Thanks to Stephen Hall, Windermere, and Troy Anderson, Keller Williams, for news flash today. Here’s the scoop:
Home Buyer Tax Credit Renewed….Expanded!
Let’s talk Listings, Buyers’ Needs, and TWITTER.
Seattle SessionFor details: RRNetwork NEXT MEETING
Catch some free training from our new ‘Short Sale’ partners. My colleague and friend Ryan Kalalau just tippedme off, advising that there is still space available.
Yes, you can tune in from your home office. Pretty handy!
Although this is promoted as an ‘advanced’ class, I’ve been advised that it is a very fine starting point for beginners.
Click on the ‘RESERVE HERE’ link below, and save your spot. Thanks all, and I look forward to ‘sitting in’ with you all virtually, online.
Free training from Team Ticor. How great is that?!!!
Register here:
| Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/660316801 |
More info here:
| Please join us for this unique webinar where we will be discussing proper pricing strategies. We will also be discussing heavily the ‘Art of the Short Sale Prequalification.’
We will help agents identify recourse vs. non recourse debt and tax related exposures, with a foreclosure vs. Short Sale. Take advantage of this ‘one of a kind’ webinar, and ask your Title and Escrow representative (that’s JULIE!!) specific questions you want answered. We will be sure to answer those questions live. |
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| After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. Presented by Ticor partner, Mortgage Resolution Services.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com |
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Commoncraft’s Zombie Preparation Guide is here for you:
And I thought they were talking about the bad guys getting into my computer. This is much more fun, and not nearly as scary! Our thanks to Commoncraft.com.
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Seattle Magazine has published its 2009 ‘Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods.’ Great info to keep or share!
Seattle’s Top 110 NeighborhoodsGuess what — #1 is NOT Ballard. I hear the Ballard people smiling & hoping for parking to appear.
Congrats to Vashon! We have some terrific agents there.
It is only occasionally that one reads ‘Highland Park’ and ‘Green Lake’ in the same category. Some good reading here.
Thanks very much to Seattle Magazine, and authors: Elizabeth M. Economou, Karen Johnson and Virginia Smyth; Research by Sheila Mickool with Sarah Dawe and Alexis Morley.
Photographs by Brianne Nicole Braun
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Title, RRNetwork.com
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Have Coffee with RRNetwork & Active RainJoin us for October 14th’s Realtor Referral Network! We’re happy to welcome Bob Stewart with Active Rain.
For details, see: NEXT MEETING
Twitter = ’hot topic,’ and here’s your chance to learn from an expert. Meet Peggy Dolane with Provient Marketing.
Advanced Twitter for Business
Date: Fri, Oct 23 | 9 a.m. – noon
$125
Location: Lower Queen Anne, near SPU
Contact Peggy Dolane to register.
Biznik Event 10/8, ThursdayOctober offers more networking opportunities. Robert Lani, Keller Williams, and friends, hosting ‘BizNik’ event:
Networking with a Cause – Green Halloween Event
Location: EcoHaus, 4121 First Avenue South, Seattle, WA
Date: Thurs Oct 8, 2009 | 6:30 PM
“Networking with a Cause is back and this time we are going GREEN. We are excited about teaming with Green Halloween to bring to you a night of networking, education, sampling of earth friendly and local food and drinks, and of course – supporting awesome causes in our community and world.
Join us at EcoHaus, home of the Northwest’s largest selection of eco-friendly building supplies, as we explore ways that we can “green” our Halloween celebrations and daily lives.”
At posting, this event already has 39 attendees signed up. Room for more, we’re sure!
Check out Julie’s new FACEBOOK Business page. Wow! Be a fan!!!
Puget Sound Business Journal with news about our Seattle real estate market:
“Seattle area tops in US for Troubled Real Estate Loans.”
The timing is right to learn ‘Short Sales.’
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
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”I’ve just got to get organized…….” Earlier this week, one of my client friends said this, as she threw a pile of ’short sale’ flyers onto another pile on her desk. Sound familiar? Well, Ticor’s got a little help for you…………….
Here’s something we’ve just launched: Ticor’s Short Sale website.
It’s pretty, yah, we like that. And it’s packed with useful info. We like that even more.
Need the basics? Check out ‘Short Sales 101.’
“Give me just the Realtor info.” Here you go: ‘For Realtors.’
Tired of reading? Turn on the volume and tune into these handy Videos:
- Video – Qualify your short sale
- Video – Qualify — the Property
- Video — Qualify — the Homeowner
“Give me pricing options!” Flat fee, or %, payable only at closing.
And when you’re ready for a ‘Negotiator,’ well of course, Ticor has that for you too.
Let’s navigate the short sale market together. Contact me and we’ll get started!
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Skimping on marketing was one of the ten biggest mistakes that Sellers make, according to HGTV. What do you think the #1 mistake is? Thanks to ‘HGTV’ for this ‘top ten list:’
Ten Biggest Mistakes Home Sellers Make
There is still time for your First Time Homebuyers to take advantage of the $8K tax credit. To help you get the message across, here are 3 new videos just posted to our Ticor ‘First Time Homebuyer’ site:
$8K First Time Home Buyer Credit
Thanks to wahomeowners.com. 
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Belltown, Capitol Hill Condo Auctions
September 27th, Gallery and Brix condos will be auctioned. For details:
Thanks to Matt Warmack and Maryam Mirnateghi, Keller Williams, for links and their valuable perspective. Videos too. Nice! 
Dan Blair – Lending Update
Dan Blair, MetLife Home Loans, demystified new lending requirements today. We had a strong turnout at monthly RRN / Agent networking coffee. Some new faces too. Thanks Dan. Got lending questions? Contact Dan Blair here.
Beatles Rock Band 
If you’ve been working and missed it, here is CNET’s review of the new BEATLES Rock Band. Yes, many of us parents will know ALL of the words. My hunch is, maybe our kids will keep up just fine!
Ticor Dashboard
Need some help, managing your biz? Ticor can help.
Ticor Dashboard is a ‘virtual transaction coordinator:’
Coming soon: New Fall Sports Schedules for download…..
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Thanks Attendees! And thanks to our guest presenters, Jon Rosichelli and Dan Blair. Today’s group learned about ‘Staging’ for Seattle homes, and got a ‘Lending Update.’ Contact these professionals:
Jon Rosichelli Design (206) 380-6296
Dan Blair, MetLife Home Loans (206) 354-6967 Dblair@metlifehomeloans.com
IT Marketing – Post from Rene Fabre
Here’s a link to our friend Rene’s post regarding ‘IT Marketing.’ This is the first of a series.
Allied Arts Looking for Real Estate Agent Participants
As mentioned at today’s Realtor Referral Network, Allied Arts is looking for incoming board members. For more info about this great way to plug into your neighborhood, contact:
Ezra Basom Allied Arts ezrab@alliedarts-seattle.org
What did you enjoy about today’s meeting? Let me know by blogging here! Thanks all.
- JMH
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Photographs are an important part of your ‘Listings’ marketing. Our friend Rene Fabre’ just posted some fabulous info about ‘Photography for Realtors.’ Click HERE for Rene’s newest blog entry!
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title, Seattle
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Wherever you stand on the election, here are two videos worth seeing.
DiCaprio’s ‘Five Friends’ – Saying, ‘don’t vote…..ah….go ahead!’
Obama, McCain Same Stage — For a charity fundraiser that happened 10-16-08. It’s great seeing our candidates share some humor.
What will we all talk about AFTER the election? I wonder…….
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title, Seattle
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Election 2008, Realtors
Sometimes you need an electronic business card, for posting online or adding to the end of email. We’re impressed with ‘Retaggr.’ Here is their website: Retaggr
And here’s the link to my friend Rene’s recent blog post, giving you a more thorough description: More Retaggr info
Have you started using Retaggr, and if so, what do you think?
Also, see ‘Next Meeting’ here for news about this month’s networking group for real estate pros.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title and RRNetwork, Seattle
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These new cell phones, such as the iPhone or the TMobile G1, do a lot more than letting you talk and text. Imagine finding the best price for something, anything really, by scanning a bar code with your cell phone. Or, hold your phone to a speaker, and quickly learn the name of the song playing (along with the artist, and where to buy). National Public Radio (NPR) just aired pieces about these programs. Here ’s a link.
Click here for the story: “How to Track Music, Scan Bar Codes with Cell Phone,” NPR.org, November 11, 2008
Obama has stated he will appoint a ‘Tech Czar.’ Here’s another link to learn more.
Click here for the story: “Obama Expected to Appoint Technology Czar,” NPR.org, November 10, 2008
We’re looking forward to a productive ‘Tech Roundtable’ tomorrow, at Realtor Referral Network. Thanks all!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Co, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Add new tag, Obama, Tech, Wireless
A productive session today, at Cafe Appassionato, Magnolia, for Realtor Referral Network. We had over a dozen join us, with 7 different Seattle area real estate companies represented. Also, glad to welcome Denise Baker from my Seattle Escrow Branch to the meeting. Thanks to our ‘Tech Guru,’ Rene Fabre, who recapped everyone’s ‘next steps’ for launching their internet tech marketing efforts. Here’s a link to Rene’s blog post today:
Click here for Rene’s Blog post: New from Rene
And remember, all material covered this morning is available for FREE at Ticor’s website. It’s time for you to register!
Click here to register at myticor.com: Register HERE
As always, we went around the room for folks to share in the ‘Lightening Round’ of Listings and Buyers’ Needs. Wow, there is some great property available, priced to MOVE. We also heard ‘Make Me an Offer’ several times during the roundtable.
After the meeting, many of us mozied over to Stephen Hall’s business opportunity, where he hosted lattes’ for all.
Click here to see Stephen’s ‘Espresso Shop’ listing: Short Stop Coffee on Leary for Sale
Meeting attendees, post your feedback and observations at the end of this message! Thanks all.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Co, RRnetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Escrow, IT Marketing, Realtors, Rene Fabre, RRNetwork Meetings
Maybe those of us in sales & marketing make things too complicated sometimes. Find out one smart fellow’s answer right here.
Copyright ©2008 Blue Penguin Development, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.BluePenguinDevelopment.com
With the recent emphasis on ‘internet technology / IT’ marketing, I’m thinking it’s wise to stop a minute and remember what can always be working for you in the background. Thanks to Michael Katz.
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork & Ticor Title Company, Seattle
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: IT Marketing, Marketing, SOI
Google Search Changes
It appears that Google is revising and refining its ’search’ parameters. Check out this article from INMAN NEWS:
This kind of gives the delivery of your ‘Item of Value’ each month a whole new twist, doesn’t it?
Best of 2008……a Little Early
Getting a jump on ‘Best of’ Lists, Seattle Magazine has published its “Best of Seattle, Reader’s Choice.” Does it say something about our city, that the first item on this list is ‘Beauty & Health: Hair Colorist?’ Don’t miss related articles, such as ‘Best of 2008: People / Entertainment / Shopping / Kids’ and more, and our thanks to this very local mag. There’s even a ‘Best of 2008: Random:’
Copyright Seattle Magazine
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Active Rain, Best of, Google, Google Ranking, Inman News
Nothing beats free tunes, especially while you’re ploughing thru work on your computer. My favorite FREE music website, Pandora.com, has just announced some great ‘Holiday’ music blends:
Click here for Holiday Music from Pandora
Listen to Peaceful Holidays (maybe New Age is a better description), Jazz or Country Holidays, Christmas Blues, Classical or Motown Holidays, or for your next martini mixer, try Swingin’ Christmas. Or of course, since this is Pandora, you can create your very own Holiday ’station,’ starting with a song you like.
Having spent 10 years in the business music industry, I have a healthy respect for what it takes to program this kind of variety and content. The fact that Pandora is free, well, it just makes the music a little bit sweeter, you know?
Anyone have other suggestions for cool Holiday tunes online?
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Co, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Add new tag, Christmas, Holidays, Links, Pandora
Great turnout, especially for so close to Christmas. We filled Caffe Appassionato with over a dozen, representing a total of 6 different metro Seattle area offices. Offices included assorted Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Windermere, and Ticor Title & Escrow.
Hot topics this month: Facebook, Buyers needs (“We have buyers!”), Buyers’ attitudes, changes in print media (Seattle Times, newsprint publishing in general)
On a personal note, Christmas was discussed. Sounds like it will be a ‘Sox & Underwear,’ very practical, kind of theme for many households …….. vs iPods, diamonds, and new laptops. Family and friend time is most important of course! Everyone is hanging on and hanging in. Internet tech was also kicked around. Glowing testimonial of ‘Ticor Agent,’ software program. Contact me for the scoop.
We’ll intro you to Philip Farrar and Wallaby in January. Click Here for January Meeting Info
Coming in 2009 from Ticor: IT / Tech classes, with clock hours. Curriculum submitted for approval from the State.
Speaking of TECH, get some perspective on ‘Twitter’ and ‘Yammer’ from our friend Rene Fabre. Click Here for Rene’s Latest Blog Post
And while you’re browsing, toodle over to our friend Matt Sweet’s blog, and find out about driving more traffic to your listings online thru Google Reader. Click Here for Matt’s Latest Blog Entry
Remember, we have County Courthouse closures on the days of 12/25 and again on 1/1. No recordings will occur on these days. Good holidays to all!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company & RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Christmas, Google, IT Marketing, Realtors, RRNetwork, Tech, Wallaby
NPR has posted its ‘2008 Best of’ list. How many of these are familiar to you:
Also see a fine selection of other ‘best’ music and reads. Also see a colorful section covering ‘Spirit of the Season,’ and my favorite ‘Holiday Recipes’ (cookies, oh my!). To view the entire webpage:
Thirteen years ago, David Sedaris became famous, at least to me, with his description of a very seasonal occupation as a holiday elf. Listen to an excerpt here:
David Sedaris & Crumpet the Elf, a Holiday Tradition
(copyright David Sedaris 1992)
Who knew that he could do Billie Holiday!
Opening 12/18 – Christmas Carol, the Musical
There’s still time to get tickets for ‘Christmas Carol, the Musical.’ Show opens Thursday, 12/18, and runs thru Sunday, 12/21. Cast, crew, and orchestra total over 135 people. First time this production has been seen here in Seattle. There’s even a tap number for you dance fans.
Click logo here for more info: 
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title Company
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Furlough Days Effect Courthouse Schedule
Besides the usual ‘Holiday’ closures for King County Courthouse, ten new ‘furlough days’ have been announced. These additional ‘closed’ dates are due to the budget deficit.
So why should you care? If the County Courthouse is closed, no transactions can be recorded. This means that besides the usual ‘holiday’ of this Thursday, 1/1/09, the Courthouse will be also be closed on Friday, 1/2/09. Not great news for those of you who may miss that 12/31/08 closing date for any purchases or sales in place.
Watch your mail and deliveries in January, for my annual ‘Courthouse Holiday’ closure calendar. We’ve noted the new ‘Furlough’ days to this calendar for you.
Happy New Year all! Our offices are open all week, with the exception of 1/1/09.
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title Company
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Inauguration Day Schedule
We’ve heard that many Seattle-ites will be hosting casual gatherings for the Inauguration this coming Tuesday. Whether you’re hosting, or viewing everything in your jammies, you might want to check the ‘official’ schedule of Inauguration Day, since everything happens in ‘East Coast’ time. The ceremony begins at 8:30 am, Pacific time. Here is the latest agenda, according to Rachel Cooper’s ‘About Washington Blog:
2009 Inauguration Day Schedule – Swearing In Ceremony
The swearing in happens early in the ceremony.
An overview of Inauguration Weekend and Day events can be seen here:
Overview – 2009 Inauguration Day Events
January Networking — Thanks Wallaby!
Special thanks to Philip Farrar with Wallaby, who presented at today’s RRNetwork coffee session. Wallaby is an expense and income management tool for real estate pros. Simple and easy to use, it is flexible and accessible from any computer. For more info, contact Phillip Farrar. (Email Phillip here!)
Congrats to Dorothy Wayne, RE/Max Mutual Realty, Ballard, who won today’s drawing for a full year of Wallaby service.
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Early in the year, many of us are investing time in our marketing systems. And the center of this is usually a data base, or list of clients. Check out what our friend Rene Fabre says about working with your ‘Sphere of Influence,’ i.e., your mailing list. And detour for just a minute, to find out more about his very interesting name!
Rene’s Marketing Blog – Mailing List Tips
Hats off to John Moe, Weekend America, American Public Media, who interviewed Seattle’s “Presidents of the United States,” about their song ‘Obama is Moving In.’ Click here to listen or download for free.
Obama is Moving In, by Seattle’s Presidents of the United States
Happy Inauguration Day to all!
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title Company, Seattle
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I’ve been hearing the term ‘Google Analytics’ for a while now. This is certainly something you should consider, if you have a website. The Word Press system is also great, with its own ‘analytics’ section.
My friend and colleague Matt Sweet just blogged about how Ticor has used Google Analytics to adjust the company website. So, reading this will give you a couple of ideas on why this stuff is important, and how ‘Analytics’ are used — good to know. Hmm….maybe you’ll see my comment over there too:
Click here to read ‘The Google Made Me Do It.”
Rene Fabre also just posted. Check out his ‘Have Task, Have Tool,’ and pick up a handy list of Rene’s latest favorite web spots.
Thanks Matt & Rene, and keep on bloggin.
Our 2 1/2 block move is in process, and we’ll be up and running bright and early for you this Monday, 1/26/09. Our new Seattle – Eastlake Escrow branch location is:
Ticor Title Company, 2369 Eastlake Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98102
Shana, Samantha, and Denise look forward to serving you. And me, I’ll probably be around the corner at Louisa’s investigating the lattes!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Eastlake, Escrow, Google, Google Analytics, Matt Sweet, Ticor, Ticor Title
Time to ‘tune up’ your marketing? We are pleased to welcome Stephen Hall, Windermere, Capitol Hill, as this month’s presenter for RRNetwork. Meeting happens February 11.
Stephen is one of our most popular presenters. His ‘real world’ approach to marketing has helped many agents throughout the city. For more info, see: Next RRN Meeting, February 11th
Reserve today also thru the link above.
OK, I admit I’m not a big football fan. But I daresay that those last couple of minutes yesterday were pretty exciting. And if you missed the game, I’m sure you’ll want to see this year’s ads. Here you go: Super Bowl Ads
(Don’t miss E Trade’s ‘Talking Baby’)
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Agents, RRN, RRNetwork Meetings, Super Bowl, Talking Baby
February Real Estate Referral Network
Good seeing everyone yesterday at this month’s RRNetwork coffee session. We had a full group, with agents from North Seattle, Capitol Hill, Magnolia, Burien, Madison Park, Wallingford, and Ballard. Stephen Hall, Windermere, shared marketing tips for planning and organization, and attendees left with sample ‘templates.’ Connect with Stephen here: Stephen Hall. We hear that he’s even up for consultations.
FREE Agent Newsletter (‘Good Neighbor Gazette’) and more downloads thru Ticor. Get registered: MyTicor.com Registration
Article about the economy – we like hope, yes we do: Rays of Hope Shine Through Dark Economic Clouds
TOMORROW 2-13 FRIDAY: Big real estate Blogging and Website workshop at Zillow HQ. Free; they do ask that you resgister: Real Estate BarCamp
See you there!
(Also on 2/13, King County Courthouse is CLOSED, furlough day. Monday, 2/16/09, President’s Day Holiday, so also closed.)
Speaking of blogs, here is what’s new with my tech colleagues Rene Fabre and Matt Sweet. Rene’s Blog Matt’s Blog
Coming in March: Virtual Meetings and Facebook 101.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Economy, Facebook, Julie McCullough Hale, Matt Sweet, real estate, Rene Fabre, RRN, Stephen Hall, Tech, Virtual Meeting, Windermere, Zillow
So many calls have come in this week on this event, that I thought I’d post some links here for you. We had a great time at last Friday’s ‘Rebar Camp,’ hosted at Zillow HQ, Seattle. These Zillow folks lead quite an enlightening discussion about ‘SEO’ (search engine optimization — trust me, you want this for your website).
Nice mix of web gurus and newbies at Rebar. One lucky attendee had her website reviewed by everyone in the SEO group (oh, I’d say about 65+ people), including seminar leaders who were training on how to do a website really well. Smart people - I wonder what this advice would have run, on the open market?! For more perspective, see my friend Rene Fabre’s Blog. Also see Drew Meyers, Zillow, recap, with more links.
NOTE: Meet Rene at our March RRN Meeting!
In case you missed news on the new Homeowner package just announced, here are links. Thank you NAR for the info. Included is a ‘white paper’ and executive summary.
Homeowner Affordability & Stability
I’ve seen an uptick in new referrals. Of course I’ll be thanking you personally! It is a good reminder, that your biz fuels me and my team. Thank you!
- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title Company, Seattle
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Many of us are thinking of either starting a blog, or creating a new website. Take a look at ‘Tumblr.’
“Post anything. Tumblr makes it effortless to share text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos, from your browser, phone, desktop, email, or wherever you happen to be. “ Tumblr.com.
My colleague Matt Sweet has posted some good ‘how to’ tips on his blog:
Here’s Matt’s Tumblr site:
One handy feature is the variety of ‘themes’ available here. So if you’re a bit graphics challenged like me, finding a ‘look’ for you blog should be easy. Matt has also connected his Tumblr site to ‘Twitter.’ (No, I’m not quite there, are you? Soon we’ll all be tweetin’)
Send me your Tumblr site, or just your website, and I’ll post it here for more people to see. Happy Friday all.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Blog, Julie McCullough Hale, Matt Sweet, RRNetwork, Ticor Title, Tumblr, Tweets, Twitter
Invitations arriving now for March networking group, Real Estate Referral Network. We’re enthusiastic about welcoming Ticor tech guru Rene Fabre. Also introducing Matt Sweet at this meeting. For more info: March 11th RRN Coffee
Our ‘IT Marketing’ experts always fill the room, so reserve today!
And thx to all of our early birds who’ve already saved their spots. We’re happy to see some Burien representation attending. Still plenty of room for Seattle Metro area agents!
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Burien, Coffee, Facebook, IT, IT Marketing, Julie McCullough Hale, Matt Sweet, networking, Rene Fabre, RRN, RRNetwork, Tech, Ticor
$75 Billion ‘Foreclosure Fix’ has already launched. Quoting CNN:
“NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) — The Obama administration’s foreclosure prevention program was launched Wednesday.
The multipronged fix calls for companies to help as many 4 million struggling borrowers by modifying loans so housing payments are no more than 31% of monthly gross income.
Separately, homeowners who haven’t missed a payment can refinance into lower-cost loans even if they have little or no equity. This is expected to help up to 5 million homeowners.” CNN Foreclosure Fix
Local links: Plan May Help Keep Seattleites Afloat, Seattle PI
How’s your online reputation? Besides ‘googling’ yourself, check out this nifty site: MyStepRep. It uses your own Google account log in, so that’s one less password to remember. I just signed on and discovered some online history about someone who has a similar name to mine. That history is certainly NOT something I want associated with ‘me.’ So, I marked that link as ‘not relevent.’
Find out more by seeing Rene Fabre’s newest blog post: Rene reviews MyStepRep As he says, ‘They can’t do business with you if they can’t find you.’
Spring forward this Sunday, 3/8 at 2:00 am, so set your clocks ahead an hour at bedtime Saturday night.
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Foreclosure, Google, Julie McCullough Hale, Online, Rene Fabre, RRN, RRNetwork
Another ‘full house’ today! Thanks to all of our Real Estate Referral Network attendees. Nearly a dozen offices were represented, from Burien to Shoreline, Capitol Hill to Magnolia, West Seattle to Northgate. Ticor appreciates the support we see from our meeting attendees, throughout the Seattle area.
Rene Fabre and Matt Sweet, Ticor Tech gurus, walked us thru some new software for creating ‘virtual meetings.’ We could have spent the hour, talking about the many uses for this system. Seeing a live demo is best, and if you’d like to know the website just email Julie.
Facebook is causing quite a stir in Seattle’s real estate community. And we either love it, or, well, you know. Our ‘Ticor Tech’ fellows shared their insights about: ‘What’s a poke?’ ‘Who’s a ‘Friend’ ‘Does anyone really read this stuff?’ Turns out that yes, they sure do. So remember that anything you write online is saved forever, then have some fun with it. Oh yes, and we do know of many clients reconnecting with their Realtors thru Facebook. It’s one way that ‘they will find you.’
Homework: Register for free Ticor Title web access.
Attendees: Tell us what you took away from today’s meeting. Post a comment now!
Just added: April RRN Meeting info posted! We’re enthusiastic about our speaker, Jordan Hecker. So find out right here.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Facebook, real estate, RRNetwork, Ticor, Ticor Tech, Ticor Title
Almost daily, someone asks: ”What is TWITTER ?” The Twitter website starts their answer, with a question: “What are you doing?”
Twitter is what you use to communicate, in between blog posts and email. For an overview, here is what my friend Rene Fabre has to say:
My friend and colleague Matt Sweet has posted some practical advice about using ‘Twitter’ to promote listings:
After reading Matt’s ideas, it got me thinking:
Guess I’m still not quite with it, since everything that occurs to me is related to my business. And most of the Twitter activity I hear about is based on personal things, recreation, and leisure.
Still, maybe we should all take a minute and watch the ‘Common Craft’ video on the opening page of Twitter. Here’s a link: 
One other item — one of our RRNetwork agent members is looking for a professional photographer in the Burien area. Please post ideas here, or email me and I’ll get word back to her. Thx!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Blog, email, Listings, Matt Sweet, Rene Fabre, RRNetwork, Ticor, tweet, Twitter
Take a minute to read my friend Rene Fabre’s post this morning on Active Rain. Then post your reply. He’s asking:
Where did your last new client come from?
Congrats to Rene for making it to the front page of this popular blog. This really connects with the work we’ve been doing on IT marketing.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Active Rain, Blog, IT Marketing, Rene Fabre
We’d all like to be smarter. Especially when the topic is IT, Tech, or all things internet. Ok maybe most things. Finding those ‘little gem’ blogs and websites is fun, and I’m happy to share the following.
Take a look at FreeLine, by Brad Fallon, creator of Stomper.net. Give him two minutes, and he’ll give you some hip tech news. Like today:
The Ongoing Story of Song Titles, Twitter & Google
I didn’t know that advertising is in the works for our mobile phones. Also read about how Twitter is changing its user titles, for ‘higher site rankings’ on Google.
And just for fun, see HULU for free TV and movies. Or for some real education, discover Academic Earth. Catch a lecture here, & sit in on that college course you wish you’d taken. See, make it snappy, and it’s even free.
What’s your favorite snappy site?
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: academic earth, brad fallon, college, free, freeline, Google, hulu, Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork, snappy, Ticor Title, Twitter
Revisions to Washington’s Distressed Property Law were signed by the Governor yesterday. Here’s a link: Washington Distressed Property Law Update
Our thanks to Washington Association of Realtors® for the info.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Free Tech Boosters for Our Biz’s
Hats off once again to my friend Matt Sweet. He just added an Active Rain post about how we use free technology to boost business efficiencies at Ticor. Take a look, and add your comments to Matt’s post:
With ‘April Fool’s Day’ tomorrow, looks like there is a new alert about the ‘Conficker’ worm. Check out some fixes at one of my favorite ‘geeky’ websites. This one is worth bookmarking. ‘How to Geek’ is always offering easy fixes for your tech challenges:
How to Scan and Remove Malicious Viruses
Going to microsoft.com is another way to download a patch. My tech folks tell me that having one’s virus protection software up to date is not necessarily enough. Believe me, doing a couple of preventative fixes now is a cinch in comparison to a major ‘recovery’ effort.
Nice attendance already coming through for April’s Real Estate Referral Network session. We look forward to hearing local real estate attorney Jordan Hecker. For more details:
Legal Update with Jordan Hecker
Thanks to everyone who has reserved. Also, my thanks to attendees who joined me for today’s ‘Facebook 101′ session at Keller Williams, West Seattle.
Posted in Uncategorized
Add Retaggr to Outlook
Retaggr is a handy electronic business card. My friend Matt Sweet recently blogged about adding your Retaggr card to your Outlook signature.
How to add Retaggr to your Outlook signature
What’s Retaggr? It’s a little ‘biz card’ that includes links or ‘widgets’ to all of your favorite internet hangouts, like Linked In, Facebook, or even Pandora. Thanks Matty!
Homebuyer Credit — Boost from Wa State
Aubrey Cohen, Seattle P.I. posted news:”First-time home buyers would get their $8,000 tax credit as a state loan at closing, under a measure the state Senate Ways and Means Committee approved Wednesday night.” His blog from 4/17:
Wa State – First Time Buyer Credit News
Whaddadeal
Lastly, file this under ‘Whaddadeal.’ I’m sure you’re seeing online retailers scramble for our nickels and dimes. But a 20% discount off items I regularly purchase, well, that gets my attention.
Save 20% off Pomegranate.com, 3 days
Use code at checkout: SPRINGSAVINGS (type ‘notecards’ in the search)
Next meeting is scheduled for Weds, 5/13. In the meantime, many thanks for your referrals of preferred loan officers. I welcome more!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Seattle, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Facebook, Homebuyer, Julie McCullough Hale, LinkedIn, Matt Sweet, Outlook, Pandora, Retaggr, RRNetwork.com, Seattle P.I., Ticor Title Seattle
My friend Dave Ralston, Remax Northgate, is who first told me about YELP.com. YELP.com is the Sybil of the on line directories (one person, multiple personalities, but I digress….). Yelp = on line yellow pages, social networking, and current neighborhood reviews of businesses. Check out what my tech friends Rene and Matt just discovered about Yelp:
With a little YELP from my friends……
Here’s a way to do some online writing , without the time it takes to blog full time. Plus, Rene & Matt have proven that you’ll give a nice bump to your ‘Google’ presence. Thank you gents!
(Do you suppose that clients review their agents and loan officers? Right now I see 148 reviews posted…….)
Other news
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Dave Ralston, Google, Jaime Hernandez, Matt Sweet, Rene Fabre, RRNetwork, Ticor Title Company, yelp.com
Google Profile
So, who knew? I have a Google Profile:
You have one as well, if you have a Google account. Besides being handy, completing your profile helps direct more traffic your way. And, it does look snazzy posted as a link on Facebook.
Media Watch
10 Common Mistakes Home Sellers Make – CBS Money Watch.com
“Setting the price too high……….” was second on the list. First – “Failing to vet your Real Estate Agent.”
New Posts from Ticor’s IT Team
“How will they find you……on Google” Read Matt’s back story, and see his web strategy. Congrats Matty on ‘owning’ your Google first page. Feels pretty great, doesn’t it?!
More thoughts, and links, about enhancing your presence on line.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Facebook, Google, Julie McCullough Hale, Matt Sweet, real estate, Rene Fabre, RRNetwork.com, Ticor, Ticor Title
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- “The U.S. government just gave the ailing home builders a ray of hope.
The Federal Housing Administration is paving the way for first-time buyers to tap a federal tax credit of up to $8,000 for a downpayment. The announcement, made Tuesday before several thousand real-estate agents, could prove a game changer for the sluggish housing market for new and existing inventory.”
Full Article: FHA Decision Could Benefit Home Buyers, Builders
CNET just posted a lively article:
CNET May 14, 2009 4:00 AM PDT, Rafe Needleman
“There was, of course, a fundamental shift in user behavior after the bust. But it wasn’t all bad. Buying activity on Zillow went down, though site traffic went up. As Barton says, “Buyers are on the sidelines, but not passively.” They’re monitoring the market, he says, looking for the time to jump in, to either buy or sell. Like the Zillow site itself, physical open houses are crowded, he says. The browsing activity doesn’t get reflected in home transaction data. Neither sales volumes nor prices are going up, even if people are circling open houses and online real estate sites like buzzards.”
Full Article: Why Isn’t Zillow Dead?
Contractor Referral Update
We’re still compiling updates from this month’s Realtor Referral Network session. Thanks to our participants, representing 6 different offices, from North Seattle & Cap Hill, to West Seattle. Watch for a post soon with news of updates and additional quality contractors.
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title and Escrow, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Cap Hill, FHA, First Time Home Buyers, Julie McCullough Hale, North Seattle, RRNetwork, West Seattle, Zillow
Long ago and far away, some of us may recall our first computer password. Trouble is, lots of us are still using that same one. These days, most of us juggle 10 to 20.
System for saving a password? Well, I have my own ‘method’ that I’m glad to share with you in one of our IT Marketing round tables (email me). In the meantime, listen or read Omar Gallaga’s post from NPR’s ‘All Tech Considered:’
Source: NPR.org / All Tech Considered, 5-18-09
What are the WORST passwords you can use?
PCMagazine says these are the most commonly used passwords, so if yours is on the list, they recommend you change it immediately.
Source: Yahoo Most Common Passwords
Just how many passwords do we really need? Some tips for you.
The Search for the Perfect Password
Source: NPR.org / All Tech Considered, 5-18-09
Farmer’s Market Card just added to MyTicor.com. Contact me for registration and download info. This is for Seattle area markets.
New additions just made to RRN Contractor Referrals List. Check it out!
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: computer, IT Marketing, IT Marketing round table, npr, password, RRNetwork, Ticor, tips, yahoo
We certainly are scouting for ‘First Time Homebuyers.’
Check out Rene Fabre’s recent blog:
Where are the First Time Homebuyers?
Also just posted, interview with Matt Sweet and Rene, where they provide an overview of our ‘IT Marketing’ philosophy. In this chapter, you’ll find some answers to our favorite question, ‘How will they find you:’
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized
It seems that the money crunch has reached fine dining and salon services. If you have two minutes and need a laugh, view link below. Thank you to my friend Leslie Hale with Garrigan Lyman for sending this YouTube video:
The Vendor Client Relationship, in the Real World
Word clouds are something I’ve not heard of, although I do admit to thinking this way sometimes. This is a cinch to use, and it sure is fun. You’ll want to ’save’ to a PDF file, if you want to keep your creation private. Anything you save to the Wordle website stays there, period.
Thanks to Al Johnson, Windermere, for this link.
Home Books can be a handy tool Realtors. Whether you’re a Listing Agent, or shopping for Buyers, check out Ticor’s new ‘Virtual Home Book.’ Contact me and I’ll be glad to send you a copy. We’ve updated this with new links, including ‘Zilpy’ rental stats, and Seattle Metropolitan Mag’s’170 Homes Comparison’ website.
Request Virtual Home Book List
Realtor Referral Network session meets this Wednesday, June 10, 10 am. For more info about the meeting:
Next RRN Meeting – Closing & Pricing in Seattle Metro Markets
- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Garrison Lyman, home book, Julie McCullough Hale, Leslie Hale, RRNetwork, RRNetwork Meetings, Ticor, Word Clouds, wordles, YouTube
Our June RRNetwork coffee session was completely full last week; thanks to all of our participants. ’Closing and Pricing in Metro Seattle’ is certainly a hot topic.
- Pricing — Price ‘ahead’ of the market for best chance of a sale
- Closing – The following words / terms are ‘alerts’ for you to closely watch, in your own transactions:
FHA, FHA new to lender
Furlough Day (King County next day is this Friday, 6-19-09)
Bank owned, REO, Short sale, Multiple Banks
2nd Verification, Buyer job loss, Lock expiration
”Your business name may already be reserved on Facebook.” Check out CNET article 6/12/09 here. (Easy to save your own name, or something pretty close. I just reserved: www.Facebook.com/julie.m.hale . Easy!)
Find out who owns your home loan: CNBC Article 6/10/09
We’re into ‘remodelling season,’ both large and small projects. Christopher Hale has just posted some updates of recent projects. Take a look: Photo Gallery, Brockerman Hale Remodelling
Happy to add Seattle Custom Cabinets to our referral list. Tim Schultz and his team do an exceptional job, and they’re right here in Ballard.
Also in Ballard, our good friend Craig Lungren has launched his new company. If you’re looking for windows, doors, skylights, or railings, Craig is your guy. Email Craig here, or find him under ‘Contractors’ in Contractor Referral List.
We are looking forward to introducing you to Brett Renville, Video freelancer. Brett worked with Jodi Arnold, JLS Madison Park, and her sellers of a Wallingford property, creating a YouTube video. The video helped with a quick sale. For more details about this project, and our July 8th RRN meeting: Next Meeting
Speaking of YouTube, check out Edna Bishop’s (KW W Seattle) virtual tour, just posted: W Seattle Craftsman on YouTube.
Home is where Ticor is!
My friends with Ticor ‘Tech’ / IT Marketing Team, have created some new ‘Neighborhood Snapshots.’ Take a look:
Ticor N’hood Snapshot: Queen Anne
More coming soon. Visit Rene Fabre’s ‘Active Rain’ Blog for a preview:
More Google news for you:
Google’s Search Engine Time Machine
Thanks to my friend Matt Sweet for this news about Google. And, not to be outdone, a while back Microsoft intro’d their newest entry in the ‘browser wars,’ BING:
One of our super techie Realtors said that in some circles, BING might stand for ‘But it’s not Google……’ You decide.
Invitations launched today for July Realtor Referral Network session. Meet Brett Renville, our video connection, & find out how one of our RRN members cooked up some nice buzz and a buyer for her Wallingford listing. More info: Next RRN Meeting
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Active Rain, BING, Brett Renville, Google, IT Marketing, Julie McCullough Hale, Matt Sweet, Rene Fabre, Ticor, Ticor Title, Video
Wondering what’s next, in your online profiles? Take a look at NAYMZ. My friend Maryam Mirnateghi, Keller Williams & My Urban Abode.com, invited me to her Naymz network. See Maryam’s profile here:
Maryam invited me to join her Naymz network. Once I joined, Naymz gave me the opportunity to recommend Maryam. My recommendation was sent to her, then she returned the favor and recommended me (thanks Maryam!!). Take a look:
Creating my profile was a cinch, as the Naymz system gave me the option of simply loading my ‘Linked In’ profile (hmmm……maybe these sites are connected? Pls comment here if you know!). I’ve sent some ‘test’ invitations, and as you can see I now have connections with Diane, my Ticor Customer Service – Property Info Manager, and my husband Christopher Hale, who owns a professional contracting business.
Also Donna Spencer, Keller Williams, just joined. (Thanks Donna for the great testimonial!) For another Naymz example, see Donna’s profile:
Already, I’ve seen my Naymz profile show up in a Google search. So, this looks good to me! Naymz encourages referring members to write a recomendation for each other. Plus, there’s plenty of space to load your other web links, such as your own website, Linked In or Trulia profile, and more. Take a look, and invite me to connect with you.
August’s edition of Ticor’s ‘Good Neighbor Gazette’ is posted and ready for download. This newsletter is easy to email, or mail, to your clients. Quickly customize this with your contact info, and your marketing piece is ready! Log on to:
Then click ‘Resources,’ and look for the Good Neighbor Gazette.’
Buyer activity continues to be strong. And we’re seeing new listings come onto the market. Thanks all for your title and escrow business!
Rene states the truth, one more time. Now, if only I had a family member working at Best Buy! Thx Rene! - Julie McCullough Hale
(Reblogged from Rene’s Active Rain blog)
“There’s a group of extremely bright and tech-savvy young people coming up in the world that will be first time homebuyers in the very near future. Will you be ready for them?
Your next potential client, soon to arrive, will in all likelihood be a young person in their 20’s. They grew up with technology, and they have some rather sophisticated expectations about anyone they will work with.
Will you know how to work with them? Will you know how to talk to them?
My daughter (#2) will be 22 this month. She’s going to college, lives on her own, and one of the many things she does is work in the Geek Squad at Best Buy. I call her today’s normal. She didn’t go to school for computers or technology, it was just part of her everyday ‘normal’ upbringing.
Shannon doesn’t remember a time when there wasn’t a computer or the internet around. She had her own PC, as did her brother and sister, from a very early age. When she was in high school they did their social studies, math, science, history, and English assignments using word, excel, power point, etc.
She’s always had a fascination for computers and exploring the net. She has a wide spectrum of interests and a deep passion for music, theater, and acting. Shannon doesn’t look at technology like its something extraordinary or outside her realm. It just is, and her attitude cracks me up because it’s so, “doesn’t everybody know this stuff?”
Shannon still has some school to go and like most students is somewhat starving, but not for long. She attends investment seminars and is busy formulating her strategies to meet her goals. One of which is to own real estate.
She does her homework when she wants something and knows how and where to get the answers. She’ll check you out very thoroughly and make choices as to whom she will use to represent her with great scrutiny.
Like a lot of young people today; when she moved back up to Washington from Southern California last year, she handled almost everything online except driving the car. She’s a good judge of character. You can’t BS your way around her and go for a close. She wants to see your value, judge your character, check your motives and will discuss these things with her friends.
Shannon is not bashful; she’s a better negotiator than I am, and a stickler for detail.
Her preferred method of communication is texting then email then maybe Facebook (that is if you’ve made your way into her circle of friends).
She’s an awesome daughter and it’s probably very obvious that I am a proud father. Yet, I say this because she and all of her friends are very much alike in this certain way. They’re smart, hip, investigative, transparent, authentic, street smart, and a little shy at first until they develop some trust for you. They expect you to be honest and know what you’re talking about. They won’t tolerate any pushy sales tactics. You’ll have to earn their trust and their business.
They are, ‘Your next potential client, soon to arrive.’ “
by Rene Fabre, Ticor’s Market VP and IT Evangelist
Posted in Uncategorized
Rebar Camp is a FREE, day long learning opportunity. If you’d like to know more about Social Networking, Blogging, and IT Marketing, this is the place for you.
Ticor Title is happy to announce its sponsorship of ‘Rebar Camp,’ happening Tuesday, 9/8/09. At the moment there are over 400 reserved. Ajay Mehta with Zillow assures me that there’s room for more. More info:
Topics will include Twitter, Blogging 101, and Web Site coaching, I’m sure. And Team Ticor will be there to answer your title and escrow questions.
(Rene and I attended the first Seattle Rebar Camp, and learned tons. Did I mention the free lunch and a t-shirt while they last? Sweet!)
It’s time for my annual ‘Summer’ vacation. So thoughts instantly turn to important things, like iced tea! Here’s a fun article from those smarties at NPR’s ‘The Splendid Table - Tea Time.’
My spies tell me that the simple suggestions here for ‘Iced Tea’ make the perfect drink. Cold brewed Iced Tea – Ah, Vacation!
September Networking invitations are out. We’re happy to welcome Dan Blair, MetLife Home Loans back to the group. July 30th brought new lending guidelines. Learn from the expert here. See ‘Next Meeting’ for more info, and to reserve.
Annie & her scooter
Time for me to scoot on out for that vacation. Team Ticor has you covered of course:
Customer Service / Prop Info — 206-720-6969 Email Customer Service Here
Posted in Uncategorized | Tags: Blogging, Julie McCullough Hale, npr, Rebar Camp, Rene, Ticor, Ticor Customer Service, Ticor Escrow, Ticor Title and Escrow, Title Title, Twitter, Vacataion, Zillow
