Barely a year ago the real estate industry was stunned when Canadian-based Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), and owner of Royal LePage, the largest Canadian residential real estate company, acquired GMAC Real Estate. With the departure of CEO John Bearden and a pending name change imminent, many labeled the GMAC franchise as yesterday’s news.
What a difference a year has made. more...
Is it time to update your web technology?
Are you ranking at the top of the search engines for your area?
Join Web Strategy and SEO expert Riel Roussopoulos as he walks through best practices for website technology.
How to use on and off site blogs to improve your SEO
Social Engagement tools, are your visitors engaging with you?
Social Marketing Automation
If you're looking for a platform that can help you grow your business online, you won't want to miss our live webcast.
For more info on times and dates.
Visit: http://agentxl.com/live
South Florida tourism is taking a pro-active approach to attracting visitors to our tropical paradise. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports, entertainment arenas and cruise lines have all taken steps to make the idea of vacationing here even sweeter. more...
"On 9-11-09 join a free motorcycle ride dedicated to the memory of the 343 FDNY Firemen, 61 Police Officers and all those who tragically lost their lives on that historic day. The goal is to draw Patriotic Americans together on a Remembrance Ride to honor these brave Americans. "The Ride" and public Ceremony is open to all."
Here is a link to a long standing 9-11 memorial ride here in SoCal: http://www.remember911ride.com
Please post other events you may be attending in your area - And remember:
All Gave Some - Some Gave All - NEVER Forget !!
Thank you, Danny
Thank you, more...
At about this time every year, we begin to venture out from our living rooms and dens into the porches, backyards and patios that will be our fresh-aired habitat for the next few months. Summer is here and Traverse City Real Estate is hopping. more...
Of course it's end-of-the-month crunch time.
Extra pressure to make sure those escrows and fundings close smoothly.
But take a 4min break and watch this clip -
Then get back to work....
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-july-29-2009/home-crisis-investiga...
Thanx, Danny
Thank you,
Respectfully,
Danny C. Flucke Jr. - Senior Partner
Nationwide Mortgage Experts
Direct: (714) 624-9479
Email: DCFJ@NationwideMortgageExperts.com
Websites: www.NationwideMortgageExperts.com / www.NaMoEx.com more...
Follow this link for the article
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Use-Social-Bookmarking-for-SEO
Practical Real Estate Marketing
URGENT HVCC UPDATE:
Thank you to everyone who responded to our article last month concerning the business-destroying HVCC legislation - And for signing our petition to overturn it.
HVCC continues to devastate home values across the US. The mortgage industry is now faced with EXPANSION of the HVCC fiasco with higher Fannie and Freddie loan limits.
HVCC will carry through to former “jumbo” markets forcing more and more downward preasure on homeowners real estate values. more...
If you are local to Las Vegas, we are holding a small marketing workshop to teach real estate agents beginning search engine optimization (SEO). The workshop not only covers the SEO processes involved, but will help you fully understand how to implement it.
For more details, visit here: http://practicalrealestatemarketing.com/prem/events
Press Release issued 10min ago:
OCALA, FLORIDA – TAYLOR, BEAN & WHITAKER MORTGAGE CORP. (“TBW”) RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON AUGUST 4, 2009 FROM THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, FREDDIE MAC AND GINNIE MAE (THE “AGENCIES”) THAT IT WAS BEING TERMINATED AND/OR SUSPENDED AS AN APPROVED SELLER AND/OR SERVICER FOR EACH OF THOSE RESPECTIVE FEDERAL AGENCIES.
TBW HAS UNSUCCESSFULLY SOUGHT TO HAVE THE TERMINATION/SUSPENSION DECISIONS OF EACH OF THOSE AGENCIES REVERSED. AS A RESULT OF THESE ACTIONS, TBW MUST CEASE ALL ORIGINATION OPERATIONS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. more...
The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) has been tasked with Hand-To-Hand delivery of a father’s memorial flag from SoCal - To his daughter (Jennifer) in Florida.
This ride will cover 6 states with stops to hand off the flag to the next group of riders for the next leg of the trip.
Day one / Riverside, CA to Ehrenberg, AZ / 177 miles
Day two / Ehrenberg, AZ to San Simon, AZ / 382 miles
Day three / San Simon, Az to El Paso, TX / 200 miles
Day four / El Paso, TX to San Antonio, TX / 553 miles
Day five / San Antonio, TX to Lake Charles, LA / 340 miles more...
This Wall Street Journal article illustrates how focused everyone is on the lender -- With little more than a glance given to distressed homeowners. It is interesting to note that while the various government bodies are cleaning up the "loan mod" industry - They still have not issued any sort of consumer guide to help homeowners needing assistance. Here are a few tips: more...
I am so pleased to announce to everyone that our dream has become a reality, Skirts In Dirt has launched our blog, http://www.realestateskirts.com/. I hope that you all will take time to browse our blogs and tell your friends about this great new professional and personal network for women in real estate.
On July 30, 2009, some of the provisions of the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA) go into effect and lenders, mortgage brokers, title agents, real estate agents, and real estate brokerages need be alert as to these new federal governmental regulations. Here are the details for the MDIA: more...
We've been testing a way to both be environmentally friendly while also building the lists of our clients.
We'll be deploying it again this weekend at an open and are expecting even more response this time.
Check out the video post for more info.
It's basically an autoresponder that is preconfigured for the listing details
http://rem20.com/blogs/internet_marketing/2009/5/24/eco-friendly-agents-...
You can try out our solution if you're interested, its' built into it
Still prelaunch, though we have several agents on it already.
http://agentxl.com/a more...
Does anyone else find this ridiculous?
Former CW senior executives are now heading up a company with Fannie and Freddie REO contracts - Even though they have ZERO real estate selling experience.
(Is that why they are just now getting their real estate licensing in order...?)
They make Multi-Millions in salaries and bonuses at CW - Which certainly had a major hand in creating this real estate bubble - Only to turn around and profit again from the REO market.
Here is the link: http://blogcatalog.com/search.frame.php?term=countrywide+reo&id=c38dad1c... more...
I enjoy reading regional business magazines, such as Florida Trend because, for me, they re-ignite the excitement I hold for Florida’s economic and cultural future—especially where I live, work and play in South Florida. more...
There is always a debate going on in the real estate industry about which company is the largest. As some don’t disclose financials and others use different measuring criteria (offices, agents, sales volume, profitability, brand recognition, etc.) we have many potential “winners”. more...
What do buyers look for, or look out for when purchasing Traverse City real estate and the five county surrounding areas? This article is designed to help sellers evaluate the important aspects of selling a home and what potential buyers want. more...
Please watch this video blog post where I show you how to use this killer new software that sucks new leads from craigslist, kijiijii and backpage with just a few clicks of the old mouse button.
http://rem20.com/blogs/internet_marketing/2009/6/12/highly-targeted-real...
Rock star real estate agents check out the lastest release baby! http://cli.gs/3XRjRMt
Please join us in supporting "Drug Abuse Is Life Abuse" on Sat June 13th.
This privately funded childrens charity has replaced the cancelled D.A.R.E. program helping to educate children about drug abuse issues - Both at school and in the home.
http://NaMoEx.com is proudly co-sponsoring this event - And would like to invite everyone out on Sat June 13th to participate !!
There are two ways to join in: more...
C21 Northland a Traverse City Real Estate Brokerage was recently recognized by the Broker Council.
Traverse City— The CENTURY 21® Northern Michigan Broker’s Council recently recognized several CENTURY 21® Northland Realtors with sales awards for the year 2008. more...
I had a meeting with a potential seller who instructed me, “Julie, give me the advice that you would give you brother-in-law about marketing his residence.” His suggestion was a very interesting approach and it effectively enabled us to communicate very honestly and directly with one another (even though I do not have a brother-in-law)!
This gentleman made me aware that I do become involved in my buyers’ and sellers’ requirements as if they were family, despite the fact that, really, I am just one of the highest paid guests in their residence—or soon to be residence. more...
•1. Meta Title
Create your title using keywords and your farming area. Do NOT use ‘Home Page', ‘Index Page', or just your name in the title of your webpage. Use different titles on different pages to increase your exposure in the search engines for different search phrases. Keep this UNDER 70 characters in length.
•2. Meta Keywords more...
At the recent Luxury Real Estate conference I attended in Las Vegas many of the top brokers mentioned their concern that some buyers are so motivated by the deal that they are missing purchasing their first choice residence in the pursuit of the best price! more...
The recent Earth Day gave the green revolution another shot up the arm. When Earth Day started in 1970 a large number of people (20 million people one country) had already committed to celebrate it. Since then that number has exploded to 500 million (175 countries); about 7% of the world’s population. more...
Just curious what agents think is a better spend (or what would you rather... pay for advertising? or pay referral fees for business closed?)
If you could take a second to answer the survey here, it's just 5 questions and there is a little thank you bonus at the end for taking the time.
http://rem20.com/blogs/internet_marketing/2009/5/03/commissions-vs-refer...
Your input is appreciated.
I was fascinated to read the story of Cameron Hughes on a recent SouthWest flight to a conference for Who’s Who In Luxury Real Estate in Las Vegas. Cameron makes a living getting spectators out of their seats. He is a professional crowd pleaser. Hired by team managers, Cameron describes himself as a Fan Gladiator. He works to win crowds by giving the something they’ve never seen before. more...
Engel & Völkers has just assigned its 555th license with the signing of the license region for Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Westwood by Michael Giorgio. He plans to open his first Engel and Volkers residential real estate shop in July 2009. more...
The National Association of Realtors reported a 30% decrease in the sale of second homes in 2008. In contrast, analysts predict long-term demand for investment and vacation residences remains favorable because of those buyers in their prime years looking for a retirement home. This may be especially the case as buyers witness the retraction in their stock portfolios and return to good old bricks and mortar in the sun! more...
“It is impossible to predict the future.” That’s a statement I have made hundreds of times, both from the stage as well as in print.
Yet considering the most likely scenarios and then preparing for them lessens the shock when some variation of any prediction does materialize. Being caught off guard is just foolish. Why would you fight the future? The future is coming, no matter what. " more...
SEO - Does Your Site Have Validity?
Whether you have designed your own website or contracted that task out, you should check to see if your code has validity.
Validity or Validation for your site refers to the language in which it is written and if it is written correctly. Your site's code can be written in a variety of formats. Each of these formats is like a different language. When a portion of your site is written incorrectly, it is labeled as invalid.
How does this effect you and your website? more...
Over the last year I have shown many of my luxury listings to buyers who have genuinely asked, “Will you put me on your list for this property?” more...
In this market where both buyers and sellers are challenged by uncertainty and frustration levels rise rapidly to the surface, I think it is critical to remember one very important fact in terms of buyer and seller perceptions: As real estate professionals, we are their highest paid employee.
Buyers and sellers share the desire to exchange real estate. In my estimation, with a potential $30,000 pay-check for every million transacted, the buyer or seller deserves a white-gloved service. more...
Think of these two dynamics. You list and sell 100 homes, or farms, or land parcels a year. You deal with 100 different, unique parties. Some may resell thru your down the road as "life" happens and the need to relist happens. Wouldn't you rather have these many happy customers who know alot of people to recommend you to than just selling 10 properties? Think of 100 SOLD signs, your inventory everywhere and lots of activity..creating work for attorneys, surveyors, home inspectors..alot of people. More work or more volume that is more profitable down the road? more...
Starting March 1, investors can once again own and finance up to 10 individual properties and get Fannie Mae backed loans. Previously, an investor with 5 properties, great credit, and documented income could not finance an investment property without bringing in a partner or resorting to creative financing methods.
Undoubtedly, investors who had been halted by the limit are in a position to buy now.
In lieu of this, we started March Marketing Madness (a stimulus aimed at helping agents with these emerging investors). In alphabetical order, here are some tips we have: more...
Whether you own a small real estate office or a franchise with multiple offices, real estate brokers have much in common with other small business owners during these difficult economic conditions. This economy affects all businesses and it doesn’t really matter if you are the local hair salon or the major department store, current market conditions are tough. more...
Absolutely. A potential seller I met with last week commented, “I want a broker who is going to bring energy to marketing my house and not just collect another listing.”
This struck me as profoundly thought-provoking, especially in light of the President’s recent speech. Bringing a high level of personal energy to business is challenging at the moment, especially since every American must draw on personal, extraordinary energy to help rebuild their corner of America. more...
In just a few days (3/1), Fannie will start allowing investors to hold up to 10 mortgages and get Fannie Mae backed loans. The limit had been previously reduced to 4.
It's a good move - investors account for at least 22% of the market, and 75% of their purchases are single family homes, condos, and townhouses - so they can clear up some of the inventory.
There will be an increase in activity from investors who had been halted by the 4 property limit, and it's certainly a good time to market to them. more...
After a week full of showings, emails, telephone conversations and meetings on my luxury inventory I found a whole new attitude surfacing. The re-emergence of a back-up contract is an activity I am actively encouraging among the sellers and buyers with whom I work on a daily basis! more...
Yes.
Such a little word, but oh so powerful.
During the course of the day our spoken and written dialogues contain so many yes and no expressions. I was thinking the other day how much more energy and negativity is attached to, “No” when sometimes, “Yes, let me look into that”, would open so many more doors and influence attitudes positively. more...
Imagine answering the doorbell some Saturday morning only to be met by a process server who is prepared to deliver a blow that has the potential to wipe out your life savings and create havoc and stress for months or even years to come. more...
