Author Archives: Patty

About Patty

CEO/Founder: AnotherME - Virtual Assistants of Real Estate Providing RE Support, Mktg & Social Media ~ We do Business in the Cloud ~ Love a Good Martini or Glass of Wine ~ RE TrendWatcher

Do You Know Where Your Contacts Are?

  By Patty | October 17, 2011 - 11:44 am |
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The Holidays are right around the corner!  And for real estate agents, there are so many wonderful “seasonal” opportunities to “touch” your sphere of influence and clients.

But just as you start planning to send those heartfelt Christmas and Hanukkah cards, spooky Halloween greetings, Daylight Savings Time reminders and Thanksgiving Thanks… Reality Hits You!

Your contacts are scattered from East to West, from your PC to your phone and from office to home!

You need those addresses, labels and emails before you can send the first thing!

Don’t worry, don’t give up!  There’s still time to get your database in order and send those Holiday Greetings… if you take advantage of a little help from your friends at AnotherME Virtual Assistants and a special discount!

 

** OCTOBER Database SPECIAL **

     40 Cents/Contact – includes entering name, address, phone & email

$25.00/Hour – Set up Email Campaigns, Postcard Designs, Mailing Labels, etc

PLUS …

  Custom Return Address Label Design with Your Order (5 styles to choose from)

Email Greetings are very popular today and there are so many types to choose from (I’m partial to the animated ones myself). However, if you’re thinking everyone might be too busy to read the e-mails that come through their inbox… maybe you should consider sending a real card by US mail!   Getting a card in the mail will be a pleasant surprise!   (We can help with that too!)

Call or email today – and we’ll get started!
770.414.9393  ~ patty@anotherme.com

 

Texting… Sometimes it’s a Good Thing!

  By Patty | September 19, 2011 - 9:12 am | ,
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Google – it’s one heck of a company with so many great ideas and products.  Gmail, Google Docs, Google Maps, Calendar, Reader… the list goes on and on!

Did you know that Google has a Text Message “Search” feature?  Even if you have a web browser on your smart phone, you might find Google’s SMS search easier. For one, it’s incredibly fast– no clicking links and searching through results while you try to find your glasses!  You use special keywords to get immediate access to information.

Here’s an example: text “weather 30329” to 466453 (GOOGLE) and instantly receive the current weather in Atlanta, along with a three day forecast.  Cool! …or Hot!  It works with any zip code.

Movie times, no problem!  This little feature comes in handy when the gang says, “let’s catch a movie!”  Just text “movies” plus the zip code for movie times in your area along with options to view more films, more theater times, addresses and phone numbers.

For the ‘directionally challenged’, who don’t have a GPS; you can get step-by-step driving directions in a text!!  Simply text the word “directions [your start address] to [your destination address]  I used this feature recently and it was spot on!

There are over 22 “hot search keywords” you can get your hands on information faster than searching via your browser and squinting to read! To see a demo along with all of the search features (and instructions on how to use them), check out the Google Mobile SMS page!

And of course, we have to use the disclaimer “don’t text and drive” and “normal texting charges apply.” However we’re pretty sure most real estate professionals have unlimited texting or data plans today and that realtors are excellent drivers!

 

image source: wired.com

You Know What Happens to Minnows, Don’t You? They Get Eaten…

  By Patty | July 15, 2011 - 1:14 pm | ,
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Bigger Fish Can Gobble Up Your Business

Why are so many Realtors refusing to launch their businesses into the future by making a commitment to Social Media? Why are you content to swim with the “small fry”when the opportunity to promote your brand and generate leads is right in front of you? Don’t you realize the longer you wait, the further behind in the technology you get? And guess what? Your competition is gaining strength and getting hungrier for new business and you know what happens to minnows, don’t you? They get eaten…

The good news is it’s not too late to get started! AnotherMe can help you move in the right direction! Have you thought about adding blogging to your Social Media presence on the web? Do you have a website that needs the cobwebs removed, but not sure where to start? Well, pay attention because here comes the good stuff!

You want to put your best foot forward and Starting Out Right is crucial. You don’t want to put a brand new, shiny blog on a tired looking website, right? For a one time fee of $250, AnotherME’s web strategists will work with you to “throw out the old and bring in the new!” First, let’s get you set up with WordPress, a dynamite blogging platform providing the latest plugins and widgets so visitors will “feel the love” and you’ll get the most bang for your bucks! While we’re at it, let’s add new profiles to the most popular networks such as Trulia, ActiveRain, Facebook and Twitter, plus link it all together to draw peak interest to your website! Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Of course, if you already have a great looking site then skip the revamp and move on to our Starter Package for $225 a month. What do you think about 6 posts per month? Do your homework and find this is a great value on the market today! Includes all the important stuff…keywords, great SEO culminating in new readership and return visitors! Four of the posts are 250-word, hyperlocal writings (specific to your area) and the other two would be a Market Report and Statistics Summary offering your readers a snapshot of what’s happening right now in their neck of the woods!

If you want the Starter Package on steroids, choose the Advanced Package for just $325 per month. Imagine 4 250-word hyperlocal posts and 4 local market updates (displayed in charts/graphs) grabbing your visitor’s attention and giving them information others in the industry don’t have.

Of course, nothing is set in stone and we can customize a package for your every need! The initial consultation is FREE so what do you have to lose? Call me, tell me what your thoughts are and I know we can help you. But, please, if you don’t work with me, work with someone in order to get your website presence brought into the 21st Century. Your future in real estate depends on it and I want to see you succeed!

Patty Keller
AnotherME
770.414.9393

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s in a Name?

  By Patty | May 5, 2011 - 8:26 am | , ,
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What’s in a name?  Everything – your reputation, your family history, your personality.  So why aren’t you using your name in your email address?

I see so many agents using MSN.com, Gmail.com, Yahoo.com, etc for their main email address.  It’s not the most professional impression.  How would you feel if you were conversing online with your bank and the account executive used Yahoo.com as their main email?  Not too confident?

Your Name

 

It’s easy to register your full name as a web domain!  So you can send emails from sally@sallysellsrealestate.com or sally@sallysmith.com.  If you haven’t, then go right her to GoDaddy.com and buy your name!

If you have an odd name or a different spelling – then buy a domain that’s easy for people to remember.  For example, it’s not easy to remember this email for Jane –  “jane@janelewczyk.com”  however, “jane@realestatejane.com” or “jane@contactjane.com” makes more sense when someone is trying to remember your email.

And then, you can forward that email address to your Yahoo, MSN or Gmail account.  It’s easy!

Your brand is your name/your company name… use it!

Happy Emails!

Happy Smiley Faces are Popping Up all Over Facebook!

  By Patty | March 22, 2011 - 4:17 pm |
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I’m always looking for a way to have a little fun while I’m working, but I don’t want it to be difficult.  Every morning I jump on Facebook to send birthday wishes to my clients and friends, read some updates and make a few comments. More and more I’ve noticed all the fun symbols my Facebook friends are using in their comments and Birthday wishes.  You’ve seen them…music notes, hearts, smiley faces!

It’s one of those things where you think – how did they do that?  But you never take the time to figure it out!  So I did!  And I decided to share them with all my Realtor® buddies…and spread a little ♥ and ☺!

1. Turn on your keyboard’s Number Lock.

2. Hold down the Alt key, then type one of the numbers listed below on the numeric keypad. (You must use the keypad; the standard number keys won’t work.) So, for example, to get a heart symbol, you’d press Alt-3. For a musical note, Alt-1-3 (meaning you hold down Alt, press 1, press 3, and then release the Alt key).

Here’s a list of some of the more popular symbols you might want to use. Print it, copy and paste it or do a Jing screen capture and save it somewhere for easy reference.

1. Turn on your keyboard’s Number Lock.

2. Hold down the Alt key, then type one of the numbers listed below on the numeric keypad. (You must use the keypad; the standard number keys won’t work.) So, for example, to get a heart symbol, you’d press Alt-3. For a musical note, Alt-1-3 (meaning you hold down Alt, press 1, press 3, and then release the Alt key).

Here’s a list of some of the more popular symbols you might want to use. Print out this blog, cut out the list and put it somewhere for easy reference.

Again, play around and see what you can come up with!   Got a few emoticons of your own? Please share!

Photo Credit: Laihiu

 

Fast “Brain” Food for Real Estate Professionals

  By Patty | March 17, 2011 - 8:53 am | ,
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Last week, I wrote an article on AnotherME talking about different things you could do if you only had 5 minutes. Well, I found another one and I couldn’t resist sharing it with you.

Have you heard about Real Estate Coach Radio.com? It’s a cool stop on the internet offering 5 minute radio snippets specifically for Real Estate Professionals. Speakers include Kevin Turner, Bernice Ross, Jimmy Dague, Andrew Wooten and a host of others talking about topics relevant to the industry today. You just click and play!

There is a new show every day and you can download to an MP3 or pick up the iTunes version. It’s free to subscribe and what a fast and fun way to grab some food for the brain!

Do you have other ideas for things you can accomplish in 5 minutes?

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Can you give me 5 minutes?” 15 Ideas for What To Do With 5 Extra Minutes

  By Patty | March 10, 2011 - 3:31 pm |
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In working with busy Realtors®, I get that question a lot. And sometimes I’m the one who’s saying it!

Our lives have become a hurry up and wait game! Waiting for an appointment, waiting in the bus line at school, waiting at the drive-thru window, sitting in traffic, waiting for the water to boil, waiting for a webinar to start – and my all time favorite, waiting on hold!

Everyone’s looking for ways to save time and become more productive. It’s a constant battle. One of my goals this year is to be more efficient with my time and to keep up with the “little things” so they don’t end up becoming “big things’. (think piles of paper, piles of laundry, etc)

So what can a busy Realtor do with an extra 5 minutes? Here’s a few suggestions:

1. Call a past client.
2. Send 2-3 short “thinking about you” emails to a past client or someone in your SOI.
3. Print out 2-3 copies of your listing presentation and put in a folder
4. Make a price change in the MLS
5. Scan client docs to your computer and save
6. Add an update to Facebook or Twitter or LinkedIn (just don’t start reading others updates!)
7. Make a Grocery list or a Must-Do list
8. Snap a few photos for your Active Rain Blog
9. Delete old messages on your phone
10. Add a contact to your database (Top Producer, WiseAgent, MyRedTools, Outlook,etc)
11. Scan your emails to see if you missed responding to someone
12. Throw away or file one stack of papers on your desk
13. Set up Dropbox
14. Post an article to your Posterous blog
15. Clean out the trash in your car

What do you do in your extra 5 minutes? Hey, why not take a minute and post a comment!

Image credit: earls37a

Real Estate Listings…Do You Wonder What To Say and How To Say It?

  By Patty | March 7, 2011 - 11:12 am | ,
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As Realtors®, you’re in the business of getting new listings and that’s a good thing, but sometimes composing those real estate listings for the MLS or for print advertising can leave us stumped on what to say. I mean, how many different ways can you describe a property? For example, have you ever racked your brain for a different way to say “luxurious”?

With that in mind, I’ve put together some words and phrases that will help you to get your creative juices flowing.

Words:
Comfortable, upscale, prestigious, unique, distinct, original, paradise, remodeled, authentic, spectacular, eclectic, colorful, textured, elaborate, peaceful, stylish,  magnificent, stunning, sparkling, secluded,  versatile, timeless, enchanting, exquisite, cozy, revitalized, refined, modern, flair, dynamic, impeccable, irresistible, affluent, substantial, tasteful, towering, tranquil, inexpensive,  rare, unsurpassed, retreat, historic, outstanding, inviting, oversized, sensible, dynamic, comfy, charming, beautiful, lovely, elite, classy, imaginative, coordinated.

Phrases:
Beauty and function,  stylish and practical, endless possibilities, contemporary charm, vibrant colors, smart design, southern comfort, hidden treasure, exceptional quality, convenient location, old-fashioned style, budget-smart, nostalgic flair, custom built, charm factor 10, bright and cheerful, fit for a king, picture perfect.

It’s a good idea as well to create some phrases that describe the area such as low maintenance, convenient to shopping, close to downtown, low maintenance, easy highway access, public transportation within walking distance.

Remember, stay within the Fair Housing Act guidelines and don’t use words or phrases that discriminate based upon or make reference to race/color, religion, national origin, familial status, gender or handicap.

Photo courtesy of  Casey Serin

Contract Termination. When Can a Buyer and Seller Legally Call it Quits?

  By Patty | February 4, 2011 - 3:53 pm |
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I read a great article last week in the Realty Times about Contract Termination.  I wanted to share this with you because I thought it was interesting and something that might help you in your business.

Bob Hunt, the author, discussed the uncertainty and misinformation among real estate agents about when a buyer and seller can legally terminate a contract. He points out standard contracts have the clause “Time is of the essence”, an expected closing date and instructions for escrow deposits. All parties have time to meet these requirements and if they can’t, extensions can be negotiated.

However, he brings up a point worth thinking about. What happens if none of the parties meet the obligations of the contract even after extensions are allowed? Is the contract null and void?

Maybe, maybe not.

Read the entire article by Bob Hunt of RealtyTimes.com and let me know what your thoughts. Do you think this recent case in California is a viable lawsuit or a blatant waste of taxpayer dollars?

Photo Courtesy of WordRidden

Sweet Deals for REALTORS® …Compliments of NAR!

  By Patty | January 29, 2011 - 10:07 am | ,
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I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for a deal. Some people clip coupons, some people compare prices online. Did you realize, because you’re a REALTOR®, you are entitled to all kinds of really great discounts on products and tools?

It’s called the REALTOR Benefits® Program. Download a free copy of the 2010/11 REALTOR Benefits® Partner Catalog. (It’s a large file so it might take a few minutes to download.)

The National Association of REALTORS® has partnered with top companies to provide you with discounts on products and promotional tools you would use in your business or personal life every day! Remember, these are your member benefits that NAR is providing just for you!

These days every dollar saved is a dollar earned! Look at all the top-rated companies partnering with NAR!

Need a Great Client Gift to drive repeat business or Free Direct Marketing Tools from Lowes?
♦ Entertainment® Book
♦ Lowes

Here are some Really Great Books we would highly recommend and NAR is offering them at great prices!
♦ “The Digital Handshake: Seven Proven Strategies to Grow Your Business Using Social Media”
♦ “Staging to Sell: The Secret to Selling Homes in a Down Market”
♦ “2010 NAR Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers”
♦ “Put Your Business Online”

Ready for a new Printer or Scanner? Ready to go mobile and get a PC or Tablet? Check out these vendors and their discounts!
♦ Dell Computers
♦ Hewlett Packard Computers
♦ Lenovo
♦ Xerox

Why not try some of the latest Tools and Software to streamline the closing process? For instance, next time you need FedEx® to drive across town to get signatures…Think DocuSign®!
♦ DocuSign®
♦ relay®
♦ zipForm®

Use the available discounts now to pursue those Designations and Certifications you’ve been meaning to get! Great online courses are available through REALTOR® University.
♦ ABR
♦ SRES
♦ ePRO
♦ SFR
♦ Green

Save $$$$ on Shipping, Faxing, Copying, Printing and more through these fine vendors.
♦ FedEx®
♦ FedEx® Office
♦ Coming Soon! OfficeMax
♦ Coming Soon! Ifbyphone

So make sure you remember to check out these discounts from the 2010/2011 Realtor Benefits® Program when you’re shopping for new products and tools in 2011!   But wait….there’s more…(ok, I couldn’t help myself!)….to sweeten the deal, call me today, and I’ll give the first 10 REALTORS® a special discount from AnotherME – a 20% discount on 4 Hours of Real Estate Virtual Assistant Services! Is it time to clean up your database, update your forms, create a new listing flyer? I can’t wait to talk with you, so give me a call at 770.414.9393 and let me help you save some bucks!