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Facebook Live: A Powerful Way to Reach New Clients

January 9, 2017 By

Are you trying to reach the largest audience possible? Now you can. Connect with more people than ever before using Facebook Live to broadcast current listings, open house information, and upcoming events to new audiences in exciting ways.

  1. Promote Facebook Live on all of your social channels before you begin streaming to ensure the largest audience possible. You can also create a Facebook event and live broadcast right from the event page.
  2. A wifi connection will make streaming easier. If you can’t get a wifi signal, leave a disclaimer on the event page so if there’s a hiccup, your audience will know it could be due to the connection.
  3. There’s a three second countdown before Facebook Live begins streaming. A slight pause is normal!
  4. Good lighting is key. Facebook automatically stabilizes video to control shaky hands, but you’ll want to be well-lit so your image is clearly visible.
  5. Tell people on-camera they’re live. You don’t want anyone saying anything they’ll later regret!
  6. Encourage comments throughout the broadcast. Ask users questions to keep the conversation rolling.
  7. Keep it interesting! Facebook Live broadcasts should last for at least five minutes. Outline your talking points before you begin. Note: A Facebook Live session cannot exceed 90 minutes.
  8. The success of the video depends on the audience. Make sure your audience feels like they are part of the experience. Again, asking questions is key.
  9. Promote your Facebook Live session when it’s over on all of your social channels. The video will automatically save to your Facebook timeline.
  10. Don’t stop! Create more videos and make them part of a larger series. This is your chance to tell a story. And if you broadcast at a set time, it will be easier for users to remember when you’re on. Think of it as your own TV show.



Reference these steps as you begin your first broadcasts and take advantage of an incredible opportunity to connect with your clients in an exciting new way.

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How to Incorporate Oscars Glamour into Your Home

February 26, 2016 By

If you love to watch the glitz and glam that surrounds awards ceremonies, then this weekend might be the most wonderful time of your year. Sure, you can host a viewing party to “ooo” and “aah” at celebrities’ outfits, but have you considered making your house just as swoon worthy? Try some of these tips to incorporate a glam style into your home that may last longer than just the awards night.

Roll Out the Red Carpet
An actual red carpet might be a bit much, but you can still hint at the iconic pathway with splashes of its deep, red hue. Follow the 60-30-10 rule, where your main decorating color takes up 60 percent of the space, your secondary color takes up 30 percent, and your accent color, 10 percent. Keep the red carpet vibe as an accent, and bump up it up to with pillows, throws, and candles in the vibrant color.

Dress Up in Black Tie
If you feel elegant when you dress in black, why don’t you apply the same dress code to your home? Consider painting a few pieces of furniture, such as a kitchen table set or a dresser. Be sure to apply a deglosser beforehand, so that the surface can accept new paint. Always use gloves, and work in a well ventilated area.

Shine like a Diamond
While diamonds aren’t the most practical item to incorporate into your home, you can capture their light reflecting qualities with a few tricks. Hang mirrors near light sources, such as near a lamp or across from a window and replace your coffee table with a glass one. The light reflected from the mirror can flow through the glass and potentially brighten up the whole room.

Set a Gold Standard
A bit of glittering gold is sure to catch the eye of anyone in your home, so add some sparkle where you can. Replace the hardware on cabinets and drawers with gold metallic ones — it’s an easy project that can refresh the whole look and feel of your room. Most hardware will have a clear coating to protect the metal from oxidation, so be sure to protect that outer layer when cleaning. Use a soft damp cloth to wipe them down and stay away from acid based cleaners.

With this décor style, your home may be award-worthy every day of the year.

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Star Wars: Which Planet Should You Live On?

December 17, 2015 By

Have you ever imagined yourself wading through the swamps of Dagobah or traversing the lush forests of Endor? The galaxy far, far away has a wide array of settings which has thrilled fans for decades. To celebrate the release of the latest chapter in the Star Wars saga, we’ve devised a quiz that will tell you what Star Wars planet you would fare best on.

Which U.S. state has your favorite natural landscape?
1. Nevada
2. Massachusetts
3. Louisiana
4. Washington

Which activity would you choose?
1. Moisture farming
2. Defending a Rebel Base
3. Jedi training
4. Overthrowing the Empire

Who is your ideal neighbor?
1. The Skywalkers
2. The Rebellion
3. Yoda
4. Ewoks

Which is your ideal vehicle?
1. Landspeeder
2. Tauntaun
3. X-Wing
4. Speeder Bike

Now it’s time for your results…

If you chose more 1s than any other number, you belong on Tatooine!
You love the sun and desert sand. A simple life of moisture farming and droid repair would suit you. You also value friendly neighbors, which you’ll have in the Skywalker family. (Just don’t get too attached to them.) If you were hoping for a different planet, be on the lookout for a mysterious old hermit, he might get you off that rock.

If you chose more 2s than any other number, you belong on Hoth!
You love the winter months and can’t wait to get outside to build snow-Wookies. You also have a sense of duty to defend your homestead from whoever intrudes and aid your neighbors when they need you most. However, don’t wander into any icy caves unsupervised, the local fauna is fierce.

If you chose more 3s than any other number, you belong on Dagobah!
You love swampy mysticism, and you value your privacy. You prefer your neighbors to be quirky little green guys who have a lot of weird advice. The climate is a little muggy and there isn’t much to do besides fix your waterlogged vehicle, but this planet will make you a stronger person.

If you chose more 4s than any other number, you belong on Endor!
You prefer a home surrounded by trees and greenery. Your neighbors are adorable, tiny, and fuzzy, but don’t underestimate them. The planet is pretty peaceful, other than the occasional interplanetary war that decides the fate of the galaxy.

For entertainment purposes only.

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How to Stage a Perfect Family Holiday Card

December 10, 2015 By

A family holiday card is a great way to show your friends and family your beautiful home. Between finding the time take the photo and choosing the right setting, mailing the holiday card can be a daunting task. These holiday hints can help make the process much more pleasant.

Avoid Matching Outfits

Your family should be dressed in clothes that are of neutral color and similar style, but wearing the exact same outfits hides each family member’s uniqueness. Let their personality shine while still creating a cohesive look.

Choose the Right Backdrop

Your home can provide the perfect setting for your holiday card. You may choose to shoot it outside to capture the weather of the season, in front of your home’s main entryway. Alternatively, you can utilize any well-lit and well-furnished area inside the house, such as in front of the fireplace or Christmas tree.

Pick the Right Time

Time of day matters when considering the natural lighting that will make your card shine. The hour before sunset is referred to as the “golden hour” and provides stunning lighting for your card.

Clean and Prep

Once you’ve chosen a place and time, prep and check the area before shooting. This includes cleaning, straightening pictures, aligning furniture, and checking for any blemishes that would stand out in the photo.

Pose Casually

You want your holiday card to seem warm and inviting. Having your family awkwardly pose in unnatural positions can have the opposite effect. Encourage your family to be composed, but casual.

Plan for Restless Children

The last thing most children want to do is sit still, smile, and wear clothes they might find uncomfortable. To avoid difficulties be sure to choose a time of day when they’re well rested, fed, and generally complacent. Make them smile with a joke or the promise of a holiday treat.

Distract your Pets

Holiday cards are a great way to show off a new pet or keep your friends and family updated on the family’s furry friend. Pets, like children, aren’t always eager to be photographed. Have the photographer catch their attention with a treat or one of their toys.

The holidays will be here soon enough, so get started on your family’s perfect holiday card to show your relatives and friends.

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Slow Down and Enjoy Your Thanksgiving

November 25, 2015 By

By Matt Gentile

Thanksgiving is such a great holiday. Spending time with family and friends, watching your favorite sports team on the TV and of course, eating A LOT!  Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, warm buns, corn, squash, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, broccoli…makes my mouth water just thinking about it.

In the past I would have smashed Thanksgiving dinner down like competitive eater, Geoff Esper does in our #C21EatSlow video below, but this year I’m planning on turning a new leaf.

 

Instead of eating like it’s a competition, I’m going to actually try and enjoy my food, savor the conversation and enjoy the experience.  By spending more time focused on your friends and family you may increase the time between bites and maybe even enjoy the taste of your great Aunt’s green bean casserole.

How many of us have a tendency to eat like we may not eat again for a week?  According to WebMD,

It takes approximately 20 minutes from the time you start eating for your brain to send out signals of fullness. Leisurely eating allows ample time to trigger the signal from your brain that you are full. And feeling full translates into eating less.

The benefits of a healthy lifestyle are good from a personal perspective, as well as professionally.  Working out regularly and eating slower will go a long way toward maintaining a healthier weight and optimizing mental clarity.  Here are a few tips to help you get started.

  • To master the art of slow eating, put on some music, light a few candles, turn off the TV and any other distractions, and concentrate on your meal.*
  • Youcan have your cake and eat it, too — as long as you only take a few bites. Take a bite, eat it slowly, savor it, and do nothing but enjoy the flavor, texture, and experience of the delicious dessert. You will find that one or two bites give you the sweet indulgence without a lot of extra calories.*
  • Take 15 minutes to relax, recharge, and refuel. These minibreaks can help you relieve stress, too.*
  • Push away from the table, leave the second helpings on the stove, and drink a large glass of water.*

*WebMD – http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/slow-down-you-eat-too-fast

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CENTURY 21® Expands Its Network with CENTURY 21 Peak in San Fernando Valley

November 23, 2015 By

San Fernando Valley is going through a powerful rebranding on the real estate front. Brokerage firms Peak Realty and Peak Commercial recently announced that they’re now affiliated with the iconic real estate brand. They celebrated the new affiliation with a grand opening at the company’s headquarters in Woodland Hills.

Raffi Tal (EVP, Peak Corporate Network), Donna Kreisler (COO, Peak Corporate Network), Eli Tene (Managing Director & Principal, Peak Corporate Network), Gil Priel (Managing Director & Principal, Peak Corporate Network) Photo credit: Linda Kasian Photography

The Peak Corporate Network team has been preparing for a move like this for the last two decades. Already operating as the largest independent brokerage firm in the San Fernando region, Principal and Managing Directors Eli Tene and Gil Priel acknowledge that the resources and extensive training provided to their agents by CENTURY 21 will help attract new clients while increasing their market share.

“The CENTURY 21 Peak name will be recognized as a leading asset providing value for entry level as well as affluent clients, foreign real estate investors, clients relocating to and from the area, and more,” Priel remarked.

GREG, GIL, ELI, RICK 2

Greg Sexton (COO, Century 21), Gil Priel (Managing Director & Principal, Peak Corporate Network), Eli Tene (Managing Director & Principal, Peak Corporate Network), Rick Davidson (CEO, Century 21) Photo credit: Linda Kasian Photography

“We are looking forward to leveraging our creative ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, and solutions with the SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.® assets that the brand delivers in order to bring our buyers and sellers, in both residential and commercial sectors, superior market knowledge and a wide-range of top-notch services for maximum value,” added Tene.

As a leading authority in the real estate industry, the Peak Corporate Network group of companies provide a full array of comprehensive real estate services nationwide including residential and commercial brokerage services, residential and commercial mortgage financing, loan servicing, insurance services, short sales, foreclosure processing and 1031 exchange.

“Eli, Gil and their team of affiliates will make wonderful additions to the CENTURY 21 System,” said Rick Davidson, CEO of CENTURY 21 Real Estate. “The group’s ‘whatever it takes’ service attitude, combined with the learning and marketing tools we deliver our affiliate base, will certainly help to enhance our iconic brand with consumers and industry professionals alike in the various markets that they serve.”

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The Hunger Games: Real Estate Listings the Districts Deserve

November 20, 2015 By

Unlike the glammed-out Capitol, the 13 districts of Panem are in less-than-desirable conditions. As we watch them fight for freedom in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, we hope they’ll have a home sweet home waiting for their return. Here are some real estate listings that the residents of the districts deserve.

District 4: Beautiful Beach House

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Since this district resides on the coastal regions of Panem, its people love the commodity they produce: seafood. As skilled swimmers who know their way around a fishing net, they deserve a home as adapted to the water as they are. Standing on stilts, this house allows them to feel immersed in the sea while staying safely above the waves.

District 7: Luxurious Log Cabin

C21_Nov_B2_Blog-HungerGames-D7

Tucked away in the woods, District 7 is a key producer of lumber. All that time spent in the forest with various wood cutters must pay off in quality crafting abilities, which no doubt should be reflected in their abodes. A stylized yet cozy home like this lux cabin will make them feel at one with nature while still keeping them warm during the snowier winters.

District 10: Quaint Country Cottage

C21_Nov_B2_Blog-HungerGames-D10

District 10 rests on acres of farmland, which they use to raise cattle for the meat-eaters of their country. Livestock work is grueling, so these residents could use a no-frills place to relax. With a large kitchen to support home-cooked family dinners, this down-to-earth rural home provides all that a farmer could ask for.

District 11: Sprawling Southern Home

C21_Nov_B2_Blog-HungerGames-D11

Home to plentiful orchards and fields, District 11 provides Panem with a majority of its agriculture. Since their days are spent among the peach trees and wheat fields, wouldn’t it be nice if they could cool off with some lemonade on a lengthy, shaded porch? This home is breezy and beautiful, with room to spare for entertaining out of town guests.

In a perfect world, the districts would already enjoy the same home comforts as those in the Capitol do. Until then, may the odds be ever in their favor.

 

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Congratulations to Realtor Magazine’s Good Neighbor Award Winner John Kersten!

November 11, 2015 By

On September 30, 2015, it was announced that John Kersten, President of CENTURY 21® Town & Country in Utica, Michigan, was one of the five winners of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Good Neighbor Award. For his dedication and commitment to serving his community through his work with Easter Seals Michigan, he’ll receive a $10,000 grant, along with a feature in the November/December issue of REALTOR Magazine. Additionally, Kersten will receive an additional $1,000 donation to the organization for winning the Web Choice Award.

While Kersten started out organizing rubber duck races for Easter Seals 24 years ago, he utilized his marketing skills to run annual car and cash raffles that raise more than $1 million a year. Throughout the last decade and a half, the $15 million he has raised has helped support programs for children and adults with special needs, including the Miracle League baseball team for children with disabilities and the AgrAbility program, which directly provides services for farmers with illnesses, injuries, or issues associated with aging.

“I accept this award on behalf of the work Easter Seals does on behalf of families and children living with disabilities to live, work and play in their communities,” Kersten said after hearing the good news. “To be mentioned in such great company with these other Good Neighbor finalists is a tremendous honor as their work, too, is helping to build better communities around the country.”

Kersten’s drive to raise money for his branch of Easter Seals has resulted in his brokerage leading the country in fundraising for CENTURY 21®, which is an official sponsor for the organization. In fact, the $1 million his office raises each year makes up about one-third of what CENTURY 21® raises for the organization across the country. Kersten, who has been in the real estate business for the last 48 years, said that his fundraising initiatives have “become like my business.”

“The selflessness demonstrated by John speaks volumes about his leadership skills and his ability to mobilize people for a common cause,” said Rick Davidson, President and Chief Executive Officer of CENTURY 21® Real Estate, LLC. “John has always been a ‘Good Neighbor’ to the CENTURY 21® System, and we are proud to have him represent our brand.”

Watch the video below to learn more about John Kersten’s contribution.

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Peanuts Characters: Where Are They Living Now?

November 6, 2015 By

Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty, Lucy Van Pelt and the Peanuts gang may have been perpetually eight years young for the last six decades, but have you ever wondered what they would be like once they grew up? Fast forward to the good old days of contemplating life at the brick wall and ice skating with Snoopy and Woodpecker and peek into their future selves with our predictions of what their cribs might look like.

Charlie Brown

CharlieBrown

Despite his good intentions to overcome his childhood insecurities, Charlie Brown held himself back and now lives in a modest two-bedroom apartment (one bedroom for him, and the other for his baby sister whenever she comes over to visit). Framed on the wall are the remnants of the kites he used to fly before he got tired of the Kite-Eating Tree destroying his valiant efforts, and he still has his bare childhood Christmas tree sitting in a lonely corner.

Lucy

Lucy

The townhouse Lucy Van Pelt lives in also acts as her private psychiatry practice. When she’s not busy bossing around her maids and butlers, Ms. Van Pelt can be heard calling Schroeder on the daily to come over and play the baby grand piano she bought him as a surprise. Fun fact: the centerpiece of her sprawling entranceway is the football she used to trick Charlie Brown over and over again in her youth.

Linus

Linus

Living in a high-rise overlooking the town’s pumpkin patch, Linus Van Pelt usually comes home and sprawls out on his hammock he sewed out of his beloved childhood blanket in his philosophy-stocked study.

 

 

 

Sally

Sally

The baby sister of Charlie Brown has a very laissez-faire approach to life—and that reflects in her home. Every room of her pink-and-polka-dotted house has a beanbag ready for her to plop into, along with a flat-screen television and overflowing snack bowls aplenty.

 

 

Peppermint Patty

PeppermintPatty

The star athlete likes to consider her abode the “wo-man cave”—every inch of her home, floor to ceiling, is covered with sports memorabilia. One room is dedicated to the innumerable trophies and medals she received for her world-class achievements in football, hockey, and baseball.

 

 

Pig-Pen

PigPen

This former litterbug cleaned up his act and is now an owner of a pristine condominium with ivory furnishings and snow white floor-to-wall carpeting.

 

 

 

Snoopy

Snoopy

You can never tell from the outside, but the beloved beagle has pimped out his iconic red doghouse over the years. Inside the arched open doorway is a five-story mansion with a dog-shaped indoor pool, a World War I-inspired flight simulator, an ice skating rink to practice his hockey skills, and an anti-gravity room to prep him to be the first beagle on the moon.

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MASH for Adults: What Type of House Should You Have?

October 3, 2015 By

Do you remember MASH, the game you used to play in grade school to predict your future? We’ve created the adult version to help you find out the type of home that may be right for you. Grab a pen, think of a number, and start playing!

How would you describe your style?

  1. Eclectic
  2. Modern
  3. Traditional
  4. Chic

 

How do you feel about work?

  1. I’d rather be traveling the world.
  2. It’s fine, but I prefer nightlife.
  3. It teaches responsibility.
  4. It’s great, if you make a lot of money.

 

Which home exterior do you prefer?

  1. Blue paint
  2. Red brick
  3. White siding
  4. Tan stone

 

Where would you like to live?

  1. On a beach
  2. In a city
  3. In the suburbs
  4. An exclusive development

 

Which is your ideal vacation?

  1. A beachside retreat in the Caribbean
  2. A night out on the town in a bustling city
  3. A family-friendly trip to an amusement park
  4. An extravagant European tour

Now add up your scores! (Answer 1 = 1 point, Answer 2 = 2 points, etc.)

If you scored…

5 – 8  = You should live in a bungalow!

The perfect home for you may be a beachside bungalow! You love to travel the world and spend most of your time on a beach. Your home is filled with treasured items you’ve picked up over the years. Who cares about matching? Everything you own reflects a memory, a piece of you, or a part of the world.

9 – 12 = You should live in an apartment!

You’re a natural urban dweller, and we couldn’t take that away from you! You may have been born for the bright lights of the big city, and you don’t care if that means living in a smaller space. You’re willing to sacrifice square footage for experiences in a metropolis, so you’ve developed a minimalist style to decorate your abode. You aren’t too attached to your items, but instead, are attached to your city.

13 – 16 = You should live in a house!

You may love peace and quiet, and what better place for that than the suburbs or the country? Family comes first for you, which is echoed in your design style. You care about practicality first, and you understand the difference between “needs” and “wants.” But that doesn’t mean that you don’t have sentimental attachment to items. You proudly decorate your home with artwork and items made by family members.

17 – 20 = You should live in a mansion!

You favor a big, pristinely decorated space, so a mansion may be right for you. You love extravagant items, like a large mirror or brightly-colored furniture. And everything you own matches, which means you have a home that your friends fawn over constantly.

For entertainment purposes only.

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