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IS YOUR HOUSE ECRU?

By Paula Swayne

Real Estate Agent with Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 CalBRE # 01188158

December 19, 2009 01:00 AM

Don't get me wrong...it's a fine color. It's what I painted my first two houses I owned 30 years ago. You can put just about any other color with it and it goes with everything. It is a safe color that will not offend your visitors. Guests will not dislike your for your taste in decorating or see a side of you that they didn't know about.

Then one day it hit me...people didn't know me. My own house was not a reflection of me but a reflection of no one. After all, who was living in my house? Who spent most of their time in my house? Me! So why wasn't I decorating for me? So, what color is my house now? Flame yellow, mist green, doeskin brown, slate blue, red and periwinkle. It's me and if my guests don't like it, then they don't have to come to my house.

Do you approach your blogging posts the same way? Do you prefer to not write at all rather than let someone know what you are about? Do you write safe posts that don't risk an offense? Or do you take the bumpy road of letting people know where you stand? Do you comment when you don't agree with a post? Do you let people get to know you?

I say, take a risk! The rewards you receive are bountiful. You may not have as many followers, but the ones you have are people who enjoy you and look forward to your next "get together". Have fun! Post away!

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Paula Swayne

Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA

Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Ron and Alexandra!
I was actually talking with my husband last night about some people I know that don't post because they are afraid of putting people off. I told him it was like I use to approach our house color...and the post was born! You never know where the inspiration is going to come from, do you?

Hi Caren!
First, I like the new photo! I agree...my most fun posts are those that have other bloggers talking about their own opinion about the topic. I always learn something!

Dec 19, 2009 01:54 AM

Nevin Williams

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation - Cary, NC

Senior Mortgage Advisor

Paula - Reading this makes me realize I should shake things up a little. Mortgage stuff is boring!

Dec 19, 2009 03:39 PM

Lenn Harley

Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA

Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

Just do it!!!

Writing is an acquired skill and, as long as your content is not written with the intent to offend or harm another, just write it.

With the numbers of readers on ActiveRain, there's an audience out there for every member.

Dec 19, 2009 08:34 PM

Allison Stewart

St.Cloud Homes - Saint Cloud, FL

St. Cloud Fl Realtor, Osceola County Real Estate 407-616-9904

Periwinkle... love it. Coloring your blog is a lot like cooking you don't want it too spicey or too bland.

Dec 19, 2009 08:58 PM

Irene Kennedy Realtor® in Northwestern NJ

Weichert - Lopatcong, NJ

Paula,

Just signed listing paperwork with a seller who said in an email, "I found you from your blog and really love your style." Not my other listings, not my self promotion but my style. I'm thrilled - my first listing from my non-ecru AR efforts!

Dec 19, 2009 11:19 PM

The Somers Team

The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA

Delivering Real Estate Happiness

"Take a risk" ! Yes, it is all about just jumping in and doing it. Be yourself, let your voice shine through in your blog, and have fun. Great illustration of the importance of being yourself. I think like anything else, blogging requires a lot of practice. I love it !

Dec 19, 2009 11:35 PM

Russell Lewis

Realty Austin, Austin Texas Real Estate - Austin, TX

Broker,CLHMS,GRI

Okay...this made me chuckle and as you know I probably tend to put WAY to much of myself into my posts...Hope you are having a GREAT holiday season!

Dec 20, 2009 01:43 AM

Michael Bergin

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - ABR - SRES - Alexandria, VA

Northern Virginia Real Estate

Paula - I'm with Pat, I hope my blogs come across as sunny yellow, vibrant green, hot pink, and deep sea blue.

Michael

Dec 20, 2009 02:02 AM

Susan Brown

Keller Williams NE, Kingwood Texas (Humble & Atascocita too) - Kingwood, TX

Paula, Good post. I think that I write for myself. What I like to do is reflected in my posting about our community. And the information I put out is what I'd like to see if I were the recipient.

Dec 20, 2009 02:03 AM

Kathy Streib

Cypress, TX

Home Stager/Redesign

Paula- The hardest house I staged was one that was all white. . . every wall, everything, with no color whatsoever, and the Seller refused to allow us to add anything. I love your choice of Periwinkle, one of my all time favoirte colors. And a good tie in with how we write our blogs. I'm discovering that when I just write what I think and as I see it, and as long as no one is personally attacked, my blogs become more interesting.

Dec 20, 2009 06:07 AM

Jane Jensen

Century 21 New Millennium - Arlington, VA

I just painted my front door Lavender. I love it!

Thanks for your note. Inspiring.

Dec 20, 2009 06:34 AM

Deena Cottingham

GreenApple Staging & Images, Calgary Staging & Photography - Calgary, AB

Home Stager & Photographer

You make a good point that "safe" is well, kinda boring. It's safe. Won't offend. But will it attract much more than other like-minded, play-it-safe, kind of people? Sometimes too much color can be a little overstimulating, though! Good questions to think about.

Dec 20, 2009 08:01 AM

Paula Swayne

Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA

Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Nevin!
I have enjoyed your responses when you let me know some history of Sacramento that I didn't know about. Nothing wrong with informing people about mortgage...but maybe you want to let them know what you think about what is happening in the mortgage industry!

Hi Lenn!
A response from the queen of blogging is quite an honor! I know that my writing has improved since my first post...thanks to people like you who inspire us rookies!

Hi "Florida"!
You are right...I have seen a few posts that are a little too spicy for my taste - but others just love that kind of challenge. As for me, I will stick to what I know!

Hi Irene!
Wow...I just had that same thing happen to me! The best thing was that the property was in my farm area...doesn't get much cooler than that! Congrats to you!

Hi Christopher and Stephanie!
To my mind, if you can't have fun doing it, don't. But if you are at all intrigued, there isn't a better way to have a whole bunch of fun!

Hi Russell!
Oh, no way! I love hearing about you, your past and Austin! Because of you, I want to visit Austin someday...I just have to time it for the right event!

Hi Michael!
They just can't help but come across that way if that is how you feel when you are writing them!

Hi Susan!
I am sure in the process of giving the information, your own enthusiasm for what you are writing about comes through. That is when writing is it's best!

Hi Kathy!
I can't imagine decorating such a house (let alone living in it)! Even a few spots of color make such a difference (in houses and blogs)!

Hi Jane!
That sounds like such fun! What color is the rest of your house?

Hi Deena!
I think you and "Florida" had the same thought...and I agree.

Dec 20, 2009 09:50 AM

Peggy Chirico

Prudential CT Realty - Manchester, CT

REALTOR® 860-748-8900, Hartford & Tolland County Real Estate

Lots of food for thought there! I think I do need to spice it up, so thanks for taking the time to point it out.

Dec 20, 2009 11:42 PM

Jo-Anne Smith

Oakville, ON

Excellent advice, Paula! People want to know the 'real' us and when we write from the heart, our blogs are a reflection of who really are.

Dec 21, 2009 05:51 AM

Paula Swayne

Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA

Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Peggy!
It's always a little exhilarating to risk yourself a little bit!

Hi Jo-Anne!
I always enjoy the ones that a part of me way more than the strictly informational ones!

Dec 21, 2009 01:27 PM

Trey Thurmond

BCR Realtors - College Station, TX

College Station , Texas Homes

Paula

I feel your blogs are always well written and reflect your taste and take on your world well. Have a blessed Christmas and prosperous new year!

Dec 21, 2009 03:57 PM

James Lyon

Vista Pacific Realty - Sacramento, CA

I agree and need to follow the advice more often. Just write and the readers will come.

Dec 22, 2009 02:57 PM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Paula,

...flame yellow, mist green, doeskin brown, slate blue, red and periwinkle.

And not a single photo? We want to see it!

Mike in Tucson

Dec 24, 2009 12:43 AM

Paula Swayne

Dunnigan, Realtors, Sacramento (916) 425-9715 - Sacramento, CA

Realtor-Land Park, East Sac & Curtis Park -Dunniga

Hi Trey!
The feeling is mutual. I thoroughly enjoy your posts and it has been my pleasure to get to know you just a little bit through the Rain. I hope your Christmas is wonderful!

Hi James!
Absolutlely...I have found I truly gravitate towards those who I can relate to...even when we disagree!

Hi Mike!
Oh, gosh...let's wait until after Christmas when it doesn't look like a bomb went off!