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The Top 5 Reasons Your Real Estate Business Needs Google+

August 28, 2013 By

Social media is a staple in the real estate market, but sometimes choosing your next platform can be overwhelming and confusing. The truth is, Facebook and Twitter alone aren’t enough these days and sadly many platforms are often overlooked. For example, Google+. Read on to learn the top five reasons why you can no longer afford to ignore Google+ for your real estate business.

1. Go Local

Once upon a time you had to choose between a Google+ s page and a Google Local page. Fortunately, now you don’t have to.  Google launched a Google+ Local page.

The Benefits? This page now combines the best of the local elements and all the social media features that Google+ offers, according to Wild Fire Digital Marketing. Clients can go on to your site and rate their experiences with you, you can browse places and areas your connections like, and you can share photos, posts and other useful information.

2. Are You In?

Much like a group, on Facebook, Google+ circles allow you to invite other people into a specific circle and vice versa. This can really benefit your business. For example, group together people who are looking to sell and people looking to buy, or clients that rent and clients that own property.

Within your circle, you can also share specific information and post content pertaining to that targeted group.

Circles are also a great way to network. You can branch out and add people who share common interests. It’s an excellent way to meet prospective clients!

3. Hanging Out

Within Google+ you can also host a “Hangout” session, which is like a larger Skype video call. You can invite up to 15 guests and share the latest news for the housing market or answer questions about the home buying process. This allows you to connect with clients quickly and easily.

Another great way you can utilize this tool is take potential buyers on a virtual tour of a home they may be interested in purchasing. This is an especially useful feature for those that don’t live close to the area, or are looking to relocate.

Hangouts are expected to be informal—and what’s even better is that is that you can save the session to your YouTube Channel for those who couldn’t make the live Hangout.

4. SEO!

Taking advantage of any social media platform is going to help your search engine optimization (SEO) tremendously, according to Small Business Trends. Within your Google+ site, you can set up Google Analytics, which will allow you to monitor activity related to your business. You can see what phrases people are searching for in your area. This will help you optimize your own SEO, especially once you add in your own local information.

Also, because Google+ is run by Google, everything you post is immediately indexed into Google search results, making you that much more discoverable online. The more you post, the easier it is for others to find you on the web.

5. Get Personal

Make sure your site lets people know who you are and what you can do for them. Virtual Social Media suggests personalizing the page as much as possible. The first order of business should be to upload a cover photo, preferably a photo of you or of your company’s logo.

Make sure that your posts are authentic. They are coming from you- so they should sound like it.

Whether you are inviting them to a Hangout or sharing a few tips on the home buying process, the more personalized, you are, the more your clients will feel connected to you.

Having a Google+ account is beneficial to your small business as a broker or an agent. Remember that classic saying, “Patience is virtue,” that applies to social media too. Spend some time on the site and your business will surely reap the benefits.

And don’t forget to add the CENTURY 21 brand to your circle!

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/the-top-5-reasons-your-real-estate-business-needs-google/

Real Estate Reads Of The Week

August 23, 2013 By

Good morning and happy Friday!

Each Friday we share with you the must-read, real estate news of the week. We’ve got everything you need to know to stay on top of breaking industry news and trends.

Grab your coffee and get reading!

“Home Sales Surge In July, Despite Higher Interest Rates”

Great news for the market this week as the July 2013 numbers are revealed. Inman News reports, “Existing-home sales increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million in July, up from a downwardly revised rate of 5.06 million in June, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).” Continue reading . . .

“A Who’s Who Guide To Buying Your First Home”

The home buying process requires a cast of characters – real estate agent, mortgage broker, inspector, appraiser and more. In the helpful piece from MSN Real Estate, learn who the key players are, what role they should have and how to manage it. Continue reading . . .

“What Makes A Dream Home?”

You’ve heard people say, “I’m looking for my dream home,” well, what exactly does that mean? The Wall Street Journal rounded up home experts and psychologists to explore what consumers really mean when they use those two precious words, “dream home.” Continue reading . . .

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/real-estate-reads-of-the-week-64/

CENTURY 21 Sabo Wins Best Of The Best Award

August 22, 2013 By

This month Wendy Sabo and the team at CENTURY 21 Sabo Associates were awarded the “Best of the Best Real Estate Office” award by the Grand Blanc View, the local paper in their hometown of Grand Blanc, MI.

In addition to the recognition for the whole office, two of the team members also received personal awards, Merrie Johnson for “Best of the Best Real Estate Agent” and Tracy Lanphear for “Best of the Best Real Estate Assistant.” Read on to learn how Wendy and her team have become the go-to resource for real estate in their local market.

C21: Congratulations on these awards! How are the winners determined?

WS: The awards are part of annual competition hosted by the local newspaper, the Grand Blanc View. They send out a ballot in June where people can vote and you can also vote online.

C21: Does the paper pick the winners?

WS: No. What makes these awards so prestigious is, they are 100 percent selected by the community. It’s their votes that determine the winners.

C21: Was this the first year you competed?

WS: No, we have won “Best of the Best Real Estate Office” for the last three years in a row! We have REMAX, Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker and Prudential offices here in Grand Blanc and we’ve consistently beat all of them.

C21: That’s fantastic. How long has your office been open?

WS: I opened the office in 2008. I was an independent since 2005 and I decided I want to join a larger brokerage so I could round out my business. I interviewed all the franchises and I was most impressed with CENTURY 21.

C21: Since winning, what have you and the team done to celebrate?

WS: We took out a full page ad in the paper to thank all of our clients and referrals. In fact, we received 10 calls that day from people interested in listing their home with us. It pays to be the “Best of the Best.”

C21: It’s clear your team is having great success. What do you think the secret sauce is?

WS: Real estate is my passion. I’ve built a small team here, 15 agents, and we only bring in people who really get along with the whole team. We’re a family – people get married, we have a shower. We’re close and we support and help each other. It’s all about your people.

C21: It really seems to be working!

WS: It definitely is. In 2011 and 2012 we won CENTURY 21 Customer Service Awards for the office. We’re really proud of that.

C21: For people who are interested in getting in touch with you, what’s the best way to do that?

WS: Ring me at 810-964-7330.

C21: Thank you, Wendy. Congratulations to the whole CENTURY 21 Sabo Associates team!

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/century-21-sabo-wins-best-of-the-best-award/

U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Profiled In ESPN Documentary

August 20, 2013 By

Tonight at 8:00pm ET on ESPN, the 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer team will be profiled in a documentary collaboration between ESPN Films and ESPN W called “The 99ers.” The film will air as part of ESPN’s “Nine for IX” series.

This women’s team roster, who won the 1999 Women’s World Cup, catapulted soccer to center stage here in the United States. It was this team’s winning streak that ignited the soccer craze locally.

Most people remember Brandi Chastain’s emotional celebration of the 1999 win, but tonight you can hear from Abby Wambach and other current U.S. Women’s Soccer team members as they recall that pivotal moment and how it transformed the sport here in America.

CENTURY 21® Real Estate is a proud sponsor of U.S. Soccer and we encourage you to tune in tonight. For more information and behind-the-scenes outtakes from “The 99ers,” click here.

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/u-s-women%E2%80%99s-soccer-team-profiled-in-espn-documentary/

Real Estate Reads Of The Week

August 16, 2013 By

Happy Friday!

Each Friday we share with you the must-read, real estate news of the week. We’ve got everything you need to know to stay on top of breaking industry news and trends.

Grab your coffee and get reading!

“The Best Places To Live In 2013”

This week CNN Money shared their list of the best places to live in America. 15 cities made the cut, lead by Sharon, MA, Louisville, CO and Vienna, VA.  In addition to Sharon, MA taking the number one spot, two other towns in Massachusetts also made the list – Westford and Shrewsbury.  Continue reading . . .

“3 Ways To Revitalize Your Website With Your Existing Blog Content”

Laura Monroe of Inman News wrote a great piece this week about how to use your best blog posts, even ones from years ago, to help refresh your real website. Did you do a great post two years ago about staging? Those tips still apply and your new clients and prospects may really enjoy it. Continue reading . . .

“Tales From A Real Estate Investor: What I Look For In A New Property”

Thinking about buying an investment property? Not sure what questions you should ask while searching? Ali Boone at Bigger Pockets gives excellent advice in her column about the 8 factors to consider when making a real estate investment. Continue reading . . .

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/real-estate-reads-of-the-week-63/

CENTURY 21 Mizrahi Realty Makes Two Major Commercial Sales for Hostess

August 15, 2013 By

This summer Sam Mizrahi of CENTURY 21 Mizrahi Realty had Hostess on the brain, and not because he misses the Twinkie. Sam and his team successfully sold two former Hostess distribution centers in New York City, one in Queens and one in the Bronx. Read on to learn how the team made it happen, and what the spaces are being used for with their new owners.

C21: How did this listing opportunity come about?

SM: For these deals, my client was the Apollo Group, who purchased 32 commercial properties in bankruptcy court. They were looking to begin selling them.

C21: Is this a new client for you?

SM: It is a new client relationship for me, but Global Client Solutions, which is a part of our parent company, Realogy, they recommended me.

C21: Do you specialize in commercial real estate exclusively?

SM: I do, I specialize in retail leasing and investment sales. I have five agents on my team, all focused on commercial. We do have a residential component to our office, my sister Rachel handles that.

C21: Once you were recommended to list the two Hostess distribution centers, what happened next?

SM: There were two properties, one in the Bronx and one in Queens. We listed the Bronx property and had half a dozen offers right out of the gate. It’s 26,000 square feet of building on a 66,000 square foot lot. It’s in the Baychester area of the Bronx, right near I-95. It’s a very high traffic area.

C21: What did you wind up selling it for?

SM: The property sold at $2.850 million to a private investor. They are putting national tenants into the space.

C21: And the property in Queens?

SM: The other location was in Woodside, Queens. Again, we had about a half dozen offers and the activity started even before it was formally posted.

C21: Who was the buyer?

SM: Ultimately it sold to Spaeth Designs, a company based in New York who designs department store windows. Ever seen the Christmas displays in New York? They do those windows. They purchased the property for $2.6 million dollars, it was listed at $1.8 million.

C21: How will they use the new space?

SM: This is going to be their new headquarters in New York. They are going to completely transform the property. They have been in business for over 60 years and they were operating out of a space on the west side. They have been looking for a new place for nearly two years. They’ve already invited me to their holiday showroom!

C21: What do you think made you so successful with these properties?

SM: I specialize in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. My team knows these areas, we are highly skilled at not only selling these locations, but helping the new owners to lease the spaces.

C21: For those interested in working with you, what’s the best way to be in touch?

SM: Call me at my office 718-998-5700, or my cell phone 917-561-4526 or reach out via email at samuelmizrahi3@gmail.com.

C21: Thank you, Sam, and congratulations on these major deals. You are surely Smarter.Bolder.Faster.

Sam Mizrahi is a member of the CENTURY 21® Commercial Advisory Board and the CENTURY 21 Commercial Investment Network.

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/century-21-mizrahi-realty-makes-two-major-commercial-sales-for-hostess/

Looking To Buy In A Great School District? Search By School On century21.com

August 14, 2013 By

Century 21 Real Estate LLC is proud to announce that we have added a “search by schools” function to further simplify the home search for buyers interested in particular schools or school systems.

Visitors to century21.com may now create listing alerts with schools as one of their search criteria and receive email alerts when homes in their desired school districts go on the market.

“Selecting the right school is an important part of the decision to buy a home. We have now made the search easier by delivering data to consumers precisely as they want it,” said Bev Thorne, Century 21 Real Estate LLC Chief Marketing Officer. “Our school search feature represents another proof point in our commitment to being an online leader of real estate information, and to delivering superior user experiences.”

When visitors go to century21.com, they can use the “search by schools” function to find schools by location: 1) in a state 2) county, 3) city, or 4) near a street address. Users can also get a list of top rated schools or further refine the school data by student-teacher ratios, grade levels, public, private, or charter school types. They can also use geographies in the search process along with our other screens for price, property features, maps, keywords, and more.

Be sure to share this great news with all of your clients and prospects! It is a clear advantage for CENTURY 21® Agents: Smarter. Bolder. Faster®.

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/looking-to-buy-in-a-great-school-district-search-by-school-on-century21-com/

Real Estate Reads Of The Week

August 9, 2013 By

Good morning and happy Friday!

Each Friday we share with you the must-read, real estate news of the week. We’ve got everything you need to know to stay on top of breaking industry news and trends.

Grab your coffee and get reading!

“Home Prices Trending A Fastest Upward Pace Since 1977”

This week CoreLogic reported, “U.S. home prices rose for the 16th consecutive month in June and are trending at the fastest upward pace since 1977.” Including distressed sales, Core Logic’s Home Price Index was up 1.9 percent from May to June and 11.9 percent from a year ago. CoreLogic’s Pending Home Price Index predicts prices increased 1.8 percent from June to July. The five states with the greatest annual home price appreciation (including distressed sales) were: Nevada (26.5 percent), California (21.4 percent), Wyoming (16.7 percent), Arizona (16.2 percent) and Georgia (14.3 percent). Continue reading . . .

“Where The Housing Market Is Hottest: The Top 10 Turnaround Towns”

The market is hottest in California according to Realtor.com, who puts Oakland, Orange County, Santa Barbara, San Jose and Los Angeles on the list of the top 10 turnaround towns in the United States. Are you doing business in California? Are you seeing the market trend upward? Continue reading . . .

“Best Practices: Photography And Your Real Estate Brand”

To successfully sell a home, you need great photos. Though gadgets like smartphones, tablets and tripods make shooting your own photos easier than ever, there are some key considerations to review before you start snapping. Continue reading . . .

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/real-estate-reads-of-the-week-62/

Introducing CENTURY 21 Fine Homes & Estates® On Pinterest

August 6, 2013 By

Pinterest took the Internet by storm in March 2010, it’s simple and easy-to-navigate design allowed users all over the world to share their virtual pin boards of their favorite DIY crafts, dream home décor and fashion.

The site now ranks as the third most popular website for social media behind Facebook and Twitter. At just three years old, it already has 70 million users.

Companies are gaining as well from Pinterest and are sharing their own pins on elaborate boards. From the U.S. Army sharing red, white and blue recipes and an inside look at soldiers basic combat training to Bed, Bath and Beyond sharing their favorite products and gift ideas—all filled with hundreds of pins.

We are proud to introduce our own Pinterest page,  C21 Fine Home and Estates®. Below you will find a sampling of some of our most beautiful and luxurious homes across country and around the globe.

From “Luscious Lawns” to “Fabulous Firepits” this collection of dazzling and enchanting homes will be sure to make you want to click Pin!  Check out a few of our favorites:

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Deluxe Dining

New Port Beach, CA — $12,499,000

Eat breakfast in this marvelous dining while watching the boats sail by on the bay. This deluxe dining room features hard wood floors, great lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows. Not to mention million dollar views.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Incredible Kitchens

Carmel, IN—1,100,000

This Incredible Kitchen is suited for any chef. Its charming wood details and light neutral colors give a warm and inviting feel. And when you aren’t whipping up your favorite Pinterest recipes you can enjoy a game of golf, with views looking out onto the 8th and 9th holes.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Fabulous Family Rooms

Highland Park, IL—$1,250,000

Modern and contemporary could describe this home. The fabulous family room looks like something out of The Jetsons own whimsical home. This estate, made with the finest of materials and fixtures, with attention to every detail.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Luscious Lawns

Leavenworth, WA – $1,300,000

Nestled among five acres, sits this beautiful log cabin. It is a truly exceptional home and the exquisite landscaping only adds to its beauty. This property, surrounded by Rockefeller Center sized evergreens, beautiful streams and colorful wild flowers is just the begging to the countless activities Leavenworth, WA offers.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Lavish Lanais

Coeur d’Alene, ID – $1,350,000

Bring the comforts of inside while enjoying the beauty of the outside. This Coeur d’Alene home features a beautiful outdoor living area that includes a freestanding fireplace, entertaining space and views of the 8th and 16th holes at The Golf Club at Blackrock.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Fabulous Firepits

Mission Viejo, CA — $3,195,000

Cozy up to this waterfront Fabulous Firepit. It offers comforts for anytime of the year, including a cabana, plush seating and romantic lighting. Sit back and relax and feel the breeze through your hair and watch the boats sail by in your own little slice of paradise from this estate.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Sumptuous Spas

Snohomish, WA — $1,350,000

This dream home is elegant and beautiful right down to every little detail, including the bathtub. The master bath of this estate offers his and her sinks, beautiful custom cabinetry, and a huge soaking tub. This charming house has the charisma of yesteryear but all your modern conveniences.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Pool Paradise

Myrtle Beach, SC — $4,490,000

Soak up the Carolina sun in this Myrtle Beach estate. This fun and fabulous pool has a zero beach entry pool that has multiple waterslides, a diving board and waterfalls. All these features will be sure to provide your family with hours of fun.

C21 Fine Home and Estates: Tony Terraces

Marathon, FL — $12,000,000

Enjoy 360-degree views from your own private island. This large deck surrounds this beautiful beachy estate. This Tony Terrace features plenty of room for seating, a hammock for lounging and space to entertain.

For more incredible C21 Fine Home and Estates listings please visit our Pinterest page.

 

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/introducing-century-21-fine-homes-estates%C2%AE-on-pinterest/

Patricia Delinois Of CENTURY 21 Premier Elite Realty To Star In “Hot Listings Miami”

August 5, 2013 By

We are thrilled to share that Patricia Delinois, President and CEO of CENTURY 21 Premier Elite Realty in Miami, FL, will star in the Style Network’s new television show “Hot Listings Miami.” The show premieres tomorrow evening, Tuesday, August 6th, at 9:00pm ET/8:00pm CT.

We had the chance to chat with Patricia about the casting process, her shooting experience and how she balances this exciting new role with running her national and international CENTURY 21 Franchise.

C21: Congratulations on your new role on “Hot Listings Miami” on the Style Network. How did this opportunity come about?

PD: I have been approached several times to do a real estate TV show but the timing was never right. My name had been given to Style Network by several different sources that felt I would be perfect for the show. Style Network agreed with them and then before I knew it I was cast on the show! I am anxious to see the final product on the screen and how the public embraces the show.

C21: How many days or weeks were you shooting and what was that experience like?

PD: I am also running a national and international CENTURY 21 Franchise (The most recognized real estate brand in the world) with offices in three prime locations, so filming would fit in twice a week. I truly loved the experience! I love the people I am working with, the production crew and Style Network have been wonderful. Filming is centered around all the things I love: real estate, fashion, shoes and Miami! I was thrilled to participate.

C21: On the show there is some heated rivalry between the best brokers and agents in Miami. What are the qualities that set you and the CENTURY 21 Premier Elite team apart?

PD: I cannot divulge exactly what happens on the show or behind the scenes. But I can tell you that all CENTURY 21 Premier Elite Realty agents pride themselves in dealing with other agents and peers in the business with the highest integrity, and unwavering professionalism. We take this business seriously and feel respect and integrity are paramount to long term success. Having a good reputation in the industry is of utmost important to us.

C21: Miami is a popular destination for international buyers. Do those buyers represent a large portion of your team’s client base and how do you service their buying and selling needs while they live across the globe?

PD: 60 percent of the buyers purchasing property in Miami are from other countries. 90 percent of those buying are purchasing properties in cash. Most of our clients are coming from Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, France, Canada, Mexico and Peru. My clients love the fact that I can converse easily with them in French or Spanish. We also have over 175 talented agents that can do business in just about any language. We are big users of social media as an important way to keep in touch with our international clients and have truly capitalized on the digital space when working with our clients.

I have over three hundred thousand contacts on Facebook, twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Our clients also love to communicate with us via Skype and Magic Jack. Technology and the internet have created a business environment for us where domestic boundaries no longer constrain real estate agents. Our international clients feel comfortable with the CENTURY 21 brand and they trust they are in great hands. They see no issue sending deposits for large sums of money to a worldwide renowned company. We have over two thousand offices in just China alone! Technology has been a huge game changer to our industry.

C21: In addition to international buyers, Miami is also home to celebrities, pro athletes, and wealthy professionals. How do you cater to the needs of those with unlimited budgets?

PD: I want my clients to have an incredible VIP experience when they work with me, whether it is showing them property in a luxury sports car or take them to visit waterfront homes by boat, I want the time we spend together to be informative and memorable. I think when you are dealing with a client that has everything, it is all about the experience they have with you. I give each client 110 percent and I do my best to make all my clients feel special and important to me. I want them to feel I am the “go-to” realtor. All clients want to feel appreciated and know that they are top priority.

C21: For those interested in working with you and the CENTURY 21 Premier Elite team, what is the best way to get in touch?

PD: We are always looking for creative talented real estate agents to join our company. The best way to reach us is to email us. If you feel that you have what it takes to be part of the CENTURY 21 Premier Elite Realty team, either email our amazing superwoman Vice President Judy Russell at: judyr@century21.com or email me personally at: patriciadelinois@gmail.com

I also want to encourage Miamians and those who enjoy a good dose of glitz and glamour to tune in to the first episode. The show premiere is August 6th (9pm Eastern/8pm Central) and will highlight what our amazing city is known for. From the beautiful scenery to the grandiose mansions, flashy sports cars and gorgeous people, its Miami luxury in a nutshell! Viewers will also get to catch a glimpse of what I do and at some of the hottest properties here in South Florida!

C21: For real time updates on “Hot Listings Miami” and more photos of Patricia, follow the show’s page on Facebook. Be sure to like, comment and share to show your support.

 

Syndicated via Century 21 Blog. Source: http://blog.century21.com/2013/08/patricia-delinois-of-century-21-premier-elite-realty-to-star-in-hot-listings-miami/