure, brings him business from those appreciative neighbors. This is a great practice, no matter what business you're in.

Giving something to someone with no strings attached is refreshing and much appreciated. One of my favorite marketing books is "Endless Referrals" by Bob Burg. He teaches that you will get business from people you meet by offering to help them in some way without asking for or expecting them to give you business.

It could be by introducing them to someone who could become a client of theirs, or sharing a cutting with a neighbor who has admired your flowers, or doing something like Russel does in alerting people of potential problems n their homes. The key is your mindset. You need to be doing it genuinely for the benefit of the other person and not as some kind of trick to get business. And when you do, it is like you become a magnet for business.

Let's face it - people like to do business with people they like and trust. You are more trustworthy when you are offering something to others with no strings attached than when you are merely soliciting their business. This does not mean that you can't promote yourself, but the first time you meet someone, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting, for example, ask him about his business and ask how you could help him.

If he is a swimming pool contractor and someone else you met is thinking about putting in a pool, introduce the two of them, tell the potential customer what you just learned about the contractor, and watch that contractor swell with pride because you were actually listening to him and remembered what he said.

Get his business card and when you get back to your office, send him a handwritten note saying you enjoyed meeting him and hope that you can bring him some business. When he needs your product or service, he will remember you and you will get the call.

************

Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience.

I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction.
"Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at
(916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

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Wordless Wednesday - Blue Angels Pic

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:10:59 -0700

Blue Angels... check out this formation! Enjoy! Thanks Chris for sharing it with us...

Via Chris Alston (Keller Williams Realty, Cupertino California):

I snapped this picture at Fleet Week in San Francisco last year. It was sooooo windy!

Sooo... they only did this flyby. Great picture!

Makes me think of the Van Halen Song "dreams"

Do you have any Blue angels pictures to post? Gotta love it!

Chris Alston

CEO- Team Leader

Keller Williams Realty, Cupertino

20230 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite E

Cupertino, CA 95014

408-850-6955

408-850-6956 fax

calston@kw.com

www.kw.com

Find me on:

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Driving traffic to your site

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:08:30 -0700

Interested in Driving Traffic to your site? Bryan has some things to chime into...

Via Bryan Spann (M & M Realty):

What are great ways to generate

quality traffic to your site to generate more business?

Although advertising can be expensive, it's how you generate traffic you need to promote your business. Business cards, newsletters and other print media are good because it promotes your business by providing information to your customers letting them know you are in business. This form of marketing is considered old fashioned by today's standards but very essential to your growth. Your presentation should be professional in appearance.

Google and Yahoo marketing are also good ways to generate virtually instant traffic to your website. Using these search engines by providing keywords and adword search drives specific users to you because they are in essence looking for you. You may want to limit your target to words and phrased specific to what ever it is you are offering in order to get the most efficient use of your money and create better quality impressions on these search engines. There are of course, other alternatives, considering your budget.

Social Networking sites such as Twitter, Myspace, Facebook or Youtube can be great ways to build a network with like minded people you may or may not already know . You not only want to bring traffic to your site, you want to bring the right kind of traffic. This form of advertising is very general and will reach a wide range of people you may not think will need your product or service. This is called attraction marketing. The use of attraction marketing on social networking sites is a efficient yet there is no real target to your audience.

Blogs, chatting or instant messenger are also great because it's inexpensive and provides a quick way to let your customer know what you have. You should offer information they they can use. This method can sometimes be very time consuming and you will have to constantly update your sites to provide updated information. Providing good information is the best way to build trust with your customers.

If you are not marketing your business you are not in business.

Redbud Marketing - Driving Traffic

Create Your OpenZine

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Now Pending

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:06:25 -0700

Congrats To Connie on her pending sale! Spreading good news about the real estate market!

Via Connie Lou Barnett GRI,CRS,CRB,SRMM,ARA,PRS,SFR,QSC (Real Living/Home Realty):

Connie Lou Barnett | Real Living/Home Realty | 270-929-0369

4009 Chapel Lane, Owensboro, KY

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $136,900

Year Built 1971

Sq Footage 1,674

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial

Floors Unspecified

Parking Unspecified

Lot Size Unspecified

HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Nice 3 bedroom home with two full baths located in Town & Country. Home has new carpet. Kitchen with appliances. Two bedrooms with hardwood floors. Split bedroom concept. Greatroom with fireplace and dining area. Front porch and screened back porch with brick patio. It’s easy to see. Make that call today. Call Connie Lou Barnett 684-6221 or 270-929-0369.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace

- Hardwood floor - Dishwasher - Refrigerator

- Stove/Oven - Laundry area - garage

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Great Room

Kitchen

Master Bedroom

Screened Porch

Back View

Contact info:

Connie Lou Barnett

Real Living/Home Realty

270-929-0369

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Apr 12, 2010, 12:18pm PDT

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Inexpensive GREEN practices for Earthday

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:05:23 -0700

Not only on Earthday but Everyday!! David has some great "Green Tips!"

Via David Monsour (Prudential Bob Yost - Sites, Gettysburg, PA):

Becoming Energy Star or LEAD certified Green isn't an easy process, but that doesn't mean you should avoid Green practices altogether. As a Green Certified Realtor I've studied a lot of different Green Options.

Some Green practices are very expensive but others are affordable and can really make a difference.

1.) Seal up windows, doors, lighting, outlets to make sure your home isn't loosing heat/cooling energy to the outside. Consider a home energy audit with an infrared camera.

2.) Energy Star appliances can be a great step in the Green direction.

3.) Fluorescent light bulbs last longer and require less energy

4.)  Use environmentally friendly cleaning products

5.)  Try to use local products to avoid wasting energy used in transport.

If you're looking to go to the next level of green consider solar panels, wind power, and build a south facing home to take advantage of the suns rays.  There are many government grants and credits available for going Green.

__________________________________________________________________________

Please View My Other Social Media Profiles

If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be.
Now put foundations under them.
Henry David Thoreau

David E. Monsour, Realtor

Prudential Bob - Yost Sites Homesale, Gettysburg, PA 17325

717-319-3408

David.Monsour@gmail.com

Delaware Homes For Sale, Free Home Search www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com Find Homes Based On Your Criteria! Any Home! Any Price!

Yammer: A Different Type Of Social Networking Tool

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:04:31 -0700

Yammer? Anyone try it yet? I am still keeping up with all the social tools online!

Via Sara Bonert {Real Estate Internet Marketing} (Zillow):

Today I wanted to talk about the social networking tool, Yammer (insert eye roll here and groan "another one..."). But wait, this one is different, it is a PRIVATE network that I think could be very powerful for local real estate offices.

Yammer is basically like Twitter where people post information in real time, only who sees the posts are contained to select people. For example, at Zillow we have a Yammer account set up where only Zillow employees can post and see what each other writes. For me personally, it is great because I work remotely and it can be hard to keep up with what everyone is doing in the home office.

I thought this service would also be great for real estate offices, because typically the people in the office are always out doing their own thing (showing homes, giving listing presentations, attending CE, etc). Since you aren't seeing each other face to face every day, using Yammer would be a great way to stay connected and update to date on any information that is beneficial to the office.

With Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare I am constantly checking in and updating information. With Yammer I only go in when I have something beneficial to my peers to say - so the time commitment is very small. Right now I only post about 2-3 times a week. And at the end of the day, I get one email with all the Zillow Yammer updates for the day, rolled up into one email I can easily scan.

It is free to set up a Yammer account, and then of course there are upgraded plans if you want to expand the features available. But so far the free plan has been sufficient for us.

Yammer is a great way to connect people who are going different directions, which is why I think it is perfect for real estate offices. You'd easily be able to share information about upcoming meetings, new product launches, tips and tricks you learn in the field, etc. - all while keeping this information private from your competition.

Like what you're reading? Then subscribe to my blog and be notified when something new is posted.

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Education is always my goal...

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:59:43 -0700

Education is always the solution to a positive future! If we all focused on getting more education we can get rid of the negativity in our marketplace! No matter what happens in real estate and no matter what someone says or talks about...my priority is Education. I am a World Class Agent and pride myself on providing a high quality service for my clients. In my office their is no such word as "Negative" as my clients rely on me to be "Positive" about helping them buy and sell real estate.

Education helps me keep positive , feeling good about the new higher level of service I provide with every new class I take!

I encourage all agents to take more than the minimum education... especially in areas you know you need!

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Rain... Open House rain... didn’t scare them away!

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:54:14 -0700

Yes that rain today didn't scare my Open House Crowd away! I was fortunate to be holding Open a "Double Open House" and today was the first time I ever did that! 2 homes next to each other and both were open for touring. I did have 1 moment where their was one person walking into the other house while I was finishing up with the other buyer in 1 house so I did have to juggle a little but it worked and I had some fun doing it!

I think I will do another "Double Open House" again in the future! My heart was pumping just trying to keep up the pace! Now that's an open house!

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Believe... Blog

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:50:32 -0700

Believe ... You must have desire to change! No slacking! Do "affirmations" to yourself daily! Say "All is Well!" Build your persistence!

Create Daily habits on something that may be "Hard for you" but will also make a positive difference in your business!

Wake up each day with the confidence that things will GO WELL !

Just Believe to Achieve!

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Good Deal? ... That is what buyers want... highlighter was a good deal!

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:46:59 -0700

I went to Wal-mart the other day and found a steal on highlighters... $3.49 for 12 Sharpie Accent Highlighters... normally $6.97 and it was the only set left...so what does this have to do with real estate... well It was a GOOD DEAL and I actually told a couple people about it and I got to thinking... that is what we do for buyers everyday... we help them find the "GOOD DEAL" out there and then they brag to all their friends!

I work in my buyers best interest and help them find that "Good Deal" in real estate!

So cheers I can relate... only difference is a highlighter is much lower in cost then a Home!!

Nevertheless I help buyers find "Good Deals!" Everyday!

Have you found a good deal lately? How did it make you feel? Did you brag to friends about that "Good Deal?"

Well in Real Estate , agents rely on referrals so we truly want you to find that good deal so you can brag to all your pals about the great service we provide!

My goal is create "Clients For Life" and one way I do that is by making sure I give you a "GOOD DEAL!"

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Minimizing Time on Email

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:39:12 -0700

I dedicated a blog just for this:

Minimizing Time on Email !

I feel we all probably are guilty of spending too much time checking email!

I realized that I needed to establish a set routine for checking email at certain times instead of a 24 hour a day kind of thing... really is my email that important?! Yes but not so important that I need to stop everytime I see an email come in!

I could only find myself 1 solution... CLOSE OUT OF OUTLOOK!

So I am trying something new this week... closing out of outlook and checking email 3 times throughout the day and then closing it out again. I am hoping this will help me be more productive each day. Perhaps many of you do this already and if so tell me how it worked out for you!

Thanks and wish me luck on saving some precious time!

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Is it an impossible task? 40 hour realtor work week?

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:34:16 -0700

Is it an impossible task? 40 hour realtor work week? Asking myself... well I just created a little sheet that awards me "Stars" for hours worked... basically I am trying to see if I can Not Go Over 40 hours but still accomplish everything I need to do... hymm? Is it is a recipe for disaster or can I get it done...? Hymmm not sure but if I can get it done I will enjoy more personal time for me and honestly that's why I created it... the idea will be to focus less on low $ activity like checking email. (Crossing my fingers on this but I hope I can do it!)

I am creating a challenge for myself... no more than 40 hours this week or I'm burning to a crisp if you get my drift! Sometimes I need to rejuvenate and this week I am giving it a try and hope I hit this personal goal of mine as I've been working like 70 hours + lately !

I know with the tax credit ending soon this will be a challenge but I'm going to try and see if I can do it for my health! Sometimes working harder takes tolls on you!

Wish me luck!

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Time Is Winding Down For Tax Credit

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:28:24 -0700

Time Is Winding Down For Tax Credit

I just sent out a mass email to my client list and I need everyone to spread the word that this is the last week for the first-time home buyer tax credit (It has not been extended at this time but military get extension so see me and tax accountant for details)

I hope every potential buyer out there takes me up on this message... it is time to Act! Low Interest rates, low home prices, and the perfect storm is brewing!

Call me if you don't want to miss out! I can only help so many!

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Open House Went Great Today!

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:23:01 -0700

I was happy to see everyone who came to my open house today! My poor fingers were a bit sore after filling and tying up 30 helium balloons but other than that it was a real blast!

Quails Landing has some great potential growth in the area and with the prices down to $299K range , I believe this will be picking up soon!

I don't expect those homes to last long at those prices!

If anyone wants more information on Quails Landing here in Magnolia, Delaware ... please call me! You will not be disappointed!

Thanks Again to everyone who showed up today!

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How Important Is A Home Inspection?

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:13:04 -0700

How Important Is A Home Inspection? 2 Words! Very Important!

I get this question all the time from buyers who don't wish to pay for a home inspection... it really is a must!

A home inspection gives the buyer peace of mind in knowing what potential problems exist in the house. Every house has problems... Even new construction! The idea is to know what your buying upfront and to foresee any hidden expenses that might be revealed in a home inspection.

In Delaware the seller is required to fix structural damages like roof and foundation problems so as you can see a home inspection would definitely be beneficial to you as a buyer.

For more information stop by my office at ERA Realty or call/email me for more and some suggested home inspectors who I recommend!

Delaware Homes For Sale, Free Home Search www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com Find Homes Based On Your Criteria! Any Home! Any Price!

Magnolia Delaware Double Open Houses Today From 1-4 PM

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 08:13:53 -0700

Double Open Houses Today From 1-4 PM

5 Days Left for Tax Credit!

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Ends April 30^th!

Existing Homeowners Can Get A $6,500 Tax Credit!

First-Time Buyers Can Get A $8,000 Tax Credit!

Only Military Have Extended Benefits !

Please Come Join Me Today From 1-4 PM

At a DOUBLE OPEN HOUSE !

2 Homes On the same street right next to each other!

Come Out To See Me At Quail Landing In Magnolia!

Delaware Homes For Sale, Free Home Search www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com Find Homes Based On Your Criteria! Any Home! Any Price!

Scan, Copy or Fax with your camera phone or digital camera

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 23:19:41 -0700

Handy technology for real estate agents...

Via Caryn Webb Digital Coaching by an e-PRO:

scaR is perfect for receipts, business cards, faxes, class notes, whiteboards, sending your listing to the MLS, and your office in a snap (pun intended).

You have two options, you can download the software to your iPhone, blackberry, Nokia or Android which then takes the photo and uploads it to the scarR server and delivers a clean PDF to you. These can be printed to a fax machine using scanR

Or

You can use the web service by taking a photo of your document and emailing or MMS the photo to one of three scanR addresses.

doc@scanR.com (for documents)

wb@scanR.com (for whiteboards)

bc@scanR.com (for business cards)

scanR will compress and clean up the image and creat a PDF. This PDF can be emailed back to you , saved or shared o the scanR web site.

To fax or email this scan, include the fax number email you want to sent it to. You can also send it later using the scanR Web site.

This software and basic scanning service is free. If you need to send more than 5 faxes a month, you will need to sign up for the pro account which is not free. For more detailed information or to get started visit scanR Website

Delaware Homes For Sale, Free Home Search www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com Find Homes Based On Your Criteria! Any Home! Any Price!

Random sign photos taken today

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 23:04:13 -0700

Bills post has me looking harder at signs... yes they sometimes say stuff like this... ..... ..... chime on in....

Via Bill Somerset -ABR®, E-PRO®, Realtor®, Dover NH Real estate agent (Century21 Central Falls Realty):

These photos were taken today while I was on my way to Kittery Maine. They did their job, they made me turn and look. Not sure what the first sign was trying to do, get people upset, or get the business more customers? The second sign was pretty obvious. Finding it a little humorous especially on a day like today, the fact that the pool company got me to stop and take a photo proves that the signage is doing it's job.

I hope that if you use signage for your business you use it to your advantage and attract more business. We may not all agree with what is happening in the political world, but I for one would not be the type of person that would make that statement on my business sign!

Delaware Homes For Sale, Free Home Search www.FreeHomeSearch.DreamStation.com Find Homes Based On Your Criteria! Any Home! Any Price!

What's Your Pick for the Next REALTOR® Magazine Cover?

Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:53:03 -0700

Realtor magazine has been letting us VOTE for the Cover on our favorite magazine! Did you vote? Maybe next time if not! Thanks!

Via REALTOR® Magazine (National Association of REALTORS®):

We enjoyed your input on our April cover so much that we're going back to the well! Our May cover story is built around interviews with people who recently bought and sold homes. What was the experience like for them? What would they do differently the next time?

We came up with more than a dozen ways to tee-up the story on the cover, and we narrowed those ideas down to six cover concepts (below).

Please tell us which cover would be most likely to draw you inside. VOTE HERE!

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