I just got an email from the Kansas Realtors Association with a new scam that is out there. PLEASE be aware. Your Realtors will let you know if someone is coming to your home!! Scammers are everywhere!
New Scam in Western Kansas
A real estate broker in western Kansas has reported a new scam that everyone should be aware of and watchful for. In the potentially dangerous scenario, a woman is claiming to be hired by the real estate company and saying she is at the listed home to take photos. A similar woman has also approached sellers saying she is from the bank and needs to change the locks on the home. Please make sure to tell your clients that you will let them know before sending any workers to their homes, and if someone approaches them without your prior notice, they should contact you to verify the work before letting anyone into their home.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
New Listing - 13009 Knox St, Overland Park, KS
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Jumpstart Your Blog
What great timing! I'm leading a class today in my office about blogs & blogging and got the email below from Lowe's Daily Real Estate News (if you don't already subscribe to this, you should! (www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com)
I think this article has a lot of great tips on blogging! I'm going to work on blogging more! I WILL do better!
I hope you enjoy these tips as much as I did!
-Jodi
Jumpstart Your Blog: A Blogging Working Regimen
By Rich Brooks
RISMEDIA, May 19, 2010--Do you know what gym regulars call the surge of people who show up in January as part of a New Year's resolution? Tourists.
The same could be true with the influx of businesses that join the blogosphere each and every day. Some join with the best of intentions. Others start a blog because someone from marketing twisted their arm. Still others were on a drunken bender and couldn't find a tattoo shop, so they settled for starting a blog.
The fact is that because of lack of time, commitment, or a good strategy, the majority of these blogs fail. Later, when a prospect finds these abandoned blogs--either through a forgotten link on the company's Web site or a search engine result--they're left with a negative impression of the company.
Don't let this happen to you! A blog is a terrible thing to waste. It does take time and commitment, but with a plan in place, your blog will increase your search engine visibility, establish your credibility, and provide more online leads than you can handle.
Here's a regimented workout that will help jumpstart a new or stalled business blog and prevent you from being just another tourist in the blogosphere. (Please consult your physician before beginning any new blogging regimen, and always remember to stretch.)
Write Three Posts a Week
Once your blog has an established readership you may be able to cut back on your frequency, but to begin you should plan on writing three times a week. Schedule recurring blocks of time in your calendar so "urgent" but less important items don't prevent.
Posts can be of varying lengths and varying styles. Numbered lists, how-to articles and commentary on your or your customers' industries are proven winners. To ensure that people can find your posts, use keyword-rich titles that will drive traffic from the search engines. "Some Thoughts I Shared with HR" will never outperform "Employee Retention: 10 Ways to Keep Star Performers Happy."
Estimated Time: 2 hours/week.
Leave Two Comments a Week
One of the most important things you can do for the success of your blog is to network with other bloggers in your niche and become part of the community. This means reading and commenting on related blogs.
The comments you leave on other blogs create links back to your own blog. Although comment links rarely carry any search engine benefit, intelligent comments will attract notice from the blog owner and his or her readers, driving qualified leads to your own blog.
Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours/week, including reading time.
Blog Popular Search Terms
Blog search engines like Icerocket and Technorati often display the most popular current search terms. If you can work a popular topic into a new post you place your blog in front of thousands of potential new readers.
Just make sure the topic is relevant to your business; while more visitors are nice, the goal here is to get prospects reading your blog. Working an American Idol reference into your blog on global commodities trading probably won't bring you a lot of repeat visitors.
Estimated Time: 2 minutes/post.
Make It Easy for People Subscribe & Share
I'm always perplexed when I discover a blog that doesn't offer an RSS feed, or relegates it to some dusty corner or to the bottom of the page. One of a blog's biggest strengths is its ability to syndicate content. People can subscribe and receive new posts whether or not they're at your blog.
Feedburner and Feedblitz are two services you can integrate into your blog that allows visitors to subscribe via RSS feed or email. You should also leverage the current fascination with social media by adding appropriate bookmarking tools to the bottom of each post. Giving readers the ability to add your post to Digg, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site with a single click increases the chance that they'll spread the word about your blog.
Estimated Time: Less than 1 hour of setup time when you start your blog.
In Conclusion
An abandoned blog is a black eye for any business. A regularly updated, narrowly focused blog is a powerful magnet for search engines, new business, and journalists looking to speak with an industry expert.
By dedicating the time necessary to building a strong blog, you'll have your investment returned to you a hundred times over in search engine visibility, new prospects and lower customer acquisition costs.
Rich Brooks is president of flyte new media (http://www.flyte.biz) a Web design and Internet marketing firm. He writes an an email newsletter and blogs regularly at http://www.flyteblog.com on Web marketing for small businesses
I think this article has a lot of great tips on blogging! I'm going to work on blogging more! I WILL do better!
I hope you enjoy these tips as much as I did!
-Jodi
Jumpstart Your Blog: A Blogging Working Regimen
By Rich Brooks
RISMEDIA, May 19, 2010--Do you know what gym regulars call the surge of people who show up in January as part of a New Year's resolution? Tourists.
The same could be true with the influx of businesses that join the blogosphere each and every day. Some join with the best of intentions. Others start a blog because someone from marketing twisted their arm. Still others were on a drunken bender and couldn't find a tattoo shop, so they settled for starting a blog.
The fact is that because of lack of time, commitment, or a good strategy, the majority of these blogs fail. Later, when a prospect finds these abandoned blogs--either through a forgotten link on the company's Web site or a search engine result--they're left with a negative impression of the company.
Don't let this happen to you! A blog is a terrible thing to waste. It does take time and commitment, but with a plan in place, your blog will increase your search engine visibility, establish your credibility, and provide more online leads than you can handle.
Here's a regimented workout that will help jumpstart a new or stalled business blog and prevent you from being just another tourist in the blogosphere. (Please consult your physician before beginning any new blogging regimen, and always remember to stretch.)
Write Three Posts a Week
Once your blog has an established readership you may be able to cut back on your frequency, but to begin you should plan on writing three times a week. Schedule recurring blocks of time in your calendar so "urgent" but less important items don't prevent.
Posts can be of varying lengths and varying styles. Numbered lists, how-to articles and commentary on your or your customers' industries are proven winners. To ensure that people can find your posts, use keyword-rich titles that will drive traffic from the search engines. "Some Thoughts I Shared with HR" will never outperform "Employee Retention: 10 Ways to Keep Star Performers Happy."
Estimated Time: 2 hours/week.
Leave Two Comments a Week
One of the most important things you can do for the success of your blog is to network with other bloggers in your niche and become part of the community. This means reading and commenting on related blogs.
The comments you leave on other blogs create links back to your own blog. Although comment links rarely carry any search engine benefit, intelligent comments will attract notice from the blog owner and his or her readers, driving qualified leads to your own blog.
Estimated Time: 1 - 2 hours/week, including reading time.
Blog Popular Search Terms
Blog search engines like Icerocket and Technorati often display the most popular current search terms. If you can work a popular topic into a new post you place your blog in front of thousands of potential new readers.
Just make sure the topic is relevant to your business; while more visitors are nice, the goal here is to get prospects reading your blog. Working an American Idol reference into your blog on global commodities trading probably won't bring you a lot of repeat visitors.
Estimated Time: 2 minutes/post.
Make It Easy for People Subscribe & Share
I'm always perplexed when I discover a blog that doesn't offer an RSS feed, or relegates it to some dusty corner or to the bottom of the page. One of a blog's biggest strengths is its ability to syndicate content. People can subscribe and receive new posts whether or not they're at your blog.
Feedburner and Feedblitz are two services you can integrate into your blog that allows visitors to subscribe via RSS feed or email. You should also leverage the current fascination with social media by adding appropriate bookmarking tools to the bottom of each post. Giving readers the ability to add your post to Digg, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social networking site with a single click increases the chance that they'll spread the word about your blog.
Estimated Time: Less than 1 hour of setup time when you start your blog.
In Conclusion
An abandoned blog is a black eye for any business. A regularly updated, narrowly focused blog is a powerful magnet for search engines, new business, and journalists looking to speak with an industry expert.
By dedicating the time necessary to building a strong blog, you'll have your investment returned to you a hundred times over in search engine visibility, new prospects and lower customer acquisition costs.
Rich Brooks is president of flyte new media (http://www.flyte.biz) a Web design and Internet marketing firm. He writes an an email newsletter and blogs regularly at http://www.flyteblog.com on Web marketing for small businesses
Monday, May 17, 2010
Graduation (and everyday) Advice
I had lunch with some friends a few weeks ago. One has a daughter who is graduating from college w/ a teaching degree and freaked out about finding a job. Totally understandable! One of the other girls mentioned that she still had a speech from when she graduated about getting ready for the "real world". I think that this is not only appropriate for recent grads, but for everyone. You never know what life may bring. Enjoy! (thanks Jentry for sharing & summerizing!!)
1. YOUR LIFE WILL BE A CATASTROPHE. It may already be a catastrophe, or it soon will. Every time it looks like it might calm down....it will dive into catastrophe-ness again. This is how it should be...catastrophe is good. Learn to accept the chaos of life. Catastrophe is the norm. Dive in and embrace it.
2. YOUR BODY. Take care of it. One fall, one car crash, one disease triggered by stress can deter your body. Exercise, floss, sleep. Don't drive drunk. Your body is your own personal mecca. You can't replace it.
3. CHOOSE YOUR MATE WISELY. Try and pick the right one. Because with the wrong mate nothing in your life will seem right. Even if you pick the right one....you will have moments spent wondering if you picked the wrong one. Don't marry for money. Don't marry for looks. Find someone who compliments you. Figure out what you can and can't deal with. Most importantly...find a mate you can help you navigate through the catastrophes of life together.
4. CHILDREN. Some people can't have them, other people have them and don't want them. If you decide to have children, do so when it is a choice. You can choose your job, where you live and even your spouse....but you can't take away being a parent. Kids can be a catastrophe. Not having kids can be a catastrophe. Figure out which catastrophic path you want to take. Enjoy yourself and your spouse before having kids. Make sure you are mentally, emotionally and financially prepared.
5. LOVE YOUR WORK. Find a job that pays the bills and feeds your soul. If you love your job, then you will succeed. If you hate your job, then you will struggle. Find something that you love. Follow your heart and intuition....don't let the voices of others persuade you.
6. OUR BRAINS ARE CATASTROPHES. Learn how to think. Exercise control over how and what you think. Be conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to. See through the clutter in your brain to figure out what is most important.
7. SIMPLE STUBBORNNESS CAN TAKE YOU A LONG WAY. You don't need smarts or money or wisdom as much as you need stubbornness. Know what you want and don't give up. Stay true to yourself and the goals you have set for your life. But be prepared to meet a catastrophe or two along the way. Don't accept defeat....keep at it.
8. YOU WILL MEET FAILURE. You will meet disappointment, injustice, betrayal and loss. You will find you're weak where you thought you were strong. You will have times when you feel alone and afraid. You will be uncertain, and that's okay.
9. YOU CAN'T DOWNLOAD CREATIVITY OR PASSION. Not all the answers on are the web. Listen to your inner voice and your heart. Consider opinions of those closest to you, but don't let them solve your problems. Be there for others the way you would want them to be there for you. Help others through their personal catastrophes and learn from that experience. You're great the way you are....don't let others hinder that. Especially your laptop.
10. YOU DO NEED TO BE OF CONSEQUENCE. Otherwise you will be depressed. Find causes you are passionate about. Live a life of purpose. Stick up for what you think is right. Defend others. Believe in the ethical bend of the human heart; believe in curiosity; believe in the power of beauty. Live a life that is honest and true, raw and real, honorable. Think beyond yourself and be of some good use.
Now go forth and embrace your own chaotic mess. Embrace the catastrophes that intrude your life. And when you find that your eyes hurt from reading reports, and your butt hurts from sitting in meetings, and your blood pressure is high because you've been dealing with a bunch of morons, and your kids (if you have them) are crying.....look inside yourself and say "Ah! That's the full catastrophe! I recognize it and it is good!".
1. YOUR LIFE WILL BE A CATASTROPHE. It may already be a catastrophe, or it soon will. Every time it looks like it might calm down....it will dive into catastrophe-ness again. This is how it should be...catastrophe is good. Learn to accept the chaos of life. Catastrophe is the norm. Dive in and embrace it.
2. YOUR BODY. Take care of it. One fall, one car crash, one disease triggered by stress can deter your body. Exercise, floss, sleep. Don't drive drunk. Your body is your own personal mecca. You can't replace it.
3. CHOOSE YOUR MATE WISELY. Try and pick the right one. Because with the wrong mate nothing in your life will seem right. Even if you pick the right one....you will have moments spent wondering if you picked the wrong one. Don't marry for money. Don't marry for looks. Find someone who compliments you. Figure out what you can and can't deal with. Most importantly...find a mate you can help you navigate through the catastrophes of life together.
4. CHILDREN. Some people can't have them, other people have them and don't want them. If you decide to have children, do so when it is a choice. You can choose your job, where you live and even your spouse....but you can't take away being a parent. Kids can be a catastrophe. Not having kids can be a catastrophe. Figure out which catastrophic path you want to take. Enjoy yourself and your spouse before having kids. Make sure you are mentally, emotionally and financially prepared.
5. LOVE YOUR WORK. Find a job that pays the bills and feeds your soul. If you love your job, then you will succeed. If you hate your job, then you will struggle. Find something that you love. Follow your heart and intuition....don't let the voices of others persuade you.
6. OUR BRAINS ARE CATASTROPHES. Learn how to think. Exercise control over how and what you think. Be conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to. See through the clutter in your brain to figure out what is most important.
7. SIMPLE STUBBORNNESS CAN TAKE YOU A LONG WAY. You don't need smarts or money or wisdom as much as you need stubbornness. Know what you want and don't give up. Stay true to yourself and the goals you have set for your life. But be prepared to meet a catastrophe or two along the way. Don't accept defeat....keep at it.
8. YOU WILL MEET FAILURE. You will meet disappointment, injustice, betrayal and loss. You will find you're weak where you thought you were strong. You will have times when you feel alone and afraid. You will be uncertain, and that's okay.
9. YOU CAN'T DOWNLOAD CREATIVITY OR PASSION. Not all the answers on are the web. Listen to your inner voice and your heart. Consider opinions of those closest to you, but don't let them solve your problems. Be there for others the way you would want them to be there for you. Help others through their personal catastrophes and learn from that experience. You're great the way you are....don't let others hinder that. Especially your laptop.
10. YOU DO NEED TO BE OF CONSEQUENCE. Otherwise you will be depressed. Find causes you are passionate about. Live a life of purpose. Stick up for what you think is right. Defend others. Believe in the ethical bend of the human heart; believe in curiosity; believe in the power of beauty. Live a life that is honest and true, raw and real, honorable. Think beyond yourself and be of some good use.
Now go forth and embrace your own chaotic mess. Embrace the catastrophes that intrude your life. And when you find that your eyes hurt from reading reports, and your butt hurts from sitting in meetings, and your blood pressure is high because you've been dealing with a bunch of morons, and your kids (if you have them) are crying.....look inside yourself and say "Ah! That's the full catastrophe! I recognize it and it is good!".
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Problematic" Homes Can Turn Into GREAT Properties!
CDPE Turns Marijuana House into Smoking Deal
REDEMPTION: This home two years ago was raided by the FBI for drugs, and today it's one of Jeff Rockett's most memorable listings.
BEFORE: The kitchen was missing appliances and needed a few upgrades.
AFTER: Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances give the kitchen a much-needed lift.
By Amanda Okker, RE/MAX Times Online Editor
For two years, Jeff Rockett's children were afraid to wait for the school bus in front of a former marijuana grow house after they witnessed an FBI raid there. But the distressed property specialist took matters into his own hands, and today the home is refurbished and under contract.
The Sales Associate with RE/MAX of Reading in Reading, Pa., established a corporation to purchase the home late last year. He partnered with local contractors on the rehab. At an open house April 19, the public was allowed in for the first time.
Read two local news stories about Rockett's neighborhood project and the open house:
Former Drug House Ready for the Market
Former Drug House Given New Life
"I stopped counting at 100 guests," Rockett says. "Many were there to consider a purchase, but curiosity brought in a lot of neighbors, too. It was good for putting people's minds at ease about the future of the house and the neighborhood."
The Friday after the open house, Rockett (CDPE, SFR) received an offer. As of the next Monday, the home was under contract. The buyer's only concern was air quality. Rockett provided the results of a test he ordered himself when the property was first purchased.
The 100 Percent Club member says profit was never a motive for getting involved in this project – in fact, he's donating the proceeds to help combat drugs. The plan for marketing the property, however, was all business.
Here are Rockett's strategies for overcoming a property's checkered history:
1. Understand distressed properties. Originally, we were supposed to settle in December, but that got delayed until February. I was able to be patient, because I understand the process and am trained in handling distressed properties.
2. Stay ahead of the rumors. I communicated with the media early on to stay ahead of rumors of the home's condition. Stories swirled that it was full of mold and had to be gutted. That couldn't have been further from the truth. The growing operation took place in the basement. You would never have known anything happened in that house if you hadn't heard it on the news. Every bit of evidence had been removed, and I wanted to set the record straight.
3. Keep the community updated. To overcome the stigma of the property, I let the public know what was being done. I attended a township public meeting and explained the plans, assuring everyone that the best professionals were working on it.
4. Make an immediate impression. On the outside, the entire house was overgrown. Architectural and ornamental elements were completely concealed. Within two weeks of purchase, we had everything ripped out so that the neighborhood could see the home in a different light.
5. Create something of value. Being the managing partner, I didn't want to just repair the problems, I wanted to create a product that has more amenities for the price. I updated the kitchen and bathrooms with tile floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. We realized the home's potential.
© 2010 RE/MAX, LLC. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.
REDEMPTION: This home two years ago was raided by the FBI for drugs, and today it's one of Jeff Rockett's most memorable listings.
BEFORE: The kitchen was missing appliances and needed a few upgrades.
AFTER: Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances give the kitchen a much-needed lift.
By Amanda Okker, RE/MAX Times Online Editor
For two years, Jeff Rockett's children were afraid to wait for the school bus in front of a former marijuana grow house after they witnessed an FBI raid there. But the distressed property specialist took matters into his own hands, and today the home is refurbished and under contract.
The Sales Associate with RE/MAX of Reading in Reading, Pa., established a corporation to purchase the home late last year. He partnered with local contractors on the rehab. At an open house April 19, the public was allowed in for the first time.
Read two local news stories about Rockett's neighborhood project and the open house:
Former Drug House Ready for the Market
Former Drug House Given New Life
"I stopped counting at 100 guests," Rockett says. "Many were there to consider a purchase, but curiosity brought in a lot of neighbors, too. It was good for putting people's minds at ease about the future of the house and the neighborhood."
The Friday after the open house, Rockett (CDPE, SFR) received an offer. As of the next Monday, the home was under contract. The buyer's only concern was air quality. Rockett provided the results of a test he ordered himself when the property was first purchased.
The 100 Percent Club member says profit was never a motive for getting involved in this project – in fact, he's donating the proceeds to help combat drugs. The plan for marketing the property, however, was all business.
Here are Rockett's strategies for overcoming a property's checkered history:
1. Understand distressed properties. Originally, we were supposed to settle in December, but that got delayed until February. I was able to be patient, because I understand the process and am trained in handling distressed properties.
2. Stay ahead of the rumors. I communicated with the media early on to stay ahead of rumors of the home's condition. Stories swirled that it was full of mold and had to be gutted. That couldn't have been further from the truth. The growing operation took place in the basement. You would never have known anything happened in that house if you hadn't heard it on the news. Every bit of evidence had been removed, and I wanted to set the record straight.
3. Keep the community updated. To overcome the stigma of the property, I let the public know what was being done. I attended a township public meeting and explained the plans, assuring everyone that the best professionals were working on it.
4. Make an immediate impression. On the outside, the entire house was overgrown. Architectural and ornamental elements were completely concealed. Within two weeks of purchase, we had everything ripped out so that the neighborhood could see the home in a different light.
5. Create something of value. Being the managing partner, I didn't want to just repair the problems, I wanted to create a product that has more amenities for the price. I updated the kitchen and bathrooms with tile floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom cabinetry. We realized the home's potential.
© 2010 RE/MAX, LLC. RE/MAX Affiliates may share this article, provided they do not charge for it and this notice is included. All other rights reserved.
Monday, May 3, 2010
....It's been a while since I posted!
Hello Blogworld! I appologize, it's been a while since I posted! I'd like to say it's because I've been sooo busy. That's part of it, but I also have been at a loss for what to blog about! I'm working on that and hope to get better at coming up with ideas! I do, however, have a lot of random thoughts to share!
Real Estate: I actually have been kind of busy! Which is a GREAT thing! I finally had a closing this year that closed the SAME DAY it was suppose to...even if it was hours late! I'm ready for life to get back to normal where lenders do their jobs and the underwriters get things done ON TIME so buyers & sellers can close on time! The tax credit expired but I wasn't affected too much by that. I still have at least one buyer out there looking, though it's slim pickings! I hope more listings come on the market so he can find a great house!
Kansas City: Let's see, in the past few weeks I've been to two different cities in the area I'd never been to before! Louisburg, Kansas & Spring Hill, Kansas. I was out showing in Spring Hill, so hopefully I'll be back there again. I went to see a band in Louisburg...and I've also been told they have a great pumpkin patch and cidermill, so maybe I'll check those out one of these days!
Other News: I'm taking on a second job! I'm going to be a sales rep for 1154 Lill (www.1154lill.com). The opportunity was brought to my attention and I decided to go for it. They just closed their local store and are trying to expand their sales reps from 1 to 2 or 3. I go to Chicago (their headquarters) for training at the end of May then will be ready to sell! They have great bags - I've been using their laptop bag for a few years now and LOVE it!
A Comment that just made my day: I was on a listing appointment last week with a past client. She was a referral from an agent from Lawrence and we worked together to sell her family a home. I've stayed in touch with them via facebook & twitter (and of course my mailers). While chatting, she told me that she mentioned to a friend that they were going to sell their house and was told they had a Realtor if she needed one. She told them she really liked the one who sold her the home (ME!) and liked my marketing techniques and how I used social media!! It MADE MY DAY!! That business and advertising degree IS coming in handy!!!
Random: I'm working from home today (or at least this morning) so I might as well add that the girls are doing great! They are sitting here as I get work done.
Have a great May!!
Jodi
Real Estate: I actually have been kind of busy! Which is a GREAT thing! I finally had a closing this year that closed the SAME DAY it was suppose to...even if it was hours late! I'm ready for life to get back to normal where lenders do their jobs and the underwriters get things done ON TIME so buyers & sellers can close on time! The tax credit expired but I wasn't affected too much by that. I still have at least one buyer out there looking, though it's slim pickings! I hope more listings come on the market so he can find a great house!
Kansas City: Let's see, in the past few weeks I've been to two different cities in the area I'd never been to before! Louisburg, Kansas & Spring Hill, Kansas. I was out showing in Spring Hill, so hopefully I'll be back there again. I went to see a band in Louisburg...and I've also been told they have a great pumpkin patch and cidermill, so maybe I'll check those out one of these days!
Other News: I'm taking on a second job! I'm going to be a sales rep for 1154 Lill (www.1154lill.com). The opportunity was brought to my attention and I decided to go for it. They just closed their local store and are trying to expand their sales reps from 1 to 2 or 3. I go to Chicago (their headquarters) for training at the end of May then will be ready to sell! They have great bags - I've been using their laptop bag for a few years now and LOVE it!
A Comment that just made my day: I was on a listing appointment last week with a past client. She was a referral from an agent from Lawrence and we worked together to sell her family a home. I've stayed in touch with them via facebook & twitter (and of course my mailers). While chatting, she told me that she mentioned to a friend that they were going to sell their house and was told they had a Realtor if she needed one. She told them she really liked the one who sold her the home (ME!) and liked my marketing techniques and how I used social media!! It MADE MY DAY!! That business and advertising degree IS coming in handy!!!
Random: I'm working from home today (or at least this morning) so I might as well add that the girls are doing great! They are sitting here as I get work done.
Have a great May!!
Jodi
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