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Pound Ridge Real Estate

Relevant is the New Black – Stop Sucking and Start Mattering | Pound Ridge Real Estate

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This isn’t breaking news or an exclusive by any means.

If I did years of extensive research, analyzed data, built fancy charts, used 3-D graphs on my iPad, and touted inarguable, NAR homebuyer and seller survey-backed findings, it would lead to just five words.

Follow-up in real estate sucks.

I define “sucks” two different ways.

The first: It sucks that there is not more time in each day to follow up with people you have already built a good relationship with or helped buy or sell a home. If someone is not currently in the market to buy or sell, only so many minutes can be allotted to relationship maintenance.

Especially, I should add, if you actually produce significant GCI (gross commission income) or carry a lot of listings.

I wish there were a perfect world. One where all you did was chit-chatted with friends on Facebook all day whom you worked with previously, just calling your sphere to say hello and asking how the kids are.

Too bad you are busy as hell and reality is such an important thing to consider when running a business.

Bottom line? Past clients and referrals make or break your business, but you could likely receive more if you followed up effectively.

The other way follow-up sucks in real estate is that it lacks the most important thing in marketing right now: context.

As the social Web has evolved, experiences are becoming increasingly personalized. This includes ads and marketing messages that we are exposed to.

This change means you need to completely re-evaluate your follow-up marketing strategy with your sphere of influence.

Here’s why: When an ad runs in my stream on Facebook that says, “Are you 33? Do you love your iPad? Kids using it too?” The answers are yes and yes and yes. I actually welcome ads like that with open arms. I can’t wait to click them and see where they lead.

Meanwhile in the real estate industry I see marketing like: fajita recipe cards, sports calendars, set-your-clock-back reminders, open house invitations, emailed market reports, and just listed/just sold postcards.

These are things that lack context with 95 percent of people with a pulse.

You have to go deeper in 2012.

In fact, either dig deep or go to sleep (feel free to tweet that).

With everything you do moving forward, please take a moment and ask yourself, whether it is a post card, business card, Facebook update, tweet or phone call, “Is this RELEVANT to the recipient?”

Don’t bullshit here either. Be honest with yourself. It’s critical.

Relevant is the new black.

Contactually, a popular new social CRM (customer relationship manager), can help your efforts towards increased relevancy, both tremendously and immediately.

Money and Happiness

It makes staying in touch with the right contacts fun and simple. I especially enjoy the way it helps you segment your social and email databases into relevant categories. It happens in an interactive game called “The bucket game.” It’s a jovial and quick way to get your unorganized list of contacts into one or more categories (like buyer, seller, past client, Facebook friend, etc.) By approaching this tedious task with a gaming approach, it is actually really fun and you are done in no time at all.

Bucket Your Contacts

Contactually connects your email and social media accounts, analyzes your history with each relationship, and automatically prompts you in a daily email to re-engage with important people who are slipping off your radar.

By leveraging the social graph, anytime you call, email, tweet, Facebook or LinkedIn message someone from Contactually, you have what is relevant to them, in real time, in the form of their live social streams. If their latest tweet was about their kid’s baseball game, there is your reason to call.

The paid version of Contactually also brings integration into Gmail, Salesforce, Highrise, and many other popular and robust CRMs.

Increased context and relevancy with your sphere of influence, with a little help from a software. I dig it.

Of all the dings in your agent armor, an important person slipping off your radar should be considered a big, fat dent. Avoided at all costs.

If your current marketing efforts are extinguishing more interest in what you do than they are generating actual new business, time for a pivot.

You can learn more about Contactually or sign up for a 30-day free trial now.

Or you can reorder sports calendars for 2013. The choice is yours.

via next.inman.com

Social Media and Social Change | Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

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Social Media and Social Change [INFOGRAPHIC]

Thanks to Social Media, individuals and organizations have been empowered to advance social change in education like never before. Check out this great infographic witch has some good statistics and ways how only one person could make a diffrence in social media.

Social Media Social Change 800 675x2503 Social Media and Social Change [INFOGRAPHIC]

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via dreamgrow.com

How the Internet has Changed in the Last 10 Years [Infographic] | Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

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lg share en How the Internet has Changed in the Last 10 Years [Infographic]

It’s time to appreciate how far we’ve come.

the internet a decade later How the Internet has Changed in the Last 10 Years [Infographic]

Here’s an interesting infographic that has been making the rounds across social media for the last two weeks. It visualizes the spectacular rise of the Internet in just 10 years. In 2002, the Internet boasted 569 million users, which translated to 9.1% of the world’s population. In 2012, that number has gone through the roof: There are now 2.27 billion users, or 33% of the world’s population.

Another formidable stat is the amount of time people spend online — in 2002, it was only 46 minutes a day (about the time it took to download four songs); in 2012, it’s four hours a day.

Also highlighted in the infographic are some companies that have paid a steep price for their unwillingness adapt to the changes:

  • Blockbuster refused numerous offers to buy Netflix and was reluctant to roll out subscription-based membership. The company filed for bankruptcy on 2010, and was bought at auction by satellite television provider Dish Network. Dish is closing a large number of unprofitable stores and has scrapped plans to make Blockbuster into a Netflix competitor.
  • Borders refused to create an online bookstore. It also declared bankruptcy and liquidated its stores in 2011.
  • Tower Records was slow to adapt to digital music. It declared bankruptcy twice, in 2004 and 2006. The brand currently exists as an international franchise and an online music store, a shell of its former self. I miss you, Tower Records!

the growth of the internet last 10 years 2002 2012 How the Internet has Changed in the Last 10 Years [Infographic]

pixel How the Internet has Changed in the Last 10 Years [Infographic]

via pamorama.net

4 questions to ask before following the homebuying herd | Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

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Many pundits believe that now is a good time to buy a home. Interest rates are low and are predicted to be higher by the end of next year. Home prices are still low in many places. And, there are indications that prices are starting to rise, at least in major metropolitan areas. From June to July, the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index rose 1.6 percent in 20 big cities in the nation.

Although buyers are clamoring to buy, don’t make the mistake of buying now just because many people are house hunting. Before jumping into the fray, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Are you prepared for the responsibilities and risks of homeownership?

Unlike renting, where the landlord usually pays for maintaining the property, you are responsible for repairs when you own. And, it’s ongoing.

Most buyers don’t factor in the cost and time of maintenance into their home buying decision. It’s a must to keep up on maintenance for your personal enjoyment of the property and to protect its value. Deferred maintenance can diminish your net proceeds when you sell.

HOUSE HUNTING TIP: Buying is a more permanent commitment than renting. Real property is not a liquid asset. You can’t cash in a home like you can a bond or stocks. You shouldn’t buy if you don’t plan on staying in your home for a reasonable period of time, say five to 10 years. If you’re not forced to sell your home in a down market, you can avoid a loss.

2. Can you afford to buy a home with the amenities you need in a location where you want to live?

Contact a mortgage broker or loan agent to find out how much you can afford to pay. Then, consider your personal financial situation and determine how much you feel comfortable paying. In some places, it’s actually less expensive to own than to rent a home because rents have skyrocketed. And, there are tax benefits associated with owning your home that aren’t available to renters.

Once you know how much you are able and willing to pay, find out what sort of housing is available in neighborhoods where you’d like to live. You can do some of this research on the Internet. Search by area to see what’s available in your price range. Attend Sunday open houses to get a feel for what kind of home you can expect to buy.

3. Are you willing to compromise?

The perfect home does not exist. So, you will have to compromise to some extent. Make a list of the features you need and want in a home. Then prioritize the list. For example, you may want to have four bedrooms but can live with three if the home has the other essentials you need.

4. Are you willing to take the time and make the effort to carry out due diligence investigations in order to ensure that you make a wise purchase decision?

You can’t delegate this important step to someone else. A good real estate agent will help you make good choices. However, you are the decision-maker.

In addition to having the property thoroughly inspected by qualified inspectors, you need to find out if there is any reason why you shouldn’t buy a property you’re considering. Is there any change in the neighborhood that will impact its value, like a freeway due to be built nearby that will create a noise nuisance? Try to keep your emotions in check and don’t dismiss negative news about the home you love, or pay too much.

THE CLOSING: Homebuying is a lot of work and can be stressful. The benefit is that you will be master of your own domain, which could increase in value over time and improve your net worth when you sell.

via inman.com

Pound Ridge NY real estate sales up 34% – Prices down 7% | RobReportBlog | Pound Ridge NY Real Estate

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Pound Ridge NY Real Estate Report   –    RobReportBlog   –   Sept 2012Sales over the past six months

2012

43   homes sold

$680,000   median price

2011

32  homes sold

$732,500  median price

Homes sales jumped 34% as the median sales price fell 7%.

via trulia.com

Realtors® Confidence Index: Residential Market Recovery Continues | Pound Ridge NY Realtor

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The recent Realtors® Confidence Index survey shows that the residential real estate markets continue to recover. Respondents continued to note problems associated with real estate transactions:

  • Obtaining a mortgage continues to be difficult for individuals with lower credit scores or individuals with non-standard credit characteristics, e.g., self-employed.
  • Bargain hunters and low-price bids continue.
  • The short sale process continues to be slow and frustrating.
  • Pricing continues to be a challenge.
  • The appraisal process continues to be a problem.

However, fewer respondents noted major problems than had previously been the case. In contrast, a growing number of respondents indicated a growing number of cases of multiple offers, fewer seller concessions, low inventories, and some increase in buyer interest. Many respondents noted that correctly priced properties sell quickly.

The graph for “Total Home Sales” on a twelve month roll (i.e., total sales for the current and previous 11 months reported monthly) shows a market achieving stability from a sales viewpoint, with modest improvement expected based on continued economic and employment expansion. This is consistent with the survey conclusions.

The media has discussed home prices in detail for the last four years. The graph “Prices By Month” indicates that home prices have been headed towards stability. NAR’s forecast is for the attainment of stable prices this year.

The available data indicate continued expansion in residential real estate markets. Like all forecasts, this conclusion is subject to market risks affecting the outlook:

Potentially Negative News

  • The Economic Recovery is slow and weaker than normal: Unexpected and unfavorable economic news (i.e., a European bond default, an additional run-up in gas prices) could have a negative impact on the recovery.
  • Credit standards imposed by financial institutions in making a mortgage are reported as excessively stringent.
  • Job gains are well below normal.
  • Consumer Confidence is lower than would otherwise be expected.

Potentially Positive News

  • Falling Inventories of homes for sale.
  • Stabilization of Distressed Sales in the neighborhood of 30 to 35 percent.
  • Home Affordability: Low interest rates and attractive prices continue to facilitate home purchases.
  • Demographics: Sales are at a level of approximately 10 years ago, but the population has increased significantly.

The economic recovery is clearly weaker than the historical norm, but appears to be proceeding. Realtor® confidence and price expectations are higher than was the case a few months ago, rising rental rates have favorable implications for home sales, and time on market continues to decrease. Prices and interest rates continue to be lower than has been the case in the past. These are the reasons that we continue to view the outlook as favorable for home purchases.

Given that the typical homeowner will occupy a house for approximately 8 years and that home ownership is basically a lifestyle decision, one can make a very good case that this is a good time to buy a house, remembering that staying within a reasonable budget and acceptable mortgage is important. Additional information on a variety of topics related to current residential market conditions may be found at http://www.realtor.org/reports/realtors-confidence-index.

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via economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org

Pound Ridge NY Homes | REALTORS® Report Local Banks as Largest Source of Finance Capital

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  • Lending conditions continue to remain tight for commercial real estate investments. This is especially pertinent for small businesses and investors looking for properties in secondary and tertiary markets.
  • In the wake of the post 2008-09 recession shakeout, large banks have been reluctant to underwrite commercial real estate investments.
  • According to the 2012 Commercial Lending Survey, large national banks accounted for only 21 percent of commercial deals.
  • In contrast, local banks provided the bulk of financing capital for commercial deals, with 64 percent of closed sales.
  • Private investors and regional banks were the other major sources of funding, with 45 percent and 44 percent of sales, respectively.
  • The Small Business Administration provided funding for 29 percent of closed transactions.

via economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org

How to Grow Your YouTube Subscriptions | Pound Ridge Realtor

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As part of your video marketing strategy you are likely to be sharing your videos on platforms like YouTube. There are different ways to measure the success of your videos and your presence on YouTube. These include the amount of videos you produce and upload, the amount of views your videos get and also the number of subscribers you have to your YouTube channel.

When someone subscribes to your YouTube channel, they will see all updates to your channel on a personalised feed. Subscribers represent a stable audience base with an active interest in your videos. This type of engagement enables viewers to feel part of a community in which they can interact with like-minded people and the makers of the videos themselves.

Subscribers are likely to be genuinely interested in your content. They are more likely to recommend you to others as a result.

Here are some tips to help you grow YouTube subscriptions to your channel

1. Don’t do ‘subs for subs’

This means don’t subscribe to lots of random channels for the sake of subscribing so that you get a reciprocal YouTube subscription. The value of subscribers using this method is minimal in comparison to attracting genuinely interested parties more organically.

2. Be original

If you are producing original and unique video content you are more likely to stimulate interest. If your titles and content are the same as everyone else’s, you will more difficult to find.

3. Upload new content regularly

Regularly doesn’t have to mean frequently or every week for example. But for a channel to be successful, you need to be producing content. This new content will not only draw in new subscribers, it will also keep existing subscribers interested and engaged.

4. Reply to comments and messages

It is important that you interact with other YouTube users to help your channel grow. It can be time consuming but if you don’t make the effort you won’t be be able to compete with other channels. Try to reply to comments and messages from people – even if just to say thank you.

5. Put thought into your titles and descriptions

Well thought through titles and descriptions, with some consideration to SEO, will help draw interested parties to your channel.

6. Have an organised and professional looking channel

Make sure that you have a picture, your company logo maybe, and ensure that you include contact details in your channel description.

7. Get your name out there

Interact where relevant e.g. by leaving comments on other people’s videos that might attract the same target audience as your own business. It is important to be professional and positive in these interactions. You should also utilise social networking opportunities but don’t spam people.

8. Collaborations

If you have opportunities to do collaborative projects with other businesses you will open the door to their subscribers too. Collaborations are a great way to introduce yourself to people who are likely to have a predisposed interest in what you have to say.

How subscriptions work:

Author: Neil Davidson     Neil Davidson on the Web Neil Davidson on Facebook Neil Davidson on Twitter Neil Davidson RSS Feed

Neil Davidson is the Founder of My Web Presenters, who are a leading Video Production specialist. My Web Presenters work with businesses of all sizes to create and market compelling and emotive video that helps them to communicate with their specific audience…. View full profile

via business2community.com