<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Wayzata Minnesota Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By Counselor Realty</title><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:16:33 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>4100 Parklawn Ave. #308, Edina, MN 55435</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/4100-Parklawn-Ave-308-Edina-Minnesota/i/214937/0/t?pid=" title="Welcome to 4100 Parklawn Ave" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Great Location!&nbsp; 3rd floor condo living provides vaulted ceiling in living room.&nbsp; New carpet and neutral paint throughout.&nbsp; New stainless appliances in kitchen, parquet floors in kitchen and dining room.&nbsp; Spacious master suite with private bath. Great amenities including outdoor pool, exercise room, party room, library, underground heated parking with carwash bay... just minutes from Southdale!</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/4100-Parklawn-Ave-308-Edina-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/4100-Parklawn-Ave-308-Edina-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:55:59 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Magnificent home on Red Rock Lake</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15387-Mason-Pointe-Eden-Prairie-Minnesota/i/214460/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Robert Mason built former parade home, lakeshore on Red Rock Lake.&nbsp; High quality detailing throughout. Vaulted, elegant foyer opens to living room with gorgeous lake views. Granite center island kitchen, open family room with adjacent 3 season porch.&nbsp; King sized master suite with gas fireplace and private dressing room / whirlpool bath.&nbsp; Huge lower level entertainment room witih wet bar, 3 bedrooms + your own health club!&nbsp; For more photos and information, please go to:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=1023589">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=1023589</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15387-Mason-Pointe-Eden-Prairie-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15387-Mason-Pointe-Eden-Prairie-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:49:23 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Beautiful Minnetonka Setting</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14601-Atrium-Way-338-Minnetonka-Minnesota/i/205660/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Spacious end unit on 3rd floors with many upgrades and great views on 3 sides!&nbsp; 2 heated parking stalls, storage room, updated pool area and exercise room.&nbsp; Huge vaulted living room with skylights, and see-thru frplc to den/family room. Formal dining, spacious kitchen with center island and breakfast area, adjacent office and laundry room. 3-season porch with built-in heater, large master with full wall built-in.&nbsp; A great use of space throughout!</p>
<p>Click on link below for floor plan which has been slightly modified through upgrades.<a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Atrium%20floorplan.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Atrium floorplan.pdf</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14601-Atrium-Way-338-Minnetonka-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14601-Atrium-Way-338-Minnetonka-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:48:50 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Cyberstar ideas from 2010 Summit</title><description><![CDATA[<p><strong>Cyberstars 2010</strong></p>
<p><strong>Scottsdale</strong><strong>, AZ</strong><strong></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tech tools &ndash; Rob Jansen, Rob Levy, Nate Maritnez</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>iPhone &ndash; applications</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;Jawbone Headset</strong></p>
<p><strong>ColorSplash &ndash; standing out</strong></p>
<p><strong>Instapaper on the iPhone or iPod</strong></p>
<p><strong>Autostitch &ndash; iPhone</strong></p>
<p><strong>Zillow iPhone application</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tour narrator &ndash; alamode.inc</strong></p>
<p><strong>MapQuest navigator</strong></p>
<p><strong>Slydial &ndash; goes straight to the voice mail.</strong></p>
<p><strong>PhotoGene</strong></p>
<p><strong>Adobe Photoshop for iPhone</strong></p>
<p><strong>Mobileme &ndash; internet cloud, full internet between Mac and iPhone</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Does work with Mac and pc</strong></p>
<p><strong>Knockinglivevideo &ndash; iPhone send video phone to phone</strong></p>
<p><strong>Snippets &ndash;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Mobilio for blackberry</strong></p>
<p><strong>Auto conference</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hardware</strong></p>
<p><strong>Mac book touch &ndash; just coming out</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dell xt2tablet pc &ndash; solid state hard drive</strong></p>
<p><strong>MIFI 2200 from sprint that is a wifi &ndash; can be shared with 5 people</strong></p>
<p><strong>4g wimax sprint &ndash; rolled out by clear wire &ndash; only 4 g &ndash; be sure to get it from Sprint</strong></p>
<p><strong>Projector from 3m to use from </strong></p>
<p><strong>Dell 1901s </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Software </strong></p>
<p><strong>Picasa &ndash; 99% can be used for photo</strong></p>
<p><strong>Snagit &ndash; Capture. Edit. Share. Organize</strong></p>
<p><strong>Walkscore &ndash; tells you what you can walk to</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jing &ndash; like Snagit</strong></p>
<p><strong>Premierpro cs4 - $600</strong></p>
<p><strong>Visual communicator from Adobe &ndash; </strong></p>
<p><strong>Keyword spy &ndash; keyword research</strong></p>
<p><strong>Printlimenator &ndash; remove stuff from intern</strong></p>
<p><strong>Website grader</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>CRM </strong></p>
<p><strong>Platinum Real Pro &ndash; idx, people, where leads are, all the team can use from iPhone and blackberry. Calendars. You can go to breakout today for more info</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Kodak V750 </strong></p>
<p><strong>Poor Mans Steady Cam</strong></p>
<p><strong>Flip Eye-Fi &ndash; it does geo code</strong></p>
<p><strong>LCDVF7D &ndash; viewer</strong></p>
<p><strong>Lense &ndash; sunpak&nbsp; m power lense &ndash; lens .45 x</strong></p>
<p><strong>Canon Rebel T1i</strong></p>
<p><strong>Qrcode.kaywa.com &ndash; code</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Lead Generation &amp; Conversion &ndash; Bryan Bomba, Kristen Cole, Sven Anderson, Thomas Cook</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Market and team structure &ndash; Bomba -150 leads a months, uses tigerleads, custom web and realtor.com -25% of his business comes from internet. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Cole &ndash; VA does lead conversion out of KC. 1800 leads a year.&nbsp; Steal websites, you have the right message so that you get people to site. They have worked on foreclosure and short sale, that is who they come in. Copy in the lender for the leads.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Cook &ndash; </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Database &ndash; Top Producer 7i &ndash; looking for a better solution, Online Agent &ndash; admin uses, real pro for drips, Cook uses Top Producer 8i and likes it . Constant contact, get response, and intele contacts</strong></p>
<p><strong>Have over 65000 contacts in email. &ndash;Cook</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bomba &ndash; Tiger Leads with email conversion, scripts, blogging and direct Mail</strong></p>
<p><strong>Cole &ndash; stealth websites, micro marketing to specific sellers, blogging and direct mail.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Cook &ndash; craigslist, pay per click, buyer seminars.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bomba &ndash; if there is a phone number with the email &ndash; call asap </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Go to Bomba site to get dripped</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p><strong>Cole &ndash; VA that does the immediate contacts, then puts into AO and website back end.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On her website is best buy.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Using the David Knox videos on short sales and tax credit</strong></p>
<p><strong>Stealth sites &ndash; best buy list, foreclosure email, idx search, preset idx searches, public sites</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Cook &ndash; The thank you site &ndash; </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Are you interested in other areas</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Getting information as you warm them up. Get a sign in and then have them </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; asking for more information.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On going training for internet lead conversion</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pay per click &ndash; on Google <a href="http://www.livingintoronto.ca/">www.livingintoronto.ca</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Www. Homebuyerworkshop.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.saturdaytourofhomes.com/">www.saturdaytourofhomes.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 20 individual sign up sites &ndash; <a href="http://www.libertyvillagecondolist.com/">www.libertyvillagecondolist.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>He buys his pay per click when he needs it and flips it off and on. He gets 35- 50 clicks per day.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Print advertising &ndash;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just listed and just sold cards</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Direct mail &ndash; experience matters more than ever.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; List of homes when they were the second Realtor</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Micro marketing &ndash; finding sellers that can really sell. Finding seller that </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; bought before 2004 with only one loan. Terry Mc that maybe able to find out </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; that person. </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Blogging with kinetic</strong></p>
<p><strong>Altos research</strong></p>
<p><strong>Stealth ads in the newspaper</strong></p>
<p><strong>Respond to email with in 10 minutes. Response is 4 times better when done by phone.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Top lead generation &amp; top conversion tools</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Blogging and adding content to your site that will be market edge type of interest.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Leadrealty.com for listing leads</strong></p>
<p><strong>Small ads in newspaper of your stealth ads</strong></p>
<p><strong>Gooder group on the website</strong></p>
<p><strong>Niche website that generates </strong></p>
<p><strong>Get a good response from Craigslist &ndash; call to action after the ad for want a foreclosure list, free CMA, or email list of houses.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Personal contact is the 4 times more effective. </strong></p>
<p><strong>High touch working with the database with client events, asking for Facebook classes, </strong></p>
<p><strong>Banner ad on the newspaper site for CMA&rsquo;s for $45 per month. Ron Kubek</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hour of power by talking with clients.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Social, economic and keyword adds.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Display ads for being specific to social / economic</strong></p>
<p><strong>Highly targeted pay per click &ndash; Patrick Lilly &ndash; Greenwich Village town house</strong></p>
<p><strong>Every office meetings team member does 3 thank yous a week</strong></p>
<p><strong>Stealth ads on tag lines on craigslist &ndash; Galen 200-300 leads a week with 8 sales.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Market snap shot - that it $99 per month.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Dining card in their area they can pay for ($4) and 2 for 1.</strong></p>
<p><strong>eNeighborhoods.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>Seminars &ndash; buyer workshops, women for women, 100 to 150 per month.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Visual tour and uploading it to Craigslist</strong></p>
<p><strong>Purchased 5 zip codes from Zillow for leads. $6000 per year. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Micro sites for specific neighborhoods &ndash; does a neighborhood a month. &ndash; Willow Historic Neighborhood - Phoenix, he uses referral only. Goes after listings.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Banner ads on TV or Newspaper Websites</strong></p>
<p><strong>Radio station advertising - $2200 per month</strong></p>
<p><strong>Keywords &ndash; property listings</strong></p>
<p><strong>Form &ndash; weekly foreclosure list</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sold cards &ndash; sold , in case you missed it, homes I sold</strong></p>
<p><strong>Target market to seniors &ndash; went to people who have lived in homes over 20 years through title companies. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Newsletter &ndash; neighborhood farming &ndash; hand delivers</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Three Minutes of Fame</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tupper &ndash; does a walk on video like Demetiria with buttons instead of having every time, add banker&rsquo;s quarterly report.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Leigh Brown &ndash; Issuu.com account $19 per month &ndash; seller, buyer, relo books</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t print the books just email them to customers</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Green version of the homebuyer workbook</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Judy Luna &ndash; Magneticlens.com you can get a wide angle or fisheye</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Schenfeild &ndash; &ldquo;Free&rdquo; is my favorite place.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Calculatedrisk.com &ndash; you can tell you a lot of stuff going on in this difficult</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; market.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Google Docs Spreadsheets is for free &ndash; put all listings on a spread sheet and </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; can view it from the team. Any time a team member changes is changes to </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; everyone. It can be viewed on your cell phone. Google is going to rule the</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; world.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Orly</strong><strong> &ndash; Zingding.com with sound enhancements</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Redx &ndash; a great expired program</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shredding event in a neighborhood with a shredding truck. </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eco-friendly shopping bag Art of Marketing 888</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Wynne Achatz &ndash; sendoutcards for birthdays, anniversaries</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; FAX service, Notary service</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Erik Lerner &ndash;&ldquo;Qualify&rdquo; Architectural Quality of Listing</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enrich your understanding</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Classicist.org greatbuilding.com notsobighouse.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Bryan Bomba &ndash; Welcome to the Neighborhood Sign for 2 weeks for your buyers.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Scott Pridemore &ndash; Canon 50D with wide angle, photomatrix, HDR Techniques and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tim Burrell - Technology &amp; Short Sales &ndash; Training for how to go from signing to back approval. Software is <a href="http://www.shortsalecommander.com/">www.shortsalecommander.com</a> for working on your short sale. Outsource it to a closing services company for short sale. <a href="http://www.nationalquicksale.com/">www.NationalQuickSale.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.shortsalenegotiatingspecialist.com/">www.shortsalenegotiatingspecialist.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tami Spaudling &ndash; Job Loss Protection Program, mortgage payment protection plan, $500 at closing. Myhelpconnection.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Valerie Hunter Kelly &ndash; Amazon Kindle &ndash; paperless, more environmentally friendly. Download 60 books. Much cheaper than buying regular books. Over 1000 blogs. Over 350,000 titles for Kindle. Cost around $260. Free access to Wikipedia.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Susan Camiliere &ndash; holiday party, invitation to database 4-5 times over 6 weeks. It is the 1<sup>st</sup> Monday of December. Cost $3500.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Virtual Assistants &ndash; Sven Andersen, Shane White, Leigh Brown</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>VA &ndash; Using Steve Kantor&rsquo;s team that he goes over projects for the week and then they implement. Contact management, closing coordinator. It took Sven 7 different VA&rsquo;s before found one he really worked well with. Creative marketing, post cards, blogs, newsletters, web banners and footers, eCare coordinator (leads for seller, buyer, renter, relo), data base cleanup, better organization and lead management, any thing that doesn&rsquo;t take a personal touch in office. They become a business expense, no office expense, don&rsquo;t need to teach, no dead time, no vacation or benefits,&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p><strong>You can hire for a specific talent. </strong></p>
<p><strong>Order by project.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Finding one by referrals and/or recommendations from agents.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Hourly rate or contract.</strong></p>
<p><strong>What do you think your ROI is for your VA?</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>VPN to do a remote. Box.net to upload pics, </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>How to make sure it is the right one</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - things to look for and think about</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; - make sure personality, profile fits job description</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>It is hard to find a good VA. </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.realsupportinc.com/">www.realsupportinc.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.myreassistant.com/">www.myreassistant.com</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Steve Kantor</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>What VA did?</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Updated Real Pro site &ndash; babblefish, altos</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do the brochures &ndash; template</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Post cards for just listed, just sold &ndash; go to a mail house, special events.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Listing marketing to craigslist, Zillow, realtor.com, etc</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monthly marketing eNewsletter</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Posts the blogs, does the Monday Morning Coffee</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Do the drip marketing campaigns, customize it.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Newsletter can become a blog post</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Referral marketing</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Create stats for houses</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Internet marketing</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Website maintenance</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Internet lead follow-up &ndash; leads went from 6% of business to 23%</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Buyer lead management including database organization, phone calls, </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; vetting relo leads</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enter all leads into central database and attach email campaign.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Make initial phone call within minutes of prospect registering.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Schedule recurring follow-up calls</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Access to automated searches </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Send to lenders</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either they die or buy</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The VA and pick the DISC</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Listing processing</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Calling database</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Closing coordination</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Real Pro Systems Upgrade Ideas</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Jones with video that is updated.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Background photo on the front page is video newjerseybesthomes.com</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pick your from pic as a reflection of your area, maybe using the seasons. </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Sven Andersen with them around the area North of Boston Real Estate &ndash; he went to his VA to creatively work with Real Pro to upgrade for front page.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>They do free training. Virtual assistants can be the hired from Real Pro for $30 an hour. They know Real Pro Systems.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Find the Sven page for following on FB, Twitter, and LinkedIn</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>A blog with a video in it.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>John Jones does Tuesday Morning Coffee with a video.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>What ever you can bring up on a browser your can put on your blog.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Control panel with videos with 15 different things</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Altos research to take info and drop into your pages for market stats</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Community market statistic &ndash; Bearpath market stats</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>TeamJodi.com for Chapel Hill Stats to check</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Made links for an idx search &ndash; look at Janet Reilly Monterey County</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Blog article by Zac with a list of terms _ bankruptcy</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Rob Zimmer and video</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Testimonial videos from raving fans.</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tom Cain sets up community vendors</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can have as many custom pages as you want</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Idx broker &ndash; drilling down to specific neighborhoods to have for quick look</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bank owned</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Short Sale</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Traditional sales</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>Look a Rob Levy to see the specific neighborhoods and then by price</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>You can go to the idx site from your Bank Owned with idx broker</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Cyberstar-ideas-from-2010-Summit</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Cyberstar-ideas-from-2010-Summit</guid><pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 16:44:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Completely Rennovated &amp; Charming</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/210-W-33rd-St-Minneapolis-Minnesota/i/202636/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Totally updated 2+ story plus carriage garage with loft.&nbsp; Huge front porch opens to Living Room and Dining Room with woodburning fireplace, new oak flooring (throughout) and the charm of leaded glass windows.&nbsp; New granite kitchen with upper end appliances and maple cabinets.&nbsp; Informal eating area / sun room off the kitchen with 1/2 bath.&nbsp; Three bedroom on upper level with beautiful new bath and sun room with 3 walls of windows.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Extensive updates include high eff gas furnace, central air, 80 gal water heater, 200 amp service, roof, new oak floors in all rooms, new baths, etc.&nbsp; Over 125,000 spent in rennovations.</p>
<p>For more extensive photos and more info, click on link below:<a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=992378">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=992378</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/210-W-33rd-St-Minneapolis-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/210-W-33rd-St-Minneapolis-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:34:01 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Charming east coast colonial on White Fish</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/37161-Silver-Peak-Road-Crosslake-Minnesota/i/200085/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Charming east coast colonial to enjoy your weekend with large family (accommodates 20+) Towering white and norway pintes. 2 story great room with fieldstone fireplace, granite center island kitchen, main floor master, great guest house, boat house, storage garages.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/37161-Silver-Peak-Road-Crosslake-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/37161-Silver-Peak-Road-Crosslake-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:04:05 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Spacious rambler on treed culdesac!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14036-Royal-Court-Minnetonka-Minnesota/i/197362/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Spacious rambler on private culdesac in Forest Hills area. New ceramic foyer opens living rm w/ oak floors &amp; see thru fireplace to dining rm. Large vaulted family rm w/ gas stove. 3 season vaulted porch. Lower level amusement rm w/ fplc, den &amp; 4th bdrm. For more photos and details, please go to:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=979580">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=979580</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14036-Royal-Court-Minnetonka-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/14036-Royal-Court-Minnetonka-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:38:27 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Magnificent Rambler on Robinsons Bay</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/3350-Northome-Road-Wayzata-Minnesota/i/189148/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p><span class="descTextColor descTextStyle">Professionally updated rambler, spectacular views of Robinsons Bay. Slate foyer opens to oak floored living rm w/ 10 ft ceilings. Dining rm lakeside w/ parquet floors. Updated kitchen, granite counters. Master suite w/ double walkin closet &amp; library. For more details and photos, please go to: <a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=960608">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=960608</a></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/3350-Northome-Road-Wayzata-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/3350-Northome-Road-Wayzata-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:09:40 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Charming Cape Cod</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15724-Excelsior-Blvd-Minnetonka-Minnesota/i/188876/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Charming cape cod on wooded acre lot.&nbsp; Multi-decks and patio, gardens &amp; waterfall.&nbsp; Slate foyer opens to oak floored living and dining room with built-in buffet.&nbsp; Updated kitchen with birch cabinets.&nbsp; Master bedroom converted to library.&nbsp; Walkout family room with stone floors.&nbsp; Fore more information and photos about this property, please go to:<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #810081;"><a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=959688">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=959688</a></span></span></p>
<p>To view property inspection, click on link below:<a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Excelsior%20Inspection.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Excelsior Inspection.pdf</a></p>
<p>To view property disclosures, click on link below:<a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Excelsior%20Disclosures.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Excelsior Disclosures.pdf</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15724-Excelsior-Blvd-Minnetonka-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/15724-Excelsior-Blvd-Minnetonka-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:59:13 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Updated Rambler on Huge Lot!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/9408-Elliot-Ave-S-Bloomington-Minnesota/i/185794/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>One owner rambler on quiet 1/3 acre lot. Ceramic foyer, oak floors on main level. Spacious living &amp; dining rm. Birch cabinets in kitchen w/ new counters &amp; sink. Master bdrm w/ 1/2 bath. Tongue &amp; groove paneled family room, newer furnace, newer driveway. For more photos and details, go to <a href="http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=951579">http://www.twincitiesusa.com/MyHomeDtl.asp?lstPages=1&amp;HomeID=951579</a></p>
<p>Disclosures:<a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Elliot%20Disclosures.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Elliot Disclosures.pdf</a></p>
<p>Inspection:<a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Elliot%20Inspection.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/Elliot Inspection.pdf</a></p>
<p>City of Bloomington Inspection: <a id="preview_url_link" href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/City%20of%20Bloomington%20Inspection.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.westmarkteam.com/agent_files/City of Bloomington Inspection.pdf</a></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/9408-Elliot-Ave-S-Bloomington-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/9408-Elliot-Ave-S-Bloomington-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:05:07 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Own a Garage Condo at Motorplex Minneapolis!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/1700-Motorplex-Court-Chanhassen-Minnesota/i/184919/0/t?pid=" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">Autobahn MotorPlex is designed for the motorsports enthusiast from the ground up - literally. Each garage condo is temperature controlled with comprehensive video security. The Club House, overlooking a pond and protected wetland, features exhibit space, lounge area and state-of-the-art electronics, and can be used for social events, club meetings, and more.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">You will find some garage condos used primarily for storage with work area, and some garages decked out with a bathroom, workshop, loft area for entertaining with full kitchen, T.V. comfortable furniture &ndash; even a fireplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>(Some call it a man cave) This end-unit includes windows and option for balcony.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Each garage has an insulated raised panel garage door with remote control, individually controlled in-floor heaters, fire suppressions sprinkler system, 100 amps of electrical power. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">Automated campus security gate</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/1700-Motorplex-Court-Chanhassen-Minnesota</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/1700-Motorplex-Court-Chanhassen-Minnesota</guid><pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:25:32 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Doing More with Less</title><description><![CDATA[<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">DOING MORE WITH LESS</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&ldquo;Right Sizing&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><strong style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Story of the forest fire in the Black Hills</span></span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Know your balance sheet.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Use your past 3 years tax returns to begin with</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don&rsquo;t for get the dollars your paid your company in looking at GCI</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Get yourself up on Quick Book</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">D.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The 50% Rule in Real Estate &ndash; 50% your business, 50% for you!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">II.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Don&rsquo;t Confuse the Business with Yourself &ndash; you make money and spend it.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Make a Business Budget- How will you run your business on 50% of GCI</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Make a Personal Budget &ndash; How will you run your household on the other</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">III.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">IOU Dearly</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&ldquo;When you Output Exceeds Your Input, </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">Your Upkeep will be Your Downfall.&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">IV.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Reserves</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cash in Bank &ndash; how much must you have to run your business</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">One month, three months, or six months &ndash;Cash is King</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">How liquid are your assets </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">V.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Inventory</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is good inventory I have now? Any energy vampires?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is the saleable inventory I should go after?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is not a seller or a buyer market. It is the market.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VI.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What you need to know!</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is my cost of taking each listing to closing?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">B.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is my cost of taking each buyer to closing?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">C.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is my hourly rate?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">GCI $100,000/3000 hrs = $33/hr</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.5in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">GCI $500,000/3000 hrs = $166/hr</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">D.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Know your market &ndash; stats on unit sales, average sales price, days on </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">market, months supply, value ranges selling, areas selling, etc</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; text-indent: -0.25in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 1.0in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">E.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What are the percentages of where your of source of income comes?</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VII.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cutting Expense</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">A. Fixed expenses &ndash; leases, taxes, insurance, telephone, etc</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Rework lease with landlord or cars; insurance deductables; types of </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>phones with long distance &amp; line charges, take each line by line</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">B. Variable &ndash; staffing, advertising, education, vechiles, etc</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>1. Staffing &ndash;Question to ask, &ldquo;If I had to rehire knowing what I know<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>would I rehire?&rdquo; If not &ndash; bye bye. &ldquo;Who is the most cross trained or </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>willing to cross train?&rdquo; If they say &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not my job.&rdquo; Show the door.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>Build on a core group. Capable of learning. Incredible flexibility.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">If some one specializes &ndash; cut to half time so they<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>can work for someone else. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>2. Advertising &ndash; I use 1 to 5 ratio. If you spend $1000 in advertising it </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>should generate $5000 in GCI. If you advertise and it is not generating </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>the proper GCI &ndash; get aggressive and cut.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>3. Keep asking the question &ndash; &ldquo;Did I cut enough?&rdquo;</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">VIII.</span><span style="font: 7pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Managing your business Week to Week</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">Some business look at there business on a year to year budgeting. Better business look at their budgets on a month to month. The most effective businesses in these hard economic times are looking at their businesses every week. 9AM on Monday, What sales happened last week,? What listings happened last week? How many new customers did we get last week? Etc </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">Then &ndash; What is the plan this week? Who is going to buy this week? Who is most likely to sell this week? What do we have to do this week to make this one better than last? What are you committing to do this week?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">If you concentrate on yourself 80% of the time on what you need, you will lose.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">If you concentrate on what your client needs 80% of the time, you will win.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Times New Roman;">REAL ESTATE IS PERSONAL!</span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Doing-More-with-Less</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Doing-More-with-Less</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:38:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>New Report on Lender Mediated Sales in Twin Cities</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The most current report on Lender Mediated sales in the Twin Cities shows the in the 1st quarter 55.8% of sales were lender mediated and in the 2nd quarter it dropped to 44.2%. That is a 20% drop.</p>
<p>Current new listing in the 2nd quarter that were lender mediated dropped by 5% to 7,369.</p>
<p>The bank owned properties seem to be dwindling quickly but short sale listings are increasing. This maybe that the banks are willing to work with sellers on their homes that they are upside down in. To get help in this area please check out our new web site <a href="http://www.ShortSaleHELPtwincities.com">www.ShortSaleHELPtwincities.com</a></p>
<p>For the full report on lender mediated sales for the 2nd quarter click here; <a href="http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/FSS/fss.pdf">http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/FSS/fss.pdf</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/New-Report-on-Lender-Mediated-Sales-in-Twin-Cities</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/New-Report-on-Lender-Mediated-Sales-in-Twin-Cities</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:08:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>July 2009 Twin Cities Update Reports</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The Twin Cities has signs of coming out of the declining market both in sales and also in market value.</p>
<p>In the enclosed reports you will find that our inventory of homes for sale is dropping, and has in fact been doing that for 2 years. But to get back to inventories of the early 2000's we still need an additional 25% decrease.</p>
<p>Average sale prices and median sales prices have been declining since 2006 but in these most recent reports you will in an increase in both over the last 2 to 3 months.</p>
<p>Unit sales are up, which is a very good thing. But the great increase in sales has been in the value range under $150,000. At the values over $190,000, sales lag behind last year by 15-25% depending on the value range.</p>
<p>Lender mediated sales (foreclosure &amp; short sale) grew from 6%, 2 years ago to over 50% in 2009. A changing indicator though is that we peaked in percentage of lender mediated sales in&nbsp;the spring of 2009. This trend needs to continue to firm up the values on Twin Cities real estate.</p>
<p>Enclosed are the reports. I would be honored to meet with you to get specific with your property(ies) and how these apply to your specific price range, area, and style.</p>
<p>Monthly Market Indicators: <a href="http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/MMI/mmi.pdf">http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/MMI/mmi.pdf</a></p>
<p>Housing Supply <a href="outlook:http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/HSO/hso.pdf">Outlook:http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/HSO/hso.pdf</a></p>
<p>The Skinny - youtube video: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwdCVLCS82A">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwdCVLCS82A</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/July-2009-Twin-Cities-Update-Reports</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/July-2009-Twin-Cities-Update-Reports</guid><pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:29:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Lender mediated sales in 4 month decline in the Twin Cities</title><description><![CDATA[<p><span class="PUREBLUEHEADER">Enclosed is an article from the MAAR research that shows our lender mediated sales percentages are on a 4 month decline after going through a 2 year increase. This is a good reflection for the Twin Cities that have been in a fall back position since July of 2005. We continue to look a other changes in our market like less inventory, reduction in speculative new construction and days on market before sale as positive indicators of a market turnaround.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="PUREBLUEHEADER">Traditional sales increase market share</span></p>
<p><em>Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 10, 2009)</em> &ndash; Traditional, non-lender-mediated homes increased their market share in May, according to the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS&reg; (MAAR) based on data from the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc.</p>
<p><span class="PUREBLUEHEADER"><em><img src="http://www.westmarkteam.com/images/skinny/lm-share-may09.jpg" border="0" alt="April 2009 Pending Sales" hspace="4" width="400" height="279" align="left" /></em></span>The number of traditional home sales is growing. Only 43.0 percent of the pending sales in May were lender-mediated, compared to 59.4 percent in January.</p>
<p>This decrease in lender-mediated market share brought the overall median price up $12,000 from last month to $165,000 in May. Despite the month-over-month increase, that's still a 19.5 percent drop from May 2008. The median May sales price of traditional homes was $214,000, down 4.3 percent from a year ago. Lender-mediated homes posted a May figure of $122,000, down 20.8 percent from a year ago.</p>
<p>There were 5,183 signed purchase agreements in May, up 17.3 percent from this time last year, marking the 11th consecutive month of year-over-year increases.</p>
<p>"With low mortgage rates and the $8,000 federal tax credit for first-time home buyers we're seeing the recent jump in sales spill over into the traditional market a bit," said Steve Havig, MAAR President.</p>
<p>The number of properties for sale at the end of May was 26,674, down 19.0 percent from this time last year. That amounts to 7.6 months of supply available, down 26.9 percent from this time last year and trending back towards a balanced market of 5 to 6 months of supply. However, there are 9.9 months of traditional supply and only 5.0 months of lender-mediated supply.</p>
<p>"Sales are only up in certain price ranges and on certain property types, so smart pricing and marketing remains extremely important for sellers," said MAAR President-Elect, Brad Fisher.</p>
<p><em>Established in 1887, the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS&reg; (MAAR) is the leading regional advocate and provider of information services, research and education on the real estate industry for brokers, real estate professionals and the public. With more than 8,000 members, MAAR is one of the 25 largest local REALTOR&reg; associations in the nation and serves the Twin Cities 13-county metro area and western Wisconsin.</em></p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Lender-mediated-sales-in-4-month-decline-in-the-Twin-Cities</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Lender-mediated-sales-in-4-month-decline-in-the-Twin-Cities</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:41:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Is the Twin Cities real estate market out of the woods yet?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Since Jluy of 2005 the Twin Cities market place has had different types of indicators that we are in a declining market. From the falling of unit sales, to decline in average and median sales prices, increased inventories, conservative lending practices, affordability issues. foreclosures and leander mediated sales, and other economic forces;we have had to&nbsp;deal with the changes in this real estate market.</p>
<p>Enclosed is the most recent "The Skinny" from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors to give a prespective on what is happening.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXbOx925NbM">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXbOx925NbM</a></p>
<p>Each area, price range, and style is affected differently by the market. I meet daily with people to discuss what is beest for them in their specific market. Let me know how I can help.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Is-the-Twin-Cities-real-estate-market-out-of-the-woods-yet</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Is-the-Twin-Cities-real-estate-market-out-of-the-woods-yet</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2009 07:34:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>How parents can help their adult children to buy a home and get $8000 in return.</title><description><![CDATA[<p>If you are a parent with children of the age of 18 years or older you are eligible to help them buy their first home with you as a cosigner by using FHA financing. With FHA financing the down payment amount is only 3.5%. So instead of renting they can now have an option to buy with your help.</p>
<p>For example if you buy a $100,000 home or condo your down payment would be $3,500. Once you have closed the home you are now eligible for the $8000 tax credit. Instead of waiting until next year to file your taxes your child can amend their taxes and get the $8,000 check from the government this year.</p>
<p>Now as long as your child does not sell their home for the next 3 years then they do not have to pay back the $8,000 tax credit. This holds true whether you have one or more children. In my 35&nbsp;years of helping first time home buyers buy a home I have never seen such a great way to help them get into a home for virtually no money of their own. It is like our government is paying us to help our kids buy their first home.</p>
<p>If you would like to learn how you can help your children own a part of the American Dream please give me a call at 612-363-6600 or email at steve@stevewestmark.com</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/How-parents-can-help-their-adult-children-to-buy-a-home-and-get-8000-in-return</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/How-parents-can-help-their-adult-children-to-buy-a-home-and-get-8000-in-return</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Foreclosures &amp; Short Sales</title><description><![CDATA[<p>In our new housing market I have many people asking me questions about foreclosures and shortsales. I will try to answer a few questions about this subject and then give you a report from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors of what is happening in todays market.</p>
<p>What is a foreclosed property? It a real estate property that had a financial lien on it that was defaulted on by the owner and the financial institution followed foreclosure proceeding to gain title to the property. Usaually the default by the property owner goes on for several months before the financial institution begins the foreclosure proceedings. It takes at least six months once the foreclosure proceeding have begun before the financial institution gains the title to the property.</p>
<p>What is a short sale? It is when the encumberances are more than what the property can sell for including costs of sale. If a property has a $200,000 mortgage on it and a buyer was interested in purchasing for $190,000 and the owner doesn't have the money to pay the difference, the owner could contact the financial institution to see if they would accept a payoff of less than the mortgage amount. It is a sale where the bank receives short of what the encumberance is. As a Realtor and training I have received I have helped many a seller in this situation.</p>
<p>Why would a bank consider a short sale? It has been shown that a house that is a foreclosure brings 10 to 20% less than a short sale. Some of the reasons why are that the owner is living in the property and maintaining it, it is not a stripped or damaged house, and it does not carry a foreclosure stigma with it. Also the costs that a bank must go through to cause a foreclosure is very expensive.</p>
<p>Why would an owner consider a short sale rather than foreclosure? A short sale is much better to have on your credit history than a foreclosure. Today banks understand they are better working along with an owner than to work against them in foreclosure. It is a problem solving solution rather than an us versus them solution.</p>
<p>I recently completed course work for my Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation. It is a great course work to help owners work with their bank to resolve situations where they are upside down in the property and&nbsp;work with the bank to keep their dignity and problem solve to a much better solution than foreclosure.</p>
<p>Enclosed is the most recent reporty on foreclosures and shortsales in the Twin Cities. Over 50% of current sales are in that catagory. Two years ago it was 6% of sales, one year ago it was 20% of sales that were in this group. It has be estimated by the CDPE Institute that we may have another 2 to 3 years more of this type of sales because of the predatory lending practices of the past 10 years.</p>
<p>Click here to view the report:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/Reports_Analysis/Foreclosure-Short-Sales_2009-Q1.pdf">http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/Reports_Analysis/Foreclosure-Short-Sales_2009-Q1.pdf</a></p>
<p>I am here to help those who are struggling with financial stresses that have been caused by the forces of this real estate and lending marketplace.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Foreclosures-Short-Sales</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Foreclosures-Short-Sales</guid><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 10:36:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Open Houses for the public?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Do you ever wonder why open houses when most of the time the homes can be seen at anytime? Here are a few reasons for sellers and then a few reasons for buyers.</p>
<p>Sellers:</p>
<p>1. It can be a convenient way for many people to look in a short period of time at&nbsp;a house.</p>
<p>2. It is an exposure to people that are inquistive and want general information.</p>
<p>3. Sometimes people buy&nbsp;from an open house. (Though it is less than 5% of&nbsp;time how&nbsp;people find their new home.)</p>
<p>Buyers:</p>
<p>1. It is a way to window shop with little commitment.</p>
<p>2. It allows the buyers to look a large price ranges, areas and styles on a Saturday or Sunday.</p>
<p>3. Sometimes the agent holding the open house maybe able to answer specific questions better than an agent taking people from house to house.</p>
<p>I will be holding 4 opens this Sunday and maybe your looking to do some house shopping.</p>
<p>6560 Fox Path, Chanhassen 12 to 1PM $549,000</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/6560-Fox-Path-Chanhassen-Minnesota">http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/6560-Fox-Path-Chanhassen-Minnesota</a></p>
<p>180- West Point Drive, Tonka Bay 1:30 to 2:30 PM&nbsp; $325,000</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/180-West-Point-Drive-Tonka-Bay-Minnesota">http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/180-West-Point-Drive-Tonka-Bay-Minnesota</a></p>
<p>3345 Crystal Bay Rd, Orono&nbsp;&nbsp; 3-4 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $899.000</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/3345-Crystal-Bay-Road-Orono-Minnesota">http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/3345-Crystal-Bay-Road-Orono-Minnesota</a></p>
<p>6152 Ridgewood Rd, Mound&nbsp;&nbsp; 4:30-5:30 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; $187,900</p>
<p><a href="http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/6152-Ridgewood-Road-Mound-Minnesota">http://www.westmarkteam.com/property/6152-Ridgewood-Road-Mound-Minnesota</a></p>
<p>If you enjoy great values on great properties, please drop by. If you read this blog, say so and I will send you 2 FREE Twins Tickets for upcoming games.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-for-the-public</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-for-the-public</guid><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>1st Quarter Twin Cities Real Estate Statistics</title><description><![CDATA[<p>There trends that show some stablizing of the Twin Cities real estate market but here are a few highlights from the enclosed report.</p>
<p>1. The median sales price had an increase for the 1st time in 9 months.</p>
<p>2. The average sales price is still on a decline to for the last 5 month.</p>
<p>3. The afforadablity index is 40% better than last year at this time with lower interest rates and house pricing lower.</p>
<p>4. Inventory on new listings is down 21.7% from two years ago. That is good, but we are still high in comparison to our inventory levels in 2004.</p>
<p>5. Pending sales are up 13.7% from a year ago though the increase in sales is under $150,000 with sales over $250,000 down by about 20%. Each Twin Cities market place varies so each needs a separate look.</p>
<p>6. Lender mediated sales peaked in February at 60%&nbsp; and now is back in the mid 50% range. A hope of moving towards a more normal market.</p>
<p>7. The total sales volume for sales is down 16.8% from last year, showing that even though total sales are up the homes that are selling are in the lower value ranges. This maybe a reflection on the 1st time homebuyer $8000 tax credit.</p>
<p>Click below for the full report from The Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/MMI/mmi.pdf">http://www.mplsrealtor.com/downloads/market/MMI/mmi.pdf</a></p>
<p>There is great data available to share with you about your specific area of town. Give me a call if you want more specific information on your area, style of housing and price range.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/1st-Quarter-Twin-Cities-Real-Estate-Statistics</link><guid>http://www.westmarkteam.com/Blog/1st-Quarter-Twin-Cities-Real-Estate-Statistics</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:31:00 GMT</pubDate></item></channel></rss>