Real Estate Bloggers

Tips To Make You Someone Worth Listening To

Smith_Goomzee — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 13:34:25 -0800

In 2007, Forbes Magazine published a list of the 9 most commonly aroused fears. Included on the list were spiders, snakes and bats (oh my!), confined spaces, heights, and public transportation. Surprisingly, there is something else that most people fear more than death: public speaking. Apparently, many out there are afraid of embarrassing themselves in front of large groups, especially in a business setting. Who knew?

Well, don your backpack and grab that Batman lunchbox, ‘cause we’re going to speech school! more...

Alternative Business Models

Make a Scene! It's a Celebration! Happy New 2009 to You,Family and Friends

susanordona — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:17:53 -0800

As we reflect and get ready for the Year-End and look forward to the Year-Ahead,

we at The Real Estate Investor Network(REINclub)

wish you a NEW YEAR 2009 filled with the best of

health,peace,prosperity,full of hope,abundance,and

resolution to make this the best year ever (in profitable

investing especially in real estate).

Happy New Year!
Susan Ordona
http://susan.reinclub.com
http://www.reinclub.com/susan/warondebt.html

Vacation Rentals and Furnished Homes

Community Focused Marketing | How to be a community leader.

agentxl — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:12:53 -0800

Marketing Real Estate (or anything) is usually less about the product you're selling, than about the solution that you can provide and being known as the go to person for that solution.

In Real Estate it's more about the community... than solely about the house.

In our experience, being known as the "go to guy" for information about the community (including, but not limited to what homes are for sale in it) has proven to give the most long term results. more...

Real Estate Web Workers

What Kind of Phone Call Does an Investor Want?

Niman.Singh — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:22:45 -0800

There are many different ways to cultivate relationships with investor clients, and a lot of it starts on the phone. Accomplishing a productive phone call can be difficult for those who are a little less experienced with marketing to investors.

How do you talk to investors? As we all know, if we can't get beyond a phone call, we won't get very far at all... What things have you seen that have worked?

Marketing To Real Estate INVESTORS

Lead generation for Team Owners

osobluwtr — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:31:04 -0800

In a shifting market your position in your real estate team changes from being a manager/owner back to being the lead generator. The things that worked in past real estate markets no longer work today. Your use of marketing dollars and time spent prospecting must change. Below is a list of the top ten sources for leads in a shifting market. Each topic will be discussed in detail in future posts. more...

Real Estate Agent Mastermind Group

Micro Blogging Twitter Participation Rises Sharply

SWANEPOEL — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:14:48 -0800

I received a few emails indicating surprise that I included micro blogging (Twitter) on my Top 10 Events impacting Real Estate in 2008 so I thought I would provide a little more information for those that are not that familiar with the concept of short text-based 140 character posts. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

FLORIDA HOMES SALES GOOD NEWS FOR YEAR END

Julie Jones — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:45:24 -0800

As 2008 comes to a close, the Florida Association of Realtors reported that existing home sales in Florida rose for the third month in a row in November. Fort Lauderdale enjoyed a 26 percent increase over the number of homes sold during November of 2007. Mind you, the median home sales price fell 34 percent, but home sales did continue to rise. Fort Lauderdale’s condo sales for November 2008 grew 3 percent from sales in 2007. Again, prices dipped 30 percent, but sales did rise. more...

Real Estate Marketing

Holiday Life Staging

Smith_Goomzee — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:54:31 -0800

When I began plotting out this week’s post, the topic I had in my sights was a how-to on home staging. But then I remembered, “Hey, it’s Christmas tomorrow. Nobody wants to hear about something that might resemble work.” Sadly, by the time I had this realization an hour of research had been logged and I had a full page sitting before me of transcribed brainstorming. Well, “waste not, want not,” Mom used to say. more...

Real Estate Trends

will loan modfications help get the housing market back on track?

savemyhome — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:22:59 -0800

With so many people talking about Loan Modifications, can these help stop additional foreclosures from continuing to flood the housing market, and dropping home values. I think it will. But how do we get the home owners to get up and fight for their rights. So many homeowners in foreclose are simple scared to call or attempt a loan modification. They don't understand that the lenders do not want any more homes. They are not in the real estate business, and have no intention of starting now!! more...

Real Estate Bloggers

What's Most Important To You in Terms of Blogging?

RealtyDotCom — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:52:58 -0800

Hey everyone,

I've got a blog at www.Realty.com/blog and my whole question to everyone is what is most important to you when it comes to blogging? Is it for the links? Is it to make your main site more reputable? Is it to build a community (with comments)? Is it everything?

I find I oftentimes have quality content but not enough time to actively promote it within the community. I would love to build some sort of Real Estate blogging network and I suppose that's why I'm on here.

Would love to hear from fellow bloggers and check out your Real Estate blogs as well!

Cheers!

Real Estate Marketing 2.0

Top 10 Events impacting Real Estate for 2008

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:18:45 -0800

As part of the annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report that is published every year during the first week of February, the research team wraps their four month study of the real estate industry by announcing the top 10 Newsmakers, Events and Trendsetters for the year.

The second list to be released is the top 10 events that during 2008 had the largest impact and influence on the real estate brokerage industry. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

DANCING WITH THE STARS

Julie Jones — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:13:04 -0800

Do you think that we can all learn from the principals behind the amazingly successful series, Dancing with the Stars? more...

Real Estate Bloggers

WHAT IS YOUR STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS IN 2009?

Julie Jones — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 14:30:05 -0800

The R word has finally been spoken. Not only the US, but the world is acknowledging the recession we have all been experiencing. While there is talk the recession will be long and turbulent, my optimism for success remains prudently intact.

The luxury market here in South Florida is still active. There have been more inquiries and offers made as of late to ensure closings before year-end for tax and homestead purposes. However, all indications point to a slowing market in 2009. more...

Real Estate Bloggers

Dodging bullets, blizzards and the blues...

Steven Stearns — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 06:30:17 -0800

So,
Do you need a Kevlar vest, a shovel or...?

http://obeoman.blogspot.com

Steve
Obeoman

Virtual Tour Discussion Group

Is Your Customer Service as Old-Fashioned as Nebuchadnezzar?

Smith_Goomzee — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:05:51 -0800

Yesterday, just before we here at Goomzee had had enough for one day, our Business Development Manager, whom we’ll call Joe, shared an interesting story. A few years ago he and his wife hired a contractor to build their new home. Instead of hindering the process with forests worth of paper, Joe chose to operate on a one-page contract, augmented with verbal agreements whenever a change in the build came up. more...

Real Estate Marketing 2.0

How much More?

Mdelgado — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:09:09 -0800

when i first began blogging i was very excited i found out a way to reach the world and express my thoughts.My Real Estate blog began to be filled with content and awesome articles. As i continue to blog and expand my aduiance and continue to grow my business i have found myself exhausted and overwhelmed. I am exhausted every article requires time and thought something that i really dont have. i recently began looking for a ghost blogger but guess what i havent found one yet. Does any one have any suggestions?

Real Estate Bloggers

Silver Lining and Happy Holidays

Goomzee — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:04:51 -0800

Hi All, I thought a positive message going into the holidays was needed. May everyone take time to recharge and plan and execute towards a successful 2009 season. Austin Smith is an active blogger on our team and I loved his most recent post and felt inclined to syndicate it here - Happy Holidays!

----

By Austin Smith, Product Specialist - Goomzee.com more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Another Online Community for Real Estate

SWANEPOEL — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 11:05:49 -0800

Last weekend, real estate agents and brokers got introduced to yet another social and business network to participate in when online real estate news service, Broker Agent Professional, launched Broker Agent Social (www.brokeragentsocial.com). Within the first 100 hours after launch they exploded to 2,000 members - adding a new member every few minutes.

Broker Agent Social enters an already crowded field dominated by players such as Inman Community, ActiveRain, RealTown, Zillow Community and RealSeekr. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Business books for the whole real estate team

osobluwtr — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 20:32:50 -0800

There are only so many original thoughts a team leader can come up with to motivate, inspire, and lead a real estate team to a higher level of production. I would encourage growing teams to add reading the same book as a group each and every month. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!!

Smith_Goomzee — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:30:38 -0800

Yet another product of our faltering economy is the rise in the rate of foreclosure throughout the country. But how do we go about fixing it? I don’t know about the rest of you, but I support the concept of extended terms and reduced interest, as opposed to billing me, the taxpayer, for the bailout. more...

Real Estate Events

FREE OBEO STYLEDESIGNER-GIVING THANKS

Steven Stearns — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 08:40:24 -0800

Keeping it real-and being grateful for my friends and associates at Inman:

FREE Obeo StyleDesigner ($40 value) on any new Obeo photography package.

StyleDesigner lets you redecorate digitally -on line!

To redeem, use promo code 'PC955689' Ends Nov. 30th, 2008.

Call 800-729-6236!

Thanks to all for your thoughts and comments-(;-])

...Blog ON!

Steve
Obeoman

Virtual Tour Discussion Group

Submission for Blog Makeover

kevincito — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:50:19 -0800

Ok, I'll play ball.

I'm interested in being "ripped apart":

1. Because I can take it
2. I'm wondering if I should go to a two sidebar format
3. Since I don't know everything---maybe I'm missing something.

submission:

http://www.southbeachrealestateblog.com

Kevin Tomlinson
http://www.kevintomlinson.com
http://www.southbeachrealestateblog.com

Real Estate Bloggers

Goodbye to Google Ranking

cherylwaller — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 12:33:26 -0800

The days of Googling your keywords to measure the effectiveness of your SEO strategy are coming to an end. According to Bruce Clay of PubCon, there will be big changes in ranking. In the name of Top Shelp Organic SEO, Google will be tuning into the specific behaviors of individual users to serve up more customized results.

What this means to the end-user is better results and less spam. more...

Virtual Tour Discussion Group

GUSBLACH — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:38:20 -0800

My friend Gustavo Farfan, has prepared this article, hoping to turn the mindset of our community from negative to positive thinking. I hope he is right,lets see what you think about his view. Gustavo Blachman. SHOULD I BUY NOW OR WAIT UNTIL THE PRICES DROP MORE? I hear the same line of question from clients and Real Estate agents. more...

Agent Broker referral

Change Is A Reality - Learn To Deal With It

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:51:27 -0800

Real estate professionals need to think differently about the future. They need to do more and they need to move faster. It has now been more than 10 years since my first book on trends, Real Estate confronts Reality, and many of the changes that we have been writing and speaking about are now coming to fruition. Things are definitely changing, and on a large scale. Within the next five years the real estate brokerage industry will significantly have changed and brokers and agents that don’t adapt now will not enjoy the benefits of the next economic upswing. more...

Alternative Business Models

FORT LAUDERDALE: IS RIDING 'THE WAVE' WORTH THE COST?

Julie Jones — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:45:07 -0800

Last June, the South Florida Business Journal announced a Fort Lauderdale proposal for a new streetcar system called, The Wave, to replace the current downtown Sun Trolley. The proposed running date: 2012. The proposed price tag: $150 million.

The present Sun Trolley (on wheels) conveys approximately 100 passengers per day. The Downtown Development Authority of Fort Lauderdale, which is planning The Wave, believes this jazzy new, electric streetcar system will attract 6,000 riders per day, especially with plans to link it to the Tri-Rail system. more...

Real Estate Marketing

Contact Your Legislators & News Papers-Who Knows The Industry Better-We Can Explain The Problem And Offer Solutions

stockmeister — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:57:10 -0800

Call to action for my fellow Real Estate & Mortgage friends. I wrote the following article this past weekend. I am sharing it with you and encourage you to pass it on to those who might be able to affect change. I have been sharing this with our Minnesota legislators as well as the news media.

Open Letter Concerning The Crisis In The Markets-Real Estate, Mortgage, Securities more...

Real Estate Bloggers

Contact Your Legislators & News Papers-Who Knows The Industry Better-We Can Explain The Problem And Offer Solutions

stockmeister — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:56:56 -0800

Open Letter Concerning The Crisis In The Markets-Real Estate, Mortgage, Securities more...

Real Estate Bloggers

USING FENG SHUI TO SELL HOMES

Julie Jones — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:59:12 -0800

What do “chi” alignment, the number 27, “space clearing” and “hungry ghosts” have in common when selling a residence? Feng Shui. Yes, you read correctly. An article in November’s Realtor magazine says sellers experiencing long periods between listing and selling their properties are hiring Feng Shui practitioners to use the ancient Chinese technique to dissipate the negativity of financial woes by realigning the “chi”, or energy, of the property.

And, guess what? The article says it’s working. more...

Real Estate Marketing

Information You Can Count On - 2009 Trends Report Opens for Contributions

SWANEPOEL — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:46:28 -0800

Change seems to be the buzz word this year, with Barack Obama touting “Change We Need,” John McCain promoting “Real Change” and even Hillary Clinton saying “Change you can count on.”

Every year the Swanepoel TRENDS Report identifies, analyzes and then details out the imminent changes that are expected to impact the real estate industry over the coming 12 – 18 months. The 2009 Report is currently in the final 60 days of research and writing and obviously with all the recent financial disasters, the energy crisis, the housing collapse and foreclosure catastrophe this has made 2008 the worst year in real estate and financial history. more...

Alternative Business Models

Buyers Agents and Brokers

MFDALY1 — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 07:24:41 -0700

How, in this market, do you effectively market yourself as a Buyers Agent or Broker to potential buyers and how do you educate the often paranoid listing agent and seller as to your value?

Real Estate Trends

Saving Private Ryan - What If He's a Renter or Tenant

bandersohn — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 18:05:34 -0700

Paul SlayBaugh wrote a post the other day on his Blog regarding foreclosures. I shared this concept as a comment on his Blog, and now want to expand on it a little, and get an Industry opinion.

Paul said, "What many prospective tenants do not realize when shopping for a place to hang their hats for the next year or two is that the new landlord might be on unstable footing. Unable to keep up with mortgage payments and unable to sell, leasing the home is becoming the trendy way to staunch, or at least slow the bleeding for many struggling homeowners." more...

California Real Estate Bloggers

HOME FORECLOSURES AND AMERICAN INTEGRITY

Julie Jones — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 07:08:06 -0700

After watching a disturbing video on Inman on home foreclosures in Southern California, I became acutely aware of how much Americans caught up in the net of losing their homes to the volcanic mortgage situation lost something more precious than their homes: They lost their integrity.

The video showed abandoned, completely furnished homes being “trashed out” by a company hired by the banks to empty the property to be ready for sale. Brown lawns are being spray painted green to improve curb appeal for marketing. What are these people thinking? more...

Real Estate Marketing

Website review please!

cmoscinski — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:33:00 -0700

Looking to make possible changes to my site colors graphics, info.

Please review.

Your input is appreciated!

Christine in Chicago

Real Estate Website Reviews

Website review please!

cmoscinski — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:32:43 -0700

Looking to make possible changes to my site colors graphics, info.

Please review.

Your input is appreciated!

Christine in Chicago

Real Estate Website Reviews

FLORIDA REAL ESTATE SELLS DESPITE CREDIT RESTRICTIONS

Julie Jones — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:35:23 -0700

The south Florida Business Journal reports that despite tight credit restrictions, houses in Florida continue to be in demand for purchase. The Florida Association of Realtors reported that for the second month in a row, single family home sales were up in response to the lowering prices. more...

Real Estate Bloggers

DOES YOUR OPEN HOUSE BRING RESULTS?

Julie Jones — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:25:30 -0700

How is your open house traffic in these challenging times? As the Internet gains momentum and videos become the popular option to preview properties, what is the future for open houses?

Typically, the main open house traffic is on Sunday afternoons from 2 pm until late afternoon. Increased gas prices and reduced leisure time may also be impacting the traditional open house habit. What are real estate professionals experiencing in other areas? more...

Real Estate Marketing

The Short Sales Conspiracy by Gustavo Blachman

GUSBLACH — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:53:49 -0700

Hello Inman News Bloggers and Masterminds.

My name is Gustavo F. Blachman, I am the broker-owner of Terrabella Realty in Miami, Florida. my website is www.goterrabella.com and my email is info@terrabellarealty.com

Here’s my take on the short sale practice: more...

Real Estate Bloggers

The Future of Mobile Marketing for Real Estate

jbernheisel — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:51:52 -0700

Coming soon to a cell phone near you: The ability to project images and videos via a built in micro sized pico-projector on any surface up to 100 inches. more...

Real Estate Bloggers

DO YOU KNOW WHAT CONSUMERS ARE THINKING?

Julie Jones — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:50:45 -0700

An article in September’s Realtor Magazine (pg.27) states that, no matter how clear client’s goals when buying or selling a property, decision making often becomes emotionally and sometimes irrationally driven when negotiating high-end purchases. This is not bad, mind you, just a proven fact on how the human mind works when analyzing what most people regard as a critically important decision to buy or sell. more...

Real Estate Bloggers

ARE THERE ONLY FIVE HOME-BUYING TRIBES?

Julie Jones — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:56:12 -0700

Realtor Magazine* cites an interesting article by a marketing company who segmented homebuyers into five “tribes”-- in which they promise that consumers will recognize themselves as at least one. They believe real estate salespeople can target their advertising based on the following tribes: more...

Real Estate Marketing

Another September to remember: September 2008

SWANEPOEL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:38:06 -0700

The Financial Market Disaster of 2008

September 2008 is exactly two weeks old today, but what a September it has already been. The events of late are unsurpassed in living history and I think that 9/08 may very well be remembered as the worst financial disaster in history. more...

Alternative Business Models

11 September 2001

SWANEPOEL — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:47:57 -0700

Today we remember the brave men, women and children who lost their lives seven years ago and the heroes that responded to the emergency. There are many different video tributes of that day but I thought that this one was particularly well rounded. http://attacked911.tripod.com/

God Bless America!

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Keepin' it Real

rexcheck — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:45 -0700

Sometimes, a pair of shoes looks better in a catalog than on your feet. Buyer’s remorse is common even when it comes to choosing a home. Virtual tours, images and video are all polished to the point that an open house can look as bad as those shoes just unboxed. Rexcheck.com allows real estate agents to make real videos, or mindcasts, of properties for sale. With any mobile phone or camcorder, a real estate agent can email you a home unvarnished. No travel and no disappointment - just save time and watch the real deal. Here’s how Rexcheck.com can help you: more...

Real Estate Agent Mastermind Group

…and the Winner is…

SWANEPOEL — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:36:31 -0700

The results for the XXIX Real Estate Olympiad are in.

Wow, what a huge undertaking it has been to tally the scores, taking all factors into consideration, weighted scores, removing highest and lowest scores and of course double checking the hanging chads. Thank you to all paticipants, nominees,voters and judges!

So the Medal Winners of the 2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award, as voted by the Inman Real Estate Trends Group, are: more...

Alternative Business Models

FLORIDA FINANCE NETWORK: GOOD FOR BUSINESS IN FLORIDA

Julie Jones — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:51:39 -0700

The Florida Finance Network, a nonprofit consortium of organizations, exists to ensure that small to medium sized Florida companies have access to affordable capital they need to succeed. FFN delivers financing assistance from state and federal programs. Most Florida businesses established for two years are eligible. Start-ups are also funded, but might require assistance from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.

Member organizations are: more...

Professional Real Estate Investors

Real Estate Blog as Exclusive Buyer Agency Business Generator

MFDALY1 — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:57:41 -0700

So, I've been author of the Hamptons Real Estate Blog for just under two years now. The blog has been viewed nearly 90,000 times, yet I am not getting as much "business" from the blog as I anticipated. More importantly, I just closed my Remax office and I want to open an Exclusive Buyer Agency in the Hamptons, where I have been listing/selling/managing/brokering for ten years. I'm looking for a model that has successfully used the blog as an income/lead/business generating platform for a Buyers Brokerage in a luxury market. more...

Alternative Business Models

WASHINGTON NEWS FLASH: THE HOUSING AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY ACT OF 2008

Julie Jones — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:00:05 -0700

Mason Pruner, Branch Manager of Wells Fargo on Glades Road in Boca Raton recently sent me this update from Washington on The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. If you haven’t already heard, I’m sure you would like to know the new facts. more...

Real Estate Marketing

THE XXIX OLYMPIAD

SWANEPOEL — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:56:42 -0700

This is in follow up to the post last week titled Real Estate Olympics

Recap of Beijing

Mark Spitz's 36-year old record of 7 gold medals at one Olympic event, across all Olympic sports, was shattered when 23-year-old swimming machine Michael Phelps grabbed his 8th gold in Beijing and 14 all-time gold medals. Who will ever forget his 0.01 of a second photo-finish with Serbian - Wow. more...

Alternative Business Models

The psychology of managing your professional schedule

Goomzee — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:29:25 -0700

As a real estate professional you have an important task of keeping your clients satisfied. One of the key factors in keeping your clients satisfied requires you to be available to your client when they are available. After all, they've chosen you to work for them. (I know, I should be nicknamed "Captain Obvious"!) However, there is a fine line that can be crossed, and that's the line between your personal and professional life. When that line is crossed, it can eventually cause small sparks that lead to a fire in the relationship between you and your clients down the road. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits