Thank you for your support

I want to start this blog by THANKING ALL OF YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR READING MY BLOG. I started this whole new venture into real estate not knowing much, and my only outlet was to express my thoughts in a blog. Well six months later I am blown away by the response I have gotten. I have you guys reading my blog from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Japan, Singapore, France, Ukraine, Philippines, Australia, and Columbia to thank! I am humbled by the fact you guys are generally interested by what I have to say. I started this to help new Real estate agents like me understand the trials and tribulations of what it's like starting in this industry. But it's blossomed into my general thoughts on social media, my rants and raves of thing happening to me past present and future. Now that I have an audience I turn to you guys and want to know what you want to hear and read about. I love doing research not only is it a great learning process I want to hear what interests you guys. You are what makes this blog live and breath and I want to continue having you guys as an audience. Again, THANK YOU, DANKE, ありがとう, 謝謝, MERCI, Спасибі, SALAMAT, GRACIAS!!! guys/gals you are the best!!!!!!!!!

Cloudy with a chance of home sales

Why cloud technology? What is it? How can it help my business? Why should I learn this new technology? These were the questions that popped in my head but after research i realized this is just another tool to help sell homes. Cloud storage technology was first introduced by both Google (think GoogleApps and GoggleDocs) and Amazon back in 2009. Apple recently introduced its iCloud storage and is pushing to capitalize on the growing needs many companies have for expanding storage capabilities.  Realtors who use cloud storage can access real estate listings anywhere. (Courtesy of Net DNA)  As a Realtor or Mortgage Professional, cloud storage offers the freedom to be in the field and instantly access information regarding a transaction. Cloud storage is surprisingly affordable for both large companies as well as the individual. Most cloud storage providers offer either a monthly fee or hour usage fee (or sometimes both) and many offer “free trial periods” as well. Here are just some of the top providers:

• AMAZON
• DROPBOX
• EGNYTE

As a real estate agent you should welcome this new cloud technology with open arms.  While many cloud storage service features may vary slightly, most offer one or more of the following:
•Securely access your files from any PC, MAC or Smart Phone
•Keep a local copy and auto-sync with online storage
•Map online folders on to your desktop
•Automatically back up your computers
•Control access to your files for your employees and clients
•Quick setup and management for multiple users
•Enterprise class security and privacy controls
•FTP service without complexity or additional hardware
Being a busy Real Estate professional, cloud storage technology can offer a quick, accessible and cheap solution for data management and storage while on-the-go. Like all services, be sure to shop around for the best prices and features you really need. Start small…you can always expand over time and with your usage needs.

Warmer weather and a nice breeze are perfect conditions for garage saling....Arghhhhh matey go get some booty

As the weather warms up here in Highlands Ranch or your home town don't you notice there is a garage sale on every corner? Do you think that garage sales just have useless junk? Or is your time just to precious to waste your time at garage sales? Your not alone this is the way i used to think until I realized the great deals on barely used items you can get at garage sales. Here are two lists that of tips that'll hopefully persuade you on why garage sales are great ways to save money

First Here Are Five Myths of Garage Sales

1. Stuff at garage sales has all been used. It’s true that much of the stuff for sale at garage sales has been used, but it’s generally in good condition. There’s also a lot of stuff that is brand-new. When we had our garage sale last year, I put out a number of things that were still new-in-box.
2. Stuff is dirty. This is silly. Stuff at garage sales isn’t dirty. Sellers want you to buy their stuff; they’re not going to put out things caked with grime.
3. I can get what I want online (via eBay). This isn’t always true. And on-line items involve longer waits, shipping charges, and the potential for bidding wars.
4. It’s too time-consuming. In a matter of an hour or two on a summer afternoon, you can hit ten or twelve garage sales. You probably won’t find anything you want at most of these, but every so often you’ll stumble across the perfect bargain. Garage-saling takes as much or as little time as you want to spend on it.
5. I’m no good at negotiating. Neither is the seller, probably. It cannot hurt to try.

Garage Sale Shortcuts & Hints

1. There are two types of garage sales: the ones where people want to make money and the ones where people want to get rid of stuff (The latter are best for finding deals).
2. For maximum efficiency, map out your route (This is only for the truly hardcore).
3. If at all possible, leave the kids at home. If you must bring children with you, make sure to bring plenty of snacks. Allow the older children an allowance to find bargains of their own.
4. Be prepared. Wear cool, comfortable clothes. Bring lots of change and dollar bills. Keep your money in your pockets, not your purse. Bring a tote bag.
5. When you find something you’re not sure you want, pick it up and carry it with you while you continue to look. This prevents somebody else from finding it while you’re trying to decide.
6. Always ask politely if the seller will reduce the price. Beware: sometimes the prices are so low that it seems impolite to ask for less.
7. If there is something you really want, but the seller is asking more than you want to pay, offer a lower price. If they say no, leave your name and number in case they change their mind.
8. Check items for hard-to-see tears, stains, and breakage (Better safe than sorry).
9. It is best to go early, but don’t panic if you can’t. The best stuff is available at the start of a sale, but the best deals can be had later in the day when the seller is tired and doesn't want to carry everything back into the house.
10. If you don’t have success in one part of town, try somewhere else the next time. Sometimes the best garage sale neighborhoods are the ones you don’t expect.

All of the above tips are great. One other important tip is to search craigslist for garage sale information. Craigslist offers a list of garage sales in your city, often with a preview of the most desirable items. It’s easy to plan a morning of garage-saling with craigslist.  I hope all this has helped change your mind about garage-saling and i hope to see you out there soon!