Creative Marketing Techniques
15 December 07 04:57 PM | albanyoregon | 4 comment(s)
Hey everyone!
I know there are a ton of us hanging out here, and I was wondering if we could share some ideas of marketing tips that have worked for us (and maybe some of those that have bombed!)

We had a great business planning clinic at our market center this week and so now I'm thinking down the lines of trying to create my strategy & plan for 2008.  Some of you do magazines...how do you like them?  Direct mail...does it work for you?  Farming...are your crops producing?  Do you mainly deal with mets or non-mets? 

For me, I know that I prefer to work with people that I have met.  I like to build relationships with people and work off recommendations to friends and associates.  But what about you?  I look forward to hearing what everyone has to say!  Let's make this a great resource blog for future use.
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Albany Oregon listing
15 December 07 04:47 PM | albanyoregon | with no comments
Please forgive me if this doesn't work.  I'm definitely hitting a learning curve at the postlets.com website. :)  Thanks for your patience, and if this doesn't work, but you have some helpful hints, I'd love them!



<iframe style="width:250px; height:225px; "src="http://www.postlets.com/realestate/mini_250.php?pid=356580" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"></iframe>
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How do YOU blog?
08 December 07 10:37 PM | albanyoregon | 2 comment(s)
I don't know, I guess maybe I'm just trying to figure out how others do this. :) 
Some of you have these fabulous blogs & I'm thinking, "Man, they have a way with words!"  So here are a couple questions - and I'd love to see a few answers from anyone.

1. Is "copying and pasting" poor form even if you credit the original author?
2. Do you just come up with all your great ideas on your own?

That's all for the moment, but if anyone wants to add to this, it might be a great discussion!

Kristin
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Kudos to Chris Freeman
06 December 07 12:51 AM | albanyoregon | 2 comment(s)
I just have to use the blog forum to give Chris Freeman some SERIOUS applause!  If he's not in your sphere, you are missing out.  After seeing his profile, I loved the little "postlets" that he had advertising his properties.  Soooo, I asked him how he did it.  He didn't just say, "Hey, go to www.postlets.com" (like I'm saying) :), he actually gave me step by step instructions on how to go about doing it and then posting it to my profile.  Now if you look at my profile, you may ask, "Where are your postlets then?"  Well, I'll tell you - they're sitting in my principal broker's email inbox waiting for approval.  Once I get them approved, you can believe that they'll be in my profile - FOR SURE! :)

Thanks again Chris, you're definitely the Zolveman!
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Please keep my family in your prayers
01 December 07 05:38 PM | albanyoregon | 2 comment(s)
I haven't blogged much this week because on Tuesday, my husband wanted to give me a Christmas surprise.  He went to hang the Chrismas lights on the roof and in the process, fell off, landed on the deck and broke his back.  He is doing well, home from the hospital, and walking.  He'll be having a long recovery, but no surgery. 

It's amazing to see how family & friends rally up beside you when tough times hit.  What an encouragement!
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Albany Oregon price reduction
01 December 07 05:32 PM | albanyoregon | with no comments
Here's an adorable little house that just got a price reduction.  It has been completely redone inside and is full of historic charm.  If you or someone you know is interested in seeing this delightful home, please contact me!  (See image below)
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When is the right time for a price change?
01 December 07 05:25 PM | albanyoregon | 1 comment(s)
According to the National Association of Realtors, if your property has been on the market for at least 45 days, or you've had 8 showings and no offers have come in, it's time to cut the price. 

Just like any surgery, a price cut is painful.  Painful for the homeowners, who may be getting less for their property than they originally wanted, and painful for the agents who have to inform their client of the news.  But our goal as sellers and agents is to sell the home! 

It's not good enough to be "on" the market anymore.  We have to be "IN" the market.  And just because your property is listed, doesn't mean that you are "IN" the market.  Stop & examine the curb appeal - does it say, "Welcome to your new home!" or does it need some help?  Could it use a little bark mulch, a good lawn trimming, a new paint job?  

Right now, your house needs to be the BEST house at the BEST price.  So if it isn't, then what can you do to get it there?  Best wishes on selling your home! 
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Marketing definitions
27 November 07 11:59 PM | albanyoregon | 1 comment(s)
Whether we all want to admit it or not, we're in sales & marketing.  Yes, we want to help people find their perfect home, or their new vacation spot, but how do we get to that point?  A sale.  And how to we find a person to sell to?  Marketing.  It doesn't matter if it's marketing ourselves, our websites, our blog - whatever, marketing is just that. Marketing. 

Here's a fun little website that I found this evening while I was working.  Maybe it will help you distinguish the different types of marketing.  Enjoy!        

(I sure hope this works!) :)

Ok, well it didn't.  After three tries, I think I've struck out adding the cute little graphic and link, so here's the website.  Really, it's worth the click! 
http://www.kolbrenerusa.com/elements.htm
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How to price it, you ask???
26 November 07 01:12 PM | albanyoregon | 1 comment(s)
We all know how important it is to price our homes correctly.  I mean, it's important for us as agents to give our customers accurate comparables, but it's also imperative for you as a homeowner to know when to listen to your broker. :)  I recently had a confirmation of how important it is, when I was told that a person from a home valuation field had looked at one of my listings & commented that it was "comp-ing out well".  It made me feel good to hear that.

Before I go any further, for all my KW associates out there, this may be a bit of a repeat of info for you - IF you've read your KW Outfront publication.   A lot of the info I'll be sharing is coming from the Nov/Dec 07 - Vol. 4 No. 6, but some is from me & my own experience. :)

On to my info... Just fresh from the publication referenced earlier, here are the price reduction guidelines from the National Association of Realtors: "If a house has been on the market for more than 45 days, OR if there have been more than eight showings with no acceptable offers, it's time to lower the price."  I don't know about any of you agents out there, but I have a few properties to talk to owners about...

We all want to get the best $$ for our product, but really, the only thing that matters is what the current market is doing.  So as one of my principal brokers frequently says, "It's not what your seller wants for the property, it's what the buyer is willing to pay for it."  Sometimes that can be a bitter pill to swallow, when we're sure that our property "should" bring more than it seems to be, but isn't it better to see the property move, than just stagnate?

So be careful when you're pricing - and remember, your goal - whether you're the agent or homeowner - is to see the property move.  I promise, none of us want our listings to just sit on the market.

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What are you thankful for?
25 November 07 05:08 PM | albanyoregon | 2 comment(s)
I am truly thankful for having a wonderful and supportive family.  I had intended to post this earlier, but you know how Thanksgiving goes - and not to mention Black Friday!  I got all my Christmas shopping done, hooray!!

But seriously, what ARE you thankful for?  Are you thankful for that offer that came in last week and was accepted?  Are you thankful for the difficult listing that you just got - but hey, it's a listing? 

This is a difficult market right now, but I'm thankful that it's turning towards a buyers market here in Oregon.  We haven't been hit quite as hard as other areas of the US and property here is still rather strong.  What I'm finding is that there are still people buying & selling properties, but they're going at it a little more cautiously than they were even 6 months ago.  And believe it or not, there are still some great loan programs out there.  So don't hesitate, it's a great time to buy!
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Homes in Philomath, OR
21 November 07 01:19 PM | albanyoregon | 2 comment(s)
There are some fantastic new homes being built in Philomath, OR! 

Starlight Summit is located at the top of Pioneer Street at the west end of town.  These are quality homes that are currently starting at $379,000.  Clients will get unparalleled views of the Willamette Valley in a community that is quiet and secluded, yet less than 15 minutes from downtown Corvallis, OR. 

The website at www.starlightsummit.com will be undergoing some changes soon, but you can still get some great ideas and a taste of what it's all about.  The really exciting thing about this development is that almost any type of home can be built up there.  Whether daylight basement, single story, multi level - there are lots that can be built on.  And not just with their builder, but some lots are available for purchase and people can bring their own plans & builder.

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Hello!
20 November 07 11:20 AM | albanyoregon | 1 comment(s)
Well, this is my first attempt at a blog. :)  I'm sure I'll get to know what & how to do things here pretty soon, but until I do, it may be a little slow going.  I really enjoy real estate, and have a lot of experience in the construction end of things.  If you have questions, let me know!  I look forward to getting to know the community here.

Cheerfully,
Kristin
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