Archive for November, 2009

Twitter Can Help You In Your Real Estate Business

Nov 30, 2009 Real Estate

At every real estate conventions, boot camps, or seminars the topic of marketing comes up. Someone will mention Facebook (that’s a whole different story) which is always closely followed by a comment about Twitter. So… let’s evaluate is Twitter worth it? If it IS worth it, how can you best use it for great results? First, lets look at just what Twitter is and what it can do for your marketing efforts.

Twitter.com is a website where anyone can create a profile and become a “micro-blogger” Twitter is like a regular blog (aka web-log) in that it lets you say anything you desire to say to anyone and everyone who will see it - with one exception. Twitter only allows you to express yourself–0 characters at a time. So it’s a little like using you cell phone to send the world a text message. When you find a profile of someone whose–0 character Twitter posts (called “tweets”) you can “follow” them - whenever they post something new, it will appear on your Twitter home screen. If someone finds YOUR profile and follows YOU, then you will be notified that someone is “following” you. Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about making this a useful and PROFITABLE tool for you.

Because the old saying “Out of sight, out of mind” is absolutely true, you’ll need to remain active with your “tweeting”. You should be posting at a minimum, once a day. Find something to “tweet” specific to real estate - something that your “followers” will find useful. If you just start sending info about homes you have for sale, it probably will not get you as far as you planned. Think about it this way - when was the last time you opened and really read an email from someone attempting to sell you something?

When you give your followers something they can use or something they find fascinating (even if it ISN’T about the real estate industry) then you’ll have a chance to maintain their attention. When you gain their friendship, they’ll be more open to review what you have to say when you want to offer them something you’ve listed.

Twitter, like other social networking sites, is a good way to connect with others - just keep in the forefront of your mind that they’re people and want to be acknowledge like people. They aren’t money makers. So connect when a person follows you, send them a short personal message letting them know you appreciate it.

Remember that being upfront and transparent with people and giving thoughtful data is what Twitter is all about - the money will come if you treat people like people and post often so that your Twitter marketing is consistently on the radar! The more you do that, the larger your following will be - and the larger your following, the greater your chances of communicating with someone who needs to make a deal - which, of course, means a better chance for you to profit!

REOGoldMiner.com is a site that helps you identify REO deals and valuate them at the click of a button. We have a passion for Real Estate, internet marketing, and helping investors become the most success they can be in their real estate business.

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Tips on Prospecting To Generate New Leads

Nov 29, 2009 Real Estate

Proactive prospecting can be much like physically exercising regularly. It’s something that you know is good for you and will produce predictable positive results, yet is something that most sales people always seem to avoid!

We need to have a starting point. Begin by blocking out one or two hours per day to prospect. Yes, we have put it off long enough. Start by using your sphere of influence to prospect. Prospecting, like anything will require commitment and discipline. This time is yours and you are important. Once you start you will feel more important and this will be a positive projection of your attitude when you talk with your sphere of influence.

Know ahead of time exactly what you are going to say or discuss when you call someone. It is good to have a specific message. Most people are very interested in market conditions for example. Maybe they have misunderstood something in the news or need further explaining. This is where you can become the “expert”, and provide them with a more accurate image of the situation.

Accurately define your target market before you begin. Determine how many calls you will make in that hour or two. Some sale people will call until they get an appointment or make the sale. Or you could decide to make 20 calls in that allotted time. Whatever you feel comfortable with and reasonable within the time allocated.

Before you start prospecting, gather a list of names so you don’t spend valuable time you are using for prospecting. Get an idea of how many customers you plan to call in your allotted hour or two and have at least a one month supply of names.

Work in a private and quiet area so there are no disruptions. Do not answer calls from other clients or colleagues. Believe me, they will wait an hour or two for you to call them back. Remember, this is your time and will put you on the path to success. Get in the habit of doing this daily or at least every other day. As time progresses and with each call, your expertise will increase. The more we practice anything, the better we become.

When calling, decide on a time slot and try to stick with it. Maybe 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM or 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. There will be customers that seem impossible to get a hold of. You will have to set aside another time of day and try to call those customers. We are all creatures of habit (Hint). They are probably in a routine between a certain timeframe, so you need to try and catch them at a different time or different day.

Did you know that most success is made after the fifth call? Most sales people give up after the first call. Persistence is your best virtue.

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Ideas for Saving a Bundle on Energy Use at Home - Insulation and Windows

Nov 28, 2009 Real Estate

Insulation

The primary areas in your home that should be well insulated are the walls, attic and floors. Here are a few tips to help you get your insulation project under way:

* Does your home need added insulation material? Generally, if there is less than three or four inches of insulation in the attic, it would be a good idea add extra insulating material to achieve the proper levels. If none exists in the floors or walls, adding insulation is definitely recommended.

* You will need to determine whether you want to perform the insulation project yourself or to hire a professional instead. Take into consideration that some insulation work is quite a bit harder than other home improvement projects.

* If you would prefer to have a contractor perform the work, be sure to get several bids. Only employ a bonded and properly licensed professional.

* If you do the job as a DIY project, follow installation instructions carefully and follow pertinent safety precautions.

* When buying insulation, check the R-value. It shows the efficiency of insulation. The higher the R-value the more effective the insulation.

* Determine the type of insulating material you need. There are numerous insulation products available including sprayed foam, rigid insulation, fiberglass, mineral wool/rock wool, and cellulose. The type of material will largely depend on the section of the house to be insulated. A knowledgeable salesperson should be able to help determine the best insulation R-value and type of insulation for your project.

Windows

The thermal efficiency of windows is rated by the U-value. This numeric value specifies the window’s ability to insulate. The lower the number, the more efficient the window is at preventing the transfer of heat. The U-value of a window is based on the number of glass panes, the amount of of air space between the panes and the design of the window frame. A few tips include:

* Check windows for broken glass, broken frames and seals, damaged wood, loose putty, poorly fitting sashes, and drafts.

* For a quick but temporary fix before winter hits, you can purchase storm-window kits constructed of plastic sheeting that you tape to the interior of your windows. The kits are usually available at most hardware stores for $5 to $10 per window. They normally last from two to four years.

* You can cut down the loss of heat through windows by putting insulating curtains or drapes on the window’s interior. This should help reduce heat loss during the winter and keep cool air in during heat waves.

* In the winter retract the curtains when the sun is shining to allow passive solar heating, and, during the summer block the sun with your curtains or install an ultraviolet film to help keep the heat out.

* During the warmer months, when possible, open a few windows in the evenings and early in the morning when there is a gentle breeze. Opening a window on opposite sides of your home will aid in the flow of air and provide improved cooling.

Caulking & Weather-stripping

In addition to ineffective insulation, air leaks are among the largest causes of energy waste in homes.

* Check your house for hidden air leaks by using a damp hand or candle flame to detect air movement. Secure all doors, windows and fireplace flues and switch off all ventilating fans to make any air leakage easier to locate.

* Caulk is best used on areas that are less than 1/4″ wide. If possible, use caulks that will stay flexible over a long period of years. If it can be seen, select a tinted caulk or one that will accept paint..

* If there are large cracks and voids shielded from sunlight and water, apply expanding foam sealant to plug them. However, please buy only materials labeled as ozone safe.

* Backer rod or crack filler, is a elastic foam product sold in lengthy coils, with a variety of available diameters. It comes in handy when sealing larger gaps. It also can be used as backing in deep cracks that are to be finished with ordinary caulk.

* Place insulating material behind electrical outlets and switches - areas that are often overlooked.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a broad range of subjects. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Prince George, Virginia, area homes for sale.

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Energy Futures (Part I)

Nov 27, 2009 Real Estate

Again crude oil prices have started rising. The recent price of crude oil was quoted as $ 80 per barrel. It is being predicted that the price will soon reach the $ 100 per barrel mark. One thing should be clear to you. Energy markets will be a major focal point in the global financial makers and the global economy for many years to come. The key to understanding energy trading is to understand oil, natural gas, gasoline and heating oil futures.

Trading in energy futures is centralized at the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), the world’s largest physical commodity futures exchange. NYMEX trades futures and options contracts for crude oil, natural gas, heating oil, gasoline, coal, electricity and propane. NYMEX is also home to trading in metals. Trading in NYMEX is conducted in two divisions: 1) The NYMEX Division and 2) The COMEX Division. For smaller traders NYMEX offers e-mini contracts for oil and natural gas that also trades on the GLOBEX network of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

Next to interest rates, energy and especially oil is the center of the universe not only for the industry but also for the financial markets. The relationship between energy and interest rates is very important to understand. This relationship ties together the two most important aspects of the global economy: energy (the fuel for growth) and the interest rates (the catalyst that powers borrowed money to do things).

The relationship between energy and interest rates is very important to understand. This relationship ties together the two most important aspects of the global economy: energy (the fuel for growth) and the interest rates (the catalyst that powers borrowed money to do things). Next to interest rates, energy and especially oil is the center of the universe not only for the industry but also for the financial markets.

As a trader, you should know this fact that oil price rise often tends to slow down the economy and lower retail sales as well as consumer confidence with lower traffic on the highways. Sometimes the rise in oil prices leads to the increase in interest rates through the bond market and the actions of central banks and the other times the opposite happens. Rise in oil prices if often inflationary.

Now you need to understand the Peak Oil Concept. Peak oil is the concept that the world oil production has peaked and the production of oil will never be as high again. Oil prices and the interest rates generally move in the same direction when viewed over long periods of time.

In any case, most of the experts now agree that in the next 10-20 years, the oil production will peak and after that it will start declining. Now you should keep these facts in the background of your mind as a trader.

Now this means that in the short run, following oil prices can be a highly profitable strategy. Your aim as a trader is to make quick profits by trading the price fluctuations in the oil market. So the important facts that you need to keep in the back of your mind while trading oil is: 1) Demand fluctuates but supply of oil is finite. 2) The world runs on oil and any threat to the supply of oil often leads to rising prices. As an oil trader your primary goal is to consider the effects of events on the supply of oil and correlate this effect with your charts.

Mr. Ahmad Hassam has done Masters from Harvard University. Trade Dow Futures . Learn Commodity Trading ! Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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How Productive is Your Time? Here Are Some of the Top Timewasters

Nov 26, 2009 Real Estate

There is only one measurement where we are all equal, and that is in the amount of time each of us is given per day. It’s the same 24 hours we all get to invest in whatever manner we think is best. We’ve all been reminded to “work smart” instead of “working hard”, but few understand the difference. Our personal strategies of time management may vary, but we can agree that everyone should be constantly looking for ways to improve their individual performance.

One of the most popular “timewasters” is Procrastination. How many times have we told ourselves, “This project can wait until tomorrow?” We find ourselves practicing this constantly, whether it’s an exercise program, a plan to quit smoking or getting rid of the clutter of paper on our desk. Procrastination seems inevitable when we are setting goals or proactively working our business plan.

If we are self-employed, does this measure the amount of self-discipline we have? Are we more disciplined if we have to report to our superiors? No matter what the case, we are responsible for our actions. Our actions determine the appropriate mindset that is required for our success. It will also determine the amount of “energy” we will need to accomplish our goals

INABILITY TO SAY “NO”. Since our time is limited and we adjust to the schedule of availability of many of our potential customers, sometimes we are forced to say “no” to other requests so we can stay focused on our individual mission. Another area that we also have to have the confidence to say “no” is when a customer is asking for major concessions, either in price or additional services, or both.

Continue to focus on your organizational skills. You will find that these skills will require tweaking constantly until you master the best use of your time. You will never get it right the first time. There are so many variables as we work through any given day. Continue to plug in different ideas until we have solved the equation with as few steps as possible.

Be careful not to overload yourself with responsibility. We can easily fall into a trap of doing more than we can handle. Creating a daily, weekly or monthly plan through our initial goal setting which of course, is in writing, will assist us in maintaining our control of time. Aiming for our targets without getting sidetracked, will keep us on the path to success.

LACK OF OBJECTIVES & PLANNING. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to measure success if we can’t define the objective. Clear and understandable goals are vital to your personal growth and development, but are worthless unless backed up by a reasonable plan of action. There should never be a day when you don’t repeat, out loud, your objectives. Many interruptions will get in the way of our objectives. Interruptions occur in many disguises: road construction, unexpected telephone calls, etc. How many times have you been interrupted while working with a potential or current customer?

Time is our most precious resource. We must choose our time carefully since it cannot be reused. There are no time machines. Good use of our time will reward us handsomely. Eliminating or managing the above “timewasters” will truly benefit us and expedite our financial success.

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Comparing Self Certification Loans To Other Mortgage Types

Nov 26, 2009 Mortgages

Mortgages and self employed individuals are an interesting mix. Whereas it was once tough to get a mortgage for a home while being a business owner in some shape or form, a myriad of different mortgage types have been forthcoming that provide more options.

Lenders don’t like to offer the 100% mortgage loan to just anyone. Being self employed, you will have a time in convincing a lender that you are able to qualify for it. If you can do so, it’s desirable because you won’t have to put any money down on the property such as with other mortgage loan types. That way you can rest easy, knowing you won’t have to go to the accountant to see what you can realistically afford as a down payment.

Buy to let mortgages are another alternative that lenders do typically give to the self employed. Buy to let mortgages operate based on the assumption that as soon as a property is obtained, the borrower is going to make necessary arrangements to have the property let out to tenants. This form of mortgage is easier to obtain, since income from the property can easily be used to pay installments each month.

Flexible mortgages are ideal for the self employed, since they allow options in underpaying or overpaying a mortgage loan. Holidays can also be taken from the mortgage, where a borrower can take a break from duties in repayment in order to shift funds elsewhere. This works in the interests of the self employed, since work may be temporary from one season to another.

If you don’t mind a little gamble, you can participate in a foreign currency mortgage. Based on the idea that shifting money from one currency to another can turn profit, these mortgage loans can save a drastic amount of money if handled correctly. If you don’t feel up to the challenge, managed foreign currency mortgages exist, in which a professional will handle the account for you. It’s still a gamble, but the odds are on your side if you sign on with the right firm.

UK-based mortgages are great because first-time home buyers have the option of getting grants through the government. Depending on the current financial situation you stand in, you can get a nice cushion or a substantial amount of money to take some of the burden of a mortgage out of your life. It does take effort in qualifying, but the grant money is well worth the effort necessary.

Final Thoughts

Lenders don’t always tell borrowers up front what they can or can’t apply for in terms of mortgages. It’s imperative that you ask a loan officer if your current finances and credit allows you to apply for other types of mortgages- such as those listed or even a wide number of others available.

Learn more on Self Certificate Mortgages and Self Certificate Mortgage Deals.

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Take Your Company Public, Pump That Stock, Promote With the Necessary Element of Emotion

Nov 26, 2009 Real Estate

Whether you are a small localized business or a large international corporation the need for strong publicity is a constant necessity for branding, direct marketing and lead generation. Publicists have been spoiled throughout the years by sending out pitch letters to radio shows, television news corporations and print media to put out a blurb about their client. These little blurbs usually give a minor jump in the pulse of an otherwise dead publicity campaign but the publicist feels that if they got you some coverage, they did their job, but now the game of publicity has changed.

The publicist profession has merged with the marketing agency to create a hybrid, one stop shop, ultra powerful, rapid response type of promotion now referred to as ‘Publicity Marketing’. These consultants offer a cost effective, guerilla marketing approach that includes everything a business needs in one turnkey solution. Direct response, publicity campaigns, branding and other genres of targeted promotion are offered in an all inclusive service that any business can afford.

As publicity marketing has carved out a solid chunk of the corporate promotion market place it’s forcing the evolution of marketing once again with the’60’s mentality of ‘emotions branding’. A good publicity marketing company will take a powerful marketing campaign and add jet fuel to the process by infusing the element of emotion to break through and grab hold of the subconscious mind where the most powerful messages are stored in the target candidate’s mind and when they are ready to buy and automatic switch is flicked on and your brand takes precedence in their mind. The most experienced publicity marketers are able to trigger the ‘buy now’ button to induce sales and this entire process revolves around piercing through the conscious, judgmental and critical part of the mind and going right to the subconscious mind to store messages to promote your brand.

These messages are stored by using various colors, terms, word positioning, cornering and gently bombarding the candidate with your message until your brand becomes one with your industry terms. The publicity marketer must barrage the candidate with more than just a brand name but a solution to, but not limited to their direct need for your service. It doesn’t matter if your selling widgets or motor oil, you must demonstrate how your brand will solve any issue they are currently struggling with, whether it’s a gloomy day, they’re stuck in traffic, their spouse is ignoring them, whatever, how is your brand going to pass through that critical faculty of the conscious mind and sooth their being with an overwhelming state of contentment?

Most likely your product or service can’t do this on it’s own, but a good publicity marketing company will know exactly what nerves to touch so that your brand becomes a warm blanket and a soothing cup of tea on a stormy night. Make your brand the one stop cure for the clients emotional ailment and you’ve got them!

Want A real Internet Publicity, firm? Call Princeton Corporate Solutions at 267-233-0183 Business Publicity for your needs.

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Mortgage Reinstatement to Prevent Foreclosure

Nov 26, 2009 Foreclosures

If you are having trouble making mortgage payments and in danger of foreclosure their are several assistance programs you could be eligible for including mortgage refinance, mortgage modification, repayment plans, reinstatement, or forbearance.

As a result of so many borrowers falling behind in regular payments many people are trying to find a solution. The dual effects of a weakened real estate market and increasing payments is too big a burden for lots of borrowers to handle.

Lenders around the country are recognizing the many problems borrowers are experiencing and have begun offering relief programs. The dramatic increase in mortgage defaults is bad for lenders as well as borrowers, so in response lenders are often willing to amend mortgage contracts to help borrowers who may be at risk of foreclosure. Mortgage Refinance and loan modification are the two main programs used to modify the terms of a home loan agreement.

If a home owners takes out an entirely new mortgage and uses the proceeds to pay off a current loan it is called mortgage refinance. Refinance may be an option depending on your current repayment status and outstanding balance on your home.

Amending one or several aspects of an existing agreement is called loan or mortgage modification. Modification maintains the original loan terms with specific changes, usually lower payments are reduced penalty fees which can make it easier for home owners to afford.

There are also programs which are intended to help borrowers who are behind on their payments get current without penalty. These programs maintain the existing loan agreement but modify it temporarily to accommodate financial hardship and are repayment plans, reinstatement, and forbearance.

Home loan repayment plans are a good option if you are behind on your payments but able and willing to make it up. Repayment plans consist of special arrangements with lenders to pay them all past due payments within a fixed time, in return late fees are lowered or even dropped entirely.

If a lender lets a late home owner to pay back the past due amount in one lump sum it is called mortgage reinstatement. This can be granted in conjunction with forbearance if a mortgage holder can show the mortgage company that they will soon receive a large sum of money often this is a employment bonus or cash from a sale.

Find other info on how to avoid foreclosure and save you property, if you are unable to make regular payments there are mortgage default help opportunities you may be eligible for.

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Conflicting Mindsets

Nov 26, 2009 Real Estate

This article is about building a business, a financial empire. If you are looking into building a business, it is already assumed that: you have adequate emergency savings, you have adequate precautions against catastrophes such as insurance, you are saving on a regular basis, and you are self-employed or have some part-time job where you work on your own.

If you find yourself in the position described above, then you are perhaps ready to build your financial empire. Remember, you must be working on your own, whether part or full-time. While it is technically correct that you are a business owner, you should not consider yourself one; you are a job owner. If you owned a business, it would work for you; you would not be working it.

Owning your own job, however, is a good thing. It is the start to building a business. You cannot build a business through work you do for an employer.

Building a business is different from building a job. The mindset of a job-builder is something like, “I want to get all this done, but I need help. I’ll hire people to do the work that I cannot, and I’ll do as much of the work myself as I can; the more work I do, the more money I make.”

The mindset of a business builder is much different. It goes something like, “I want to get this all done, but I do not want to do any of the work. I will hire people to do all of it, and I will not make much money since I spend it all on labor. However, this is okay, because if I keep building it, eventually it will make me money and I still will not be doing any of the work.”

So, try not to think about how much money you could be making if you did more of the work yourself. You should be excited to spend the earnings from the business and as much of your own personal money as possible on the business! If the business was providing you with a lot of money, it would be alarming, because it should be spent on hiring people to do the work.

As you can see, the two mindsets are very opposite of each other. One seeks work, and one gets rid of work. But, they both earn money. Which would you rather be, a money-earner who works or a money-earner who does not?

Cody Scholberg, a business building expert, writes for Rapidly Make Money, your source of info that will get you rich. Check out these money making books.

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Here’s the Scoop on Home Buyer Tax Credits

Nov 25, 2009 Real Estate

There’s wonderful news for people considering purchasing a home! Congress has recently passed new legislation, as a part of the strategy for stimulating the U.S. real estate market, that makes the Federal tax credit of up to $8,000 now available to many more first-time buyers. Also, some individuals who now own a home and would like to buy a new one may also be able to obtain a Federal tax credit of up to $6,500.

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit extends and improves the current legislation which is no longer in effect on Nov. 30th. Both first-time and move-up buyers can now get the benefits of the new tax credit. Needless to say, this is in addition to the current historically low home loan interest rates.

Here are the important new particulars:

* The first-time buyers’ $8,000 has now been extended through the end of April, 2010. * Current homeowners are now eligible for the $6,500 tax credit, if they have lived in the residence they are selling as their primary residence for at least five straight years out of the last eight years. * Income limits for eligible buyers were increased to a range of $75,000 to $125,000 (for single buyers) and a range of $150,000 to $225,000 for couples. * Time has been added to allow for closing the home purchase transaction. As long as they have a legal contract by the last day of April, they will then have until the 30th of June, 2010, to close the transaction. The qualifying purchase price of the new residence has to be $800,000 or less.

The program works as follows:

* Tax credits provide a dollar-for-dollar payment of taxes owed with any surplus funds available as a refund. The amount of the tax credit will be first credited toward any tax liability for the year of purchase. Next the amount remaining will be paid to the buyer. (For example a first-time buyer whose tax liability is $2000 would receive a payment of $6,000). * Any single-family home purchased to be used as a primary residence (including condominiums, co-ops) will qualify if it is purchased by the end of April, 2010 and closed by the 30th of June, 2010. * The entire amount of the is available for individuals with an adjusted gross income of no more than $125,000 or $225,000 on a joint return. When income is greater than these figures, the amount of the tax credit is reduced until the maximum limit is reached - $145,000 for an individual or $245,000 of joint income.

Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for more thirty years covering a wide range of topics. He is also a licensed real estate salesperson in the Commonwealth of Virginia specializing in real estate in the Tri-Cities area of Virginia and, in particular, Fort Lee, Virginia, area homes for sale.

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