Okay, so I have been online for many years. It is actually a funny story, in 2000 I was given the opportunity to purchase a computer, which back then was around $1,000. As a Mother of 3 at the time, all of my children under the age of 7, I was very skeptical about "Wasting" that much money on electronics. I actually put up a pretty good fight about it and just about "Won".
Thankfully, I did not win that argument! I relented and we purchased a HP. It had Windows 98, there was a CDRW and it had one of those huge 19 inch monitors. It was barely faster then a snail and could not run too many programs all at once or it would freeze up horribly. I was in HEAVEN.
I never knew how much I could learn just from being online. We subscribed to AOL which to this day I join in with everyone and call it a "Virus" but could not get rid of if my life depended on it..LOL (I think the AOL people have some how made their program like any drug, once you are hooked, you have withdrawals...LOL)
So for the first few years I used the Internet and my computer to keep in touch with family and friends out of state and out of the Country. I was part of a Military Family, therefore it was very useful.
Fast forward to 2005, after being a stay at home Mother for about 8 years, I was back in the Work force. I was scared! What skills did I have? I hadn't worked in 8 years and my Last job was as an answering service Operator. I had no schooling other then High School and the only intellectual conversations I had in the last 8 years were with toddlers. (Yes, Toddlers do have intellectual conversations..LOL)
So, I soon found out that I did have skills. It turns out that the 5 years I had been working on my computer for social reasons added to my technical abilities. See, I am a sponge when it comes to learning. If I do something over and over I tend to increase the challenge and make myself learn something more. I ended up teaching myself how to be an expert operator of Microsoft Office. All programs. That came in handy when I applied for a job at a local Real Estate company.
Slowly, I moved my way up until I am now a Realtor, working for myself। Now, the reason for this blog, during my years online I have joined many social networking sites.
I am a Member of several Real Estate groups on http://www.yahoo.com/ On their main page, click on groups and then do a search for your Area Real Estate। (Example: Ocala Real Estate) You should find several for your area if it is large enough. You will also be able to find many for your State.
MySpace - what can I say about http://www.myspace.com/ except that everyone has their own space and can really show off your own identity। I have a couple MySpace pages, I use one for personal use and I use one for Business. There is so much you can customize on that site. You can change your themes, you can add music, You can add photos and you can even blog on there.
Facebook - I have a new Profile on http://www.facebook.com/ I am not yet convinced about this site, I have been getting some response to it and will keep it going until I figure out if I like it or not।
ActiveRain - I have been on http://www.activerain.com/ for a couple years now and I can honestly say this is the Networking site I tell the most people about। This is the site I mainly blog and interact on. I guess you could say I am hooked on the Rain ;o)
Blogger - I have a Blog on http://www.blogspot.com/ I like the templates that come with the site। I also like the little widgets you can add to your Blog. So far I like it as well.
Craigslist - This one is an interesting site, and that is being very conservative in my description. Go to http://www.craigslist.com/ search for your State and then search for your city or the closest City to you। The Interesting thing about this site is the variety of people you can interact with on it. I have to warn you that there is a wide range of things on Craigslist. I post my listings on there under the header "Real Estate Offered - By Broker" I have gotten quite a bit of activity from there. If you do not want to see posts that will offend you, then you might want to stay away from the personals section.
Wanna Network - http://www.wannanetwork.com/ This is another Real Estate networking site।
Zolve - http://zolve.com/ Another Real Estate Networking site।
Okay, I am sure I can find at least a dozen more but that would make my blog way too long. If anyone has a great one that should not be left out of this blog, please send it to me and I will add it.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
In the Spirit of GIVING...
So I am a member of my local "Freecycle" and in the last month there is a wonderful man on there giving away computers to children for Christmas. I was touched by this and decided to put together a list of Charity Sites to direct people to so that we could keep the spirit of giving in this holiday season. I know that things are tight everywhere right now and if you only have 5 dollars to spare, that is 5 dollars more then they had this morning when they woke up. Every little bit helps! I chose several Charities that I have heard of through television and local newspapers. I am including the web links and info about the charity. This is by no means the only charities out there, if you have your own special Charity, whether locally or a Nationwide, feel free to link it on this blog.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy।
Children's Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/index.php
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America
Kimberly's Cottage (Local Charity) - http://www.kimberlyscottage.org/
The mission of the MCCAC is to provide a safe, child friendly atmosphere that promotes the healing of the child and non-offending family।
Soldier's Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.com/
As a volunteer-based nonprofit, we have over 20 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U।S। Armed Forces। Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families
Marine's Toys for Tots - http://www.toysfortots.org/
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders।
Save The Children - http://www.savethechildren.org/
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world। It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 28 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 110 countries to ensure the well-being of children।
Christian Children's fund - http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/
Children have the right to experience life with as much joy and hope as possible। Christian Children's Fund creates an environment of hope and respect for children in need in which they have opportunities to achieve their full potential, and provides children, families and communities with practical tools for positive change।
Habitat for Humanity - http://www.habitat.org/
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry। HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action।
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
Snce its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization। As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters। Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering।
Fisher House - http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury।
Homes for our Troops - http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004। This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries। We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility।
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/default.htm
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families। Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans। These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund। 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund's Trustees।
National Military Families Association - http://www.nmfa.org
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was organized in 1969 as the National Military Wives Association by a group of wives and widows seeking financial security for survivors of uniformed service personnel and retirees। From their efforts, the Survivor Benefit Plan came into being। In the ensuing years, NMFA has been in the vanguard of advocacy for improvements in the quality of military family life। The name of the organization was changed in 1984 to reflect the broad scope of its involvement। NMFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association
Big Brothers and Big Sisters - http://www.bbbs.org
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth।
UNICEF - http://www.unicefusa.org/
The U।S। Fund for UNICEF was founded in 1947 to support the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children। The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, we are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives।
American Humane - http://www.americanhumane.org/
Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs -- and taking actions -- to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation।
Guide Dog Foundation - http://www.guidedog.org/
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs।
Susan G. Komen Foundation - http://ww5.komen.org/
That promise is now Susan G। Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982। As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we're working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures। Thanks to events like the Susan G। Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world।
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital - http://www.stjude.org
St। Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility। Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases। With research and patient care under one roof, St। Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly।
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation - http://www.christopherreeve.org
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy।
First Candle - http://www.firstcandle.org
First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival। With help from a national network of member and partner organizations, we are working to increase public participation and support in the fight against infant mortality.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund - http://www.semperfifund.org/
If the mother of a wounded Marine needs help with travel expenses to be with her son or daughter, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If the wife of an injured Navy Corpsman falls temporarily behind on a mortgage payment because she left work to be with her husband in the hospital, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If a wounded Marine who has lost his sight from combat needs a special magnifier, or special computer, the Semper Fi Fund is there. Whatever the legitimate need, the Semper Fi Fund is ready to help. "Semper Fi" means "always faithful," and that is our pledge to the heroic OEF/OIF Marines, Sailors, and other OEF/OIF service members assigned to Marine forces who are injured in the line of duty or face life threatening illness while protecting our Nation.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - http://www.wish.org/
We grant the wishes of Children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy।
Children's Miracle Network - http://www.childrensmiraclenetwork.org/index.php
Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children¹s hospitals across North America
Kimberly's Cottage (Local Charity) - http://www.kimberlyscottage.org/
The mission of the MCCAC is to provide a safe, child friendly atmosphere that promotes the healing of the child and non-offending family।
Soldier's Angels - http://www.soldiersangels.com/
As a volunteer-based nonprofit, we have over 20 different teams and programs supporting all branches of the U।S। Armed Forces। Through special projects, dedicated teams and individuals supporting our troops, we make a visible difference in the lives of our service members and their families
Marine's Toys for Tots - http://www.toysfortots.org/
The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders।
Save The Children - http://www.savethechildren.org/
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world। It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 28 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 110 countries to ensure the well-being of children।
Christian Children's fund - http://www.christianchildrensfund.org/
Children have the right to experience life with as much joy and hope as possible। Christian Children's Fund creates an environment of hope and respect for children in need in which they have opportunities to achieve their full potential, and provides children, families and communities with practical tools for positive change।
Habitat for Humanity - http://www.habitat.org/
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry। HFHI seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action।
American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/
Snce its founding in 1881 by visionary leader Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization। As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters। Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering।
Fisher House - http://www.fisherhouse.org/
Supporting America's military in their time of need, we provide "a home away from home" that enables family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful time -- during hospitalization for an illness, disease or injury।
Homes for our Troops - http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer
Homes for Our Troops is a non-profit, non-partisan 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004। This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries। We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility।
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund - http://www.fallenheroesfund.org/default.htm
The Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund is a leader in supporting the men and women of the Armed Forces and their families। Begun in 2000 under the auspices of the Intrepid Museum Foundation, and established as an independent not-for-profit organization in 2003, the Fund has provided close to $60 million in support for the families of military personnel lost in service to our nation, and for severely wounded military personnel and veterans। These efforts are funded entirely with donations from the public, and hundreds of thousands of individuals have contributed to the Fund। 100% of contributions raised by the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund go towards these programs; all administrative expenses are underwritten by the Fund's Trustees।
National Military Families Association - http://www.nmfa.org
The National Military Family Association (NMFA) was organized in 1969 as the National Military Wives Association by a group of wives and widows seeking financial security for survivors of uniformed service personnel and retirees। From their efforts, the Survivor Benefit Plan came into being। In the ensuing years, NMFA has been in the vanguard of advocacy for improvements in the quality of military family life। The name of the organization was changed in 1984 to reflect the broad scope of its involvement। NMFA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) association
Big Brothers and Big Sisters - http://www.bbbs.org
The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth।
UNICEF - http://www.unicefusa.org/
The U।S। Fund for UNICEF was founded in 1947 to support the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) by raising funds for its programs and increasing awareness of the challenges facing the world's children। The oldest of 37 national committees for UNICEF worldwide, we are part of a global effort to save, protect and improve children's lives।
American Humane - http://www.americanhumane.org/
Through a network of child and animal protection agencies and individuals, American Humane provides national leadership in developing policies, legislation, curricula and training programs -- and taking actions -- to protect children and animals from cruelty, abuse, neglect and exploitation।
Guide Dog Foundation - http://www.guidedog.org/
To improve the quality of life for people who are blind, visually impaired, or with other special needs।
Susan G. Komen Foundation - http://ww5.komen.org/
That promise is now Susan G। Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982। As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we're working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures। Thanks to events like the Susan G। Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world।
St. Jude's Children Research Hospital - http://www.stjude.org
St। Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility। Discoveries made here have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases। With research and patient care under one roof, St। Jude is where some of today's most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly।
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation - http://www.christopherreeve.org
The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy।
First Candle - http://www.firstcandle.org
First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival। With help from a national network of member and partner organizations, we are working to increase public participation and support in the fight against infant mortality.
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund - http://www.semperfifund.org/
If the mother of a wounded Marine needs help with travel expenses to be with her son or daughter, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If the wife of an injured Navy Corpsman falls temporarily behind on a mortgage payment because she left work to be with her husband in the hospital, the Semper Fi Fund is there. If a wounded Marine who has lost his sight from combat needs a special magnifier, or special computer, the Semper Fi Fund is there. Whatever the legitimate need, the Semper Fi Fund is ready to help. "Semper Fi" means "always faithful," and that is our pledge to the heroic OEF/OIF Marines, Sailors, and other OEF/OIF service members assigned to Marine forces who are injured in the line of duty or face life threatening illness while protecting our Nation.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Music on your Webpage?
Music on your Homepage? Okay, so I got to thinking today। Yes, it does happen. Rarely, but it happens none the less. Do any of you have music on your Homepage? If you do, what
Genre? I am a music girl at heart and I love all music. I am an 80's child therefore I LOVE 80's hair bands! Give me Poison anyday...lol
Okay, the point to this Blog, DO you have music running on your site? If you do, do you worry that some of your visitors will be inclined to not revisit because of your Music?
For instance, If someone who likes Jazz visits your site and you are a hard rock kind of person and you have Ozzy Osbourne on your site, do you think it will keep some people from returning?
I once worked on a local Builders website and he wanted Music in the background. He liked the Cheers theme until he heard the midi of it on his site and then he HATED it.
I have heard several people that are majorly supportive if football had "Sweet home alabama" playing on their site. I love that song but I know some people that would maybe have been offended if they heard it playing.
SO......The question is, DO YOU or Do you just leave it silent??
FYI - I do not have music on my site but if I ever decided to put music, I would definitely have something that is very American like Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA.
Okay, if you think this Blog is just a bunch of nonsense put together and it makes no difference to you, Tell me, I can take it...hehe
Genre? I am a music girl at heart and I love all music. I am an 80's child therefore I LOVE 80's hair bands! Give me Poison anyday...lol
Okay, the point to this Blog, DO you have music running on your site? If you do, do you worry that some of your visitors will be inclined to not revisit because of your Music?
For instance, If someone who likes Jazz visits your site and you are a hard rock kind of person and you have Ozzy Osbourne on your site, do you think it will keep some people from returning?
I once worked on a local Builders website and he wanted Music in the background. He liked the Cheers theme until he heard the midi of it on his site and then he HATED it.
I have heard several people that are majorly supportive if football had "Sweet home alabama" playing on their site. I love that song but I know some people that would maybe have been offended if they heard it playing.
SO......The question is, DO YOU or Do you just leave it silent??
FYI - I do not have music on my site but if I ever decided to put music, I would definitely have something that is very American like Lee Greenwood's God Bless the USA.
Okay, if you think this Blog is just a bunch of nonsense put together and it makes no difference to you, Tell me, I can take it...hehe
Sunday, October 19, 2008
My Collection of Quotes
Over the years I have came across quotes that have warmed my heart and made me think real hard about my life and the direction it is taking. I felt like sharing them here so they may touch someone else like they did for me, or at the very least, I will always know where to find them again. If you come across a quote that I have not given credit to due to lack of origin, please let me know so I can give credit where credit is due! There will also be some of my own personal quotes in there. Happy reading!
A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.-- George Moore
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.-- Jane Howard
Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts.-- Author Unknown
At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.-- Barbara Bush
Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.-- Grace Hansen
You spend your entire life looking for happiness and then when it stares you in the face, you ignore it. ------Monica Hubert
Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about. -- Author Unknown
One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.-- Dale Carnegie
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.-- Lao Tzu
I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together.-- Julia Roberts
If I never met you, I wouldn't like you. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do, and I will.-- Author Unknown
Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.-- Oscar Wilde
Buy land. They've stopped making it.-- Mark Twain
I am nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore I am perfect.-- Author Unknown
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.-- Noel Coward
Love is temporary insanity curable by marriage.-- Ambrose Bierce
TO BE CONTINUED......
A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.-- George Moore
Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family: Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.-- Jane Howard
Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts.
At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.-- Barbara Bush
Don't be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.-- Grace Hansen
You spend your entire life looking for happiness and then when it stares you in the face, you ignore it. ------Monica Hubert
Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about. -- Author Unknown
One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.-- Dale Carnegie
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.-- Lao Tzu
I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together.-- Julia Roberts
If I never met you, I wouldn't like you. If I didn't like you, I wouldn't love you. If I didn't love you, I wouldn't miss you. But I did, I do, and I will.-- Author Unknown
Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable.-- Dr. Joyce Brothers
Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.-- Oscar Wilde
Buy land. They've stopped making it.-- Mark Twain
I am nobody. Nobody is perfect. Therefore I am perfect.-- Author Unknown
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.-- Noel Coward
Love is temporary insanity curable by marriage.-- Ambrose Bierce
TO BE CONTINUED......
Monday, October 13, 2008
Stuff
So, I have been pretty productive in the last couple weeks. I have switched back to my "Home" which is RE/MAX Premier Realty, Inc. I call them home because I started in this business with them and believe it or not, I began as a receptionist. I have had people in this office come up to me and say that they were glad I was back because it did not seem like the same office without me. I missed it and the people. I believe that everything we do in life has a purpose. I think I had to leave here to prove that I could do it on my own. When I realized I could do it on my own, I realized I needed to come back here.
I have worked with 2 Buyers this past couple weeks and gained another from a floor call about a rental and possible lease option. I also got a floor call on a possible listing. I have a listing appointment on Friday. It is a really good listing because the Owners owe very little on the home. I am looking forward to it. This will be the first listing I get all on my Own.
It is kind of funny but sometimes I feel like the little girl that just left home trying things out on my own. It was scary at first and then I just felt this confidence come over me and I stopped second guessing myself.
Now it is onward and upward! I am finally finding my niche and I am going to stick with it.
I have worked with 2 Buyers this past couple weeks and gained another from a floor call about a rental and possible lease option. I also got a floor call on a possible listing. I have a listing appointment on Friday. It is a really good listing because the Owners owe very little on the home. I am looking forward to it. This will be the first listing I get all on my Own.
It is kind of funny but sometimes I feel like the little girl that just left home trying things out on my own. It was scary at first and then I just felt this confidence come over me and I stopped second guessing myself.
Now it is onward and upward! I am finally finding my niche and I am going to stick with it.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
E-mail Campaigns? Mailings? Etc...
Okay, so the question of the hour is "Do you do e-mail campaigns?"
I have done them for my previous Employer and I know they are very helpful, I am curious to know how many out there use them? Do you use a particular company, like Vertical Response? I have seen e-mails done with this Company and they are Great! How about Top Producer? I have used Top Producer to send out mass e-mails (Campaigns) and It was pretty good, not as flashy as Vertical Response. What about Newsletters? Does anyone send them to their Clients? Do you send them regularly? Have you gotten any responses from your e-mail campaigns?
What about ideas that are "New" to attract Buyer's/Seller's? I am curious how much is out there, what works for Agents, What about to other Agents? Do you send them your listings in e-mail? This seems to be a very common occurrence these days. Every week I am getting more Agents e-mailing me new listings, listings that they have had and reduced.
What about postcards? Do you send "Just Listed" or "Just Sold" Postcards? Again, for my previous Employer I have done Postcards. I don't think we ever got a response to them though. It was a bit disappointing.
I am always open to learning what works and ditching what is a waste of time and energy. I am back in "the ring" so to speak and I will be here often asking questions again. I strive to learn something daily, I am a sponge and love to soak up knowledge and use it for future use. Anyone have any other ideas that I haven't mentioned?
I look forward to reading the responses!
I have done them for my previous Employer and I know they are very helpful, I am curious to know how many out there use them? Do you use a particular company, like Vertical Response? I have seen e-mails done with this Company and they are Great! How about Top Producer? I have used Top Producer to send out mass e-mails (Campaigns) and It was pretty good, not as flashy as Vertical Response. What about Newsletters? Does anyone send them to their Clients? Do you send them regularly? Have you gotten any responses from your e-mail campaigns?
What about ideas that are "New" to attract Buyer's/Seller's? I am curious how much is out there, what works for Agents, What about to other Agents? Do you send them your listings in e-mail? This seems to be a very common occurrence these days. Every week I am getting more Agents e-mailing me new listings, listings that they have had and reduced.
What about postcards? Do you send "Just Listed" or "Just Sold" Postcards? Again, for my previous Employer I have done Postcards. I don't think we ever got a response to them though. It was a bit disappointing.
I am always open to learning what works and ditching what is a waste of time and energy. I am back in "the ring" so to speak and I will be here often asking questions again. I strive to learn something daily, I am a sponge and love to soak up knowledge and use it for future use. Anyone have any other ideas that I haven't mentioned?
I look forward to reading the responses!
Asking for the SALE?
Okay, so I went and met a Buyer at a home we have listed today. The Buyer's are a Husband and Wife, around early 20's, one baby boy that appeared to be about 11 months old. The Wife was pregnant with #2 and They are moving up here for South Florida in the next few months so she can begin College. I have not become too knowledgeable about mortgages but I felt like with them both moving to Ocala, they may not be in a position to Qualify, maybe I am wrong..that is entirely Possible too! I asked the following questions, Please feel free to add to my list if you have some insight in today's Buyers, or if you just have a method that works very well for you.
1. Are you pre-qualified, to which they answered "No"
2. Where do you currently live? They said "Inverness"
3. How soon do you want to be in a home? They said they just started looking but want to move fairly soon.
4. Is this home the price range / Criteria you are looking for? They said yes. I then gave them a name of a Mortgage Company I use and They said they would call.
5. Can I e-mail you additional homes with the same criteria of this home?
6. When will you be back in town? They replied "Next Tuesday"
7. If you see a home before we meet again, please call me and I will make arrangements for the showing.
Now, I felt like I should have said more, done more, but I also felt like they were very timid about making a decision right now. So I guess my question is, How do you push a Buyer that you know if you push too hard they will end up not buying at all.
1. Are you pre-qualified, to which they answered "No"
2. Where do you currently live? They said "Inverness"
3. How soon do you want to be in a home? They said they just started looking but want to move fairly soon.
4. Is this home the price range / Criteria you are looking for? They said yes. I then gave them a name of a Mortgage Company I use and They said they would call.
5. Can I e-mail you additional homes with the same criteria of this home?
6. When will you be back in town? They replied "Next Tuesday"
7. If you see a home before we meet again, please call me and I will make arrangements for the showing.
Now, I felt like I should have said more, done more, but I also felt like they were very timid about making a decision right now. So I guess my question is, How do you push a Buyer that you know if you push too hard they will end up not buying at all.
The Perfect Buyer??
Is there really a perfect Buyer? If you believe there is a perfect buyer, what (In your Opinion) makes the perfect Buyer?
I think the perfect Buyer would be one who does not have a house to sell first, has a high credit rating with history to back it up, A Buyer that is not picky about which part of the county to look at as long as the home they find there is the home they are looking for, A Buyer who refuses to move on to another Realtor because they are loyal to you. One who will tell other people about all you have done for them to make their home buying experience the best one they could possibly have.
Now, with that being said, I think I have come across the perfect home buyer. My Buyers I am working with currently are all "The Perfect Buyer" in their own right. I am very fortunate at this time to be working with several Buyers and I am learning from each of them. As I have said from the very beginning of my journey on Active Rain, I try to learn as much as I possibly can from each and every situation I encounter in my business. I have always felt I was a sponge in business.
At the beginning of my Real Estate life, I started as a Receptionist for a Local Real Estate Company. I had thought about getting my license over the years but to be completely honest with you, I was never really serious about it until I took that job. I worked for one of the most influential Women in our local Market and she made me want to follow through with getting my license for the first time ever.
So I took the classes at a local Community College, three times a week. During that time (2005) I came across people who tried to discourage me from getting into the business. I was a bit resentful at the time but have since realized that it was just survival of the fittest.
I heard all kinds of horror stories while I was going to classes for my License and I became terrified that I would not be able to pass the State exam. I found out that our testing agent located in Gainesville, FL would allow me to take the test on a Saturday. I decided I would take the test on a Saturday and if I failed no one would know and I would then take the Cram course. I took the test and passed the first time. I was amazed. When I returned to work on Monday I had a new haircut and for some reason I only told everyone about the haircut and not the fact that I just passed my state test. Eventually everyone knew and I was very proud of myself.
Two months ago I decided to jump off the high board and I would either sink or swim. I began swimming for my life and refused to give up. I upset some people that mean the world to me and because of it, I have had a long and hard journey, but I am making it. I had my 1st 2 closings yesterday. Granted, they were lot closing and the commission was not that big but the sense of accomplishment was bigger then the State of Texas. If those that I hurt are reading this, I want them to know that I would not be doing half the business I am doing right now, if not for them and I will be eternally grateful. I miss you all and hope one day we can move beyond it all. I do know that I have a lot to learn still about this business and I am determined to learn it.
I think the perfect Buyer would be one who does not have a house to sell first, has a high credit rating with history to back it up, A Buyer that is not picky about which part of the county to look at as long as the home they find there is the home they are looking for, A Buyer who refuses to move on to another Realtor because they are loyal to you. One who will tell other people about all you have done for them to make their home buying experience the best one they could possibly have.
Now, with that being said, I think I have come across the perfect home buyer. My Buyers I am working with currently are all "The Perfect Buyer" in their own right. I am very fortunate at this time to be working with several Buyers and I am learning from each of them. As I have said from the very beginning of my journey on Active Rain, I try to learn as much as I possibly can from each and every situation I encounter in my business. I have always felt I was a sponge in business.
At the beginning of my Real Estate life, I started as a Receptionist for a Local Real Estate Company. I had thought about getting my license over the years but to be completely honest with you, I was never really serious about it until I took that job. I worked for one of the most influential Women in our local Market and she made me want to follow through with getting my license for the first time ever.
So I took the classes at a local Community College, three times a week. During that time (2005) I came across people who tried to discourage me from getting into the business. I was a bit resentful at the time but have since realized that it was just survival of the fittest.
I heard all kinds of horror stories while I was going to classes for my License and I became terrified that I would not be able to pass the State exam. I found out that our testing agent located in Gainesville, FL would allow me to take the test on a Saturday. I decided I would take the test on a Saturday and if I failed no one would know and I would then take the Cram course. I took the test and passed the first time. I was amazed. When I returned to work on Monday I had a new haircut and for some reason I only told everyone about the haircut and not the fact that I just passed my state test. Eventually everyone knew and I was very proud of myself.
Two months ago I decided to jump off the high board and I would either sink or swim. I began swimming for my life and refused to give up. I upset some people that mean the world to me and because of it, I have had a long and hard journey, but I am making it. I had my 1st 2 closings yesterday. Granted, they were lot closing and the commission was not that big but the sense of accomplishment was bigger then the State of Texas. If those that I hurt are reading this, I want them to know that I would not be doing half the business I am doing right now, if not for them and I will be eternally grateful. I miss you all and hope one day we can move beyond it all. I do know that I have a lot to learn still about this business and I am determined to learn it.
Blogging...
So, I view myself as a different sort of person. (I am waiting for the interesting comments this statement will bring)
I have always loved writing and expressing myself through words. I know that most bloggers tend to blog about the market, life, experience and things that effect them in life.
I tend to blog about things I do not understand. The Real Estate Market is a BIG one.
Daily I walk through the halls in my office and I hear other agents expressing their worries about the market and for one reason or other it does not get me down.
I have always been a positive person. I always find the silver lining in any cloud I come into contact with.
When I finished high school and began taking care of myself and my family I would never let anything bring me down.
If you have always known me, you would know this for fact. I have noticed in the last few years getting a bit discouraged. Never negative though. I can always talk myself into feeling positive.
When I hear the "worries" expressed by my fellow Realtors, I always think to myself "There will always be buyers and Sellers, we just need to find a more attractive way of getting the buyers and sellers to want to work with you over anyone else.
I love my job. I would love it even more if the market was a bit more stable but I can't imagine not liking my job.
I love the people I work with. I love the new people I meet on a daily basis.
I have always been a sponge where new experiences are my food. My Liquid that I soak up.
The point of this blog? Probably nothing but a bunch of words typed down. Maybe it is so that the Prospects that come across this blog will see that we Realtors are normal people with normal worries...thoughts. We all put our pants on the same way. We all have beliefs, though they may be different. We all have fears. At the end of the day, we all are reaching for the stars and hoping to touch one.
If you got all the way through this sappy blog, BLESS YOU!
I have always loved writing and expressing myself through words. I know that most bloggers tend to blog about the market, life, experience and things that effect them in life.
I tend to blog about things I do not understand. The Real Estate Market is a BIG one.
Daily I walk through the halls in my office and I hear other agents expressing their worries about the market and for one reason or other it does not get me down.
I have always been a positive person. I always find the silver lining in any cloud I come into contact with.
When I finished high school and began taking care of myself and my family I would never let anything bring me down.
If you have always known me, you would know this for fact. I have noticed in the last few years getting a bit discouraged. Never negative though. I can always talk myself into feeling positive.
When I hear the "worries" expressed by my fellow Realtors, I always think to myself "There will always be buyers and Sellers, we just need to find a more attractive way of getting the buyers and sellers to want to work with you over anyone else.
I love my job. I would love it even more if the market was a bit more stable but I can't imagine not liking my job.
I love the people I work with. I love the new people I meet on a daily basis.
I have always been a sponge where new experiences are my food. My Liquid that I soak up.
The point of this blog? Probably nothing but a bunch of words typed down. Maybe it is so that the Prospects that come across this blog will see that we Realtors are normal people with normal worries...thoughts. We all put our pants on the same way. We all have beliefs, though they may be different. We all have fears. At the end of the day, we all are reaching for the stars and hoping to touch one.
If you got all the way through this sappy blog, BLESS YOU!
The Internet does work!!
Well, things have been busy here lately. I have gotten several leads on the Internet.
I spend a good part of my day online. Doing online marketing. I have various websites, blogs, game sites and play areas. All geared towards Marketing. I have purchased a domain name through GoDaddy, their site has a lot to offer. I have not used all of the perks that GoDaddy offers. I have used the website tonight page builder and I love it. Some think it is difficult to use, I used it to create a great webpage with a splash intro page which looked wonderful.
I have a personal website with Point2Agent. I have pointed my Domain name at it www.buyingocalarealestate.com I have the basic version of Point2Agent. My version is free of charge but it limits the extras that come with the site like reports, extra photos, blogs, number of pages..etc. I have managed to get quite a response from my site even without the extras I don't get.
Active Rain, I have used this site for a couple years. I have come and gone a couple times. In the time I have gotten on Active Rain I have received many possible leads, one turned into a listing that turned into a sale. I have learned very valuable information on this site and gotten answers to questions I had that I could not find the answer myself.
www.remax.com is a great resource. I use it frequently. If I have a buyer that is looking in an area outside my local MLS, most of the time I can find the listing on www.remax.com. There are some great extras you get as a privilege for being a member of the REMAX Family.
www.realtor.com is another excellent resource. With realtor.com you can access properties overseas on www.worldproperties.com With many foreign born investors these days, it is imperative that you submit your listings to world properties on www.realtor.com .
www.craigslist.com is an interesting site to say the least. There are some, diverse (for lack of a better word) people posting on that site, one thing I have done is submitted my listings on my local craigslist and have received multiple responses on the properties. Most of them did not turn into a actual lead but 2 of them did. Good leads at that.
MySpace?? Millions of people are on www.myspace.com daily, why not use this as a resource?? Make a Real Estate networking profile or even a group. It will get noticed.
Local Newspaper sites. Our local Newspaper is the Ocala Star Banner www.Ocala.com is their website. It is an amazing marketing tool. There are forums, articles, Real Estate resources and much more. Seek out your local paper and see if there is a site for it!
www.ocala4sale.com is an amazing tool as well. It is a local classified site, kind of like craigslist. The site is a bit more controlled then craigslist though. You can post your listings on www.ocala4sale.com for a minimal fee and include photos. Prospects can e-mail you from the article. Check your hometown, there may be a _______4sale.com in your area too!
I know that I can come up with many more Internet marketing resources to share, get online...start searching. Make your presence known online. The Real Estate market has gone Technical. I see so many great agents that have been in the business for 20-30 years and they are barely making it now because they don't understand the new technology. You have to change with the times if you expect to last in this new age market.
I spend a good part of my day online. Doing online marketing. I have various websites, blogs, game sites and play areas. All geared towards Marketing. I have purchased a domain name through GoDaddy, their site has a lot to offer. I have not used all of the perks that GoDaddy offers. I have used the website tonight page builder and I love it. Some think it is difficult to use, I used it to create a great webpage with a splash intro page which looked wonderful.
I have a personal website with Point2Agent. I have pointed my Domain name at it www.buyingocalarealestate.com I have the basic version of Point2Agent. My version is free of charge but it limits the extras that come with the site like reports, extra photos, blogs, number of pages..etc. I have managed to get quite a response from my site even without the extras I don't get.
Active Rain, I have used this site for a couple years. I have come and gone a couple times. In the time I have gotten on Active Rain I have received many possible leads, one turned into a listing that turned into a sale. I have learned very valuable information on this site and gotten answers to questions I had that I could not find the answer myself.
www.remax.com is a great resource. I use it frequently. If I have a buyer that is looking in an area outside my local MLS, most of the time I can find the listing on www.remax.com. There are some great extras you get as a privilege for being a member of the REMAX Family.
www.realtor.com is another excellent resource. With realtor.com you can access properties overseas on www.worldproperties.com With many foreign born investors these days, it is imperative that you submit your listings to world properties on www.realtor.com .
www.craigslist.com is an interesting site to say the least. There are some, diverse (for lack of a better word) people posting on that site, one thing I have done is submitted my listings on my local craigslist and have received multiple responses on the properties. Most of them did not turn into a actual lead but 2 of them did. Good leads at that.
MySpace?? Millions of people are on www.myspace.com daily, why not use this as a resource?? Make a Real Estate networking profile or even a group. It will get noticed.
Local Newspaper sites. Our local Newspaper is the Ocala Star Banner www.Ocala.com is their website. It is an amazing marketing tool. There are forums, articles, Real Estate resources and much more. Seek out your local paper and see if there is a site for it!
www.ocala4sale.com is an amazing tool as well. It is a local classified site, kind of like craigslist. The site is a bit more controlled then craigslist though. You can post your listings on www.ocala4sale.com for a minimal fee and include photos. Prospects can e-mail you from the article. Check your hometown, there may be a _______4sale.com in your area too!
I know that I can come up with many more Internet marketing resources to share, get online...start searching. Make your presence known online. The Real Estate market has gone Technical. I see so many great agents that have been in the business for 20-30 years and they are barely making it now because they don't understand the new technology. You have to change with the times if you expect to last in this new age market.
YOUR homework assignment!!
Okay, so I have been in the Real Estate field for a few years now and I am doing pretty well, so far. I would love to learn more about the Mortgage process.
My challenge to you Mortgage people out there, Educate me! I want to know about the whole process. I hate being unarmed when asked a question about mortgages.
Tell me about the Pre-qualification vs Pre-approval process. I do know that they are different, explain the difference for myself and other newbies.
Credit, what's the big deal?? (I do know how important good credit is) I want you to spell it all out for me. I am sure that there are consumers out there reading this, I am also pretty sure that there are consumers out there that don't think they could ever qualify for a mortgage, whether it is due to credit, job, income level or etc...Explain it to me, therefore you will also be explaining it to the consumers.
I met a Buyer (Couple) at a home this past week looking for a Lease Option/Rental. When I got the call (Which incidentally was a floor call at my office) I spoke with a Young couple that were starting out their lives together and they decided to ask people they knew about qualifying for a mortgage. They were talked out of even trying to qualifying. I met them at the rental/lease option they were interested in and began to ask questions. Why do you want a lease option? Would you rather buy a home? Did you know that if you bought this home as a Lease Option you will be paying more then what the Builder could build it new in this market? My Buyers were very aware that everything I was saying was accurate and agreed they would probably pay too much for the home in a lease option. They then explained that they had asked some questions to various sources and were pretty much talked out of getting approved for a mortgage or even trying to get approved. I then explained that most rental agencies will pull their credit. Why would they not want to get their credit pulled by a Mortgage company and see if they could qualify for a mortgage rather then a rental when clearly, that was their ultimate goal anyway? They agreed and I got them in touch with a great Mortgage company/Person. They are now in the process of getting pre-approved and if they get approved, we will begin looking for a home to buy. If they have some work to do on their credit, they will now be aware of it and we will then find them a rental while they get prepared to buy.
They got me thinking, If they as a young couple are out there talking to friends and family who are not trained Mortgage people or Real Estate people and they received enough information to discourage them from even "Trying" to buy a home, then there must be more like them. I know that even being in Real Estate for the last 3 years, I still have a lot to learn about Mortgages and financing. I want to learn it. Please fill up this blog with the information you feel if important for both consumers and Realtors to understand about the process. Thanks in advance for any information that is shared here and I look forward to learning all I can.
My challenge to you Mortgage people out there, Educate me! I want to know about the whole process. I hate being unarmed when asked a question about mortgages.
Tell me about the Pre-qualification vs Pre-approval process. I do know that they are different, explain the difference for myself and other newbies.
Credit, what's the big deal?? (I do know how important good credit is) I want you to spell it all out for me. I am sure that there are consumers out there reading this, I am also pretty sure that there are consumers out there that don't think they could ever qualify for a mortgage, whether it is due to credit, job, income level or etc...Explain it to me, therefore you will also be explaining it to the consumers.
I met a Buyer (Couple) at a home this past week looking for a Lease Option/Rental. When I got the call (Which incidentally was a floor call at my office) I spoke with a Young couple that were starting out their lives together and they decided to ask people they knew about qualifying for a mortgage. They were talked out of even trying to qualifying. I met them at the rental/lease option they were interested in and began to ask questions. Why do you want a lease option? Would you rather buy a home? Did you know that if you bought this home as a Lease Option you will be paying more then what the Builder could build it new in this market? My Buyers were very aware that everything I was saying was accurate and agreed they would probably pay too much for the home in a lease option. They then explained that they had asked some questions to various sources and were pretty much talked out of getting approved for a mortgage or even trying to get approved. I then explained that most rental agencies will pull their credit. Why would they not want to get their credit pulled by a Mortgage company and see if they could qualify for a mortgage rather then a rental when clearly, that was their ultimate goal anyway? They agreed and I got them in touch with a great Mortgage company/Person. They are now in the process of getting pre-approved and if they get approved, we will begin looking for a home to buy. If they have some work to do on their credit, they will now be aware of it and we will then find them a rental while they get prepared to buy.
They got me thinking, If they as a young couple are out there talking to friends and family who are not trained Mortgage people or Real Estate people and they received enough information to discourage them from even "Trying" to buy a home, then there must be more like them. I know that even being in Real Estate for the last 3 years, I still have a lot to learn about Mortgages and financing. I want to learn it. Please fill up this blog with the information you feel if important for both consumers and Realtors to understand about the process. Thanks in advance for any information that is shared here and I look forward to learning all I can.
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