I have shared some amazing real estate training tips and have changed many real estate agents businesses and careers.  Right here on the rain, I've shared, coached and given away training as if I were wealthy..its just the way that I am but now I need to call some favors in...not for me..

I have my health, my free will and an incredible group of family and friends that support me.  So if you read my blog, utilized the free listing presentation or gained anything from me, I am really asking you to pay it forward 

@TheREALClint     @LanceArmstrong     @livestrong 

When I first joined twitter, @therealclint was one of my first friends, we chatted about his kids, the love of Montana and all of the things that make him such a beautiful human being. I found him to be funny, sarcastic, cool I think u get it...I became a fan...

Clint Miller needs our help!

We have always talked about community here and pride ourselves of helping our own.

Yeah sometimes it feels like we have the weight of the world on our shoulders but nothing you can go through can compare to what Clint Miller is facing today.  He is facing his mortality and fights everyday.  His wife Angela is amazing as as she faces being a single mother her strength, courage and inspiration have touched many.  I can't help but cry for them..stand by them and...pray for them.  

I don't think I have to go into it too much as most know Clint Miller.  Yes he has the C word and everyday I think of him, his wife Angela and his beautiful children.  He is one of those that fight the good fights and is so inspiring and I am asking the community to help us out...help Clint 2 have a beer with Lance Armstrong.

He longs to have a beer with Lance Armstrong and while Lance has sent Clint two videos its not the same as a face to face...we've tweeted, we've Facebooked..we've called in personal favors to friends and family who might have the pull to fulfill one of Clint's dreams...

Lance fired back with a a video but imagine what having a beer with Lance might do for Clint's spirit, Angela's spirit and their sweet sweet children. This is big...big for this family. Big for those who support and root for Clint and Family! 

Why should we give up?

Please if you can do one thing send a tweet out or add a message to livestrong through facebook.  If you have pull with Mr. Armstrong, please help and spread the word.  We can make this happen but time is of the essence.  

To follow Clints progress go to the prayer group for Clint, its much more than a prayer group, its an amazing group of people pulling together to make life a little better for the Millers, a group that embraces the harsh reality that the Millers are facing today!  

Please feel free to repost, reblog, copy I don't care..please help to get the message out but more importantly help Clint to have that Beer!   And Yes I am openly asking for a feature!  Need traffic..to spread the word! 

Here is what happened when we orchestrated this a few weeks back! 

Lance Armstrong on twitter

Livestrong on twitter

use hash tags #weloveclint #helpclintmeetlance

This morning I woke up with a huge lump in my throat as I scanned through facebook and I can't seem to shake this feeling nor hold back the tears.  Missy Caulk and family need our words of encouragement but most of all this family needs the power of prayer!  

So I have a confession...yes I am a virgin...A ReBar Camp Virgin. While there have been numerous opportunities, I've either had to cancel or could not make due to previous obligations. I am so excited to finally attend one.  

I think one of the things that really interest me is the opportunity to see many of the tech savvy REALTORS who will be attending who have been my friends off line and online.  Not only see them but network and participate in a non-conference.  Very exciting 2 me plus go back to my old stomping grounds!

There are only 31 tickets left..and did I mention its FREE????  That's right to have the ability to hang out in Boca Raton Florida with some amazing people and learn the latest and greatest trade secrets for online marketing seems to excite me!  I hope that you will attend and that I will see you there!

If you are going, let me know..and if you are thinking of attending, don't think about it..just sign up and Go!

I am so excited because it will benefit my clients and always love the opportunity of learning something new and sharing..WOOT..and I know that I am guaranteed a good time, hanging with Grant & Gia Freer, Jeannette Neerpat, Chris Griffith, Cyndee Haydon and ?????????  

Details right here:

Facebook:  ReBar Camps - Big Ideas From around the Country

ReBar Camp Website

South Florida ReBar Camp

When: Friday, October 14, 2011
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm (Registration is from 8:30am-9:00am)
Where: Penthouse 2 at One Thousand Ocean located on the grounds of the Boca Beach Club 725 South Ocean Blvd., Boca Raton, FL 33432 
Why: To Share, to Learn, to talk about what makes us better real estate agents, brokers and business people. To connect with like minded social media marketers. Because there is something for everyone here, beginner to pro!
How Much: Unbelievable, but it's FREE!
Twitter Hashtag: #REBCSFL

Get your tickets while they last>>>>>>>>>go to Eventbrite

OK, don't laugh but I see this all over the net.  I guess I notice these things more since I am no longer a REALTOR and tend to look at the Internet marketing of REALTORS as a consumer. So lets dig a little deeper and without your REALTOR hat ok?

CRS,ABR,CDPE,ALC,CCIM,CRS,CRE -There is More Where These Came From

As a consumer?  What the heck is all that?  What does it mean?  They sound important but what do all the letters mean?  Why do some agents only have a few?  Could this be their license #? HUH?  

OK, I hope you get the point and I am in no way knocking designations! Many designations require true skills and actual experience, I understand and respect those that have taken the extra steps to better themselves but take a minute and look at it as a consumer.

REALTORS - if you want your designation to really work for you.  Let consumers know what the heck they stand for. I mean if you really look at it, its not impressive based on a bunch of initials..its rather silly looking but if you were to take the time and explain what the heck all those letters mean, it would help the consumer to understand the importance of your additional training, expertise and experience rather than bragging rights of something they will not know based on initials.  Do you think consumers will automatically Google it?  Do not assume anything!

Better yet..why not consider...

Creating a kick butt bio of yourself and a full explanation of your designations on a page of your website can always be very useful.  Add that link to all of your social profiles or go ahead and add your designations directly to your profiles.  I would pick the most cherished designation initials to sit by your name or at most two! Providing a full explanation of your real estate designations can help consumers understand what all the initials mean.

What do you think?  And do you think having 8 sets of initials behind your name really impress the consumer or does it confuse them?

The state of Florida is known for its large mansions, sprawling estates and luxury real estate. While Florida home prices have been slashed due to the number of foreclosures, short sales and bank owned homes that have sold. These types of distressed sales are impacting our local market.  Savvy investors and homebuyers are still searching and buying luxury real estate throughout the state of Florida.  

Daytona Beach Luxury Real Estate

In our neck of the woods, Daytona Beach luxury real estate is quite affordable compared to other parts of Florida. Being a Florida resident almost all of my life, I do believe that Daytona Beach luxury homes are affordable compared to other exclusive neighborhoods in the state of Florida.  But the question is, are these luxury homes really that affordable and is it easy to qualify for a mortgage?  It's an interesting to see who can afford these homes and I wonder how they feel about Daytona's prices.  Would they consider our luxury market affordable compared to other areas of Florida?  

Florida Sprawling Estates - Florida Mansions - Florida Luxury Real Estate

There have been numerous housing reports on luxury market trends, according to Laurie Moore-Moore, founder of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, "The number of wealthy household in the United States and world-wide is almost back to where it was before the downturn.  Add the fact that many high net worth individuals are reassessing their investments and rethinking how and where to invest.  High-end U.S. residential real estate is attracting many of these dollars, Euros and Rubles.  This bodes well for the luxury home market in the short term.  Luxury may well be the real estate segment that leads to recovery."  

South Florida Luxury Homes - Palm Beach Exclusive Properties 

Reports on luxury real estate prices in Florida vary as real estate in general is local.  Luxury real estate in Florida is no different and each piece of property's pricing varies due to size, location and exclusivity.  South Florida is one of my favorite luxury markets and I wonder how it has been impacted. According to a recent article on Palm Beach Premier Real Estate, "the Palm Beach luxury market is still in limbo."  Interesting, its just another reminder to get the facts from a professional real estate agent who specializes in luxury homes and understands market conditions and trends.  I wonder if the luxury market is impacted nation-wide? 

How is your luxury market doing and do you think this sector of real estate has bottomed out in your area and is it deeply impacted by say, distressed properties and the average price homes selling?  

A few emails triggered this post, one of the questions I received is because someone doesn't use activerain anymore, should they delete their content.  I also saw a similar conversation taking place on facebook, I don't quite get it at all? 

You probably have a love/hate relationship with Active rain.  In my case...I do.

I have recently changed cities due to the office being located in Ormond Beach, while I am no longer a REALTOR,

I am a real estate agent who chose a different path.  To refer business and keep my license active and follow my dreams.  At this point I am at a crossroads with Activerain. Where do I fit in?

I did not know Jon, Caleb or Matt when I first joined Activerain, I didn't join Activerain because of them.  I joined Activerain because it promised me another avenue to connect with peers throughout the country that were willing to share information, their best trade secrets and build bonds. I can't complain..I have had a great run with Activerain and will continue to do so.  

Generating Leads - Still Building Relationships - I Still Love This Place - Its The Community Members That Matter And Not Who Owns The Site

Since 2006 there have been many changes and I imagine there will be more. For me a perfect example is  when Caleb left Active-rain he was replaced with Bob Stewart, it was difficult to give Bob a chance. Not because he was bad, evil or not likeable.  Bottom line he wasn't Caleb.  At that point I considered leaving and deleting all of my content. I got upset when Caleb left...but we all continued on.  

While I love and admire Caleb forever, I got the opportunity to meet Bob too, Bob Stewart earned my respect and friendship due to his own merits.  He has become a great friend and an awesome source of information.

My respect and admiration for Bob Stewart does not affect the way I feel about Caleb.  They are two different people and I admit I love them both.  

Cutting Activerain Loose - Is It A Business Decision or Emotional Decision?

This year we all got a jolt when many who are near and dear to our hearts changed career paths, moved on and continue to trail blaze through social media.  I'll always remember them, truly respect them and will find a way to connect with them whether they are here or there but still I ask myself where do I fit in?  It has nothing to do with Active rain changes

but my own personal changes.  It sometimes feels strange to be here and have questioned often should I just delete my content from Activerain?

I Can't - I Won't - You Shouldn't - To Each His Own

NO WAY..since links are cached on the web and what would happen if someone saw a link of interest and instead of your posts they received a 404 error where they click and there is nothing there. 

There are many readers of ActiveRain that are consumers who have been following your blog for a very long time. I've been here since the early days and receive emails and contacts to this day with the emails starting out, where have you been?  Is everything ok?  I have a buyer for you! I need a REALTOR.  I loved your post. Please write something..

My Personal Opinion and Reasons Why I Probably Won't Use My Content Elsewhere

The concept of importing your content makes perfect sense but why would you delete your content from ActiveRain? Although I have grabbed my content, it sits in a zip file. I posted a few on my site but I quickly realized these posts were written for the community, my subscribers and consumers who visit activerain.

Do you think by removing your content it will benefit you?  I will not remove my content unless the terms of service became unacceptable or content is a negative for me with google but I wouldn't throw my eggs in one basket either.  I did that for a very long time and now I stand wondering where do I fit in.  

Activerain Gives Me Lots of Traffic To My Own Personal Site

I don't think many realize the power of Activerain where the home page is a page rank of 5. If you check the variety of rankings for this site, it is better than most of the top dawg real estate sites and many real estate agents sites out there.

Check your own site..my site is a page rank 3, last year my site was a page rank 5 but this year I can probably count the number of posts written on both of my hands. Its sad but true and it applies here too in 2011 I wrote a total of 5 posts here. darn it including this one.  WOW what a bum I have been! Damn if that did not get me motivated!

Activerain Platform + Community + Your Site = Your Own Social Network

Even though you may not post as often as others do, the posts that sit here may give you additional business or make the difference of you or someone else in your local market being at the top of the search engines or #1 for your local market. Why would you want to remove it?

People Still Read Old Content If It Is Relevant and Interesting!

I have been here since June 2006.  Today I received two contacts from ActiveRain from posts dating back to 2008, a new comment was posted yesterday by a consumer on a post I wrote in 2008. 

I ask myself, where do I fit in? 

I still generate business, I still have many of the friends that I had before on the network and its shocking to me that I even considered removing all my content. 

My Personal Opinion

Do yourself a favor and think twice before taking every piece of advice out there on the web.

When you focus on SEO too much you lose a huge portion of the human side of yourself, your audience will notice the mechanical writing that goes with it! 

Its just like repeating the title of a blog post in the first sentence of your post, I get it but sometimes it sounds ridiculous and other times condesceding. 

For me, its not just about SEO, you can still write SEO friendly content and sound like a human being!

Some statistics for Activerain.com

I have to face the fact, I am one who doesn't post often but the past will continue to haunt me on the search engines and my own sites!  Its a tough problem to have...NOT!

Let's face it times are tough and some Volusia County children will not have the basics they need to have a very happy and productive school year. 

Let's just forget about school for a minute and think about the lives these same poverty stricken children lead as they go without undergarments, proper nutrition and things so many people take for granted such as toothpaste, deodorant and 3 squares a day. In most cases these same children are put down, held back and ridiculed.  For children, being poor is not a choice its what they were born into, life happened and the children are the ones that suffer the hardest and will continue to do so until someone steps in and helps.

According to Census Data 16% of children of Volusia County under the age of 18 lives in poverty. 

When I think about the children in our county as well as across the globe who suffer from poverty and at no choice of their own.  It hurts me..it makes me sad.  Let's face it, every child counts regardless of race, religion and income.  Some of the most prosperous contributing adults I know today come from a background of poverty. It surely doesn't have to be that way!

If you do not know much about poverty, its hard work.  For the parents who work hard to try and keep food on the table and for the children who are made to feel as if they are nothing due to circumstances beyond their control!  Please do what you can and extend your hand in helping others to become a productive part of society. 

ADOPT A CHILD BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Daytona Beach Area Association of REALTORS proudly presents

A CHARITY SOCIAL @MARTINI'S CHOPHOUSE RESTAURANT

1815 SOUTH RIDGEWOOD AVENUE in DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA

Live Entertainment: STONY SIXMA ON ACOUSTICS

Considered to be one of Volusia's foremost entertainers.  Stony keeps packing 'em wherever he performs.

MARTINI'S CHOPHOUSE RESTAURANT HAS AGREED TO DONATE 10%

OF SALES FROM THIS SOCIAL TO ADOPT A CHILD BACKPACK PROGRAM!

WHEN: FRIDAY JUNE 3, 2011  TIME: 5:30 P.M. UNTIL ??????

HELP US RAISE MONEY FOR THE CHILDREN * ENTER TO WIN GREAT DOOR PRIZES and 50/50 * SUGGESTED DONATION/ENTRANCE FEE OF $5.00

Its been some time since I posted but I can't help to think this is the perfect place to send my mom Mothers Day wishes and ask my friends for a little help.  This Mothers Day is really different with a lot of happiness and a little sadness.  I have to share and want my mom to know just how much I love her.

My mom and dad took us in when we were little and raised as their own.  They had 5 kids of their own and gave us all a good life but it seems my mom and dad have been through so much yet they will never stop giving and caring about people. 

Giving and caring to their friends and family, to total strangers and to the community. I love her so much for that, if anyone ever understood pay it forward, yes it is my mom, many of the traits I have come directly from her. To me she is amazing and I think many would agree. 

Thank God, for my mom, they don't come any tougher than her. She takes such good care of my dad and the family in Alabama.  She won't hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need.  My mom has to stay busy...she is in everyones business...in a good way..reaching out..loving and giving.  It's what she does.  That's my mom.

My mom is a great grandmother not once but twice so far.  The joy these babies bring to her is simply divine..there are no others words to describe it.  If you don't know my mom and dad live in Alabama and is surrounded by some of the family. 

It's where my mom feels at home and it's the happiest I've ever seen her.  To me its seems to be a hard life but its not to her, I know she wouldn't trade it for anything.  Well I'm not sure anymore.

Cullman Alabama was struck by tornadoes, for a bit I was freaking out but thanks to text messaging I learned my family was safe. 

Fortunately they now have power and they have each other.  My mom doesn't need much more than that but I am sure that she is crying inside witnessing the loss, devastation and sadness that her friends and community are experiencing today.   I could use a little help from my friends..and so could the folks in Cullman Alabama.  Here is how you can help:

1.  Post a heart felt comment to the folks in Cullman Alabama and let them know they are not alone and remind them the good people of the world truly care and whatever they do, DO NOT to lose faith and hope.  Feel free to re blog, share it or copy..it doesn't matter to me..I just want the message out there.  For my family and for my family's community.

2.  Wish my mom a happy Mothers Day in the comments below...if you know her and she has impacted your life in any way..please let her know of if you don't please send her some good cheer.  My mom's name is Ruth Terwilliger, she will respond to mom, mother, momma, ma, nanny, grandma, honey and occasionally she'll remember her name is Ruth. :) 

3.  Do what you can to help the good people of Cullman Alabama, join the fanpage and see what they need. I think its the best way as they are fully aware of where to ship goods, send money or help those who are in dire need.  Tell them the proud daughter of Ruth Terwilliger sent you or better yet Ruth Terwilliger sent you.

I love you mom and miss you all very much..and to you good folks in Alabama, you'll be ok..ask my mom, she tell you that whatever obstacles u go through in life..you have to keep the faith and always be hopeful and whatever you do...keep going!

This is really a test post but I must admit there is some truth in the title.  For as long as I have been on Activerain I've marketed myself as the Daytona Real Estate Trainer, in many ways I still am but I am moving...moving...moving...

Daytona Real Estate Trainer Says Bye Bye

OK Online That Is - It's a Strategic Move and the Daytona Real Estate Trainer says bye bye to ActiveRain.  In the next coming weeks my online presence will change here on ActiveRain and so will my location.  Stay tuned as I plan to be #1.  I have enjoyed the first spot, the second spot and now the third in Daytona Beach but now its time to move out and move on!  

There Are Benefits In Being In The Top Two Spots on ActiveRain

I am going to share with you one final thought as the Daytona Real Estate Trainer on Activerain.com.

Email Marketing - if you want to get those valuable email addresses, the phones ringing off the hook and leads, leads, leads that eventually buy or sell through you.  Give something away...seriously...think of something you could give away that is cost effective.

You Give You Get - Floyd Wickman Taught Me That and Lesson Learned on Activerain

Example:  Jeannette Neerpat and I participated in the Makeover2Takover Contest on Active rain.  Because we appreciated what the contest did for us, we decided to offer a copy to anyone who requested it.  We gave away what she did for the winning presentation to whoever requested it.  I posted my email address and in turn I receive request to this day.  I have probably over 1000 email addresses from this alone.  See how you can work this type of strategy into your marketing, find something valuable and give it away!

I have stored all the email addresses and have never done anything with them except to send the presentation to people but it goes to show you..one important thing in marketing...you give...you get...everyone wins! 

How To Receive The Winning Pre-Listing Presentation and 180 tasks of a REALTOR

If you should read this post and have requested the pre-listing template and the 180 tasks of a REALTOR and you never received it   Please accept my apology and I have made it simpler to receive.....go to the sidebar and click on the links..in order to download the presentation you have to go to slideshare.  Chances are some of you were called spam, the others I missed, truthfully I could not keep up with the requests. :(    Isn't that a problem all REALTORS would love to have? 

WOW not that feels good I haven't wrote a post for myself in ages.

Brandon is the son of a local real estate agent, Keith Kiel!  Please feel free to reblog, repost or say thank you to Brandon...I am no fan to war whatsoever...but I love my freedom and feel protected and privelidged to live in the U.S.  W e appreciate your service, we appreciate your beautiful music...we appreciate you!

Why is this always such a big deal?  AR is AR to me...worried? Why?  It seems this is one of the few communities that explains itself...that's great...but what is all the fuss? Do you explain your investments?

Market Leader has been a wonderful tool for some..one of the girls I coach has used it and gotten her money back BUT she dumped it..why too costly for each month, maybe Market Leader should look at that and pay attention to the comments made in Jons post.   Its a great tool if you cannot generate enough leads for some they simply want more. 

I don't buy into any of the lead generation programs because i know many resell the same lead over and over again...hopefully Market Leader does not do this.

These rumors go around and will continue to do so..many companies do this and eventually sell...so what?  Investors get their money back...things change...but one thing still remains the same ..you continue to build relationships..you continue to reach the consumer and you continue to utilize the platform and this platform still remains as the largest real estate network in the nation.

If Jon decided to sell out...cash out.....I would say I am happy for him...its really non of my business in how or who invests in this platform...whats important is how am I going to use it to benefit my business.

Think about it if someone offered you the big bucks for you business...would you consider it?..I am sure it might be considered if the price is right.

BTW so concerned about the platform...do what i did and many others...still use it but upload your posts on a word press or blogger.  It takes no time...for me I have bigger worries rather than who bought, sold or are still here on this platform. Everything changes...and in time...be prepared most of your social media tools and web tools will no longer be free. 

I understand the fear in regards to how much effort one has put in this network but again...everything changes..nothing ever remains the same.  Just look back at what Activerain was and what it is now!

I love the suggest button and its also fabulous to see many new faces on the dashboard. On top of that with the ability to call the shots, I wonder do people abuse it?  I myself have called the shots 5 times and I really value that privilege then again I was the sicko who enjoyed doing the Week in Review back in the day. 

I receive a lot of emails everyday requesting that I call the shot..the truth is no matter who you are, the content has to be entertaining and well written for me to click the button. 

In my eyes its a privilege and tends to make the dashboard so much more interesting seeing different faces and reading different perspectives of various real estate related topics. 

How about you?  Do you recieve emails from fellow Activerainers who want you to call the shot?  Do you call the shot because its quality or do you call the shot due to friendship?  How do you feel about people emailing you to suggest their post for a featured spot?

While searching online...I found the best article of when Activerain decided to hire an editor and one of the many functions was to feature post.  I felt a little nostalgic....it was a touching post but the comments made it better.  This is back in the day... it makes me laugh its only been a few years but boy has this network changed.  Check it out!

There is always a conversation going on about low ball offers, and many times listing agents feel the buyers agent did not do their job in presenting the facts.  If you have ever worked with investors you know...they would submit what one would refer to as a low ball offer..for some reason low ball offers never bothered me... as a matter of fact, I call it, the start of negotiations and its something that probably has occurred since the inception of real estate.

Low Ball Offers - The Starting Point

Low ball offers have never offended me except when they are not in writing and in most cases I always prepared the seller in advance by sharing this information with them.  Maybe because I worked with many investors in the past..low ball offers do not phase me at all and in most cases doesn't offend an educated seller.   With today's current economic conditions it would be safe to say someone buying a home today is not only buying a home but investing their money and receiving lots of tips and advice from various people and sources.

So listing agents I ask...low ball offers where exactly would you like negotiations to begin?  For me...in writing!

BTW if you go online and google how to write a low ball offer...guess what you will find many tips and advice telling buyers to do just that.  If anything real estate buyers should understand the pitfalls of why placing a low ball offer on a property, there is a chance..their dream home may also be someone else's.

Low Ball Offers, Are You The Owner? written 3/11/2009

Scenerio:  You have a listing that's been on the market less than the average market time..this property is a townhome and is a couple of years old, yup there is new construction going on right within the community not only townhomes but single family homes with pricing as competitive to the current listing.  Dang, no bites and sitting at the house with the sellers is extremely uncomfortable.  Very little conversation, the sellers are disappointed and the agent feels horrible for disappointing the seller. 

The agent has done extensive Internet marketing and priced the property properly, the sellers already reduced their price once and it just hit the 30 day mark.  What do you do?

Take Advantage of a Open House - Its a Relationship Building Opportunity

It would be safe to say, if the sellers let you in the house and at least greeted you without cursing you out there is a window of opportunity to make things right in the sellers mind.  See at that moment they are questioning themselves did they hire the right agent?  I should have listened to so and so?  I really didn't like that agent anyways this house better sell fast or I am going to fire them.  Yes, all kinds of things are riding on this move and sellers start questioning themselves and sometimes beat themselves up.  There is tremendous stress and pressure when selling a home regardless of who a person hires..there is a reason why someone is moving..thats pressure enough.  Its your job to have the conversation....

The Conversation To What Needs To Be Done In Order To Sell A Home Within the Sellers Timeframe!

Think about these things before you speak

Do you know how many estate sales, reo sales and bank owned property sales have occurred during the average market time?  Expired listings, active and solds of regularly marketed properties?  Do you know the condition of currently listed competition, pricing and specs on the property?  How about the new construction and the perks the builder may offer.  All this information is useful and gives the seller a better understanding of what is going on in their market place and what is preventing them from selling their property as fast as they would like.

• Could it be pricing?
• Views and layouts?
• Curb Appeal?
• Too much inventory?
• Competition

To a home seller talking like this may almost sound like excuses but the fact of the matter for some homes there is not much you can do and others a small change might get the home sold.  But if it were me and I was sitting at an open house and the seller was disappointed and so was I, its time to get the secret weapon out... I couldn't picture myself sitting uncomfortably watching t.v. or reading the paper and the real estate seller sitting nearby.

Start The Real Estate Conversation

Start the real estate conversation and get the trusty computer up and running and get into the mls,  present the facts, share the showing log and inquiries, let them see your marketing, share the agent feedback, discuss and brainstorm with the seller to come up with an updated strategy.  Chances are if you are doing what you are supposed to be doing and current on community information a seller is probably going to say one of two things...reduce the price...or lets see what happens within a specific time frame.  The key to it all is to make the seller aware of current market conditions.  It is what it is... now what are we gonna do about it to get the home sold? 

Get The Seller Involved and Do Something Different!

I have found people who actively participate in the selling of their home and those that are well informed often times get better results.  It does not mean home sellers do the agents job but tasks that will give them a fair shot at selling a regular listing, market value, typical listing.  Improving curb appeal or call in a home stager or agreeing to a price reduction. You get it...things within their reach.  Not sure what you call a listing that is not an reo, bank owned property or short sale these days but I know one thing..the regular listings are "special"

Pssst...Mr. and Mrs. Seller Can We Talk? posted 4/11/2007

Inspired by a text message

The early days of Activerain was a great place to be.  It was a time of building and growing and learning.  Never did I gripe about the featured board because I knew that the moderators were people like you and me...hard working...and not paid but volunteering their time to help this network grow.  Laurie Manny was one of them...the classy dame!

The moderators had it tough and some moderators were tough, the classy dame, Laurie Manny had a way to set people straight...who was very direct and honest and who mentored many who in turn shared with all of us.  I was one of the lucky ones!  Laurie was unique, she would jump in and fight the good fights.  

Receiving an email was always enlightening..and always exciting and sometimes a little scary to me...you never knew what she was gonna email you for.  On occasion I would wonder, am I in trouble?  But in all the email interactions it was kind, thoughtful or asking a question.

I guess my best memory was when she came to the rescue and wrote the best comment in reference to a post written about ghostwriting..not only did she take the time to come back and leave a very well thought out, thoughtful comment but shot me an email that made me want to pursue it even farther and I knew I was on the right track. 

I valued her opinion...I wasn't alone...many valued her opinion, her knowledge and her friendship.  She was a hell of a woman, one classy dame!  I nicknamed her that...she reminded me of pure class and glamour from an era that no longer exists today.

 You don't come across dames like that today!  Laurie Manny - Thank You

Rest in Peace and may your family and friends find comfort!

We digg and like and stumbleupon, we blog we comment and sometimes rate.  Can you affect the behavior others? Do you have Real Influence...impacting others to digg, like, comment and share your link? 

Real Influence ...we like to share and spread our word in hopes it will benefit someone.  Let's face it, we post our articles and our links because we want to impact...influence someone to read, comment, contact and/or do business. You are trying to influence people to contact you, influence people to do business with you. Can you affect the behavior of others?  You are more influential than you think!

I've entered all kinds of contests right here and in various places.  Every contest I entered offered benefits but the latest adventure offers something very exciting...and you can join too.

You Can Gage Your Real Influence

We all like free marketing and free publicity, right?  We also enjoy seeing our rankings whether it be subscribers, fans and on the search engines. With participation includes recognition and some FREE marketing.  

Let's Talk Real Influence for a minute.  So what is it?  According to Fast Company, real influence is getting those in your social network, your own personal web to take action with a suggestion or recommendation.  Do people really pay attention to your posts and links and truly check them out?  Do people pass them on and forward them? Do you have real influence?

Fast Company is searching for 2010's Most Influential Person Online.

You are more influential than you think.

  So What do you have to do?

• You upload a picture.
• They give you your own personalized, unique URL link to the site.
• The more people you influence to click on your link, the bigger your picture grows.
•  Fast Company tracks where your influence leads, how it spreads, and where you stand.

The final results, and your picture, will appear in the November issue of Fast Company magazine.

So, start influencing!

BTW, On July 23rd there were only a little over 9000 people participating and today the numbers have jumped to 26,123.  Hurry as the deadline is getting close this opportunity ends August 15th. I can't confirm anywhere when this ends.  

IJustine is ranked #4 and I am ranked 1,644.  IJustine is the one who influenced me.  I hate to admit it, Fast Company is right, I am more influential than I thought, I bet you are to. Click here to get started!

Read the Fast Company Blog

This is not a typical post that I would write but a post that needs to be read and heard and shared.  It isn't about me or the ActiveRain Real Estate Community but an individual and a family that really needs our help!

They need our thoughts and prayers!

I joined ActiveRain when real estate blogging was becoming the next big thing since sliced bread, I am so lucky because there were so many fabulous bloggers in the early days that already maintained their own sites...some with such big followings, readers and comments you would have thought they were their own social networks.  I was able to learn from each one of them and continue to do so today. 

For weeks now I have been visiting someone on Facebook regularly, who really needs our help..he was someone many of us learned a great deal from and now has been battling cancer.  I have never met him face to face but I feel like I know personally.  I am really really sad...and so are many of his friends but imagine being his wife and family.

I am really asking you to stop what you are doing and either send some warm thoughts or say a little prayer.

Joseph Ferrara and Family need your warm thoughts and prayers and I think they would really appreciate them!

Comments closed... you can visit his wall on facebook or join the group Friends of Joseph Ferrara. 

* My personal views are expressed here * I Believe in the power of prayer!  * I believe in the power of warm thoughts * Collectively * We * Us * sending warm thoughts and prayers!

The good ole summertime Vacationing With The Turners -  I swear no one documents a summer vacation like Jeff Turner and his family...how can you not feel close to them, its as if I get to travel with them and it didn't cost me a dime!  Everywhere they stop it seems they snap a photo or add a video of relevance to what is happening on their vaca.  They promote Jeff's hometown and for a few years now...I look forward to their summer vacation..sometimes I feel like I am literally with them...I have a good time. BTW his latest video..the postcard reads..wish you were here!  Dang Jeff and Rocky...can't you see me in the rear view mirror?

Sally Cheeseman makes me think of summer vacation all year round..her breathtaking pictures and her travels around the island...I sometimes just visit her blog...and imagine...man when I get to Hawaii there are places I will be going because of her recommendations....because of the beauty of her words and the photo's she shares and important details such as traditions, events, places to see and things to do.

Ann Cummings and Monika McGillicuddy really spotlight their cities...I don't know...for as long as I can remember Portsmouth is a place that I have to go before I die...as silly as it sounds its on my bucket list. Ann always make that fluffy white stuff look so beautiful...but a true Florida girl knows better! :)  I love boats, seafood and coastal areas...have you ever checked out the #food porn? Monika is one sassy gal!

Bill Gassett is one of my all time favorites...I mean I subscribe to his feed and his blog is one of the few that I actually read in real estate....the man is smart...heck he is brilliant and how he got me to subscribe was even better! 

Right now is the perfect time to promote your area..its where the consumer can get a true picture of living the fab life based on the love you have for your fair city. 

While many states are gorgeous year round ...its the summer time that captivates an outdoor audience...where the hustle and bustle are people enjoying the beautiful climate and spend more time outdoors! 

Many people choose to take long extended vacations...in many states...business slows down...and people enjoy the good ole summertime. 

Why not consider taking a vacation day in your city and capture it by photo's and video's by seeing your city like an outsider would...meaning...literally taking a vacation day in your city...so that you can share and express to potential residents why you live, work and play in your neck of the woods!

Hyper local content is very important not just to be found but for readers to see and experience your city through your eyes!  It's the good ole summertime..let the world know why your fair city is the destination of choice!

June 2006 I started my journey on the Activerain real estate network.  Yes I participated in forums and social sites before but none of them have impacted my life like Activerain.  When I joined I solely trained for CENTURY 21 Sundance Realty and occasionally jumped into sales...

June 2006 - I Was An Activerain Newbie - Today Ghostwriter | Social Media and Real Estate Trainer

I joined this platform in the early stages and there were fewer members, in Florida there were only 60 + profiles.  I learned from the best and I had a blast doing it.  Follow the links and share the journey! :)

• Eyes Wide Open
  

• A Day of Silence in My Blogosphere

• An Activerain Love Story - Pay It Forward

• Matt...Lydia...Caleb...I'm Sorry! I Promise To Visit

• Activerain Family Reunion...Florida Style

• Midori's 100th Post...My True Journey

Back then there were few tutorials | selected members were moderators and the best of the best taught me more in real estate sales | technology | and being social online more than any other source and laid the ground work for me on my journey to pursuing my dreams.

We blogged about everything under the sun and yes debates occurred back then!  I watched myself grow as a person.  Four years in the making and for a long time, I really didn't know what I wanted to do.  Every year I had a plan and every year I failed meaning I had no idea what to do about writing. All I knew was that I wanted to write for a living.

• Laurie Manny Challenge- 3 Posts You Should Read

• Grab A Tissue..You Just Don't Know

• Honesty-Whose Honesty?  (This post had over 42,000 views)

• It Ain't EZ 2 Venture Out of The Rain!
  

• Midori's Six Pack

• It's Out...I Am In A Book! "The Human Behind the Avatar"...And You Can Own It Too!

Many told me I made mistakes because it seemed I lived on Activerain but inside it didn't matter...I was hooked...and to me, a day without Activerain was like a day without sunshine. Lucky for me the direction I was going it benefited me......let me stress as a REALTOR I would rethink that plan, seriously. 

• 100,000 Points...Whoop De Do-Activerainer's Here Is A Mystery Just For You

• They Liked My Activerain Profile - I Am Now Their REALTOR

• Activerain Fad Or Activerain Pioneers

• Activerain Community Larger Than Most U.S. Cities 

• Life Is Like A Box of Chocolates, You Never Know Which Rainer You Will Meet!

• Talking To Activerainer's...Do You Ever Get Star Struck? C'mon Admit It - Sometimes I do!

After I competed in the the Makeover2Takeover Contest in 2008, more opportunities presented itself. I was limited and committed to one company I had to make a choice! 

• Sometimes Your Pre-Listing Presentation Is Your Only Shot!

• Never Forget Your Humble Roots!  Pay It Forward

• Midori Miller and Jeannette Neerpat - The Next Evolution Finally Meet!

• Midori Visits South Florida Hotties!

• Members Only?  Only For The Lovely Wife!

• Conversations With Rainers- Pinch Me Already!

• Out Of Respect for Neal Bloom

• A Lesson In Appreciation-Meeting Online Celebs!

In the middle of 2009 I decided it was time to jump into some sales and get out of management and feeling stuck only training for one company. Most people that I knew were REALTORS and Brokers in town...maybe not the best timing maybe not the best maneuver now as I look back it had to be this way.  Let's just say it was a hard year financially and personally! Oh, happy day..it's really starting to pay off!

• Its My Blogs Birthday - 500 Posts

• REALTOR Goes To Court and Gives Judge Thumbs UP!

• Emergency Meeting With Self

• 300,000 Points What Does It All Mean?

• This Was No Boring Sales Meeting - My Last Hoorah

• Missy Caulk This One Is For You - We Is Better Than Me!
  

I didn't stop there, I applied for a position at a local web company in 2009 and because of my blogging on Activerain, my websites and the content placed on social networks...I couldn't believe it...I was hired to write web content!  A dream come true...the opportunity was amazing and I learned so much about SEO | Social Media | Content Writing. 

Things Changed Again

At the end of 2009, I was fried, burnt out and wearing too many hats I decided January 2010 will be the end of my selling career and opted to join a real estate referral company and shuffled my priorities around.  I was sad but I really wanted to write.

• Google Voice Rocks the House or Should I say Condo! 3 Invites Left...You Want One?

• I'm REALLY P@$%$D! You Don't Like What I Have To Say Sue Me!

• Dissing Activerain, Why?

• Ice, Ice Baby!

• Shift 2010

• Come On Bank Of America Get Your $%# Together!

• Real Estate Is Technical Warfare!

While working for the web company, people started contacted me for social media services | SEO and my ghostwriting. I was very excited when I picked up my first account...it was time consuming..slow in starting but they never gave up on me.  More and more people seemed to contact me either for real estate training | coaching and social media. Still burned out and not enough hours in the day I left the web company and decided it's time to freelance writing and connect people's social media in the process and yes I am still not ready to give up real estate training.

At first, I didn't have enough accounts, giving away free hours | doing things for free...for some reason I thought I needed a portfolio, little did I realize that when you blog on a platform such as Activerain if people know you provide these services that business would naturally come your way based on the performance they witness everyday.

When I think of what Activerain has given me and people ask me was it a waste of time?  The answer is Activerain gave me a place to learn and grow and I've made friends that will be life long. I learned from the best of the best. I had closed transactions as  well as checks to come. (referrals) and opportunities for radio as well as events.  It gave me the notoriety and reputation building needed for building trusting business relationships.

Every Client That I Do Social Media and Ghostwriting Read My Activerain Blog! Real estate sellers, buyers and referrals all of my ghostwriting clients, when asked how they found me...98% lead source....Activerain! BTW it's amazing and they are not all real estate industry people!

Thank You Activerain Readers - Subscribers - Associates - Staff!

This probably is not typical results, please note:

As a former REALTOR I recommend balance - consistency and balance blogging with getting in front of more people!  

Let's think about your first cell phone and how it has changed throughout the years in it's appearance and its capabilities.  Think about television and music and how far technology has changed allowing us to download it and play.  I watch the latest movies on the computer....and I do it for FREE! 

Go back in time on the web where yahoo was the coolest thing ever invented...before blogs...before social networks....yes there were chat rooms and forums and interactions.

Voyeristic By Nature- Facebook Edgerank Will Matter!

When it came to marketing on the web so many naysayers, nope its too impersonal or I don't want to put my info out there, my I bet the same people are eating their words and it wasn't too long ago!  Now people really are starting to recognize that the web is much bigger than their local area, the web is huge and bigger than our individual sites and blogs..its a whole globe....and sometimes we need a little help from our friends to spread our messages...via our blogs...re blogs..feeds..likes...and bookmarks and social media sites we participate in. 

And some say it was a fad, Hahahahahha!

I am one of those people who believe that websites will become obsolete in time and that social media and platforms such as facebook will offer just about everything needed to start and maintain online interactions.  Yeah we might not like it its just how I see things.   Good MLS applications and feeds will be very marketable and will be the wave of the future for real estate. I mean think about touchscreens and no longer needing a mouse or doing everything in your cell phone and without your pc...regardless of whether I am right or wrong...I know one thing...there will be change and I think more and more social media sites will continue to interconnect and conversations will continue to matter. 

We all know the way we practice real estate will not remain the same.  Think about how it has changed in 5 years or 10 years. I really believe nothing ever remains the same.  I count on it and live accordingly and the web is no different.

Think about this

Our voyeuristic ways will determine really what the trends will be.  It's clear we are all voyeuristic in some way with Facebook, twitter and Google, with dailybooth and chacha and we rely on word of mouth to consider eating at a restaurant or the reputation a person has we are considering to do business with because the information is at our fingertips.   And you want to downplay the importance Facebook.  I think you are nuts!

I AM Looking for Simpler Always - Facebook Offers That!

Do you realize just how many people use Facebook, its a one stop shop..lets face it customized business pages, personal pages sharing our business and personal lives and a wide variety of web applications at your fingertips. Groups, news feeds and interactions, interconnecting all of our social media if we want.  

Wider Reach - Target Your Audience - Conversations Matter

Facebook Passes the 400 Million User Mark

You can spend a huge portion of your time on Facebook and probably reach a targeted audience better than your own website if you connect..no not as a friend but in conversation.  You can strike up conversations that could lead into the next big idea or your next customer.  It happened to me and I just referred a 6.5 million dollar commercial real estate deal to an agent in Orlando.

And you really believe that Edgerank doesn't matter? Facebook Edgerank is another level of SEO and SMO and vice versa! :) 

Let's think in terms of getting found on the web:

• Search Engine Optimization
• Social Media Optimization
• Facebook's Edge-rank

Can You SEE The Trend?

Its no longer just about link building or the proper keywords...search engines count...number of search results count...your written word counts..your social media matters..conversations matter..people are voyeuristic by nature so our daily activities...thoughts and words are important...and interconnecting various social media sites and the top dawgs...facebook and google..LOOK at the number of users...and in the next phase of SEO by applying seo and smo and Facebook Edgerank will matter..its being smart and using the above methods combines to create your own piece of the web!  Welcome to the revolution or should I say evolution...of real estate and Internet marketing...seo...smo and now edgerank!

Don't underestimate those fella's @ facebook!  Watch the video   I think this is just the beginning!