The Lafayette Report

Do you make these mistakes with your blog?

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:19:41 PDT

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

Think about the reasons you blog (what are yours?)

To build a trust between you and potential clients

To provide information and knowledge about your industry and area

To network with clients and real estate professionals

If the first two are reasons you blog, wouldn't that lead you to the thought that you should be promoting the fact that you blog to your clients?

Do your clients know you blog?

As I mentioned in a previous post, does your email address have your blog url? Do you have a link on your website that directs people to your blog?

We all know that blogging helps with Search Engine Optimization, but how about the trust you are building with your audience (readers and fellow agents) by providing relevant, must read topics.

Think about some of the posts you have read, one that comes to my mind is Jason Crouch's post in which he goes through conversations he's had with clients or associates. He uses what naturally occurs in his day to relate to his readers and provide valuable information. In my opinion there's always something to learn from his posts and why I return often (and you should too.) Like Jason, are you using what happens in your day to relate and engage your readers?

If you are simply blogging to fill your day with something to do then I ask you to seriously think if you're time could be better spent doing something else.   However, if you are blogging because you're interested and passionate about what you do and you have the desire to engage your clients and potential clients, then consider these things:

Do you have your target audience in mind? And are you providing them with relevant information?

            First Time Home Buyers

            Relocation Clients

            Home Sellers

Grasping their needs will grow your readership.

Are you showcasing your local expertise? Are you providing relevant topics about your community, real estate, and your involvement in your community? If you mention you work with people relocating are you covering that topic?

For that matter - look at your profile (after you finish reading my blog) - do you have areas of expertise listed but you don't cover topics in your blog that are related to them?

Are you approachable? Do you write with a conversational style that compels your readers to want to engage in a dialogue with you? Do they continue to come back to see what you've written next.

Are you engaging in a conversation and sharing with them why what you're writing should matter to them?

Will your readers (home buyers, sellers and other agents) choose to work with you?

Other things to consider:

Write with the reader in mind.

Are you providing advice that you yourself would take?

Tell a story, make people laugh, provide solutions to their problems

Share who you are - be honest, be yourself not who you think your reader wants you to be

Pictures help tell your story - pick good ones that help you express exactly what you mean and that will have your readers relating to the topic.



Do you ever get discouraged after you feel you've created "your best blog ever" only to see that a blog about "popcorn" got featured? The important thing to remember when blogging is that you are providing an outlet for people to share ideas and engage with you, so don't get frustrated - keep at it.

Have fun when you blog. Engage your readers and provide them with a diversion from the chaos of their world, even if just for a little bit. Your readers will appreciate it and will return often.

I know this is not one of my typical blogs of providing you with useful tools and information on marketing, but I thought what the heck, share a little about my thoughts when it comes to engaging your reader (that does still count as marketing doesn't it?) I also speak from personal experience both as a recent home buyer, knowing the topics I would want to read about and as someone that reads all of your blogs.

Would love to hear your thoughts and comments on how you let your clients know about your blog and the reasons why you blog.

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

PREA Signature Realty is a full service brokerage located at 1709 Park Avenue in the Lafayette Square neighborhood of the City of St. Louis. PREA Signature proudly serves the following city neighborhoods: Lafayette Square, Soulard, Benton Park, Benton Park West, Downtown Loft District, Forest Park Southwest, Central West End, Tower Grove East, Tower Grove South, Compton Heights, Shaw, The Hill, Dogtown, Carondelet, Holly Hills, St. Louis Hills, Dutchtown, and the Other Historic Neighborhoods of the City of Saint Louis, Missouri.

The opinions expressed herein represent the opinions of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of PREA Signature Realty. All photos and written content were produced by PREA Signature Realty. All Rights Reserved - PREA Signature Realty (2009). This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain re-blogging, without express written permission of PREA Signature Realty.

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

7 Places to find your next blog topic

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:20:39 PDT

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

I've discovered blogging is a strange and funny thing. But I do love it!

When I think about blogging it reminds me how I got into this medium of sharing my thoughts and ideas.  The blogging bug bit me when I created a family website for my upcoming wedding 3 years ago to get my family interested in all the fun things we were doing in preparation for the big day.  I forgot about how addicting it soon became. My brother in law was the most addicted of us all and yes, our fascination continues with other sites that we all still frequent. Fast forward and here I am today blogging on AR with all of you.

Many times, like you, I come across blog titles or blogs that are the same, or you see similar topics with different spinstaken and then you come across a blog that is both unique in its title and content. Sometimes, it feels that we may run out of new material and there will be nothing left to blog about. Nah!

So, being curious by nature, I'm just going to ask you - where do you come up with the topics for your blog?

For those of you who arenew to blogging or just fresh out of ideas, perhaps you will consider these tips:

Sometimes your next blog topic is where you least expect it.

1. Newspaper - Go through the local newspaper (hardcopy or online version.)   Write a new blog article telling your readers about a news item you read in the paper. Look for articles that are real estate related, or, find a way a put a real estate spin on an otherwise unrelated article. Do a search for "real estate" on Google News, and look for blogging ideas.

2. MLS Statistics and Updates- Each month gather data from whatever MLS you're linked up with, and publish statistics from the previous month. Show the number of new listings, properties sold, average price, average square foot, price per square foot. Be sure to post these in Localism for your area.

Funny and weird stuff - Everyone loves to read stories about the strange, odd, and funny.   Come across something funny or weird - blog about it. Whether you find it in the newspaper, magazine, real estate news forums - you can talk about it in your blog. This will lead people to your blog and website is a great way to show your personality to your reading audience.

Tips - Identify one tip for buyers or sellers, for example, the smell of a house when you first walk in, or a tip about curb appeal and go in-depth on it, devoting a few paragraphs to the topic.

Your Listings - If you're going to blog about a new property you've just listed, use a different title for each one. For example, use the neighborhood or give it a unique name as the title, "Yardley Estates Home For Sale". This will create more keyword variation for search engine indexing.

What's new - Write about what you've been doinglately. Sometimes your blog will be about real estate, other times it will be about the things you've experienced - sometimes it will be about both. Point is, don't just write about one thing - mix it up and share a part of yourself. (Get those tags and keywords driving traffic to your posts.)

Visit, comment and React to other blogs - Visit the many AR blogs (the ones you've subscribed to, your subscribers and be sure to visit the groups you've joined) and visit them regularly.   Visiting these groups, in addition to the featured postswill not only help you with your blogging but will also build the opportunities you have to connect with fellow bloggers who could know your next client.

When you read something that interests you, leave a comment and then react to it by writing an article on your blog. Then, include a link to that other blog article (it's always nice and appreciated when you can pay it forward.) When finished, write to that blogger, let him/her know that you mentioned them. I'm sure they will be interested to see what you've written and you may just gain a comment and a subscriber.

Always be sure to make the blog content your own. Post it as a reblog or post with "This is not my content but I have permission to repost it." Your fellow bloggers will appreciate you following these blogging rules and etiquette.

When you've run out of ideas about what to blog about, I hope these 7 places will help you generate some ideas on where to find some great blog content.

Feel free to share where and how you get your ideas , (maybe there's a great place I did not mention) and this will be especially helpful for the newbies. Because if you're like me, you want to keep the content out here meaningful and helpful and that starts by sharing.

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

7 ways the internet has changed real estate

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:25:55 PDT

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

With a focus on social networking, looking for ways to increase your productivity and the fact that you realize your clients are so internet savvy, it's no wonderwe rely so much on the internet these days to improve and increase our business.

So while some initially thought that the internet would negatively impact real estate agents, in fact it's had quite the opposite effect.

Here are 7 ways that I see how the internet has changed real estate. See if you agree and if you would add anything to the list.

Awareness

Before the internet, access to information about real estate was limited to cold calling, direct mail pieces, hearing about them from a friend or reading about it in an ad or publication.

Nowadays, customers are more educated and better at seeking information via the internet. This is good news for real estate because we now have vehicles like Active Rain and other social networking sites, websites, and places to post your listings and services. Now customers can find you by simply searching in Google, looking at your blogs and other news sites. Think about how many Open Houses you used to do - now perhaps you still do some, but you can do virtual open houses and get the information out to far more people than the ones who simply show up at your local open house. The internet has increased your reach.

Targeting

By writing targeted messages and posts, using keywords that drive potential clients to your sites and focusing your business in a niche market you are increasing the chances that a potential client will discover you. As I mentioned in a previous post, it's important to look at your profile and to focus on your areas of expertisethat you have outlined and write about them in your blog.

Education

Before the internet, information about your company and solutions were not readily available to the general public. Today, the internet brings more access to information and buyers and sellers are educating themselves before they speak to an agent. This is why it's important to educate yourself as well on targeting your website pages and blogs with keywords to engage and capture prospects so that when they are looking for an agent and hey do their google search they will discover you. They will learn that you will provide them with content and information that will help them progress through the process of buying or selling a home with you.

Free offers

One of the most important things to a prospective client is whether you have services and solutions that will meet their needs. Before the internet you were only sending clients information about your services - providing offers for a free home evaluation or offering them a newsletter that you didn't know if it was being looked at much less read.

Now, you can have them simply complete a form that gets sent directly to you - they can opt in and request the newsletter themselves which means they want the information you are offering and that provides feedback to you that you are offering relevant information to your consumers.

Events

Now you have a way to share in real time, events going on in your area, from your website to Localism/your blog. Once again you are showing them you are involved in your community (their community) and that's something they can relate to. It could be as simple as highlighting a place in your community - making them aware of a great place with great services and it could be about a place that you frequent and who knows maybe they will see you there.

Sales

The internet has transformed your role. By leveraging the internet for awareness and education, marketing now generates leads that need the human contact. Nowadays, if they're contacting you they are generally interested in selling or buying a home. Remember, consumers are very educated now - they're reading your blogs.

Customer Experience after the transaction

The internet has changed how many agents and real estate professionals think about their customers once the transaction is complete. Now agents want to stay in touch with clients and find every way possible to do just that. We have realized that our Sphere of Influence is a powerful group with a far reach and the benefits of staying in touch with them are extremely valuable. They are contributors to your success. For many, you can actually say you've gained a valuable friendship and long term relationship with your customers.



I will leave you with these thoughts - I think we can all agree that the internet has had a great impact on the way real estate business is done both good news for the consumer and all real estate professionals.

But an important thing to remember is that real estate is not just about the transactions, it is about relationships. Consumers are entrusting you to guide them through what could possible be the biggest decisions of their life. Make sure you are reaching your audience by providing relevant information and you are offering them services that meet THEIR needs.

The success of using the internet to get your information out there to consumers is quite important but remember: it's what you do and how you do it after you have provided them the information they are seeking that will make all the difference to your business and overall success in the end.



So how has the Internet changed YOUR business?

Additional comments:

As Bill Gillhespy commented and I love the point: "The internet allows a potential client to remain at a comfortable distance until they have a comfort level." This is your opportunity to truly share your expertise and you to build that trust so that they will eventually reach out to you. You will be their realtor of choice and the one they rely on for information and services. This will also provide valuable in that they will refer their friends and family to you.

As Donna Bigda commented and I felt worth adding: "The internet has helped to give buyers and sellers a greater awareness and knowledge about not only our listings and services, but also a greater insight into the buying and selling process they might not be aware of. When we provide that information whether their need is immediate, 3 months, 6 months or a year or more out, we have the great advantage of being the agent they call because of the nurturing we have done to build that trusting relationship."

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

7 ways the internet has changed real estate

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:26:01 PDT

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

With a focus on social networking, looking for ways to increase your productivity and the fact that you realize your clients are so internet savvy, it's no wonderwe rely so much on the internet these days to improve and increase our business.

So while some initially thought that the internet would negatively impact real estate agents, in fact it's had quite the opposite effect.

Here are 7 ways that I see how the internet has changed real estate. See if you agree and if you would add anything to the list.

Awareness

Before the internet, access to information about real estate was limited to cold calling, direct mail pieces, hearing about them from a friend or reading about it in an ad or publication.

Nowadays, customers are more educated and better at seeking information via the internet. This is good news for real estate because we now have vehicles like Active Rain and other social networking sites, websites, and places to post your listings and services. Now customers can find you by simply searching in Google, looking at your blogs and other news sites. Think about how many Open Houses you used to do - now perhaps you still do some, but you can do virtual open houses and get the information out to far more people than the ones who simply show up at your local open house. The internet has increased your reach.

Targeting

By writing targeted messages and posts, using keywords that drive potential clients to your sites and focusing your business in a niche market you are increasing the chances that a potential client will discover you. As I mentioned in a previous post, it's important to look at your profile and to focus on your areas of expertisethat you have outlined and write about them in your blog.

Education

Before the internet, information about your company and solutions were not readily available to the general public. Today, the internet brings more access to information and buyers and sellers are educating themselves before they speak to an agent. This is why it's important to educate yourself as well on targeting your website pages and blogs with keywords to engage and capture prospects so that when they are looking for an agent and hey do their google search they will discover you. They will learn that you will provide them with content and information that will help them progress through the process of buying or selling a home with you.

Free offers

One of the most important things to a prospective client is whether you have services and solutions that will meet their needs. Before the internet you were only sending clients information about your services - providing offers for a free home evaluation or offering them a newsletter that you didn't know if it was being looked at much less read.

Now, you can have them simply complete a form that gets sent directly to you - they can opt in and request the newsletter themselves which means they want the information you are offering and that provides feedback to you that you are offering relevant information to your consumers.

Events

Now you have a way to share in real time, events going on in your area, from your website to Localism/your blog. Once again you are showing them you are involved in your community (their community) and that's something they can relate to. It could be as simple as highlighting a place in your community - making them aware of a great place with great services and it could be about a place that you frequent and who knows maybe they will see you there.

Sales

The internet has transformed your role. By leveraging the internet for awareness and education, marketing now generates leads that need the human contact. Nowadays, if they're contacting you they are generally interested in selling or buying a home. Remember, consumers are very educated now - they're reading your blogs.

Customer Experience after the transaction

The internet has changed how many agents and real estate professionals think about their customers once the transaction is complete. Now agents want to stay in touch with clients and find every way possible to do just that. We have realized that our Sphere of Influence is a powerful group with a far reach and the benefits of staying in touch with them are extremely valuable. They are contributors to your success. For many, you can actually say you've gained a valuable friendship and long term relationship with your customers.



I will leave you with these thoughts - I think we can all agree that the internet has had a great impact on the way real estate business is done both good news for the consumer and all real estate professionals.

But an important thing to remember is that real estate is not just about the transactions, it is about relationships. Consumers are entrusting you to guide them through what could possible be the biggest decisions of their life. Make sure you are reaching your audience by providing relevant information and you are offering them services that meet THEIR needs.

The success of using the internet to get your information out there to consumers is quite important but remember: it's what you do and how you do it after you have provided them the information they are seeking that will make all the difference to your business and overall success in the end.



So how has the Internet changed YOUR business?

Additional comments:

As Bill Gillhespy commented and I love the point: "The internet allows a potential client to remain at a comfortable distance until they have a comfort level." This is your opportunity to truly share your expertise and you to build that trust so that they will eventually reach out to you. You will be their realtor of choice and the one they rely on for information and services. This will also provide valuable in that they will refer their friends and family to you.

As Donna Bigda commented and I felt worth adding: "The internet has helped to give buyers and sellers a greater awareness and knowledge about not only our listings and services, but also a greater insight into the buying and selling process they might not be aware of. When we provide that information whether their need is immediate, 3 months, 6 months or a year or more out, we have the great advantage of being the agent they call because of the nurturing we have done to build that trusting relationship."

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Are you newsworthy? 3 Simple and effective ways to make it happen…

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:26:43 PDT

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

We're often so busy and involved in our day to day tasks of marketing listings, blogging and exploring ways to increase business that we often overlook a highly effective marketing tool - Public Relations.

Public relations can involve many things - press releases, promotions of home buying and selling seminars, keyword rich real estate articles for your local newspaper or online website - the possibilities are endless. If you're looking for a way to give your business and services more exposure this could be exactly what you need. What most people don't realize is that this method of public relations is often free - it does however take some time and effort on your part.

Benefits of publishing articles and PR:

Increase website traffic

By using keywords and phrases, your prospects will find the article directly (targeted exposure)

Search engine ranking (creates link popularity)

Positions you as an expert (provides credibility)

Cost Effective

How do you start?

Develop relationships with your local media

Publish articles with key phrases your target audience is searching for

Conduct home buying/selling seminars - promote them and then talk about them afterwards (great opportunity to get some testimonials here)

Press Releases

Press Releases are considered to be announcements of newsworthy information. They are a great way to share news and facts about your company or event with your readers and will often be picked up by search engines and newswires. They can increase your exposure and enhance the image of your business.

Did you know that you can submit a press release online for Free? Really - there's no catch.

PR.com is a revolutionary Free Press Release Distribution Service where each business also has a full company profile to promote everything about its business. Submit news and press releases via our global online news and press release distribution service with powerful distribution points such as AskJeeves News, Excite News, Topix.net, MSN News, Google News, and Yahoo News.

Press Release Center is an online news and press release distribution service for small and medium-sized businesses and corporate communications. With each press release you can choose a keyword and a URL (different to your main site URL) which will appear as a link (using the keyword as the anchor text) in your press release. This gives you free links to your site using the anchor text of your choice. http://www.free-press-release-center.info/

PRWeb.com is another great resource that will distribute your release to hundreds of relevant websites. This service does have costs associated with it so feel free to check out their features and pricing to see if this option works for you. http://www.prweb.com/service_features.php

Things to consider when creating a Press Release

Is your information newsworthy?

Capture your audience from the very beginning

Are people going to be able to relate and connect with you?

Don't forget your contact information

For an example of how one should look, visit: http://www.malfimarketingsolutions.com/HelpfulTipsforRealtors.html

Another resource for marketing you and your services is Article Submission.

Articles are generally used to share interest, opinion, and advice and if well written will be seen as an objective source of information by your readers and will receive much attention and create greater exposure for you and your services.

Benefits include:

Building Business Credibility and Trust

Branding

Increases traffic to your website

Provides Leads - Extend your reach

Here's another way to extend your reach. EzineArticles.com allows real estate article submission. A new account gets (10) article submissions to prove your level of article quality. If your first 10 article submissions meet or exceed their editorial guidelines, they will consider upgrading you to their PLATINUM membership that allows unlimited article submissions.

HomebuyingInstitue.com is a real estate specific. Having a link from them will increase your SEO substantionally, because the site is well established. Some other article submission sites I have come across:

http://www.isnare.com/

http://www.articledashboard.com

http://www.articleblotter.com/

Lastly, don't forget to market your blog by setting up burnfeeder. This will encourage people who come across your blog to subscribe so that they become regular readers of your posts and hopefully a future client and promoter of you and your services.

As Jason Crouch mentioned in one of his recent posts http://activerain.com/blogsview/748476/How-to-Syndicate-Your-Blog-Meet-My-Two-Most-Important-Subscribers - set up your burnfeeder so that the public is subscribing to your blog.   Read his blog to discover the great success he's having with making this a key area of his marketing focus. For information on how to put this together on your blog, visit Justin Smith's post at http://activerain.com/blogsview/680603/How-to-SuperCharge-Your-Activerain-Blog-With-Feedburner-Part-2

So if you're looking for a cost effective marketing tool that builds credibility and increases your exposure then you may want to consider making any one of these strategies part of your marketing plan.

Have you written an article and/or press release? What success have you experienced?

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

JUST LISTED - Mississippi Bluffs - 34 Contemporary Townhomes on 6+ Acre Private Park Overlooking Mississippi River in Historic Carondelet (South of Downtown St. Louis)

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 02:11:32 PDT

PREA Signature Realty is proud to announce that we have added Mississippi Bluffs to the list of new home communities that we represent in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. The Mississippi Bluffs community is located South of Downtown St. Louis in the historic Carondelet neighborhood.

The Mississippi Bluffs community features:

34 Contemporary Townhomes
Gated Community
6.2 Acre Private Park
Civil War Era Shot Tower - Now Serves as Community Terrace
Planned Plunge Pool, Walking Trails and Community Garden
Contemporary Architecture and Finishes
Smart, Sustainable Construction Methods and Materials
Sweeping Views of Downtown St. Louis Riverfront to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge
3 "A" Units Remain in Phase - Priced from: $430,000.00

To see why Mississippi Bluffs is sure to make waves in the St. Louis real estate market, watch the short Mississippi Bluffs community video:

For more project information and floor plans regarding the Mississippi Bluffs community, visit www.MississippiBluffs.com or www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381. The Mississippi Bluffs' display is located at 5306 S. Broadway and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday).

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS WHEN WORKING WITH SENIORS IN MISSOURI

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:43:18 PDT

When working with seniors, there may be special considerations associated with acquisition and disposition of real estate not commonly associated with the typical sales transaction. Such special considerations may include:

Incapacity of an owner to execute a deed.
Use of a power of attorney to execute a deed and/or close the sales transaction.
Conveyance of title to or from a trust.
Death of co-owner.
Tax related issues associated with the disposition of real estate such as estate tax and capital gains tax.
Medicaid recovery actions and recapture liens.
Estate planning issues associated with the manner in which a property is conveyed.

Incapacity of Owner

When dealing with seniors, issues may arise because the owner of the property is incapable of selling and conveying title to real estate due to a physical disability or mental impairment such as a stroke, the onset of dementia, etc. As a general rule, a person deemed incompetent lacks the capacity to sell and convey title to real estate. Notwithstanding this general rule, the simple diagnosis of a medical condition is not determinative. Whether a person is incompetent or otherwise lacking the capacity to sell and convey title is a fact intensive inquiry and focuses on whether or not the owner has “sufficient mental capacity to understand in a reasonable manner the nature and effect of his or her acts or to know the extent of his or her property and to know his relatives and their claims on his bounty.”

Often, a settlement agent will assume that a person is competent absent an adjudication finding the person incompetent – that is, absent the appointment of a guardian or conservator for the person and/or his or her property. The risk associated with such practice is that the conveyance could be set aside if the person is deemed to have been incompetent. Ultimately, this issue must be resolved to the satisfaction of the buyer and/or the buyer’s title insurance underwriter as they bear this risk. In the event that a person is incompetent, the only way to convey their interest in the property is to secure the appointment of a conservator. Although it is more common to see this issue among seniors, this issue can arise in a variety of situations unrelated to one’s age. With advance planning, this type of issue can be addressed by using a durable power of attorney (executed prior to one’s incompetency) or by acquiring title in the name of a trust or family partnership providing for a successor beyond the original person creating the trust or partnership.

Use of Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney is simply an instrument that grants to a third party the power to act on behalf of the principal. A power of attorney may be general or may be limited. That is, the scope of the agent’s authority to act on behalf of the principal may include broad general powers or may be limited to a specific act or transaction or may be limited in the sense that the power to act is only effective upon the disability or incapacity of the principal. In addition, a power of attorney may be durable. Generally, the power of the designated agent to act on behalf of the principal terminates upon the death or disability of the principal granting the power of attorney. The exception is that the authority of a principal acting under a durable power of attorney does not terminate due the disability or incapacity of the principal. Notwithstanding this exception, no power of attorney permits an agent to act after the death of the principal.

When you are involved in a transaction where a power of attorney is being used to convey title, it is important that you obtain the original of the power of attorney so that it may be reviewed in a timely manner by the title insurance underwriter as well as the mortgage underwriter. To convey title using a power of attorney, the power of attorney must be duly notarized and must otherwise be in recordable form. The best practice for drafting a power of attorney is to specifically include the power to sell, transfer and convey real property (as opposed to relying on a general power to act on behalf of the principal) as well as the legal description to the property (if known). There are additional drafting requirements for durable powers of attorney under the Missouri Durable Power of Attorney Act, Sec. 404.700 R.S.Mo. (2009), et seq.

Transfers to and from a Trust

As discussed above, transfers to and from a trust can avoid issues associated with the death or incapacity of an owner, provided that there is a successor trustee named in the instrument or provided that a successor trustee is duly appointed. Transfer to and from a trustee may be made in the name of the trustee or in the name of the trust. Sec. 456.021 R.S.Mo. (2009) Under prior case law, a transfer made in the name of the trust was invalid. Similar to the use of a power of attorney, transactions involving the conveyance to or from a trust must be reviewed by the buyer’s title insurance underwriter and/or mortgage underwriter. Accordingly, it is important to send to the underwriter a copy of the trust instrument at the earliest possible point in the transaction to avoid delays in closing.

It is likely that we will see the rise in “dynasty trusts.” In 2001, the Missouri General Assembly repealed Missouri’s Rule against Perpetuity. Sec. 456.235 R.S.Mo. (2009) As a result, the restrictions on the length or term of the trust (life in being plus 75 years) no longer apply. Without such a restriction, it is likely that we will see trusts that seek to keep homesteads intact or include restrictions on the use or transfer of real estate in the trust instruments.

Death of Co-Owner

In the event of the death of a co-owner, it important to inquire as to the marital status of the deceased co-owner as well as to how the property was titled. With the rise in cohabitation and second marriages among seniors, it cannot be presumed that the property transfers to the cohabitating partner or new spouse upon the death of the co-owner. It will vary based on how the property was acquired and titled. The general rules are as follows:

Property Titled as Tenancy by the Entirety: A property acquired by husband and wife is presumed to create a tenancy by the entirety. Upon the death of the spouse, title passes to and vests in the surviving spouse.
Property Titled as Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship: Upon the death of one owner, title passes to and vests in the surviving owner or owners.
Property Titled as Tenants in Common: Upon the death of the owner, his or her share transfers to his or heirs, not to the surviving owners, by will or by intestate succession.

In the case of the death of a spouse with a property titled as a tenancy by the entirety or the death of joint tenant or co-owner with a property titled as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, there are two primary methods of conveying title after the death of the spouse or co-owner. The deed conveying the property to a subsequent purchaser could include recitals setting forth the property was originally held jointly, one of the co-owners is deceased, and the survivor is now the sole owner of the property. The other alternative more commonly used is to record a separate document in the form of an affidavit of death (also known as an affidavit of joint tenancy or affidavit of tenancy by the entirety).

Capital Gains

Seniors, like other home sellers, often are faced with a substantial capital gains tax associated with the sale of their home. In 1997, the U.S. Congress passed the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (Public Law No. 105-34). The law replaced earlier home sale rollover rules and the $125,000 exclusion of home sellers over the age of 55. The new law includes an exemption from taxation of profits on the sale of one’s personal residence up to $250,000 for singles and $500,000 for married couples filing jointly.

To qualify for this exemption, the person must have owned and used the home as their principal residence for at least two of the last five years before the sale. Under the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-206), individuals not meeting the two year requirement may be entitled to a portion of the tax benefits because they may exclude from income an amount equal to that fraction of the exclusion that is proportional to the use of the home as a principal residence over the two-year term. In addition, the capital gains exclusion may be used by grantor trusts (ie. revocable trusts or living trusts). See, IRS Letter Ruling 199912026 (March 26, 1999).

Often, seniors and their agents will ask whether or not they can avoid the capital gains tax by doing a tax-deferred exchange. Unfortunately, tax deferred exchanges are only available for business or income producing property, not personal residences.

Medicaid Recovery

Seniors and their heirs often face Medicaid recovery claims and liens on personal residences where one spouse has received Medicaid benefits or assistance.

Medicaid Recovery Actions: Under federal law, following the death of the Medicaid recipient a state must attempt to recover from his or her estate whatever benefits it paid for the recipient's care. However, no recovery can take place until the death of the recipient's spouse. While states must attempt to recover funds from the Medicaid recipient's probate estate, meaning property that is held in the beneficiary's name only, they have the option of seeking recovery against property in which the recipient had an interest but which passes outside of probate. This includes jointly held assets, assets in a living trust, or life estates. Given the rules for Medicaid eligibility, the only probate property of substantial value that a Medicaid recipient is likely to own at death is his or her home. Although it is beyond the scope of this article, the Missouri Court of Appeals for the Western District denied the State of Missouri the right to recover the proceeds from the sale of a house in decedent’s estate for reimbursement of Medicaid payments made decedent’s wife where the wife predeceased her husband. See, In the Estate of Orville Bruce, No. 68051 (Mo. App. W.D., May 13, 2008). This case is likely to be short lived as it centered solely on the definition of “estate” under Missouri law.

Medicaid Recovery Liens: In addition to the right to recover from the estate of the Medicaid beneficiary, state Medicaid agencies must place a TEFRA lien on real estate owned by a Medicaid beneficiary during her life unless a spouse or certain dependent relatives are living in the property. If the property is sold while the Medicaid beneficiary is living, the Medicaid recipient may cease to be eligible for Medicaid due to the proceeds from the sale and may be required to satisfy the TEFERA lien. Whether or not a lien is placed on the house, the lien's purpose is only for the recovery of Medicaid expenses if the house is sold during the Medicaid recipient's life. The lien should be extinguished and removed upon the Medicaid recipient’s death.

Estate Planning Considerations

Often, how seniors take title to a property may be based on estate planning considerations. Possible ways in which title to real estate might be held or disposed include:

Jointly Held Property
Beneficiary Deed
Deeds with Reserved Life Estates
Revocable Trusts
Irrevocable Trusts
Intentionally Defective Irrevocable Trusts:
Qualified Personal Residence Trusts:

The list above represents a progression of real estate related estate planning tools in terms of complexity and cost. The decision as to what vehicle is best suited to the needs of the customer is best left to legal and tax professionals who can carefully tailor the vehicle to the intentions of the customer. However, there is an important role for real estate professional to play before closing. Often, customers will defer these decisions until after closing. In some cases such as the joint titling of assets, the manner of titling cannot be efficiently undone without the consent of the co-owner. In other cases, the post-closing restructuring of the transaction and how the property is titled can have unintended consequences, including increased costs.

In assisting customers with these items, it is important that the real estate professional involved in the transaction encourage the customer to make additional inquiries. Here are two questions that should always be asked by the customer in this situation:

Will the post-closing transfer of the property trigger (or potentially trigger) the due on sale clause contained in the deed of trust?
Will the post-closing transfer of the property terminate or otherwise cut-off title insurance coverage? Followed by: Is a title policy endorsement available to cover the change?

Issue Spotting

Like many issues described in this article, estate planning is beyond the scope of expertise of real estate professionals. It isn’t the role of the real estate professional to provide advice or guidance or make recommendations regarding these issues. However, it is important that the real estate professional involved in the transaction be able to identify the issue, anticipate issues that may impede or delay closing, and to refer the customer to the appropriate legal or tax professional specializing in real estate, tax or elder care law.

Disclaimer: The author is a licensed attorney. However, the opinions and statements contained herein are for informational and discussion purposes only and shall not constitute the provision of legal advice. Nothing contained herein shall establish an attorney-client relationship. Readers are cautioned to seek legal counsel in their state before using or relying upon any of the information contained herein.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

SPOTTING REAL ESTATE TRENDS - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK PUBLICATIONS

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:53:55 PDT

The Federal Reserve Bank offers a wealth of information on the housing market, financial markets and the economy generally. By visiting its website, you can view current and past issues of their publications to track tends and spot business opportunities. Here are some publications available from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis:

PERIODICALS

Annual Report: current issue | subscribe | past issues - Preserving the independence of the Federal Reserve is as important today as it was when Congress created the Fed in 1913. Read about why a well-designed central bank needs to be independent, credible, accountable and transparent in The St. Louis Fed's 2009 Annual Report.

Bridges: current issue | e-mail alert | subscribe | RSS | past issues - Is a quarterly review of regional community development issues, projects and regulatory changes for lenders and community groups.

Burgundy Books: These reports provide anecdotal information along with formal data for each of the regions (or zones) in the St. Louis Fed's Eighth District. Released four times per year. Example – St. Louis Economic Data: http://research.stlouisfed.org/regecon/burgundybooks/10/03/BB0310StL.pdf.

Central Banker: A quarterly overview of Fed policies, initiatives and news affecting financial institutions in the Eight District. Example: In-Depth: Look Near and Far To Cover CRA Assessment Lending Areas

Liber8 Newsletter: A newsletter written for librarians, students and the general public on current economic topics. Includes links to relevant data and articles. Published nine times a year, August - November, and January - May. Example: What Does Foreclosure Entail? or What Does Foreclosure Entail?,

Regional Economic Development: A journal of local and regional economic development, with particular focus on the Eighth Federal Reserve District.

The Regional Economist: A quarterly publication that addresses national and regional economic issues and their impact on the Eighth District. Example: District Overview: Decline in House Prices Slows Down; District Still Faring Better than Nation or Why HARM the Subprime Borrower?.

Review: A journal of articles about the national and international economic developments -- particularly their monetary aspects. Example: Nonlinear Effects of School Quality on House Prices.

WORKING PAPERS

Economic Research Working Papers: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis working papers are preliminary materials circulated to stimulate discussion and critical comment. Papers appear in Acrobat PDF format

Supervisory Policy Analysis Working Papers: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis working papers are preliminary materials circulated to stimulate discussion and critical comment. Papers appear in Acrobat PDF format.

RESEARCH REPORTS

Casino Gambling in America and Its Economic Impacts - PDF 656 KB - Will a casino be a boon or bust for your community? Fed senior economist Thomas A. Garrett explores the effects of casino gambling on local employment, tax revenue and retail business in this research study.

The Impact of Local Predatory Laws on the Flow of Subprime Credit - PDF 717 KB - Starting in 1999 with North Carolina, 24 states and other local governments have enacted laws to curb predatory lending in the subprime mortgage market. How do these laws affect the flow of subprime credit in those areas? A new report from Anthony Pennington-Cross, a research economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, suggests that the typical law has little impact, as measured by loan origination and application.

Light-Rail Transit in America: Policy Issues and Prospects for Economic Development - PDF 1489 KB - Over the past several decades, cities across America have constructed light-rail systems as a means of reducing traffic congestion and promoting economic development. In this research report, Fed senior economist Tom Garrett discusses whether light rail has lived up to these expectations.

Local Crime and Local Business Cycles - PDF 956 KB - Do business cycles affect crime rates? A report from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provides some answers to that question by presenting information on local business cycles and crime rates in 23 major cities. Written by Fed economist Thomas A. Garrett and senior research associate Lesli S. Ott, the report includes data for four cities in the Bank’s District: St. Louis, Little Rock, Louisville and Memphis.

Neighborhood Characteristics Matter... When Businesses Look for a Location - PDF 2470 KB

What is it about a neighborhood that attracts businesses? Economist Christopher Wheeler studies the issue in this study that looks at the data from a neighborhood level. The report looks at ZIP codes across the country and then focuses on the St. Louis Fed’s District, with data from St. Louis, Little Rock, Louisville and Memphis.

Passive Policies for Entrepreneurs - PDF 1477 KB - A study by St. Louis Fed economists Thomas A. Garrett and Howard J. Wall finds that the absence of government intervention creates a better climate for entrepreneurship. Although policymakers often pursue active policies when recruiting businesses, such as targeted tax breaks or other incentives, more passive policies lower the general cost of running or starting a business and increase rates of entrepreneurship.

Urban Sprawl, Urban Promise: A Case Study of Memphis, Tennessee - PDF 1352 KB - Prepared by David Ciscel, a professor of economics at the University of Memphis. Related to the economy of Memphis and the Delta region.

GUIDES

Coming Up with the Money - view online - Published in 2002, this self-study guide explains the basics of launching a community development project. Available as an easy-to-use online tool or in a series of printable PDFs:

Introduction (PDF 138 KB)
Unit 1: Core Principles (PDF 206 KB)
Unit 2: Go/No Go (PDF 226 KB)
Unit 3: Case Study No. 1 / Case Study No. 2 (PDF 365 KB)
Glossary (PDF 193 KB)
Web Sites (PDF 106 KB)

Credit Scoring - The Federal Reserve System's Mortgage Credit Partnership Credit Scoring Committee has produced a series on this increasingly popular underwriting tool. The series was published in installments in 2001 and 2002 by the St. Louis Fed as a project of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, San Francisco and St. Louis, as well as the Board of Governors. The series examines many of the controversial elements of credit scoring. Each part is available as a separate PDF.

Introduction (PDF 552KB)
Part 1 — Credit Scoring Overview (PDF 1.09MB)
Part 2 — Credit Scoring Model Development and Maintenance (PDF 232KB)
Part 3 — Third-Party Brokers (PDF 506KB)
Part 3 — Supplement (PDF 400KB)
Part 4 — Staff Training, Loan Pricing and Data Accuracy (PDF 535KB)
Part 5 — Overrides and Second-Review Process (PDF 816KB)

Foreclosure Survival Guide - PDF 433 KB | order copies - This publication from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is intended for homeowners who are having difficulty paying their mortgage. The guide provides basic information on when to worry about a loan, how to get help from a housing counselor and pitfalls to avoid in choosing a counselor. The free publication also includes a national hotline number (1-888-995-HOPE) and a list of local counseling agencies.

Innovative Ideas for Revitalizing the LIHTC Market - PDF 636 KB - In the current economy, with homeownership more difficult to attain, the need for rental housing has become increasingly important. However, the market for Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs), a major source of capital for the development of rental housing, has experienced a serious downturn. This publication, produced by the Board of Governors’ and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ Community Affairs functions, features six short articles by experts with their ideas for bolstering the LIHTC program.

Learn Before You Leap - The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis' Learn Before You Leap brochures list counseling agencies, customized by Eighth District Branch, that provide advice on every step of the home-buying process, from budgeting income to negotiating a contract to closing on a loan. Available as printable PDFs in both English and Spanish. Multiple hard copies can also be ordered from each District Branch contact: St. Louis (call Cynthia Davis, 314-444-8761) English (PDF 292 KB) Spanish (PDF 238 KB).

The Resource Guide for Small Businesses: Where To Go for Money and Advice - PDF 258 KB - Business assistance and alternative capital resources available in the St. Louis metropolitan region are listed in this booklet. Designed for owners of small businesses and microenterprises, the guide is intended to be a starting point for those opening a new business or wishing to expand an existing business. The Resource Guide is a project of the St. Louis County Economic Council, US Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The booklet is available online and can also be ordered free of charge from Cynthia Davis at the Federal Reserve, 314-444-8761.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

MISSOURI BLUE BOOK - YOUR GUIDE TO YOUR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:08:42 PDT

For over 100 years, the Missouri Secretary State has published the Missouri Blue Book (also known as the “Office Manual for Missouri”). It is an invaluable guide for real estate agents and brokerages that handle relocations, specialize in the marketing and sale of historic or commercial properties or that market to a niche group such as senior housing or low income housing.

It is also an invaluable tool for those who simply want to keep abreast of political developments impacting the real estate industry. The manual includes such information as descriptions and contact information for elected officials, state government offices, regulatory agencies and county and municipal information. The manual is more than a simple directory. It also includes a wealth of information on Missouri ranging from statistical information to essays on Missouri attractions and history.

To view the Missouri Blue Book online, visit: http://www.sos.mo.gov/bluebook/2009-2010/default.asp. Or, if you prefer your own free copy of the Missouri Blue Book, visit: http://www.sos.mo.gov/publications/onlineordering/

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

WCR LIVE - SALES TRAINING WITH STEVE HOFFACKER

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:37:18 PDT

This month's WCR LIVE - BROKER CONFERENCE CALL featured an interview by hosts Klaus Bank and Ryan Shaughnessy with sales and marketing strategist Steve Hoffacker. In this segment, Steve Hoffacker discussed the importance of "scoring" your customers and working smarter. Topics discussed on the show included:

Qualifying the Customer
Using Objective Criteria to Rate your Customers
Rate, Score and Rank your Customers
Prioritizing Customers Based on Likelihood of Purchase
Structuring Work Based Customer Score

If you haven't read Steve Hoffacker's books "Making the Grade" and "Knowing the Score", this month's show gave a brief introduction to the sales training concepts discussed in these books and how these concepts can be used to grow your business by closing more sales in less time and with less effort. The central premise is that "all customers are not created equal" and you need to focus your sales activities on prospects that are most likely to purchase. The show can be heard at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/WCRLive. Steve Hoffacker's books are available for purchase from his website at www.SteveHoffacker.com.

Again, thanks Steve for appearing on the show and sharing your wisdom collected over your more than 30 years in the new construction home industry.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

What does complaining get us? Isn’t it better to simply work harder and smarter?

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:33:09 PDT

Enjoyed it so much - I decided to reblog it. As always, Anne Marie is right on the money.

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

Think about the energy it takes to fret, complain and worry about problems.

Have you ever encountered someone that complained about everything under the sun? Did you purposely seek them out to have another conversation or interaction with them? Probably not - you probably thought "what a downer" and "I hope I don't have to talk to them again."

I've often noticed that I'm drawn to people who don't complain but instead are proactive and look for ways to fix a problem or create a solution. I also think they are highly successful and productive because they are always looking for ways to create opportunity, success and growth.

Imagine taking that energy and applying it to solving problems and creating solutions and how it will affect the growth your business not to mention the great benefit of being a great person to be around.

"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain.

~ Maya Angelou

This quote provides great advice for how we should look at our business. When you think about it don't most of our customers (our employers) want to work with someone that looks for and creates solutions? Isn't that one of the reasons they seek us out online? Most are reading our blog posts and watching on social media networks(not to mention all the Google indexing that happens with every thing we put on the Internet) and determining is this person someone that will work for me, have my best interests at heart and will be someone I can work with? Do they have the right skills, knowledge and positive attitude that would be a reason for me to hire them?

Below are what I feel are 5 great attitudes to have that will take you far both personally and professionally:

Can vs. Can't

Having a "Can do" attitude vs. a "this will never work or it can't be done" attitude gives you a competitive advantage. Sure there may be setbacks and failures (opportunities to learn) along the way but the true success comes when we don't give up.

Work Smart but also Work Hard

I've often thought it's more important to work smarter not harder but I'd like to change that slightly. I say this because while I think it's important to work smarter I also think you can't discount the necessity to work hard - there are simply no shortcuts when it comes to success. It could mean doing something extra and pushing yourself to reach outside the norm and try something new. Think about it - everything you do has your reputation attached to it - isn't it worth the extra effort?

Have a an Attitude for Gratitude

Ever notice then when you're focused on something you're grateful for that your whole attitude is boosted, positive and you have an energy that others want to be around? The brain has the ability to think about one thing at a time and if we are more focused on the positive there is less room for the negative.

Catch others doing something right

I learned this lesson not only as a manager for a very large staff but as a mom - focus on what my employees and my child is doing right more than what they are doing wrong. Sharing praise and compliments with others will not only encourage them to find ways to be successful but will do wonders for your attitude as well.

Let Go and Focus on Success

Spend your time and energy focused on changing things that can be changed. Some things are simply beyond our control - accept it. Find time each day to focus on the great things you accomplished in your day - perhaps it was a conversation you had with someone, something new you tried that worked and gave you the results you were looking for or having an opportunity come your way that you didn't expect because of all your hard work. Taking time to reflect on your accomplishments will be the fuel to keep you motivated and you'll find yourself looking forward to tomorrow and the challenges that await you.

Sometimes we simply get in our own way and can get caught up in that trap of complaining and feeling badly about a situation, but complaining should not be part of your overall business and life strategy. All it does is drain us of our energy and will only stand in our way of being happy and in achieving our goals. Being a "fixer" vs. a "complainer" will give you an outlook that will enable you to be more productive, creative and effective for everyone that interacts with you.

The next time something happens that makes you feel you want to complain about it think to yourself:

What will I get from complaining?

Can I fix the problem?

Think about or seek out others to come up with some solutions (ActiveRain is FULL of real life examples of how to handle so many issues - read, seek and search - in addition to the help you may find, you may also discover another great resource and friend in the process.)

Get busy making changes and creating solutions that will work.

I think this quote sums up my attitude about complaining best:

"I had no shoes and complained, until I met a man who had no feet." Indian Proverb

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I always love to interact with my readers so feel free to share your thoughts on the questions below or bring up something not mentioned above that you feel is worth discussing.

Feel free to share how you handle complainers?

What things do you do to maintain a positive attitude to attract more people and opportunities to you?

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If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Connecting to your local community gives you something very important...visibility...visibility...visibility

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:35:15 PDT

Enjoyed it so much - I decided to reblog it. As always, Anne Marie is right on the money.

Via Anne Marie Malfi, Real Estate Marketing Consultant/Virtual Asst, Bucks County,PA (Malfi Marketing Solutions ~ for real estate professionals):

Connecting to your local community gives you something very important...visibility.

As a business owner you know the importance of keeping your prospective customers and clients informed about your organization's activities easily and consistently.

I love looking at community calendars especially on a weekend that we don't have any plans (rare but it does happen) as well as subscribing to many rss feeds for local community pages so that I'm aware of all the local events going on in my area and I don't think I'm alone in this when I look at all the people commenting on many of the local event pages.

Trulia, Realbird, your blog, website and social networking sites - are all places you should be advertising your listings but also add to that your open houses and local community events.

But you might be missing out on reaching people from your local community that don't know you yet. (I know it sounds practically impossible with all the opportunities for reaching out to your communities, but why take the chance? Who knows you might just make a connection and gain a new customer!

Another great way in addition to the above to promote your:

local Open Houses

Seminars

and Local Events

is to become a regular on your local community websites and calendars:

Perhaps you have some local community pages that you use for linking purposes in your blogs - many of these sites have advertising and forum sections where you can advertise your next open house, seminar, and local event that you're hosting for free. (many also have feeds where you can submit your blog for even more local exposure)

The fact is, community websites and community calendars are becoming very popular.

So if you're active in your local community and looking for another way to get better visibility for your business and services, why not connect with the people who live, work, eat (you get the picture) in your community and let them know about the things you're doing and offering to their community.

Be the Local Realtor/Real Estate Resource!

If you've experienced more visibility by using this medium I would love to hear about your experience.

**********************************************************

If it's not evident to you by now, consumers are very knowledgeable and computer savvy and are using the Internet to not only search for homes but for real estate agents and real estate professionals who they feel are like minded and can lead them to the results they are looking for.

As we all know, there are only 24 hours in a day to get it all done...are you focusing on the right stuff to grow your business and meet your client's needs? Contact us today to get started!

Ready to take your Marketing to new levels? Anne Marie Malfi ~ Malfi Marketing Solutions.com ~ Copyright 2009

Lets Connect and Stay Connected:

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

TOP 10 REASONS TO PURCHASE A NEW TOWNHOME AT MISSISSIPPI BLUFFS TODAY

Sun, 04 Jul 2010 17:39:38 PDT

PREA Signature Realty is proud to announce that we have added Mississippi Bluffs to the list of new home communities that we represent in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. The Mississippi Bluffs community is located South of Downtown St. Louis in the historic Carondelet neighborhood.

The Mississippi Bluffs community features:

34 Contemporary Townhomes
Gated Community
6.2 Acre Private Park
Civil War Era Shot Tower - Now Serves as Community Terrace
Planned Plunge Pool, Walking Trails and Community Garden
Contemporary Architecture and Finishes
Smart, Sustainable Construction Methods and Materials
Sweeping Views of Downtown St. Louis Riverfront to the Jefferson Barracks Bridge
3 "A" Units Remain in Phase - Priced from: $430,000.00

To see why it is a great time to purchase a new townhome at the Mississippi Bluffs, watch our Top 10 video:

For more project information and floor plans regarding the Mississippi Bluffs community, visit www.MississippiBluffs.com or www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381. The Mississippi Bluffs' display is located at 5306 S. Broadway and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday).

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

@HOME IN HISTORIC ST. LOUIS - MEET THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK - MISSISSIPPI BLUFFS - 5306 S. BROADWAY (CARONDELET)

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 13:31:58 PDT

MISSISSIPPI BLUFFS - SIMPLY STUNNING
5306 S. BROADWAY

DISPLAYS OPEN DAILY
3 "A" UNITS REMAIN IN BUILDING 1- AVAILABLE FROM $430,000
NOW TAKING RESERVATIONS FOR BUILDING 2

TO SCHEDULE A PRIVATE SHOWING, CONTACT:
MICHELLE SILIES 314-397-3182
RYAN SHAUGHNESSY 314-971-4381

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR CITY LIVING

WWW.PREASIGNATUREREALTY.COM
WWW.MISSISSIPPIBLUFFS.COM

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

TECHNOLOGY TIP - EMBEDDING YOUTUBE AND OTHER VIDEOS IN YOUR CRAIGSLIST AD

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:40:54 PDT

For real estate agents, Craigslist is an invaluable marketing tool. However, it isn't exactly technologically advanced platform, visually pleasing or even user friendly. It does, however, generate leads. As with any marketing medium, it is important to differentiate yourself from your competition. The text ads offered by Craigslist offer little visual appeal. Craigslst ads created using html code - whether cutting and pasting html from Postlets or your ActiveRain blog or some other html editor - are more visually appealing and project a more professional image.

Despite the title of this post, Craigslist doesn't support embedded YouTube or other videos. If you attempt to embed a video, Craigslist simply strips it out of your ad when it is posted to the site.

However, there is a simple solution.

Step 1: Take a screenshot of your YouTube video
Step 2: Upload the photo to your favorite photo hosting site.
Step 3: Using your preferred html editor, upload the photo and then create a link to your YouTube video URL.
Step 4: Cut and paste the code into your Craigslist ad.

The code should look something like this: <a href=”[insert YouTube URL here” rel=”nofollow”><img border="0" src="Insert Photo URL here" width="480" height-"295" </a>

By following the steps above, your Craigslist ad has the look and feel of an advertisement with an embedded video. As a result, you have distinguished your advertisement from those of your competitors on Craigslist. More importantly, you increase the likelihood that the ad reader will watch the video. An embedded video (or even a pseudo embedded video) is more likely to be watched than a video linked to the ad by a hyperlink. The method described above is effective because the ad reader is accustomed to clicking on the start arrow to see a video. The second advantage offered by this method is that it captures the ad reader. By clicking on the image, the ad reader is then taken from the Craigslist site to the site where your video is hosted. If your video is hosted on your YouTube channel, website or blog, you have increased the likelihood that they will view other videos or information from your hosting site.

To see an example, visit: http://stlouis.craigslist.org/reb/1828371425.html

INTERESTED IN SELLING YOUR HOME IN ST. LOUIS USING? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or by e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com to discover how to use technology to more effectively market your home for sale.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

MISSISSIPPI BLUFFS - TRULY A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:28:33 PDT

Just want to share with St. Louis buyers a short clip of the tranquil river views offered by Mississippi Bluffs.

INTERESTED IN LIVING ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BLUFFS WITH VIEWS SPANNING FROM DOWNTOWN ST. LOUIS TO THE JEFFERSON BARRACKS BRIDGE? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty to schedule your tour of the Mississippi Bluffs, a gated new home community in historic Carondelet.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

ARCHITECTURALLY INTERESTING - THE HISTORIC WELLSTON STATION IN THE CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:51:44 PDT

THEN:

NOW:

HISTORY OF THE BUILDING - FROM THE NATIONAL HISTORIC REGISTER APPLICATION:

The Wellston Station, located at 6111 Martin Luther King Drive (formerly Easton Avenue and St. Charles Rock Road) in the City of St. Louis, Missouri, is locally significant under National Register of Historic Places Criterion A for Transportation and under Criterion C in the area of Architecture. The station was built by the United Railways Company in 1909 at a time in which the streetcar had replaced the electric railway as the dominant form of mass transit in St. Louis. The new station was the largest waiting station in the system, and one of only three such stations sited at transfer points between major lines. The design e~nployedth e prevalent Craftsman style to create a luxurious and efficiently-arranged station with a spacious waiting room, a store and covered tracks. Today, Wellston Station is the only waiting station still standing. The opening of the new streetcar line and station on Easton Avenue in 1909 signified the triumph of the streetcar over the electric railway and the growing importance of the Wellston commercial district, which straddled the line between Wellston and the city of St. Louis. The station was built to serve the so-called Wellston Loop streetcar loop, which became one of the busiest streetcar transfer points in the country by 1940 and which was the termination point for the last streetcar line in St. Louis to close. For the complete application, visit: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/07000377.pdf.

COMMENTARY:

The #32 Wellston Streetcar line began running in 1901 from the City Limits along Easton to Franklin and then to 3rd Street in Downtown St. Louis. Wellston Station was built by United Railways in 1909 for $6,000.00 and served as a connection hub for four streetcar lines. It later served as a bus station until the building was closed in July 28, 1963. The building has had a commercial tenant occupying the front space until the present day. The office space on the second floor has been blocked and is no longer accessible.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Recent Missouri Court Cases - Legal Update

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:01:32 PDT

The following recent court decisions may be relevant to your real estate practice in Missouri:

City's real estate "for sale" restriction requiring a certificate of code compliance prior to marketing a home for sale declared invalid. City of Bellefontaine Neighbors v. Scatizzi, Appeal No. 92965 (Missouri Court of Appeal Eastern District)
Attorney's fees incurred to clear title due to filing of invalid mechanic's lien claim recoverable as special damages in slander of title case. Lau v. Pugh, Appeal No. 29289 (Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District)
Lender may sue original owner for fraud and negligent representation for non-disclosure of flooding problems - even though there was no privity of contract between lender for purchaser and original owner/seller. White v. Bowman, Appeals No. 29631 (Missouri Court of Appeals for the Southern District)
Assignment by original purchaser of misrepresentation claim against original seller held valid even though assignment occurred after original purchaser sold home to third party. Adams v. Cossa, Appeal No. 92601 (Missouri Court of Appeals for the Eastern District)

NEED A SPEAKER TO PROVIDE AN OVERVIEW OF CURRENT CASES AND LIABILITY TRENDS OF INTEREST TO ST. LOUIS REALTORS? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Non-Profit Management Series - The Role of the Corporate Secretary - How to Write Effective Board or Other Meeting Minutes

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:11:00 PDT

AUTHOR'S NOTE: This article was written for a real estate association newsletter and is directed at newly elected association officers. However, the concepts are the same whether it is a team meeting, meeting with clients, or an association or committee. The article describe how to draft good meeting minutes and how to use meeting minutes as a tool for creating accountability and action after meetings.

THE ROLE OF MEETING MINUTES

Minutes of a meeting are invaluable to chapter leaders and members. Minutes serve a number of purposes and uses beyond simply recording events and decisions – such as:

REVIEW OF PAST ACTIVITIES: Minutes record past stances and positions taken by individual members as well as the board as a whole.
SUMMARIZING PROCEEDINGS: Minutes creates a summary of the board session for use at future meeting and for use by board members who were unable to attend the board meeting.
COMMUNICATION: Minutes act as a communication to convey to chapter members the substance of issues addressed at the board meeting as well as decisions made by the board.
LEADERSHIP TOOL: Minutes serve as a roadmap for future action – including a reminder of who committed to doing what.
INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION: Minutes are a simple way to recognize individual contributions to the chapter.

PREPARING TO TAKE MINUTES

To create good minutes, the Secretary should prepare for the meeting. Good preparation results in greater organization and more accurate minutes. Here are some tips for preparing to take minutes:

ATTENDANCE LIST. Create an attendance list of all board members for meetings including title and voting rights. Simple circle or make a check against the each person in attendance at the meeting. Include a space on the list for noting guest or non-board members in attendance. In addition, include a box to indicate whether the board member submitted a written report at or before the meeting.

Name of Organization: Place of Meeting: Date/Time:
Quorum Present:
Guests in Attendance:
Board Member/Title	Voting Rights	Written Report Submitted	Meeting Attendance

AGENDA OUTLINE. Obtain a copy of the meeting agenda. Create an outline for the meeting. The outline should follow the items on the meeting agenda and should include sufficient space for taking notes on the discussion as well as recording the acts taken or decisions made.

Name of Organization:
Purpose of Meeting:

Place of Meeting:
Date/Time:
Meeting Chair:

Topic

Discussion

Action

Person
Responsible

ABBREVIATIONS. Create a standardized set of abbreviations for people and actions. Use of abbreviations will allow you to focus on the discussions at the meeting.

MOTIONS/RESOLUTIONS LOG. Create a log for resolutions or motions taken recording the name of the moving party, the name of the person who seconded the motion, the nature or substance of the motion or resolution, and the roll call record of the vote indicating whether the resolution or motion passed or not.

Motions and Resolutions:
Number	Introduced/Seconded by	Nature of Motion/Resolution	Vote

ACTION ITEMS. Create a list of action items from the meeting. This item should be separate from the minutes for use of the Executive Committee to track commitments made by individual board members and to create accountability so that actions required to move issues forward are taken between meetings.

Action Items:
Items	Actions to Be Taken	Person Responsible	Deadline

RECORDING/NOTES. Use a recording device to record the meeting (if appropriate). Use handwritten notes or computer at the meeting to take the notes necessary to later prepare the minutes. Don’t try to make notes of every comment. Focus on the issues discussed, major points raised and decisions made.

PROMPT PREPARATION. Set aside time after each meeting to prepare the minutes. Minutes tend to be more accurate when prepared immediately after a meeting. Too often, the Secretary waits to prepare the meeting minutes until immediately before the next meeting. As a result, memory of the meeting fades, important information is missed or omitted from the minutes and inaccuracies in the minutes develop.

PROOFREAD. Before issuing the minutes, proofread the draft of the minutes to confirm the correct spelling of all names, titles, etc.

LIMITED DISSEMINATION FOR REVIEW. Before finalizing the minutes, circulate a copy of a draft of the minutes to the Executive Committee for their review and comment.

DRAFTING MINUTES

Here are some simples steps to drafting the minutes for your chapter’s board meetings:

STEP 1 – MEETING TITLE. Start with the title. Set for the name of the organization, type of meeting and the time, date, and location of the meeting.

STEP 2 – ATTENDANCE. List the names of board members in attendance and absent. Include the names of non-board members as guest. Note whether a quorum is present or not.

Board Members:
Present:

Absent:

Quorum present? Yes

Others Present:

STEP 3 – PRELMINARY ITEMS. Set forth who called the meeting to order and when and who presided over the meeting. Note any preliminary items such as the approval of past minutes. State whether the minutes were approved or amended.

Proceedings:
· Board Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. by Chair xxx xxxxx
· Meeting minutes from xxxxx xx, 2010, were amended and approved

STEP 4 – REPORTS. Identify and summarize any reports given to the board, such as the President’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, etc. After the title of each report, write the name of the person delivering the report. In summarizing the important points of each report, the Secretary can write the summary as a prose paragraph or make each item a bullet point. Be sure to include any actions taken as a result of the reports, such as motions made and seconded and the voting results on the motions.

· Finance Committee report provided by Treasurer xxxxx xxxxx:
- xxxxxxx explained that consultant, Susan Johns, reviewed the organization's bookkeeping procedures and found them to be satisfactory, in preparation for the upcoming yearly financial audit. xxxxxx recommends that our company ensure the auditor provides a management letter along with the audit financial report.
- xxxxxxx reviewed highlights, trends and issues from the balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. Issues include that high accounts receivables requiring Finance Committee attention to policies and procedures to ensure our organization receives more payments on time.

STEP 5 – OLD/NEW BUSINESS. Record any discussion and decisions on old and new business. Record important points in a discussion, the wording of any motion made and the voting results.

· Other business:
- xxxxxx noted that he was working with staff member xxxxx to help develop an information management systems plan. xxxxxxx asked members for their opinions to help select a consultant. The majority of members agreed on retaining xxxx Company.

MOTION to retain and employ xxxx Company for IT consulting service at a rate not to exceed amount specified in proposal, made, seconded and approved/passed.

STEP 6 – ADJOURNMENT. End the minutes with the adjournment, including the time the meeting ended, who called for adjournment and the vote. The secretary should sign the minutes below a final phrase, such as "Respectfully submitted by" including the time/date prepared and the time/date approved.

Meeting adjourned at 11 a.m.
Minutes submitted by Secretary, xxxx xxxx
Minutes Prepared: August 11, 2010
Minutes Approved: September __, 201

MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES IN DRAFTING MINUTES

SHOULD MOVERS AND SECONDERS BE RECORDED IN MINUTES? Generally, No.

The answer will vary based on your chapter’s bylaws, standing rules and customs and practices. However, absent contrary authority, the name of a person making a motion or seconding a motion should not be recorded in the minutes. This rule is based on the comments contained in Rule 60 of the Robert's Rules of Order (10^th Edition) which states as follows:

The mover's name is recorded only "in the case of important motions."

The name of the seconder of a motion should not be entered in the minutes unless ordered by the assembly…

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS? Executive Session or Redacted Minutes.

When a board of directors discusses confidential matters such as legal, tax or personnel matters, the board of directors should meet in executive session. Here is the typical procedure to be followed:

A board member moves that the board go into executive session. If the motion is adopted, the meeting proceeds with non-board members excluded. The Secretary records in the minutes only that the motion was made, seconded and passed.
The board conducts its confidential business. Non-board members may be invited by the board to attend. The Secretary records minutes from the executive session. However, the minutes of the executive session are not included in the general meeting minutes and are kept separately in a confidential manner.
When the executive session is adjourned, the public or general minutes should record that the executive session has concluded. The board may elect to announce the decisions made in executive session for inclusion in the general meeting minutes.

NEED TRAINING MATERIALS FOR NEW OFFICER ORIENTATION? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or via e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com for more information.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Non-Profit Management Series - The Evolution of Leadership

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:17:12 PDT

Leaders aren’t born. Leaders evolve and grow over time. So, the question is: How do I become a leader?

STAGE 1 – PARTICIPATION. It is not often that someone joins an organization and is instantly recognized as a leader. It starts on a much smaller scale. It starts by attending meetings, making connections, and building relationships. It isn’t about showing up. Like effective networking, it requires a plan and active participation. It requires a commitment of both time and effort. It is all about service, making commitments, taking an action and delivering results. For example, if you attend sporadically, arrive late and leave early, and don’t participate, then you aren’t really participating and your time and effort is being wasted.

STAGE 2 – SEEK OUT A MENTOR. Depending on your experience or length of service, you may want to seek out a mentor or advisor. The mentor or advisor relationship can be a formal or informal relationship. Often, it is simply a person willing to answer questions or willing to act as a sounding board. Information and insights on the traditions of the organization and on the group dynamic are invaluable. Without such information, it would be like a child playing a game without knowing the rules. More importantly, a good mentor or advisor will assist you in identifying opportunities to take on a greater role within the organization and will encourage and challenge you to reach within and go beyond your comfort zone. Access to other leaders is also an important aspect of the mentor relationship. It opens doors and creates opportunities. More importantly, it allows you to make informed decisions on how to capitalize on opportunities.

STAGE 3 – MAKE AN IMPACT. After participating in the organization, the next step in the evolution of a leader is often accompanied by action that makes an impact on the organization. Participation leads to access and opportunities. If opportunities aren’t presenting themselves, then you need to make your own opportunities. To do so, you must first understand the mission of the organization and the dynamics of the group. You must be willing to play a role and to make a contribution in that role. It is important to step up and fill a need of the organization. As you start to contribute, your contributions will be recognized and you will have a greater role and progressive responsibilities within the organization. However, your contributions may not be fully recognized unless you are organized and take a serious professional approach. Greater opportunities will present themselves to people who play a role, who have a niche and who are willing to contribute to the success of others – whether or not the contribution or role is recognized immediately or not.

STAGE 4 – TAKE RISKS – DEVELOP A LEGACY. At this stage, you will need to articulate a vision for the organization. By doing so, you will necessarily need to take a risk. Your priorities and agenda may differ from other leaders in the organization. There will always be a risk of rejection and a fear of failure at this pont It is at this point that you will need to build a consensus. This doesn’t always occur at a meeting. Often, it occurs informally. It requires preparation and planning. Before you present an initiative, you need to ask:

(1) Is there a need? Or, does it solve a problem?

(2) Does it further the mission of the organization?

(3) Do we have the resources – money, time or personnel – to do it right?

(4) Will stakeholders buy into the initiative?

After you have answered these questions, then proceed by proposing and implement an initiative. It isn’t about getting it done – it is about getting it done in an exemplary manner. Every leader needs to establish a legacy to answer the question – Did I leave the organization in a better position than when I started?

STAGE 5 – PREPARE FOR LEADERSHIP POSITIONS. At some point in your development as a leader, you may have to submit an application for an appointment, meet for an interview or stand for election. Here are some tips for seeking an appointment or being elected within an organization:

Build a strong legacy of service with quantifiable results.
Maintain and continually update your resume or curriculum vitae. Keep it simple, straightforward and accurate.
Understand the duties, responsibilities and time commitment of the position that you seek.
Assess your skills. Seek a position that matches your skills. Be the right person for the right job, not just any job.
Manage your time. Don’t try to be everywhere. Limit your commitments.
Make sure that your family and business commitments are met or managed.
Understand the selection process. Know the participants in the process. Understand the rules associated with the process.
Seek out mentors and advisors to guide you. Ask others for assistance and advice.
Develop a team to assist you. Don’t try to do it all yourself.
Think strategically. Consider timing and the strengths of others seeking the same office.
Delegate campaign tasks to others.
Create a vision and professional message. Show (not tell) your qualifications for the position. Share your goals and priorities for the office that you seek.
Use testimonials and endorsements, if appropriate.
Prepare for the nominating interview. Review sample questions. Write out answers to possible interview questions. Anticipate and plan for questions that relate to perceived weaknesses. Role play questions and answers so you are comfortable with your responses. Pay attention to the words you use in the interview. With limited time, errant words may be misconstrued.
Take a copy of your nomination application, consent to serve, resume or curriculum vitae, or other credential forms to the nominating interview.
Prepare for your public speech. Develop a theme to your comments. Make your comments short and concise. Avoid flowery phrases and clichés. Offer tangible examples of your past accomplishments and priorities for the future.
Communicate your priories to supporters, key leaders in organization and general membership. Tailor the method of communication, number of contacts and message to the targeted audience. Make sure the message is consistent.
Be judicious in the language used.
Be gracious whether you win or lose. Today’s opponents may just be tomorrow’s supporters. Be sure to thank your supporters, mentors, etc. for their advice and assistance.

STAGE 6 – YOU KNOW YOU HAVE MATURED AS A LEADER WHEN… Leadership styles evolve over time. You know that you have matured as a leader when you:

Limit your commitments to manageable levels.
Establish a clear agenda for your work. Are able to communicate your vision and goals to others.
Set and communicate reasonable expectations for yourself and others. Require accountability of yourself and others. Track progress toward goals.
Learn to delegate tasks and share responsibility. Are able and willing to acknowledge contributions and share praise.
Build consensus without compromising core values. Are committed to decisive action.
Focus on progress, not perfection.
Pick battles in a judicious manner. Learn when and when not to speak out. Focus on issues, not people. Maintain a professional and civil tone. Think before speaking or sending e-mails. Sound a conciliatory tone to create cohesiveness.
Motivate others to exceed expectations for their position.
Focus on the right person with the right skills when filling positions.
Develop a bold and aggressive vision for the organization. “Give back” to profession is sole focus.
Encourage and support the development and personal growth of the next class of leaders.
Act in the best interests of the organization as a whole.
Take a long-term, strategic view on issues. Understand the big picture. In the end, leaders understand the nature and demands of leadership and service and never stop evolving as leaders.

NEED TRAINING MATERIALS FOR NEW OFFICER ORIENTATION? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or via e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com for more information.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

You are a professional, right? So stop texting... stop hiding... and pick-up the telephone.

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 13:48:21 PDT

As someone who lives and breathes in a digital world, I regularly text, e-mail and use social media to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. However, I use traditional, commonly accepted modes of communication when it comes to substantive business correspondence such as:

Telephone Call with Confirming E-Mail
E-Mail
Business Letter Sent via Facsimile
Business Letter Sent via U.S. Mail

Usually, I try to mimic the method of transmission of the message used by the other person. If you send me an e-mail inquiry, I typically will respond via e-mail to the e-mail address that you used to send the original message to me. However, I draw the line at texting and social media as a communication tool for agent-to-agent business communication. Here are a few reasons:

Papertrail: Texting doesn't create a papertrail that can be easily accessed or easily archived. There are programs and systems for doing so. However, only the real tech savvy do so. Whereas a copy of e-mails and letters are placed in the file and archived on my computer, text message aren't - except I do type out a written summary of substantive texts for the file.
Security: Social media messages travel through unknown servers. I simply don't trust that the messages will be received, that the messages won't be intentionally or inadvertently sent to the wrong location (e.g. Facebook wall versus personal message), or broadcast to unintended recipients.
Professional Content: Text and social media messages often have limited number of characters. It is difficult to fully communicate a position on a substantive issue in 140 characters or less.

More importantly, although I use multiple e-mail addresses for specific purposes, I only use a single e-mail address for business communication. I don't use a separate e-mail address for MLS, for my website, for my business card, etc.

Here are some simple examples of the poor use of technology tools to communicate with other agents:

Example #1: Scanned counteroffer is sent to listing agent with cover sheet via e-mail. Telephone call is placed to listing agent to confirm receipt of offer. No response to voicemail mesage. No response to e-mail. Deadline passes for counteroffer. Additional telephone calls are placed to listing agent. Again, no response. After deadline has passed, listing agent sends reply to counteroffer via text message. At this point, deal is dead.
Example #2: Agent sends inquiry regarding contract via e-mail. Listing agent replies via e-mail to the e-mail address used by the first agent. No reply. Telephone calls are placed to agent inquiring regarding status. Agent, after claiming that amendment wasn't received, finds the e-mail and states e-mail account where the e-mail was sent is his bulk e-mail account and he doesn't check it regularly. E-mail address is the e-mail address listed on the local association roster and on his MLS bio or profile.
Example #3: Broker sends text message regarding dispute. Listing agent replies "too lengthy to discuss via text... call me." Broker doesn't respond. Listing agent then places call and leaves voicemail message. No response.

My point is pretty simple. Stop texting... stop using social media... and pick-up gosh darn telephone for business communication. Send a confirming business letter or e-mail summarizing the conversation where appropriate.

The rise in instant communication has resulted in some circumstances in poor communication and lazy transmission of important contractual responses. While instaneous communication may have some benefits in timing, it certainly has some major drawbacks in terms of substance. If the tone of message is lost in e-mail, then it is even worse via text.

So... stop hiding, pick up the telephone and act like a professional. By the way, if you think "LOL" and a "smiley face" make you look and sound like a professional, I suspect that you are dead wrong.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

What is Your Home in the City of St. Louis Worth?

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:20:55 PDT

This site provides you with an estimated value based on modeling. The comparable sales used to determine the estimated market value may or may not be comparable and the estimated fair market value may not reflect recent changes in market conditions. In addition, the estimated market value and the optimum list price may be different. Data provided by First American Core Logic. Home valuation provided courtesy of PREA Signature Realty.

Need a more precise analysis of the optimum list price for your historic home, townhome, condominium or loft in the City of St. Louis? Contact Ryan Shaughnessy at PREA Signature Realty at 314-971-4381 or via e-mail to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

________________________________________________________________________________________________

PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Recycling Electronics in Lafayette Square

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 22:44:14 PDT

This month, we focus on a local non-profit Web Innovations and Technology Services ("WITS") who is the largest non-profit electronics recycler in Missouri. Under Missouri law, electronic equipment such as computers, televisions, cell phones, cordless telephones, and monitors are classified as "hazardous waste" and must be collected and disposed by regulated collection sites because electronic equipment often contains heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, and even PCBs. Although there are a number of commercial electronics recyclers in the St. Louis area, there is only one with a strong track record of re-use and recycling.

Here are some of WITS' achievements:

In 2009, WITS refurbished and reused over 3,500 computers and other electronics. Since 2004, WITS has refurbished and reused over 20,000 computers and electronics. These refurbished computers and electronics have been sold or given away to residents in local communities.
Over 8,000 volunteers and residents have helped promote or support WITS or donated to WITS programs.
In 2009, WITS diverted over 6.5 million lbs of electronic components from landfills and waste streams by refurbishing electronics, by disassembling electronics, and by re-manufacturing products for other uses. Since, 2004, WITS has diverted over 20.5 million lbs. of electronic components from landfills and waste streams.
65% of electronic items donated to WITS are reused. 35% of electronic items donated to WITS are demanufactured and sold for new product uses.
WITS has created over 365 new jobs since its inception.
1,250 low-income families have volunteered at WITS events to earn a computer, TV or other working electronic item.

Here are some of the ways that St. Louis real estate professionals can benefit from WITS' recycling programs:

Electronic Disposal: Dispose of old, used and inoperable electronic equipment in a safe, environmentally friendly manner. Other commercial recyclers charge disposal fees. WITS does not charge for the disposal of most electronic items delivered to the WITS' facility or delivered to a WITS' collection site.
Tax Donation: Receive a charitable donation letter summarizing the fair market value of the donated item for use as a charitable tax donation
Onsite Electronics Pick-Up: If you require pick-up service, WITS charges $50-$100 per box truck for all business pickups, $30-75 for residential pick-up with a 1 hour drive.
Purchase Refurbished Electronic and Other Items: Purchase refurbished computers (from $60), laptops (from $100), and LCD Monitors (from $25). Other items including televisions, radios, stereos, fans, heaters, lawn equipment, etc. are available starting at $5.
Home CleanOut: If you work with seniors or sell home in probate estate, WITS offers a low flat fee ($100) pick-up service of all household items. WITS then repackages and delivers such non-electronic items as clothing, household furniture, etc. to other non-profits.

Other WITS's programs:

Volunteer for Computer Program: Volunteers who agree to work at WITS' facility or WITS' events for 65 hours receive a free computer or other electronic item. Senior, veteran and disabled volunteers can work from home placing telephone calls and earn a free computer after 45 hours of volunteer time.
Student Program: Eligible low income students accepted to college and maintain a B+ average receive a free computer.
Kids with Kancer Program: Chronically ill children age 8 to 18 suffering from cancer and hospitalized or receiving full-time home care are eligible to receive a free laptop.
Seniors Program: WITS receives applications from seniors and donates 1 computer system per month to seniors in need of a computer.
Computer Exchange: Non-profit organizations, schools and churches can exchange used, old and inoperable computers for new computers.
Revenue Sharing: Non-profit organizations, schools and churches can act as event organizers or collection sites and receive a percentage of the income generated from the recycling of electronic items.

If you are interested in learning more about WITS, visit their facility at 647 E Holly Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63147 (2 blocks from N. Grand and Hwy 70), their website at www.witsinc.org, or their upcoming recycling event in Belleville, Illinois on August 8 or Chesterfield, Missouri on August 28.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

@Home in Historic St. Louis - Speechless Sunday - N. Grand Water Tower - St. Louis, Missouri

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 23:23:48 PDT

HISTORY OF WATER TOWER: This 154 foot Corinthian brick column, known as the North St. Louis Water Tower, is located at North Grand Blvd. and 20th Street in North St. Louis. The water tower was built in 1871 at a cost over $45,000. From 1871 to 1912, the water tower was used to create pressure to pump water from the Mississippi River at Bissell's point to the Compton Hill Reservoir at South Grand Blvd. and Arsenal. It was taken out of service in 1912 when electric water pumps replaced the original stealm pumps at Bissell's point. In 1929, it was put back into service as an air beacon. After being threatened with demolition, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.

Missouri Real Estate News: Ballot Proposition Sponsored by the Missouri Association of REALTORS to Ban Transfer Taxes on Sale of Real Estate Rejected by Missouri Secretary of State due to Insufficient Signatures

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 00:10:04 PDT

The Missouri Association of REALTORS, sponsor of a proposed state constitutional amendment to prohibit transfer taxes on the sale of real estate, announced today that it would file a lawsuit challenging the Missouri Secretary State's rejection of the ballot petition due to insufficient signatures. On Monday, the Missouri Secretary of State announced that the ballot petition, known as Vote “YES” To Stop Double Taxation, failed to secure enough signatures of registered voters to qualify for the November ballot.

The Vote “YES” To Stop Double Taxation Committee collected thousands of petitions across six of the state’s nine congressional districts. The Committee plans to file a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court, asking that the petition signatures be declared sufficient. The suit will also ask the court to count signatures rejected by the Secretary of State due to petition circulators not being registered with the state.

“With the large volume of thousands of signatures of supportive voters and the deadline pressure scores of local election authorities faced to check the signatures, there will inevitably be mistakes, and we believe mistakes happened,” said Chuck Hatfield, attorney for the Vote “YES” To Stop Double Taxation Committee. “We owe it to the tens of thousands of Missouri voters who signed the petitions and worked hard on the issue’s behalf to go out and review the signatures and correct the mistakes,” Hatfield said. “We are committed to putting this important question before voters, so they have a chance to protect themselves from double taxation.”

Missouri remains among just 13 states that do not impose a transfer tax on real estate sales. The past legislative session included several proposals to impose a transfer tax on new construction. Lafayette Square REALTOR Michelle Silies commented "the imposition of a tax on the on the sale of real estate will only increase the costs associated the sale of one's home." Ms. Silies further stated "proposals for transfer taxes could not come at a worse time for homeowners already trying to sell their home in this challenging market."

Learn more about the amendment at www.YesToSaveHomes.com.

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PREA SIGNATURE REALTY

For more information, visit our website at www.PREASignatureRealty.com or contact Ryan Shaughnessy at 314-971-4381 or send an email to Ryan@PREASignatureRealty.com.