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8 Reasons to Consider Marketing with Google+ | Cross River Real Estate

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When Google+ was launched there were mixed reactions.8 Reasons for Marketing with Google+

The responses ranged from people with social media fatigue who thought “not another social network! “. There were also those curious personalities who said “I wonder if Google will offer a true competitor for Facebook?”

As Google watched the rapid rise of Facebook, Twitter and the social web, it realised that it couldn’t ignore this important internet evolution any longer. It invested over $550 million in the platform and its supporting technology and offered incentives for its executive management to make Google+ a success.

On June 28, 2011 Google+ was launched and proceeded to make an impact and inroads into the social media world.

The Google+ advantages

Google plus had several advantages over Facebook that had commenced six years earlier.

  • Google had started with a fresh design and a clean sheet (Facebook’s interface after launching in 2004 was looking dated)
  • Deep pockets to fund the technology
  • It was designed for a mobile web (Smart phones and tablets didn’t even exist when Facebook launched)
  • Created for a more visual online environment

Facebook had to respond and it quickly launched a range of upgrades and acquisitions (Instagram) that met the competitive challenge.

So what are the numbers?

After just two years the numbers are in and they are compelling, but not many people are aware of the penetration and popularity of Google plus.

  • 602 million registered users
  • 359 million monthly active users according to a GlobalWebIndex study
  • Its active users base grew by 33% from June 2012 through to March 2013

Marketing is always about fishing where the fish are and Google+ has a lot of fish .

8 reasons to consider marketing with Google+

With most marketers comfortable with using Facebook for their primary social media marketing tactics they quite often don’t see the other opportunities.

Here are some compelling reasons to register and start using a Google+ page to complement your Facebook page, your social media and digital marketing activities.

1. Google+ hangouts

Google+ hangouts have been an important part of the Google+ platform since day one. They allow you to create online meetings that are limited to 10 active users but it allows you to stream YouTube video to an unlimited number of viewers.

Hangouts provide a way to engage with small groups of customers that you may want to share important information and/or educate.

2. No update filtering

Google doesn’t need to make money from Google+ as its major revenue (over $30 billion) is from its Google adwords and search advertising. It doesn’t need to force you to pay to be visible on Google+.

Facebook has increasingly applied its Edgerank technology that filters the updates that are seen by people that have liked your brand’s “Facebook page”. Some research shows it at less than 15% and shrinking.  This is so they can force you to spend to advertise on Facebook to get attention.

It has become “pay to play”

Google plus does not filter (censor) your updates to followers that are following your page.


Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/07/22/8-reasons-to-consider-marketing-with-google/#rYGw8zOzDwBqKZTS.99 

 

 

8 Reasons to Consider Marketing with Google+ – Jeffbullas’s Blog.

Water Pressure Regulators and HOA Document Contingencies | Cross River Real Estate

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Water pressure valve regulators

Hi Leonard — I’ve recently read about water pressure that goes into houses and how it should be like 60-80 PSI. I understand that it can cause damage to pipes if it is much higher. I bought a tester, and my pressure is about 110 PSI, even though I have one of those pressure regulators on my house? I think it might be dead? Help! Bob M., Las Vegas

Hi Bob — Yes, the pounds per square inch (PSI) — and check with your local water authority — should be 60 to 80. You probably bought a $15 tester at the store, unscrewed an outdoor hose attached to your property, then screwed on the tester, turned on the water and found the higher 110 PSI. Good job for doing a little DIY test!

OK, you can reduce that pressure with the water pressure regulator; and you noted you have one on your house, but it doesn’t seem to be doing the job. Those regulators only last 5-7 years, so yours probably is dead if your house is older. To test a little more, you can carefully turn the screw at the top of the pressure regulator, while your tester is on the hose bib, and see if the pressure changes. If not, you need to replace the regulator, and they’re about $85.

If you can find an exact match and size, and your main water shut-off is in line from the city’s water supply and before the regulator, then you might be able to just shut off the water, unscrew the old regulator with a crescent or pipe wrench, and install a new one — if you are handy. If not, have a plumber come test the water PSI and install a new regulator for you.

For non-handy people, parts and labor will probably cost $350-$500 for the install, depending on whether the water main shut-off is easily accessible. Do a little more research on the Internet and make sure to have a couple of plumbers give you an estimate. Good luck.

 

 

Real Estate Q&A: Water Pressure Regulators and HOA Document Contingencies | Zillow Blog.

California Is Proof That Energy Efficiency Works | Cross River Real Estate

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California’s 40 years of remarkable success in using energy efficiency to avoid dirty power generation and save utility customers billions, as detailed in a new NRDC fact sheetreleased this week, offers valuable lessons to help meet President Obama’s climate action plan.

Cutting energy waste by improving the efficiency of America’s homes and businesses — and the appliances and electronic devices within them — is essential to reduce the nation’s need to build new power plants and to cut dangerous emissions from existing ones. Power plants are the largest source of America’s carbon pollution, and the president is ordering his administration to take steps to help curb it.

California’s energy efficiency achievements over the past four decades can serve as a model for how to avoid those dirty emissions. And, as we know well in California, investing in energy efficiency programs to allow us to do more with the same or less energy — such as upgrading our lighting or weatherizing our homes — also costs less than half the price of fossil-fuel alternatives. Efficiency also drives innovation and creates jobs.

NRDC is publishing a new fact sheet that highlights the enormous economic and pollution reduction benefits California has reaped thanks to its longstanding and bipartisan commitment to energy efficiency. Our paper also busts some of the myths about the reasons behind the state’s significant progress.

Efficiency’s huge benefits

California’s energy efficiency efforts over the past several decades have helped:

  • Save residents and businesses more than $65 billion
  • Make household electric bills 25 percent lower than the national average
  • Create a more productive economy, generating twice as much economic output for every kilowatt-hour consumed compared to the rest of the country
  • Decrease utility bills for millions of low-income households
  • Cut as much climate-warming carbon pollution as is spewed from 5 million cars annually

Despite the state’s clear success, some naysayers incorrectly claim that it all would have happened even without our efficiency policies. But California policymakers and utilities know the facts: that’s why they continue to invest around $1 billion every year to expand on the state’s success with energy efficiency.

Utilities are required to turn first to energy efficiency to “keep the lights on” before investing in more expensive sources like natural gas-fired power plants. And the state sets standards for new buildings and appliances to minimize energy waste. Thanks in part to these efforts, California’s per capita electricity consumption has remained nearly flat over the past 40 years, while the rest of the United States increased by 50 percent.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

California’s efficiency success can’t be “wished away”

Nonetheless, there are those who try to “wish away” California’s efficiency success by trying to prove that energy efficiency isn’t the only factor responsible for our flat per-capita consumption. Everyone knows multiple factors affect electricity use, but energy efficiency is a critical one. And just as you don’t have to be an only child for your parents to love you, efficiency doesn’t need to be the only contributor for it to represent an invaluable example to other states looking to cut utility bills and curb pollution.

 

 

California Is Proof That Energy Efficiency Works : Greentech Media.

Support for ‘patent troll’ legislation builds | Cross River Real Estate

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A push for legislation cracking down on so-called “patent trolls” is gathering steam on Capitol Hill, potentially spelling relief for many businesses, including those in the real estate industry.

Last week, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., introduced the “Patent Litigation and Innovation Act of 2013″ (H.R. 2639) in the House, which is related to the “Patent Abuse Reduction Act of 2013″ (S. 1013) introduced by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, in May.

The White House has also issued a series of legislative recommendations and executive actions to tackle the issue. The executive actions will require patent applicants and owners to disclose the true owner of a patent, train patent examiners to flag overly broad patent applications, and offer a website educating consumers and small-business owners about what to do if they are targeted, among other things.

Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez last month urged the commission to use its authority to collect more comprehensive information about the business models and scope of “patent assertion entities” — the formal name given to companies that are focused primarily on purchasing and asserting patent claims against companies with products currently on the market.

“These entities are driving the increase in patent litigation and targeting firms in a growing slice of the economy,” Ramirez said. Patent trolls have moved beyond their original primary targets — information technology firms — and are going after financial services providers and retailers, she said.

“Even hotels and coffee shops are not immune,” Ramirez said, and the costs to consumers “appear increasingly tangible and direct.”

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2013/07/17/support-for-patent-troll-legislation-builds/#sthash.Fb1QAAW4.dpuf

 

Support for ‘patent troll’ legislation builds | Inman News.

The Art and Science of Creating a Successful Blog Post | Cross River Realtor

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The creative geek has never had it so good.The Art and Science of Creating a Successful Blog Post

They have the web tools, apps and the social networks that keep poking them  with global gems of content inspiration and ideas. It is a revealed universe of  possibilities. What we are seeing in this century is the synergy between  the art of creation and science of technology.

Gutenberg would be turning in his grave if he saw what is happening in the  new world of publishing.

So we now have the online tools to publish your inspirations. Google has  freed us from the tyranny of remembering and finding facts. This is leading to  an explosion of  prolific and innovative ideas and expression. It  could be music created with an app, a photo that is captured on a smart phone  and filtered or it could be creating an article for a blog.

It is the synthesis of art and science.

Creating a successful blog post is creativity enabled by technology both in  production, delivery and marketing.

The Art

This starts with an idea for your article. It might appear while driving,  talking with a friend or during a wakeful moment at 2am (that is when this idea  turned up). It may be inspired by a book, a passing tweet or a brainstorming  session at a workshop.

Whenever the idea strikes, grab a pen, your phone or that napkin at the  coffee shop. Writing in blood is always an option…because failing to capture an  idea due to forgetfulness can sometimes feel like losing one of your  children.

The writing for me can start two ways.

  1. Creating the introduction (that’s how this one started)
  2. Mapping out the structure and framework for the post (that often  happens)

Neither is right or wrong but the creation has to start. Sitting down at the  computer laden desk with my two screens, keyboard and my mouse and starting the  mundane action is next.

As the words arrive the next phase is the wrangling and wrestling with the  text, phrases and even the sub-titles. Many a blog post has an ugly face but as  you massage it and apply the makeup it can turn into a thing of beauty.

That is certainly the intent.

Next is the internal discussion with myself as to whether I need to  illustrate and elaborate my ideas with a screen shot, an image, add a video or  even plonk in a Slideshare presentation.

Sometimes it goes beyond the words.

The Science

WordPress is the technology and foundation tool of choice for this blog.

The science support crew includes the following:

1. Snagit

This is the screen capture tool I use for screen shots, inserting call out  text boxes and arrows and even shadow and torn edge effects. I couldn’t do  without it.

2. WordPress Plugins

You cannot do without these to enhance your productivity and marketing  effectiveness.

This includes.

  • SEO Plugins (such as WordPress SEO or Yoast)
  • Akismet (this software stops the spammers)
  • BackWPup (this backs up my blog),
  • Facebook like box (you can like my Facebook page without leaving my  blog)
  • GetSocial (my floating social media sharing buttons)

This is not an exhaustive list but all of these I couldn’t do without.

Read more at http://www.jeffbullas.com/2013/07/17/the-art-and-science-of-creating-a-successful-blog-post/#AIPsxa7OmCCbSHBa.99

‘Long way to go before the caldron bubbles over’: CoreLogic | Cross River Real Estate

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Analytics firm CoreLogic argued in its latest MarketPulse report that the housing market is not on the road to bubble territory, and rising interest rates will only make it less likely for it to head in that direction.

“Economists are often referred to as dismal scientists because of their emphasis on the downside of economic events. However, CoreLogic is prepared to offer an optimistic opinion about the U.S. housing market,” read the report. “CoreLogic does not believe the market is experiencing a housing bubble, either nationally or even in some of the fastest-growing markets.”

The firm also said that housing today remains highly affordable relative to historical norms.

“For housing price affordability to return to the average level that we saw in the years between 2000 and 2004, either home prices would have to rise an additional 47 percent or interest rates rise to 6.75 percent,” CoreLogic said.

“So while the bubble opinions swirl like the words of Shakespeare, ‘Double, double toil and trouble/Fire burn and caldron bubble,’ this housing market still has a long way to go before the caldron bubbles over,” the report later added.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/wire/long-way-to-go-before-the-caldron-bubbles-over-corelogic/#sthash.SYMVwu20.dpuf

Memphis real estate market continues improvement | Cross River Real Estate

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The rebound in the Shelby County housing market continued in the second quarter.

Total home sales in the quarter were up 11 percent from previous year levels, with a total of 4,226 total homes sold in the county. According to Chandler Reports,total sales volume was up 21 percent as well.

The average sales price in Shelby County was $141,303, a 9 percent improvement over the $129,316 average sales price in the second quarter of last year.

The 38017 ZIP code in Collierville saw the highest number of sales in the quarter. A total of 290 homes were sold in that area alone.

 

Memphis real estate market continues improvement – Memphis Business Journal.

Greenwich, Take Steps To Avoid Mosquitoes And West Nile Virus | Cross River Real Estate

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The discovery of a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus in Norwalk last week renews the summer fear of insect bites.

The Connecticut Mosquito Management Program advises the best way to avoid the West Nile virus is to lower your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

Here are steps to take to avoid the annoying summer pests, according to the Mosquito Management Program:

  • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect babies when outdoors.
  • Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when outdoors.

Restricting mosquito breeding habitats can greatly lessen the potential for West Nile virus to become a significant human health threat, the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program says.

To protect you and your family from mosquitoes and the West Nile virus, it advises you:

  • Reduce the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding around your home.
  • Empty standing water from used or discarded tires, including tire swings, that may have accumulated on your property.
  • Dispose of cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers. Do not overlook containers that have become overgrown by vegetation.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. Drainage holes on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters annually. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use. A wading pool becomes a mosquito producer if it is not used regularly.
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths. Change water in birdbaths and wading pools weekly.
  • Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens are fashionable but become major mosquito producers if they stagnate.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, even if not being used. A swimming pool left untended during a vacation can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Mosquitoes may breed in the water that collects on swimming pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property. Mosquitoes can develop in any puddle that lasts more than seven to 10 days

 

Greenwich, Take Steps To Avoid Mosquitoes And West Nile Virus | The Greenwich Daily Voice.

Hot Real Estate Market Causes Unexpected Glitch For Buyers, Sellers | Cross River Real Estate

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The real estate market in the Boston area has been crazy lately and that’s adding up to trouble for both buyers and sellers.

 

Demand is way up and inventory is way down. That means buyers are all chomping at the bit to bid on the few houses that are on the market. “I’ve had clients this spring who have offered on properties without even seeing them,” explained realtor Kerrianne Ciccone.

 

In the most popular neighborhoods, sellers are routinely getting multiple offers above the asking price. While that may sound like great news for Ciccone’s clients like Neil Maniar, it can create some problems. “You never quite know what you are going to get into when you sell your house,” Maniar said.

 

One of the biggest unknowns in the current market is the appraisal. If a bidding war pushes the price above asking, the appraisal may come in too low.

 

 

Appraisers use recent sales to set the value of a home, but prices have been rising so fast that sales from a few months ago are out of step with current rates. That, according to Boston realtor P.T. Vineburgh, can put both buyer and seller back to square one. “It could completely create an inability for someone to secure financing,” he said. “Our company has definitely lost deals,” he added.

 

New rules to avoid another mortgage meltdown are also causing problems. Banks can no longer hire their own appraisers and that means appraisers are sometimes sent to unfamiliar territory. Vineburgh says he almost lost a deal because an appraiser from the Cape was sent to evaluate a condo in the Back Bay.

 

“He valued the parking space at like $20, 000,” he said. You may recall a parking space in that neighborhood recently sold for $560,000.

 

If you are a buyer and your appraisal comes in low, here are a few things to try.

 

Put more money down. The bank is more likely to sign off if you improve the loan-to-value ratio.

Renegotiate the price with the seller. They may be willing to come down rather than start from scratch.

Find another bank and hope the appraisal comes back higher.

Everything worked out for the Maniars, but it was a stressful time. “There certainly were a couple of knots in our stomachs,” he said.

 

Rising interest rates could put a damper on this frenzied market, but as long as inventories stay low, there will still be stiff competition for the few homes that are available.

 

Hot Real Estate Market Causes Unexpected Glitch For Buyers, Sellers « CBS Boston.

Innovations in ‘big data’ set to take off | Cross River Real Estate

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The sheer volume and types of real estate data available may be akin to drinking from a firehose, but the technology available to wrangle that data is rapidly becoming cheaper and easier to use.

“In the past three years, costs have gone through the floor. The cost of doing (data) integration is so cheap now. The ability for you to integrate and pull in data now from (different sources) has completely changed. You can build something in an afternoon,” said Jack Miller, chief technology officer for the The Goodlife Team, an Austin, Texas-based boutique brokerage.

Miller spoke on a panel about how to work with real estate data at today’s Real Estate Connect San Francisco conference.

Miller noted that data is becoming normalized and “making everybody’s life easier.” He pointed to the Spark API from multiple listing service software provider FBS as an example. The API allows authorized MLS members and developers access to MLS data standardized according to the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) Data Dictionary, which includes some common vocabulary for fields used to represent real estate data in MLSs.

Previously, vendors had to tailor their products to the standards of different MLSs, which stymied innovation in the industry as a whole and allowed other industries to innovate faster, Miller said.

“Now that things are normalized, new tools can come to the market and spread much, much faster,” he said.

– See more at: http://www.inman.com/2013/07/10/innovations-in-big-data-set-to-take-off/#sthash.yaN6KaCf.dpuf

 

Innovations in ‘big data’ set to take off | Inman News.