Social Media Networking For Business?

Jan 31, 2009 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

I do believe that the internet erased time, geography, gender, and age. It's about an intellect to intellect exchange of information. Virtual reality seems to imply a lesser form of communication, but perhaps it's actually more important? All those "exteriors" don't get in the way! Might be the same for our potential clients. Buyers report that their initial search is over the internet, and can take place for a lengthy time. Finally, they contact a realtor in the area that they've decided to explore in more depth. Why did they choose that realtor?

Undertones Of Change...

Jan 30, 2009 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

If we're in the middle of a societal shift, the true birth of the "real 21st Century", then it's clearly not biz as usual, anywhere. The role of a realtor has changed significantly. Searches for area information and listing information is done passively, by the potential buyer, via the internet. There is no "propeller" to action in such a scenario. It's a consumer centric model. The buyer can lurk there for a lengthy time, before deciding to act. This has nothing to do with market conditions. If a realtor gets a call, in such a case, is it because they were the last realtor noticed, when the buyer had decided to "act"?? The big question, then, for a real estate agent, becomes how to differentiate, so that the buyer/consumer puts their name/number into their mind bank, and thus calls when they're ready. A focused call, then, and not just a random encounter, because they were seen on some site, at the "right moment". Maybe stressing the interpretive function of the real estate process is the answer? Being automatically thought of as the "local expert"? And that is accomplished how? Your thoughts are always welcome!

The case for Bailout vs. Hand-out

Jan 29, 2009 — Compass

The recently passed piece of legislation in our US House of Representatives for the so called $825 billion dollar economic stimulus is a load of ear-mark spending that will possibly generate 1,000,000 jobs according to reputable economists. Let's see, that amounts to $825,000 per job created! I don't know about you, but that seems very expensive! If all 143,000,000 workers in America's workforce received a check from Uncle Sam for $5,769, that might actually do some good! We could use that money for real purchases, down payments on cars, paying down some of the $1.5 trillion in consumer credit card debt that is outstanding,making up for the losses of 401k's, or saving your house if you recently lost a job!

The New York Times Great Homes and Destinations

Jan 27, 2009

By Simon Turner of Marquette Turner The New York Times, arguably one of the world’s most respected publications in the English-speaking world, has chosen Marquette Turner Luxury Homes as the expert for their “For Sale in…Australia” feature. Choosing a former convent dating back to 1897 that has been converted into a luxury home as the subject of the Great Homes & Destinations article, journalist Virginia C McGuire reports from her conversation with our companies Co-President, Michael Marquette on the current state of the luxury real estate market in Australia, where international buyers are coming from, as well as some useful information on buying real estate in Australia.

Is cash still valid as an investment medium?

Jan 26, 2009 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

Last September, I began to wonder when our buyer would realize that everything is up for negotiation, and that includes reviewing the "cash is king" adage. When we saw the housing market, the banks/financial systems, and the stock market all in disarray, and all at the same time, which had never happened before, it was a clear signal that the shift is societal. With the amount of paper monies being printed, globally, to try to stem the changes, and with nothing to back same except a government, and with nothing to back the guarantee of a bank account, except a government, it may be that cash is a very dangerous place to rest. Even though we are currently in a deleveraging/deflationary moment, such hyperspeed printing of currency usually ends in hyperinflation. A saavy investor, then, currently resting in cash, might be seen to be prudent by re-looking at quality real estate, especially in protected investment areas (places where the inventory will always be low, due to zoning/bylaw growth restrictions, topographical restrictions, etc.). Your thoughts????

Li Read's blogs:

Jan 25, 2009 — Liane ("Li") Read, Sea to Sky Real Estate

I have been writing a daily blog, since 2005. You can find this at: www.liread.com/blog.htm I also have a blog through the Active Rain site (www.saltspringli.com). My blog features events on the Southern Gulf Islands, including on Salt Spring Island, highlights some of the very interesting people who live here, and gives market updates, highlights specific listings, and also offers stories on the Islands...your comments are always welcomed!

Out With 2008, In With 2009

Jan 21, 2009

By Jazmin L. Lovenguth of Resources Real Estate Well, as leave an eventful 2008 that was filled with breakdowns, bailouts and the bear chasing the bull out of town, keep in mind - this too shall pass. To be honest, as an area we did prove more resilient than many others. Our local banks have not disappeared into the night. In fact, several of them have reported not even one foreclosure. Why? Nothing amazingly clever, just making sure that the borrower has a job, an income that is accurate and an appraisal that is not based on speculative future value.

Scheduled Downtime for the Lounge

Jan 16, 2009

We are discussing how to minimize downtime, as well as how to provide advanced notice of scheduled downtime.

The "Miracle on the Hudson"

Jan 16, 2009

Our member Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty was featured today on CNN and FOX News regarding the miraculous plane crash in the New York. He owns a home in San Francisco and is a friend and neighbor of the pilot, Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III. Click here to watch the video

The Island Nations of the Bahamas

Jan 15, 2009

By George Damianos of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty.  Just east of the Florida coastline lies the beautiful Island Nations of The Bahamas - a coral archipelago scattered over 700 miles of sparkling turquoise waters with 700 Islands and 2,000 Cays and Rocks. With only 29 islands inhabited by a significant number of people, the Bahamas has a population of over 270,000 people, shared mostly among the major islands (New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Andros, Bimini, Cat Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, and Long Island).
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