regina p brown: $5,000 for Los Angeles County Home Sellers!!! - 02/24/12 05:53 AM
Green Homes for Sale Rebate Program If you know someone planning to put their home up for sale in LA County by June 1st of this year, they could get $5000 toward green home improvements and a GreenPoint Rated label for their home! The $5,000 rebate covers the cost of the rating and label, and will even pay for some of the green home improvements they might need. Only four homes will be chosen, and restrictions apply, so don't delay.
Apply Today!
 
(2 comments)

regina p brown: Top Tech Tip: Scan Biz Cards directly to your Contact Database - 02/01/12 10:00 AM
You're a real estate salesperson, so your job is marketing, right?  Of course you attend networking events every week.  You come back from an event with a handful of business cards, pull them out of your pocket and place them on your desk.  And after a while, those cards start to pile up, and overtake your workspace. 
Then, when you need to find a phone number or an email address, you have to search through your stacks of business cards. You haven't typed them into your contact database because it's so time-consumer... isn't there an easier way?
Yes, why not … (2 comments)

regina p brown: What Would You Do with NAR Designations? - 01/28/12 09:59 AM
Wow!  There are 26 (or more) NAR designations from the National Association of Realtors®, and it's easy to get lost in the alphabet soup of abbreviations.  How many designations do you have?  And how have they helped you increase your business and earn a profit?  Do your designations make you more professional?  Here's a list from the www.Realtor.org web site, along with the full title so you can decipher all those abbreviations:   
ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) ABRM (Accredited Buyer Representative Manager) AHWD (At Home With Diversity) ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) BPOR (Broker Price Opinion Resource) CAM … (11 comments)

regina p brown: Code of Values: Respect, Integrity, Customer Focus and Having Fun in the Process - 01/23/12 10:40 AM
Watching the TV show "Undercover Boss" with Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairwoman and CEO of the Dwyer Group, we were impressed that they recite their "code of values" before each company meeting, to keep their commitment "front and center" and to emphasize the importance of the company philosophy.  They even have 14 "service steps" that each worker must do before serving a customer.  Very impressive!
In our updated business plan, we were very thorough when identifying our company's "reason" for existence.  From our vision, crafted a very clear mission statement, and from that our goals & ideals.  Sometimes known as a "philosophy" or … (0 comments)

regina p brown: Realtor Good Neighbor Society seeking nominations for Volunteer and Mentor Program - 01/13/12 06:06 AM
Are you interested in volunteering in your local community?  Would you like a grant awarded to your favorite charity?  And a mentor to help show you the ropes?
REALTORS® can become assets to those in need through the Volunteering Works program. The program matches REALTORS® expanding their community service outreach with a mentor.  So you can volunteer for your favority non-profit, such as your local Habitat for Humanity which helps home buyers build self-sufficient houses.
According to their recent announcement:
“The Volunteering Works program is just one example of how REALTORS® contribute their time and resources toward improving communities,” said NAR President … (4 comments)

regina p brown: Have a Record-Breaking 2012: Join a MasterMind Group for Realtors - 01/07/12 09:13 AM
Last year, I was searching for a group of peers who could give me ideas to solve some of the problems I was facing in my real estate career.  I needed some positive inspiration, which is impossible to get from the media and things surrounding me!  I wanted a big BOOST to expand my business to the next level.  After some research, I found that joining a MasterMind group would help me climb to the next level.  Then I discovered some great resources, and I would be honored and humbled to share my sources with all of you!
What is a … (0 comments)

regina p brown: Happy New 2012: Set & Achieve Your Goals this Year - 01/05/12 07:33 PM

Webinar Replay: 6 Steps to Plan an AWESOME 2012! 1ParkPlace offers marketing services to real estate agents, and they recently had a great webinar.  Watch the free replay here:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/927515018 
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regina p brown: For Positive Motivation & Inspiration, Join new AR Group: Quote of the Day - 04/19/10 03:53 AM
You'll find great quotes here on "Quote of the Day"
http://activerain.com/groups/quote Thanks to Tonia DeBeaux for this quote:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most...We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.  And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence … (6 comments)

regina p brown: Judgment Secured Against False Loan Mod Companies - 04/02/10 05:12 AM
HOT OFF THE PRESS FROM THE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS NEWS RELEASE:
Judgment secured against false loan mod companies Attorney General Edmund G. Brown this week closed two fraudulent foreclosure-assistance companies--U.S. Foreclosure Relief Corp. and H.E. Servicing, Inc.--and secured a court judgment of more than $1 million in restitution for homeowners who paid upfront fees for nonexistent loan-modification services.

Under the judgment, a court-appointed independent receiver will oversee the repayment program, which will be paid through frozen company funds and the sale of personal items owned by the executives of the companies.  Victims can access more information about this program … (0 comments)

regina p brown: Definition of a Distressed Property - from a Licensed Appraiser - 03/04/10 11:41 AM
Straight from the horse's mouth!  The appraisal says:
____________________________________________________
DEFINITION OF LIQUIDATION VALUE
Liquidation value is the likely price of an asset when it is allowed insufficient time to sell on the open market, thereby reducing its exposure to potential buyers. Liquidation value is typically lower than fair market value. Unlike cash or securities, certain illiquid assets, like real estate, often require a period of several months in order to obtain their fair market value in a sale, and will generally sell for a significantly lower price if a sale is forced to occur in a shorter time period. Liquidation value … (8 comments)

regina p brown: What is the Difference between DISTRESSED and RETAIL properties? - 02/23/10 02:19 PM
Arrrrrgh!  Why do those retail buyers keep walking away from short sales?!  Over and over!!!  Stats show it takes almost 4 retail buyers to finally close 1 short sale.
This particular real estate "down" market has brought up new areas that we Realtors usually don't venture into.  We weren't taught about short sales, foreclosures, REOs, and bankruptcies.  These topics aren't even on the real estate exam!!
I learned this the hard way, after pulling out my hair, that there is a huge DIFFERENCE between distressed properties and retail properties.  My frustration is that I had been trying to sell RETAIL buyers … (7 comments)

regina p brown: Virtual Real Estate Cyber Convention online HAPPENING NOW! - 02/22/10 03:16 AM
A full week of top-rated speakers (including some AR members) for only $29 but the EXPO is free!!  Also you can network with other online attendees.
Register here:
http://recyber.cyberconventions.com/
After you register, click "convention entrance".

 
Once you register & enter the convention, here's what you'll see:

I just logged on & I'm now visiting the expo booths.  I'd like to hear which booths you liked the best!
Have fun,
Regina P. Brown
 
 
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regina p brown: Lindahl's Rules of Relationships for Investing in Multi-Family Apartment Buildings - 02/20/10 04:54 AM
1. Do What You Say - follow through, be a person of your word
2. Make it Easy - doing business with you should be easy and pleasant for others
3. Don't be a Pain in the Assets  - there's no reason to be difficult
Dave Lindahl is a top real estate investor who has acquired over 7,000 apartment units and shows you how to create wealth (and a passive income stream) through investing in multi-unit apartment complexes.  He now mentors investors such as Sue Berg Nelson, the trainer here at the Wealth Building Conference.  She has acquired over 2,000 apartment units and shows … (4 comments)

regina p brown: Tax Credit for Home Buyers: Do You Qualify? - 02/08/10 05:13 PM
Do you qualify for the About the Move-Up/Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit?  The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 has established a tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up/repeat home buyers (existing home owners) purchasing a principal residence after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or purchased by June 30, 2010 with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010).
Here is the scoop from the National Assn. of Home Buyers:
http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq2.php#1
Questions addressed include:
1. Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
2. What is the definition of a … (2 comments)

regina p brown: Start your own Radio Show! - 01/25/10 02:20 PM
Who else has an online radio show? This is a really cool tech tool that you can use to promote yourself, your business, or a good cause.
I just signed up for my own free radio show at Blog Talk Radio at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bizwiz
The focus is going to be small business, virtual office, and working from home.  I'm still learning how to use it but I'll post more info as I find out various features.
Anyway else host a radio show at BlogTalkRadio?  If so, I'd like to connect!
THANKS,

Regina P. Brown
Broker, Realtor®, e-Pro
Author of forthcoming book, "Virtual Office … (15 comments)

regina p brown: Step E. Archive files - Boxed Up in Storage - 01/16/10 03:17 PM
"...Continuation of "Organize your Office" series to get a Fresh Start for 2010! " 
E. Archive files - Boxed Up in Storage
At the end of each year, remove the "Working Files in File Cabinet" (see step C above) and put them into a plastic file bin.  You will use this bin to do your calculations for taxes.  When your taxes are filed, archive this file box into storage.
Plastic or Cardboard File Boxes - Annual (by Year)
Get a clear plastic stackable filing tub with a clear plastic lid.  Insert 10-20 hanging file folders (letter size) and 20+ file folders (letter … (7 comments)

regina p brown: Step B. Daily Working Files - 01/13/10 10:42 AM
"...Continuation of "Organize your Office" series to get a Fresh Start for 2010! "
B. Daily Working Files
Keep these files near your desk, within arm's reach.  These are files that you'll access frequently throughout your work day.
1. Daily To Do Tasklist
2. Calendar of Upcoming Events
3. Current Projects in Progress
4. Tickler:
Due within the Week Due within the Month Due within the Year 5. Invoices Due (Accounts Receivable):
Currently Due Late (30+ days) Delinquent (45+ days) Unpaid (60+ days) In collections (90+ days) 6. Forms & Blank Documents (keep in sheet protectors in a binder near your desk).
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regina p brown: Step A. Incoming Sorting System - 01/12/10 04:02 AM
...Continuation of "Organize your Office" series to get a Fresh Start for 2010! 
A desk can get quickly buried in incoming mail, papers, receipts, business cards, bills, and notes to yourself.  Instead, use an IN box and sort from there.  If you have time, sort out your incoming papers every day.  If not, dump everything into an IN shoebox and sort it once per week.
A. Incoming Sorting System
1. Put a shallow "IN" box or shoebox near your desk.
2. Put trash 3 bins nearby and label with large labels on all sides:
Trash bin Recycle bin Shred bin 3. … (13 comments)

regina p brown: Fresh Start in 2010 - Organize your Desk & Files - 01/11/10 04:14 PM
Here is my system for quick and simple end-of-year tax filing. Using this system, I have current profit-and-loss calculations available at any time. As a big bonus, I complete my bookkeeping by December 31st each year — my business deductions are ready for my accountant to prepare my tax return early!
When you have a simple system and make a good habit of sorting frequently, you will feel less stressed, less overwhelmed, and much more productive. Not to mention that you’ll probably save a few hours each week by NOT having to search for “lost” stuff! Any time you need something … (8 comments)

regina p brown: Does your new EXERCISE MACHINE make you SKINNY? - 01/09/10 09:34 AM
In previewing homes for sale, I see exercise equipment in all kinds of stages and uses:  turned into a clothes hanger, used as a play-gym for kids, buried under piles of seen-on-tv gadgets, and cob-webbed in the garage.  If you were to ask the owner, "Does your new EXERCISE MACHINE make you SKINNY?" they would have to respond NO.  Because an exercise machine, whether assembled or in the box, cannot MAKE anyone exercise.  To get "SKINNY", or in shape, the user must USE the machine!!
Often I am asked, "Does online networking make you money?"  And I have to say NO.  Having a … (15 comments)

 
Regina P. Brown, M.B.A., Broker, Instructor (MBA Broker Consultants)

Regina P. Brown

M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Carlsbad, CA

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MBA Broker Consultants

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Top California Broker and Realtor Regina P. Brown writes articles and blogs about local real estate trends, houses for sale, and tips for home buyers.


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