REMAXADVANTAGEPLUSBLOG.COM

Curbside Connection

2011-01-31T14:30:00Z

Curbside Connection

2011-01-17T13:30:00Z

Curbside Connection

2011-01-03T14:30:00Z

5 Tips to Sell a Home in the Winter

2010-12-29T16:50:00Z

HOLIDAY GLOW: Help your sellers add an inviting holiday
ambience to their home that will entice winter buyers.

Selling a home in December, January or February in frigid climates can be a tough task with a slowdown in market activity and chilly weather.

Typically, buyers searching in the winter months are more serious. And sellers who are motivated to close quickly can make it happen with your help this winter.

Here are five tips from RE/MAX Associates in Northern Illinois that you can share with your clients:

1. Let those lights shine. "Turn on all interior lights for a showing – even in closets and utility/mechanical rooms – and make sure all the bulbs are working. Stock up on all the right bulbs for your lamps and fixtures so you can replace burned out bulbs immediately. Also, it's a great idea to keep front exterior lights on even if no showings are scheduled. Open drapes and blinds to let in light and show visitors the view."
– Marlene Granacki, RE/MAX Exclusive Properties, Chicago

2. Make entry easy. "Winter showings can get off to an awkward start if prospective buyers arrive with snow or salt on their shoes. Make it easy for buyers to deal with their shoes when they arrive by putting out a nice, festive area rug at the front door so visitors can wipe their feet, and have slippers or disposable booties available. Also, put out a bench, if there's room for one, where visitors can sit and remove their shoes."
– Barbara Hibnick, RE/MAX Showcase, Long Grove

3. Keep odors under control. "Homes can be stuffy in winter when windows are rarely opened, and that can allow odors to build up, which is a huge turn-off to buyers. Pet odors can be especially worrisome in winter. Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and clean more often (especially cat litter, which should be changed daily). Consider using an air purifier and adjusting your thermostat so that your furnace fan runs throughout the day to move air through the house and dissipate odors."
– Mike Mondello, RE/MAX Team 2000, Orland Park

4. Make it festive. "Appropriate holiday decorations can give your home a cheerful look during the winter months – and even help homes sell, however, don't go to extremes. Small, decorative white lights on trees and bushes are OK through the winter season, but other decorations should be taken down quickly once the holiday passes."
– Starr Zook, RE/MAX on Track, Aledo

5. Keep it comfy. Adjust your thermostat so the temperature is warm, but comfortable; you don't want it too hot or cold. "When it comes to keeping heating bills under control, don't use plastic sheeting to insulate your windows. You may save a few hundred dollars on heating costs if you cover the windows with plastic, but it could cost you thousands on the sales price because buyers might believe they will have to replace the windows," Hibnick says.

Better Signs for Minnesota Housing Market

2010-12-27T15:29:00Z

Residential housing transactions continued to level off in November and many areas are showing positive signs. Statewide closed transactions increased by 4.4 percent over the October number. This is unusual since November accounts for a smaller percentage of annual sales than October. Especially strong sales were recorded in the Southeast Region which includes Rochester, Owatonna, Albert Lea, Austin, Red Wing and Winona.

"Gains in the number of closed transactions helps reduce inventory levels and in turn will help boost home prices," said Russ Portele, 2011 President of the Minnesota Association of REALTORS^®. "Housing affordability remained strong in November due to low interest rates and stabilizing incomes."

Median home prices indicate the mid-point with as many homes priced above and below the indicated price. The year-to-date price statewide is $150,000 through 11 months. This is exactly where the median was a year ago when sales activity was being fueled by the Federal First-Time Buyer Credit. Some parts of the state have shown positive signs as move-up buyers take advantage of historically low interest rates.

"We're anticipating a stabilizing market in 2011 as employment increases and people become more comfortable with housing," said Portele. "Interest rates are the real wild card as a 1% increase in the interest rate can reduce buying power by $10,000. This is very noticeable with first-time homebuyers who are very impacted when affordability changes."

Take RU With You!

2010-12-23T19:31:00Z

Now you can take RE/MAX University with you on the go, whenever and wherever. A must-have for all tech-savvy agents, the RE/MAX University Mobile App is free and available right now for download to your Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Long Drive ESPN Broadcast

2010-12-23T14:38:00Z

After a long night’s work, you can bet even Santa will be watching.

This Christmas, sit down next to the Yule log with some eggnog and enjoy the broadcast of the 2010 RE/MAX World Long Drive Championship.

The Dec. 25 telecast starts at 2 p.m. (Eastern Time) on ESPN2. The following day, ESPN will broadcast the show at 2:30 p.m.

Other channels will deliver the show to fans around the world in 2011 - watch Mainstreet in the coming weeks for programming details.

Add/Edit: A New and Better Way to Manage Your Listings!

2010-12-22T20:23:00Z

You told us in our annual Service Quality Index survey that you wanted a faster, more intuitive way to enter listings and photos into NorthstarMLS. We listened and are pleased to announce that the new NorthstarMLS Add/Edit system is now available.

What is Add/Edit?
Add/Edit is where you enter your new listings, make changes to your existing listings, and add photos, supplements, virtual tours and open houses.

Does Add/Edit replace Home Base?
Yes, Add/Edit replaces Home Base. However, Home Base will still be available until February to help everyone transition to the new system. Although Home Base will continue to be available for a couple of months, we encourage you to switch to Add/Edit as soon as possible. We believe you will find Add/Edit to be a faster, easier and more efficient way to manage your listings.

How do I access Add/Edit?
Click the "Add/Edit" tab within NorthstarMLS Matrix. It is located to the right of the Tax tab. Another option (that will be available shortly) is to click the "Add/Edit Login" button on NorthstarMLS.com. Add/Edit is part of our SafeMLS single-sign on where once you log in to any NorthstarMLS system (Matrix, Add/Edit, REsearch or Home Base), you are automatically logged into all of them.

How do I get started adding a new listing?
Go to the Add/Edit system and click the Property Type you want on the left side of the screen. Then click the blue "Add Listing" button at the top right. Just like in Home Base, you will have the option to auto-fill key records from the public tax record and then complete and submit your listing. For help, review our User Guide here, which is also available through the "Help" link at the top right of every Add/Edit screen.

Can I use Add/Edit to change listings I created in Home Base?
Yes, all listings you entered into Home Base are available for edit in Add/Edit. The one exception is Incompletes. If you save an Incomplete in one application, it is not available in the other until you save is as Active. Once you start using Add/Edit for a listing, we recommend that you not switch back to Home Base because some Add/Edit features are not supported in Home Base.

Is it easier to add and manage photos?
Yes! You can upload all of your photos fast at once and then quickly arrange them by dragging them around the screen. Also, you can now enter up to 18 photos per listing. For details, see the User Guide.

Do Listing Input Forms match the Add/Edit listing input screens?
Yes. The new listing input form design (which has been available for Single Family for some time) is now available for all property types on WEBForms. These forms are designed to follow the flow of the Add/Edit input screens. Because there are some differences between Add/Edit and Home Base, the forms will no longer match up perfectly with Home Base.

Where can I get help using the new system?
We think you will find Add/Edit very intuitive, but we do have several resources available to help you.

Within Add/Edit, click the "Help" link in the upper right corner of any screen for the User Guide.
Coming Soon: Within Add/Edit, click the "Training" link in the upper right corner of any screen. This will open the Add/Edit training site. It is identical to the Production version of Add/Edit, but anything you do here stays on the training site and does not go to NorthstarMLS Matrix. So you can use it all you want to practice! We expect to have this available by next week.
We are working on several online demos and Webinars to be available in January. Stay tuned!
If you have any questions, contact our Help Desk at 651-251-5456 or help@northstarmls.com. Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed for the holidays on December 24 and January 3).

Where do I change my phone number/email address? Where do office staff administer agents in their office?
To change your contact information, you should always contact your Association. When they update their records, NorthstarMLS is automatically updated soon after. Office staff will continue to administer their agents in Home Base. They will eventually do this in a new Association membership management system to be released later in 2011.

Will Add/Edit work with my Mac?
Yes! Add/Edit works on Macintosh systems using Safari, Chrome and Firefox. We recommend Safari as that is the Mac browser supported by WEBForms and where we have done most of our testing.

MLS CHANGES: RULES & REGULATIONS!

2010-12-22T14:56:00Z

As part of our participation in the Shared Association Services and Information (SASI) statewide data sharing effort, all participating Associations agreed to a common set of MLS rules. Because most MLS Rules
are determined by the National Association, there are very few changes we needed to make for NorthstarMLS.

Those that we did make are minor but important. The following rules changes are effective immediately but will not be enforced until Monday, January 3rd to allow everyone time to get used to the changes:

Listings must be entered into NorthstarMLS (or withheld) within 2 business days of contract effective date (was previously 3 calendar days). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number of days late).
At least one property photo must be uploaded to the listing within 2 business days of the input date (was previously three calendar days). Fine if not uploaded within 2 business days is $25.00 (was previously $15.00).
Status changes must be entered within 2 business days of the change (was
previously 24 hours). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number
of days late).
If you have an IDX/Broker Reciprocity Website, the listings must be refreshed at least once a day (was previously once a week).

Note: Calendar days include weekends and holidays. Business days do not include them.

For more information please view the home page of NorthStar MLS which provides you with a link to a PDF that goes more in depth about these changes.

First Quarter MLS Invoices Sent Via Email

2010-12-21T19:59:00Z

First Quarter MLS Invoices were sent out via email on December 6 from billing@spaar.com. If you do not see your MLS Invoice in your Inbox, please check your SPAM and Junk folders so you do not miss out on this important information. As a reminder, payment must be received on or before January 1, 2011 to avoid suspension of MLS access. If not paid on or before January 1st, you will incur a $25 reinstatement fee. To access your online account, please click here. If you have questions regarding your first quarter MLS invoice, please do not hesitate to contact the Association at 651-776-6000.

Mainstreet Newsflash!

2010-12-17T14:18:00Z

RE/MAX Mainstreet will be “under construction” beginning tomorrow, Friday, December 17^th at 7:00PM CST through Saturday, December 18^th at 5:00AM CST.

You will not have access to Mainstreet, RE/MAX Design Center, or LeadStreet during this time; however, your remax.net email accounts will not be disturbed, and leads will still be able to be accepted via email and text messaging.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Contact eCare at ecare@remax-nc.net or 888.398.7171

Did You Know....

2010-12-16T18:17:00Z

You can still text someone if your cell phone isn't charged.

It’s true; most cell phone providers accept text messages sent via email when a special format email address is used. If you type the phone number, plus the “@” symbol, followed by the cell phone provider’s mobile message domain, in the “To” field, a text message is sent!

Example: if your client has an iPhone (AT&T), and their number is 555-123-4567, you would type 5551234567@mms.att.net in the “To” field of your email program. And if they text you a reply - you get an email! (Note - the email may turn up in your "Junk" folder.)

Try it now using your cell phone! To get started, here is a list of some cell phone providers and their current text messaging domains:

Alltel = @message.alltel.com
AT&T = @mms.att.net
Nextel = @messaging.nextel.com
Sprint = @messaging.sprintpcs.com
SunCom = @tms.suncom.com
T-Mobile = @tmomail.net
VoiceStream = @voicestream.net
Verizon = @vtext.com (text only)
or @vzwpix.com (pictures and videos)

IMPORTANT: NorthstarMLS Rules Changes

2010-12-15T15:54:00Z

Listings must be entered into NorthstarMLS (or withheld) within 2 business days of contract effective date (was previously 3 calendar days). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number of days late).
At least one property photo must be uploaded to the listing within 2 business days of the input date (was previously three calendar days). Fine if not uploaded within 2 business days is $25.00 (was previously $15.00).
Status changes must be entered within 2 business days of the change (was
previously 24 hours). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number
of days late).
If you have an IDX/Broker Reciprocity Website, the listings must be refreshed at least once a day (was previously once a week).

Smart Phones and Apps - Tuesday, December 14th –2 pm

2010-12-13T17:39:00Z

Tuesday, December 14^th –2 pm
Smart Phones and Apps

You’ve heard the saying “There’s an App for that.” Consider this 30-minute webinar the “App” that will help you decide which Smart Phone to buy and which Apps are most beneficial to use/buy. This webinar will be an open discussion about the differences between the iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, and the new Windows phone. It will also highlight things to consider when purchasing a phone or App.

IMPORTANT: NorthstarMLS Rules Changes

2010-12-10T14:55:00Z

As part of our participation in the Shared Association Services and Information (SASI) statewide data sharing effort, all participating Associations agreed to a common set of MLS rules. Because most MLS Rules are determined by the National Association, there are very few changes we needed to make for NorthstarMLS. Those that we did make are minor but important. The following rules changes are effective immediately but will not be enforced until Monday, January 3rd to allow everyone time to get used to the changes:

Listings must be entered into NorthstarMLS (or withheld) within 2 business days of contract effective date (was previously 3 calendar days). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number of days late).
At least one property photo must be uploaded to the listing within 2 business days of the input date (was previously three calendar days). Fine if not uploaded within 2 business days is $25.00 (was previously $15.00).
Status changes must be entered within 2 business days of the change (was previously 24 hours). Fine is $25.00 per day for each day late (was previously $100 regardless of number of days late).
If you have an IDX/Broker Reciprocity Website, the listings must be refreshed at least once a day (was previously once a week).

Note: Calendar days include weekends and holidays. Business days do not include them.

For more details and a PDF print version of this announcement, click here.

Courtesy of NorthstarMLS

QR Codes...Imagine the possibilities!

2010-12-09T22:44:00Z

Get out your iPhone, Android or Blackberry and scan this bar code. It should open up a browser and send you to a website. What do you think?

Courtesy of RE/MAX North Central

Promote Toys for Tots w/ RE/MAX on KARE 11!

2010-12-08T14:32:00Z

Because RE/MAX Advantage Plus is a designated drop off location for Toys for Tots, we have been asked to join RE/MAX North Central’s Regional VP, David Linger when he appears on KARE 11’s 10PM newscast Wednesday, December 8th and help promote the Toys for Tots collection site. If interested meet at the KARE 11 tent at 9:45 pm at 8811 Olson Memorial Hwy, Golden Valley, MN 55427.

Feel free to bring a new, unwrapped toy or deliver the toys collected by our office!

2011 MLS Fees

2010-12-07T14:45:00Z

Effective January 1, 2011 the quarterly MLS fees will be $114.00 for all MLS participants. This new rate reflects a fee increase from the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota Inc. (the RMLS) to its Shareholder Associations, the North Metro REALTORS® Association, the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS® and the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®.

While a declining subscriber base across the Metro area has contributed to the need for an increase these additional fees also support a number of enhancements such as:

Book A Showing
WEBforms
Down Payment Resource Program

The Shared Association Service project (SASI), which will allow agents from anywhere in the state to access listings throughout the state from their home MLS without having to join multiple associations and MLS's, as well as the following enhancements are scheduled for early 2011:

New add/edit system
Improved user interface
Better contact management
A new stats application
Homepage dashboard with quick access to Matrix features
Multiple carts

If you have any questions regarding the new MLS rate please contact spaar@spaar.com or call 651-776-6000.

eKEY for Android is Now Available

2010-12-06T22:42:00Z

eKEY for the Android is now available! Turn your Android phone into a lockbox key in two easy steps. First download the eKEY app from the Android Market. Note that this link will only work directly from your mobile phone. The download is free and it includes a demo version that lets you try all features risk free. Next, purchase a small hardware device, called the eKEY Fob that translates Bluetooth to Infrared. Please note that you must also be enrolled in the eKEY Basic service.

If you are interested in purchasing an eKEY Fob, you may order an adapter directly from Supra by logging into SupraWEB (link to right). The price for the adapters is $49.95, plus any applicable sales tax and shipping charges.

Key Product Features:

Use your Android phone as your lockbox key.
Program lock boxes, change shackle codes, manage lock box inventory.
Link directly to SupraWEB right from your phone.
eKEY will update itself, no cradling or extra charging required.

Calling All MN REALTORS®: Help the Salvation Army Make History

2010-11-30T14:00:00Z

Minnesota REALTORS^® have the chance to be part of the largest state bell ringing effort in Salvation Army history: REALTOR^® Ring Day!

REALTOR^® Ring Day will be held Friday, December 10th at more than 150 kettle locations in greater Minnesota and at more than 200 kettle locations in the Twin Cities. Realty offices throughout Minnesota are encouraged to provide enough bell ringing volunteers to cover each kettle location for the entire day, a 10-hour commitment. In addition to Minnesota, our neighbors in North Dakota are also sponsoring REALTOR^® Ring Day on December 10th!

This program is a joint effort between The Salvation Army, the Minnesota Association of REALTORS^® and the following local associations: Duluth Area Association of REALTORS^®, Fargo-Moorhead Area Association of REALTORS^®, Grand Forks Association of REALTORS^®,Greater Lakes Association of REALTORS^®, Lake Region Association of REALTORS^®, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS^®, North Metro REALTORS^® Association, Range Association of REALTORS^®, REALTOR^® Association of Southern Minnesota, Southeast Minnesota Association of REALTORS^®, St. Cloud Area Association of REALTORS^®, St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS^®, West Central Association of REALTORS^®

Thank you for your partnership!!

To sign up to volunteer if you are part of the St. Paul Area Association or North Metro Association, go to: http://www.wwraonline.com/registrations/realtorringregistration.asp
You can sign up using the REALTOR^® Ring Day registration database - this is for your area only.

To sign up to volunteer if you are part of the Minneapolis Area Association, please contact amyr@mplsrealtor.com.

To sign up to volunteer outside the Metro area, go to
http://www.mnrealtor.com/realtorringdayss
This will take you to a spreadsheet that will list locations and cities available, and who to contact directly in those areas.

WEBForms Unavailable 11:00 p.m. New Updates!

2010-11-29T22:00:00Z

Monday, November 29, 2010

The WEBForms application will be unavailable tonight (Monday night) from approximately 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. for an update to the new version. This new version includes:

Ability to attach your own PDF files to a Transaction Kit.
Ability to re-order the forms in a Transaction Kit and on the email Transaction Kit page.
Request a "read receipt" notification when sending an email to your client.
Better manage your email signature with formatting (such as fonts and colors). Once configured, your email signature is automatically inserted into any WEBForms email.
A new “Cleanup” button has been added to the “Sent Email Library” in WEBForms. This new feature will allow you to choose a specific date and permanently delete old sent emails.
To further assist email communication and tracking, the time of the day has been added to the Sent Email Library.
When saving and emailing forms, the default file name will be the name of the form
A preview option has been added to the forms in a transaction so users can have a “sneak peek” at the forms before opening in Adobe Reader
Keyword searches are performed instantly as user types
Many new features have been implemented into the Printable Forms Library in order to make it quicker andmore efficient. Some of these features are:• Same look and feel as Transaction Kit page to be consistent• Search Functionality: as the user types in the search box, the search is performed instantly• Edit button will display a fully editable form• Print button quickly displays a non-editable form for printing• Ability to select multiple forms, re-order and print
When emailing a WEBForms™ Transaction Kit to clients, the default expiry date is automatically set to 7 days. If for some reason, your clients request more time to review/print the emailed documents, an enhancement was implemented to “Extend the Email Expiry Date”.
Custom clauses enhancements. For those of you who use custom clauses in your forms, there are several improvements such as a search function, a quick "Edit" button and Preview button next to each clause title, easier clause sorting by clicking the blue title bar and the ability to hide or show the clause details in your list.

REALTORS® Federal Credit Union introduces the Horizon Loan!

2010-11-29T19:19:00Z

What is on your horizon? For a limited time only REALTORS^® FCU is offering the Horizon Loan, a personal loan for $5,000 for a great rate of only 10.9% APR! The sky is the limit; you can use this loan for anything from holiday expenses to that bathroom remodeling you keep putting off. Our Horizon Loan is the perfect way for you to get money you need when you need it. Go to www.realtorsfcu.org/HorizonLoan to learn more. Not a Member? Not a Problem! Join online today and enter in promo code MN11!

Curbside Connection

2010-11-29T16:29:00Z

RE/MAX Webinar

2010-11-29T13:45:00Z

Nov. 30 – Tuesday – 2pm
Design Center Tips

The RE/MAX Design Center is like having a graphic designer working for you 24/7, so take advantage! Join this Biz Brief to learn how to set up your profile, upload photos, and create, step-by-step, an interactive web commercial to share with everyone!

Visit SoldSignBlog.com/Calendar to register.

Homeownership Matters

2010-11-24T14:47:00Z

Supra Will Send an Email

2010-11-23T20:42:00Z

RE/MAX Webinar

2010-11-22T13:45:00Z

Nov. 23 – Tuesday – 10am
Maximize your Microsite

Your agent Microsite is your direct connection to remax.com. This webinar will discuss how to change it from something you ignore to a Lead Generating machine with some fine tuning, a few small tweaks, and a couple of clicks. You will learn the importance of adding content to your Microsite, including adding videos to your “About Me” page, enabling the click-to-call functionality on all of your listings, and optional upgrades to bring your site to the next level.

Nov. 30 – Tuesday – 2pm
Design Center Tips

Visit SoldSignBlog.com/Calendar to register.

RE/MAX Advantage Plus - Toys For Tots Drop Off

2010-11-19T18:30:00Z

Holiday Templates at the RE/MAX Lead Street Design Center

2010-11-18T22:27:00Z

The RE/MAX Design Center has 34 holiday templates to choose from for customizable eCards, printable greeting cards and more. These are great options, available to send to your past & current clients, to keep your name top of mind. To find all of your holiday marketing options, visit REMAX.net.

Christmas Tree Sale: North Metro REALTORS® Association

2010-11-17T14:20:00Z

Need that perfect gift for your customers this holiday season?

Give them a voucher good for a TOYS FOR JOY CHRISTMAS TREE!

They can come and pick out their tree (choose from balsam fir or white pine) at the NMRA parking lot, 11450 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids, MN.

Saturday & Sunday, December 4 & 5,
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Individual trees are $45;  reduced rates offered for multiple orders.

Save $5.00 when you bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate.

Contact Renee at renee@northmetro.com or call 763-757-7230 for details.

Share a Holiday Video Greeting and Win Up to $5,000

2010-11-16T15:18:00Z

Do you enjoy making videos? Grab your camera and enter NAR's Holiday Greetings video contest. NAR is looking for short videos — no more than 60 seconds long — containing a holiday greeting to home owners or home buyers/sellers.

Videos are due by Monday, November 29. The winning videos will be announced on December 6 and played on HouseLogic.com, NAR's Facebook page and REALTOR.org during the 2010 holiday season. Prizes include a $5,000 cash reward for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. | MORE INFO

RE/MAX Webinar

2010-11-15T16:19:00Z

Nov. 16 – Tuesday – 2pm
Monitoring Your Website Traffic

Do you often wonder who’s visiting your website and where they’re coming from? Join this webinar and discover URL shortners that will help track traffic between your social media sites and websites, as well as track click-throughs to your listings. In addition – you’ll get an overview of Google Analytics so you can track basic stats on your websites.

Nov. 23 – Tuesday – 10am
Maximize your Microsite

Nov. 30 – Tuesday – 2pm
Design Center Tips

Visit SoldSignBlog.com/Calendar to register.

Mainstreet Newsflash

2010-11-12T17:30:00Z

Please be advised that RE/MAX Mainstreet will be unavailable on Friday, November 12th beginning at 7:00 PM CST for updates. The updates should be complete by 1:00 AM CST but during this time you will not have access to Mainstreet, RE/MAX Design Center or LeadStreet.

These updates will have no effect on the remax.net e-mail servers, so all e-mail sent to remax.net e-mail accounts will continue to be delivered normally. Leads can still be accepted via e-mail and text messaging during this time, and all lead times will be extended.

New Smart Series Guides Now Available!

2010-11-12T13:30:00Z

The RE/MAX North Central Smart Series guides have been updated and are now available. The RE/MAX Smart Renovator, RE/MAX Smart Buyer, RE/MAX Smart Seller, RE/MAX Smart Investor, and RE/MAX Green Guide can all be downloaded at:

www.soldsignblog.com/smartseries

Thank You Veterans! THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

2010-11-11T17:49:00Z

November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day - the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

Thank you for your service to our country. We join the rest of the nation on Veterans Day in remembering the sacrifices of America's 25 million veterans and expressing our appreciation for your service.

RE/MAX Advantage Plus

FREE Member Benefit: HouseLogic

2010-11-10T14:50:00Z

Available on the main page of SPAAR.com is a link to HouseLogic. This is a FREE source of information and tools to help consumers maintain, enhance, and protect the value of their homes. You can add this free content to your:

Social media accounts like Facebook and Twitter
Printed handouts
Electronic newsletters
Blogs or websites

Simply log in and enter your NRDS number. You will immediately be able to select articles that are relevant to your customers.

Learn more about how to put this resource to immediate use.

Proceed Cautiously in Entering the Leasing Market

2010-11-09T19:36:00Z

As most of you know, the Minnesota Association of REALTORS® ("MNAR") released new forms on September 1 which help REALTOR® members list properties for lease, represent tenants and offer a comprehensive lease form to clients.

Source: Minnesota Association of REALTORS®

Curbside Connection

2010-11-08T16:53:00Z

RE/MAX Webinar

2010-11-08T14:52:00Z

Nov. 11 – Thursday – 2pm
Facebook “Business Page” Customizations
This webinar will walk you through how to add a custom tab to your Facebook page. You will learn how to make your Facebook page attract more attention - and more leads - by customizing it. Add a YouTube video, a welcome page, a local resource page, or even simply a personal bio to make your page stand out. This webinar assumes you already have a Facebook page for your business and want to make it more interactive for your clients and potential clients.

Nov. 16 – Tuesday – 2pm
Monitoring Your Website Traffic
Do you often wonder who’s visiting your website and where they’re coming from? Join this webinar and discover URL shortners that will help track traffic between your social media sites and websites, as well as track click-throughs to your listings. In addition – you’ll get an overview of Google Analytics so you can track basic stats on your websites.

Nov. 23 – Tuesday – 10am
Maximize your Microsite
Your agent Microsite is your direct connection to remax.com. This webinar will discuss how to change it from something you ignore to a Lead Generating machine with some fine tuning, a few small tweaks, and a couple of clicks. You will learn the importance of adding content to your Microsite, including adding videos to your “About Me” page, enabling the click-to-call functionality on all of your listings, and optional upgrades to bring your site to the next level.

Nov. 30 – Tuesday – 2pm
Design Center Tips
The RE/MAX Design Center is like having a graphic designer working for you 24/7, so take advantage! Join this Biz Brief to learn how to set up your profile, upload photos, and create, step-by-step, an interactive web commercial to share with everyone!

Visit SoldSignBlog.com/Calendar to register.

Realtor.com unveils Android mobile app

2010-11-08T14:51:00Z

Features include Google Street View, voice memos, home page widget

By Andrea V. Brambila, Thursday, November 4, 2010.

Realtor.com android app screenshot.

Ten months after the launch of the Realtor.com iPhone application, Move Inc. has announced the release of a version of the app for the Android operating system. The Realtor.com Real Estate Search app for Android, which is free to download, includes some features common to the iPhone app, but also features that take advantage of the Android platform. "We've been able to build off the features from the iPhone application. Both apps are focused around the customer-agent experience. You want to get information where you want it, when you want it. You can share (notes) instantaneously (and) connect with your agent in multiple ways," said Move CEO Steve Berkowitz. About 75 percent of Realtor.com's 4 million property listings update every 15 minutes, he said, and "nowhere else can consumers get that currency of content." The bulk of Realtor.com's listings are for for-sale homes, though users also have access to between 150,000 and 175,000 Realtor-represented rental homes.

Like on the Realtor.com iPhone app, users of the Android app can search for homes nearby their current location, or by address; filter searches by price, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, building and lot sizes, age of home, and property type; draw a search area directly on a map with a finger; see property details and photos; view open-house information; save searches and favorite listings and access them later on Realtor.com; see recently viewed listings; share listings with family and friends through text message, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter; save private text notes for listings of interest; and contact a Realtor by phone, e-mail, a website link, or an "Ask a Question" button. Unique to the Android app, users can view a property and the area surrounding it via Google Street View, save voice memos, and see thumbnails of nearby listings through a home page widget without opening the app. The app's voice-entry capabilities include the ability to dictate an e-mail message or a question to an agent, and the ability to save impressions of a listing right on the listing page.

"You can do voice entry simpler on Android, so we've been able to include comments as you walk around the house. 'Bathroom needs painting. Kitchen needs remodeling.' You can make notes and send them to your agent," Berkowitz said. "In the old days your agent would take you driving around the neighborhood; today your app takes you driving around the neighborhood." The Realtor.com iPhone app launched in January and has been downloaded 2.5 million times since then, the company said. In an Inman News smart phone survey of real estate professionals, the highest share of respondents said they were most likely to recommend the Realtor.com app to their customers/clients. When respondents were asked which app they used the most for work, Realtor.com's app came in second, after Facebook. The Realtor.com app also ranked second among up-and-coming iPhone apps listed by TopAppCharts.com in late October. The site listed the app as No.19 in the Apple App Store's Lifestyle category as of Nov. 3, 2010. The Android app has been in development for four or five months, Berkowitz said. Although the development was in-house, "outside contractors did a lot of the programming for us under the auspices of our mobile development team," who designed the app, he said.

Other mobile platforms for Realtor.com are also under development, Berkowitz said. "We're developing an iPad app (and) we'll be developing for the Windows Mobile operating system," he said. Smart phone use in general is growing rapidly. As of the third quarter, 28 percent of U.S. mobile users had smart phones, up from 25 percent in the second quarter, according to a report by Nielson that was released Monday. For those who bought a new phone in the past six months, 41 percent chose a smart phone over a non-smart phone, up from 35 percent last quarter, according to the report. The Android operating system is now the fastest-growing smart phone platform, according to several market reports. ComScore's mobile market share report for the third quarter showed that more than 1 in 5 (21.4 percent) of U.S. smart phone subscribers ages 13 and up now have Android smart phones. The BlackBerry operating system continued to hold the lead with 37.3 percent market share, followed by Apple's iPhone at 24.3 percent. But in contrast to Android, whose market share rose from 14.9 percent in the second quarter, RIM's market share shrank 2.8 percentage points and Apple's share remained flat.

The aforementioned Nielsen report also showed that Android was the most popular choice among those who purchased a device in the last six months. A report from United Kingdom-based market research firm Canalys also estimated that shipments of Android phones in the U.S. were almost twice as large as iPhone shipments in the third quarter. Users can download the free Realtor.com Android app at http://www.realtor.com/mobile/android.

Don't Forget to Change Your Clocks Back One Hour!

2010-11-05T19:09:00Z

Time will revert to standard time at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 7.

You're Invited to RE/MAX And You!

2010-11-05T13:47:00Z

RE/MAX North Central is pleased to invite you to the dynamic and popular RE/MAX & You event being held on December 2nd in Bloomington, MN! During this highly interactive program you’ll learn to leverage the RE/MAX giant as well as learn how to use the tools & systems provided exclusively to you from RE/MAX.

Check out the new format! This full day event is bigger and better than ever, with featured guest speakers and a variety of topics you won't want to miss.

CLICK HERE for details, or to register.

When

Thursday, December 02, 2010 9:15 AM - 3:30 PM

Where

Hilton Minneapolis South/Bloomington

3900 American Boulevard West, Bloomington, MN 55437

VIEW EVENT WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Or simply RSVP by clicking one of the buttons below

Adopt a Vet

2010-11-04T13:38:00Z

Prudential's No. 1 Agent Joins RE/MAX

2010-11-03T18:00:00Z

PRICE

By Deborah Ball Kearns, RE/MAX Times Online Associate Editor

Stella Price was Prudential's No. 1 producer in North America in 2007 and 2008. She closed 140 transactions and grossed $2.2 million in commissions as an individual. You can't travel down many streets on the Westwood Plateau in Coquitlam, British Columbia, without seeing her yard signs.

But those signs now bear the RE/MAX Balloon instead of the Prudential rock.

After seven years with Prudential, Price switched to RE/MAX Sabre Realty Group in Port Coquitlam in October. She has built a reputation for being a no-nonsense agent who can sell any listing, and she makes millions each year doing so – even when the market slowed.

"I'd be successful anywhere, because I love this business and I work hard, but I can do even better with RE/MAX," says Price, who brought her team of one licensed agent and a licensed assistant, and 61 listings with her. "In fact, a lot of my clients were surprised that I wasn't already with RE/MAX because the brand has a stellar reputation here. This is a step up for me; going anywhere else – Royal LePage, Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker – would've been a lateral move."

From selling modest condos in one building early in her career to selling multi-million dollar mansions in the upscale Westwood Plateau area, Price has mastered the art of real estate sales. Her secret? Farming a specific neighborhood.

"Don't try to be everywhere; choose a subdivision or neighborhood you want to dominate, and market like crazy," Price says. "Start with smaller properties like condos and work your way up. If you're new to the business, you have to sell yourself because you don't have listings to work with yet. Don't let people see you sweat or tell prospects that you're new; they won't work with you."

Price certainly has a lot of sweat equity in her business. She used to work seven days a week, pulling 12- to 15-hour days. Her hard work paid off, but she wanted to have a life again, so she formed a team earlier this year. Letting go, however, wasn't easy.

"I'm a control freak," Price admits, adding that having a team has been particularly helpful in landing contracts with the growing Asian community in Coquitlam. "I handle most of the English-speaking clients, and I'm a native Indonesian. My Associates work with our Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi and Korean-speaking clients. About half of the buyers in the Vancouver market are Asians."

A competitor at heart, Price sees her move to RE/MAX as a fresh start – especially with the resources her office provides, such as professional reception services, support from the Broker/Owner and Manager, and a full-time conveyancer. Her passion for real estate has a lot to do with success, too.

"I look forward to getting up each morning and going to work; I love the challenge," Price says. "Clients can sense whether or not you truly love what you do."

Price says it won't be long until she earns her way into the network's highest production clubs. When she does, it will be on her own terms.

"I never negotiate my commission," Price says. "If discount brokers were so successful, everyone would go with them. My advice is to learn to say no to listings and save yourself the headache of dealing with someone who won't respect your role in the transaction. Once you negotiate, you set a bad precedent and people will assume that they can take advantage of you."

Profit from Supra's Showing Information

2010-11-02T13:39:00Z

After logging in, please select Settings, and then select General Email. Enter your email address and check each type of notice you want to receive.

Did you know that Supra will send you an email after a Showing Agent opens a keybox at your listing?

The email includes the Showing Agent's contact information, making it easier for you to follow up on the showing to obtain feedback and better market the property. And, since ActiveKEYs and eKEYs can transmit showing information immediately after a keybox is opened, showing emails can be current.

A sample email showing notification

To set showing emails: log onto SupraWEB. (For instructions on how to log onto SupraWEB, please click here.)

It is also helpful if you assign your keyboxes to your listings. For more detailed instructions on how to do this, please refer to page 4 in the SupraWEB Guide.

For more helpful tips from Supra, CLICK HERE.

General Election Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 2nd

2010-11-01T19:39:00Z

The Office of the Secretary of State encourages eligible voters to get active this election season. Minnesota consistently leads the nation in voter turnout. We can do so again if you step up to the plate and vote in 2010.

General Election: Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Most polling places will be open from 7 am to 8 pm
• Register on Election Day (Nov. 2)
• Check your registration status: Voter Registration Lookup
• Check on your absentee ballot: Absentee Ballot Lookup
• List of Candidates and Sample Ballot
• Find Your Polling Place
• Rides to the Polls

Get Informed & Involved:
• Take part in an Introduction to Voting Workshop
• Participate in the Vote in Honor of a Veteran program
• Learn about Serving as an Election Judge

Check Facebook For Updates as Brad Osterbauer Travels With the Vikings!

2010-10-29T20:41:00Z

Be sure to check Facebook this weekend for updates as our very own, Brad Osterbauer, travels with the Vikings to play the New England Patriots! He will be continuously updating us as he flies with the team to the east coast, during the game, and as they are en route back to Minnesota. This opportunity was presented through RE/MAX Advantage Plus and Brads’ donations to the Childrens Miracle Network. Updates will begin Saturday afternoon, October 30^th.

Cornerstone Mortgage Grand Opening!

2010-10-26T16:11:00Z

MAAR Membership Dues

2010-10-26T14:02:00Z

Important information only if you have your primary membership with the Minneapolis Association of Realtors.

Annual membership dues statements will be emailed on November 1. Watch your inbox for the statement from accounting@mplsrealtor.com, no later than November 2.

Do you have membership dues renewal questions? Find helpful information below:

What dues pays for and how much they are | Membership renewal policy | Tax deductability | Membership benefits

For more information, please contact MAAR's accounting office at accounting@mplsrealtor.com or 952.908.2603.

NorthstarMLS Matrix Classes

2010-10-25T20:38:00Z

NAVIGATING MATRIX

This three hour course is designed as an introduction to the most frequently used Matrix functions. It is intended not only for those new to Matrix but also for seasoned REALTORS® who'd like to increase their knowledge. Classes are conducted in an environment designed to encourage questions from participants.

Date: November 8, 2010
Time: 1:30 - 4:30pmih.constantcontact.com/fs083/1103221286954/img/187.jpg" src="http://us.mg3.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?mid=1%5f48321%5fAKnFtEQAAVRZTMXkwQiMb0FZoP0&pid=2&fid=Inbox&inline=1" />
Location: Eagan Location
Cost: $33.00
CE Credits: 3 hours approved
REGISTER

MATRIX CMA

Begin this class with research and end with a finished presentation! Search for Comparables, gather supporting statistics and choose Reports to build your CMA package. Attend this class to not only understand the 'hows' of Matrix, but also the 'whys' of the CMA process. Develop the skills to accumulate a 'collection of evidence' to support your pricing suggestion and to educate your sellers. Classes are conducted in an environment designed to encourage questions from participants.

Date: November 17, 2010
Time: 1:30 - 4:30pm
Location: St. Paul Location
Cost: $33.00
CE Credits: 3 hours approved
REGISTER

Curbside Connection

2010-10-25T15:20:00Z

The RE/MAX Fall Conference & Vendor Show - RECAP Video!

2010-10-21T19:44:00Z

The RE/MAX Fall Conference & Vendor Show that took place in Milwaukee, WI and St. Paul, MN last week was a complete success! We had amazing keynote speakers, great vendors, an awesome selection of breakout sessions, and record attendance! Thanks to everyone who joined us - and for those who weren't able to attend, check out the video!

B of A and GMAC to Resume Foreclosures

2010-10-19T19:19:00Z

Bank of America Corp. announced Tuesday that it has reopened more than 100,000 foreclosure actions in 23 states, saying its investigation found no significant problems. Likewise, GMAC Mortgage said it would reopen an undisclosed number of foreclosure files.

"This is an important first step in debunking speculation that the mortgage market is severely flawed," said Bank of America spokesman James Mahoney.

Meanwhile, state attorneys in general continue to push for a halt to foreclosure sales, saying they have little confidence that procedures have been fixed.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Jessica Silver-Greenberg, Robbie Whelan, and Dan Fitzpatrick (10/19/2010)

New, REALTORS® Dental Insurance!

2010-10-19T13:40:00Z

The National Association of REALTORS® has taken the next step in providing security for their members by offering REALTORS® Dental Insurance (RDI). An affordable, next-day coverage benefit that is available to all members and their dependents, RDI provides a means to build added confidence.

While smiling seems simple to so many, it is often the first impression a buyer may observe when meeting their REALTOR®.

Make your impression bright by taking advantage of an amazing benefit today! A few bonus benefits offered through the great program are:

Visit the official REALTORS® Dental Insurance website at http://www.RealtorsDentalInsurance.com/AE.

Professional Whitening
Lasik Eye Surgery
Orthodontia Benefits
Dental Rewards Program

For questions regarding state availability and benefits please contact Kyle Wahlgren by telephone, 800-279-2290 ext. 202, or by email kyle@sasid.com.

Exclusive Minnesota Vikings Fan Experience Auction – October 2010

2010-10-18T20:51:00Z

Our Very Own, Brad Osterbauer Won The Opportunity To Travel with the Minnesota Vikings to New England!

As a benefit of RE/MAX North Central’s sponsorship of the Minnesota Vikings, Brad Osterbauer won the opportunity to travel with the team to New England to watch the Minnesota Vikings battle the New England Patriots!

The opportunity presented was due to Brad’s commitment to donate $2,000 to the “Children’s Miracle Network” if he was drawn. Congratulations to Brad and CMN.