mls: RPR and Parcel Based MLS Systems: Is Change Good for REALTORS & NAR? - 05/24/10 03:30 PM
Great discussions are happening about RPR and the transition to enhanced data or parcel-based MLS systems.
Aggregators are looking for ways to integrate the myriad of information around a specific property record and present this to their end users; whether that is the REALTOR, consumer, service providers or a combination thereof.
An associate of mine (Thanks, Jon) pointed out that the big argument is whether real estate professionals are in the SERVICE business or the INFORMATION CONTROL business. I don't however think that the debate should really be about whether the REALTOR is in the Service business or the Data … (3 comments)

mls: Top Gift Ideas for 2008!! - - - What is YOUR Top Pick? - 12/24/08 04:22 AM
Okay, so I was looking around for the 'Top Gifts' for 2008, like I do every year.
- It's quite fun to see what 'everyone' thinks is best and what we end up with here at home, etc. (Gives you a good idea how much TV the kids are watching, too!)

So here's the challenge, this year it looks as if the retailers have figured out that they can leverage this info as a sales and marketing ploy - a full 95% of the articles I found are posted by the retailers themselves! - Needless to say, they do not … (6 comments)

mls: Commercial Real Estate Bailout - Do you Approve? - 12/24/08 04:10 AM
This week some of our Nation's largest commercial real estate players approached the Administration (Congress, the Treasury Dept., and others) to ask for help in the form of bailout money due to the current economic picture.
Key to this is whether or not 'Joe and Mary' taxpayer approve - after all, we are the ones that will inevitably be paying this bill, not Congress.
Estimates were given that over the next 36 months and estimated $530 B (that's BILLION) in commercial mortgages will be due for refinancing. 2009 estimates are at $160 Billion.
The challenge lies in the … (4 comments)

mls: Prevent Identity Theft IMPORTANT Information - free federal identity theft info - 12/23/08 01:27 AM
The Federal bank, credit union, and thrift regulatory agencies yesterday posted their new Identity Theft information and it is available for you to review and share with your clients and sphere.
If you haven't yet known someone affected by this, the odds are that you will by the end of 2009. Each day, consumer identity theft grows at an alarming pace.
A few key excerpts from the recent release: (note: you can download the brochure in .pdf format via the link below)
You can fight identity theft - Here’s how:
• Never provide personal financial information, including your … (2 comments)

mls: Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation - Changes! I'm still here friends! - 12/05/08 10:14 AM

Today we have made the change from LandAmerica to Lawyers Title Insurance Corporation. This is due to many factors (none of which I am qualified to discuss here - friends and associates can contact me for updates directly) and by no means represents a change in my business or employment / companies.
I appreciate the calls and emails, and wanted to leverage this forum to clarify that we are continuing forward with our Super Service and that I am here to assist you with your Training, Coaching, Mentorship, Technology, Marketing and Title needs as always.
Thank you again for your questions … (3 comments)

mls: What do you do to stay Motivated? - 11/13/08 02:56 AM
I was recently asked the question: "What do you do every day to stay motivated?" First and foremost, the 'why' must be established. That is the critical Goal Setting component. Ask the question: "Whatever it is you (we) do, what is our primary reason for doing it?" (Helping others, making a difference, earning a living, paying it forward, climbing the corporate ladder, etc.) Next, every individual needs to find what motivates them and work an effective strategy tailored to their specific style, inner language of success, etc. For example, one person may be motivated by pleasure e.g. the prospect of achieving … (7 comments)

mls: Where have all the agents gone? We are Truly Blessed to be here! - 11/06/08 01:52 PM
I just wanted to take a minute to remember all the agents that have 'left the business'.
Add to that all of the mortgage lenders, title reps, inspectors, appraisers,  - you name it - that are no longer able to offer us their excellent services and assistance.
It's bittersweet to still be here working productively in the Real Estate - there are many many  talented business people that simply can not afford to offer their services given this economy.
I know far too many people that have gone back to previous industries just to support their families, replace income lost … (2 comments)

mls: Creating your Personal Brand - Marketing to your Unique Strengths as a new agent - 11/06/08 01:33 PM
I recently found a GREAT post from Michelle in the Nashville, TN market area. I think that her ideas of finding ways to differentiate herself from the local competition are evidence of her being 'on track' as a successful agent/broker. Now, many of us would say: 'just work hard and give great service', etc. - however the key to REALLY succeeding is to create a brand and identity for yourself and align your marketing to leverage that to your base/sphere/public... and STICK WITH IT. Check out her post, and also I've copied my response here for your convenience. I like where … (3 comments)

mls: Hurry up to see the Linkedin Wizard!! - only 1 hour left!! - 11/06/08 12:58 PM
Hey - this is cool! If you have NEVER seen the Linkedin Wizard, here is your chance! -You'll have to hurry though, he's only online for another hour or so - I think he's off at 8pm PT today. Seriously! Check it out here and you'll FINALLY get to see the famous Wizard of Linkedin.com! Here's that link: Linkedin.com Wizard Now, many people have mistakenly called your truly the 'wizard of Linkedin' in the past, however I always set them straight and tell them that I'm just an avid user and fan of Linkedin, and by no means a 'Wizard'. By … (0 comments)

mls: Last good week for warm-weather grilling - - in shorts, anyways - 11/03/08 02:28 PM
They say the cold weather is nearly upon us - as we say goodbye to the short-wearing warm weather days of grilling, smoking (meats, that is), and BBQ-ing, I wanted to share some pretty cool BBQs and Smokers with you all. Now, by no means is my own personal grill anywhere NEAR as cool as these (in fact, my wife pushed mine home down the street one fine spring morning from a neighbor with a 'free' sign attached to it. . . but that's ANOTHER story entirely!!) editor's note: Nicole is the BEST wife ever!! In any case, enjoy the coming … (1 comments)

mls: Are you celebrating Halloween? - 10/31/08 04:06 AM
How many of us are celebrating Halloween this year? On top of that, how many of us are dressing in costume @ the office today?!
Here's a history of Halloween for you, from LandAmerica:
HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN
Over 2000 years ago, the Celts celebrated the beginning of their new year on November 1 with bonfires and a feast called Samhain.
They believed that this turning point of the year, the end of summer and beginning of winter, was a time when the spirits of the dead and other magical beings could communicate with the living.
In the early centuries of Christianity, … (0 comments)

mls: Changes in the Marketplace, Changes in this Blog - 10/24/08 03:58 PM
Greetings Friends and Associates!
 
You'll be seeing a 'shift' here to cover multiple topics: technical, marketing, and service-based editorial and training. We'll be continuing to use this forum to update on matters concerning the GLS (Global Listing Service) however International Real Estate articles of interest will now be posted on the International Real Estate Advisor blog: http://www.International-Real-Estate-Advisor.com.
My role with LandAmerica and our New Frontier initiatives is exciting to say the least - be sure to read more about that here as well.
Finally, if you have any questions regarding MyREALTY.com, please continue to present them here as I am … (0 comments)

mls: Realogy Launches Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Franchises - What's the (New) Deal? - 08/13/08 04:05 PM
Realogy Launches Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Franchises - What's the (New) Deal? The New and (much) Improved Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Brand has emerged.
So the question on the top of our minds is: 'what's the deal'?
In a time where brokerages and brokerage models are under scrutiny by analysts, investors, and the International contingencies, is there room for another traditional brokerage model in the US & Worldwide landscape?
I've seen commentary regarding the limitation for franchisees around 100+ successful agents as a minimum requirement for consideration.
There is also talk that this is the beginning of Zillow's (http://www.zillow.com) foray … (6 comments)

mls: Inclusions: : Fixtures - a great reminder article here from Pittsburg Agent - 05/27/08 05:31 AM
I read with great interest recently an article by one of our members in Pittsburgh, PA. Not only does he author and keep a very informative blog on his site, but the information is specific and topical - of use to a wide variety of individuals and companies, from Buyers, Sellers, and Investors to professional agents and service providers.
One such posting was dealing with fixtures and inclusions. If you haven't had this come up in one of your contracts, consider yourself fortunate. It's not a matter of 'if', but rather a matter of 'when'.
Seasoned agents know that all items … (0 comments)

mls: Denver, CO - Metrolist MLS data updates (GLS Blog) - 05/20/08 07:42 AM
LISTING DATA UPDATE: Metrolist-DEN (Colorado)
Listing Data
All previous issues with Metrolist-DEN MLS data have been resolved, and your properties should now be showing 100% correctly.
We now have over 600 Brokers sending their data in the Denver market area.
Agent Directory
Do you want your agents to be listed in the 'Find an Agent/Broker' directory? (Example)
Remember, we can do this automatically for you if you send us your agent roster.
If you haven't already sent in your agents info, here's what we need:
• Agent Name
• Agent Email Address
• Office Address
• Contact Phone
Please remember to … (0 comments)

mls: Best Blog Widgets - what works, what doesn't - 05/19/08 09:57 AM
Ok I'm curious to learn here - what are the 'Best' blog widgets out there?
I'm not talking about the add-ons to the frames, sides, etc. of web pages on your 'blog' (like AR) - but rather the stuff you can actually place into a Blog Posting.
Traffic trackers, sharing tools, etc. that you can add via HTML or otherwise to help track, tag, share, store, reference, and otherwise expand your posting audience and subsequent results.
thoughts? Ideas? Faves?
Raves?
Thanks for sharing - I'm sure all will benefit from this conversation about blogs, blogging, tracking and widgets available for Agents … (5 comments)

mls: Feedback= Free Prize!! re: Mid-Year NAR: What was your favorite session?! - 05/15/08 11:36 AM
It's that time again - Mid-Year NAR in Washington, D.C.!
This years event has been fantastic! Great sessions, talks, and attendance; cool technologies and tools in the Expo, and wonderfully cooperative weather (so far!) in our Nation's Capital City for NAR members and their service providers, friends, and associates.
I'd like to hear from y'all about your Mid-Year NAR experience:
 
Question: "What was your favorite Session / Part of this year's Mid-Year NAR event?"
Reward: MyAd Plus for 3 months - FREE (no cost, no fee, no catch - really - I'm one of the founders, you can trust me...!) … (4 comments)

mls: Is Listing Data Integrity Important - a property data syndication discussion for real estate professionals - 04/30/08 12:32 PM
I recently responded to a question from an agent regarding an ongoing (8+ months!) data integrity / accuracy issue with a National Portal Company (no names will be mentioned here). This information is good and can help all of us to better understand and deal with listing data challenges that we inevitably will face from time to time.
Enjoy! -TM
 **********
Data integrity is a key and critical component to the real estate industry as a whole. On the 'web' or portal side of the equation, often we are 'at the mercy' of the data that comes in to us. That's not an excuse, … (0 comments)

mls: Realtor in Keller, TX - Agents, Brokers and Experts in Keller Texas - 04/29/08 02:21 AM
Qualified Expert Agents and Brokers in Keller, TX, need to find a REALTOR in Keller, TX for your next Real Estate Transaction, Home for Sale, or just Buying a Home, Property, or Foreclosure in the local area? Find an Agent in Keller, Texas here when you search the Agent Directory on MyREALTY.com: 
http://www.myrealty.com/Service/Results.aspx?serviceProvider=83&zip=76248
Currently we are directing all of our Buyers, Sellers, and Investors to the following Brokerage (agents) in Keller, TX:
Texas Sold Team Realty, LLC We have automated Data Syndication in place with NTREIS MLS in the Dallas / Ft. Worth metroplex and are working with Agents, Brokers, and Service Providers … (0 comments)

mls: Adding Audio to your Listings in the GLS - 'How To' Property Marketing Help - 04/02/08 12:12 PM
Adding MyTalking House audio to your listing
You can add MyTalking House audio marketing to your property listing in the GLS in a few easy steps.With MyTalking House, you get:
60-Seconds of Audio for your property listingWeighted’ search results for your property listing on MyREALTY.comUnlimited playback each month – no extra fees!Simple setup from any telephoneSimple and Easy Steps to Order MyTalking House:
 
Login to your Member account at http://www.MyREALTY.com (you must be a member of MyREALTY.com to order MyTalking House audio marketing) *Click on ‘My Property Postings’ under the ‘Manage’ section, left side navigationSelect the property listing you want to add your marketing … (0 comments)