Now that the deluge has begun again, I look back on this summer. This was one of the most incredible summers we have ever had in Seattle. We actually had a summer! One of my favorite one-liners is, “Welcome to the Seattle Rain Festival, Sept through June.” During this wonderful summer, where we had a record number of days over 80 degrees and no rain for almost 4 months, I made a move to Port Ludlow on Hood Canal.

Having moved from downtown Bellevue, this more rural environment is so delightful. Everyday feels like I am on vacation: the air is redolent with the smell of salt water and pine trees. I have deer in my backyard. I am living in Paradise- actually, on Paradise Bay. The move was very beneficial in terms of lifestyle. When I commute, now it is by ferry boat vs. on congested freeways and bridges.

Making a move to enhance a lifestyle or to be closer to family or work can be so rewarding.

Now think of how rewarding it would be to make move (a lifestyle enhancement) for work- your real estate profession.

Can you imagine automating more of your work so you can do more in less time? I can. I have. Many agents have started using more technology. Really most agents have, at least to some degree: online forms, syndicating listings, digital photos and virtual tours of listings, email, etc. What about other enhancements? Are you migrating more of your prospecting and follow-up online? There are specific tools that will allow you to market yourself and your listings online. Many of them are FREE. Are you taking advantage of all of the FREE or cost-effective tools that are available to help you build relationships with more people than ever before? Have you created an E-farm - a database of prospects, clients and past clients that you provide valuable information to in order to position yourself as their real estate resource?

This summer with my move, I spent time writing a book on how to build your business online. I have included some examples from top agents across the country, who have built a database of literally thousands. Their business has not suffered in the downturn. The book includes: planning, online prospecting, managing a large database, using tech tools and building relationships using social media. It is called, “Make the Move- How to Move Your Real Estate Business Online.” I will have it available on my website within a month. My goal is to help you make it to the top! I will share excerpts from “Make the Move” in the following blogs.

It was a great summer; I hope you enjoy the book.