Math Made Easy with TicorAgent 2.0

We are so excited to announce the launch of TicorAgent 2.0, a tool that makes doing the math easy!


With TicorAgent 2.0 you will be able to answer the following questions with absolute speed and confidence:

  • How much will my payment be?
  • How much house can I buy if my payment is $2,200?
  • How much will I save if I pay an extra $200 per month?
  • How will a change in interest rates affect my buying power?
  • How much will I save if I refinance?

TicorAgent 2.0 will truly give you the power to close more business!

Features

  • Net Sheets
  • Quick Estimates
  • Closing Costs
  • Prorated Taxes
  • Much more.

Platforms

  • iPhone/iPad
  • Android
  • Blackberry
  • PC
  • Mac

Price
$13 – One time fee that covers five devices.

Contact me today for a demonstration and set up:

jmhale@nwlink.com

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow

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Marketing – Easy Client Newsletter

Marketing Tips

Summer is a fine time to check in with clients.  

Try our handy ‘Good Neighbor Gazette.‘  This is produced monthly, in advance, giving you plenty of time to customize your edition (upper right corner).  Then save, and send via email or U. S. mail.  Cost is $2 for download. For more info or to order:

Ticor Newsletter – Good Neighbor Gazette (Secure Check out)

-  Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company and RRNetwork.com

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Seattle Homebuyer & Homeseller Resources Here

Over the  past year, we’ve accumulated a quality assortment of articles for Buyers & Sellers, as well as Lending and Real Estate Pros. * 

Last week, one of our clients called to say ‘Yikes!  I’m helping my Buyers with a Bank Owned property.  Where can I get some info?’  That’s easy!  Visit:  

REO Tips — TicorBlog.com

Actually, there are several newsy articles on Bank Owned or ‘REO’ transactions, on our TicorBlog.  Look for the ‘SEARCH’ bar, toward the upper right side of the Home Page.  Type in ‘REO,’ and all relevent articles will pop up.

Another client asked ‘What’s the diffence in coverage, in Title Insurance?’  Again, easily found:

Which Title Insurance Policy Should I Choose?

The search is easy too. Just type ‘TITLE’ in the ‘Search’ bar, for all articles related to ‘Title Insurance.  And don’t miss the FREE DOWNLOADS, for many of these articles. 

Just click the diagram showing an example of the article, to open the PDF file. You can then email this, or save for later reference.

This week’s ‘Free Download’ has seen a good deal of traffic:

Bankruptcy — Chapter 7, 11, and 13

Customers tell us every day how useful TicorBlog is.  Please put this to work for yourself, and your clients!  Again, the main page is:

Ticor Blog.com

* Remember. we’re operating out of the Seattle area, and some business practices vary from State to State.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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Give me a ‘Legal’

When you’re working in Title Insurance sales, expect to be asked for a ‘Legal’ several times a day.  But what does that really mean?

Here’s an excellent post from TicorBlog.com, explaining:

What Makes a Real Estate Description ‘Legal?’

Mentioned in the blog:   

“It’s a good idea to visually check the property, and walk the property lines with the seller with a legal description in hand.”

Also see this related article:

Real Estate Legal Descriptions in Plain English

Need a legal? Please contact me here:

Order Legal or Title report thru Julie HERE

- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com, Ticor Title Company

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REO Tips for Buyers, Walkscore.com

Here’s some useful info for Buyers, regarding the ‘REO’ process. Thanks to Jalyn Moore with Ticor, for filling in the details.

REO Tips for Buyers from Ticor

Received a message from Walkscore.com CEO, Mr. Josh Herst. They are tabulating ‘Most Walkable Cities,’ and of course Seattle is in the running. Cast your vote here:

Walkscore — Which city rates highest? Vote here!

Also take a moment to see other ‘extras’ that Walkscore has added recently. 

 - Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Homesteads Explained

Check this out, new from Ticor:

Yours, Mine and Ours…..Homesteads in Washington State

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Back Plant Tour – Ticor Title

Meet Diane Brittenham, Ticor Property Info Manager! Take a look at a ‘Plat Book,’ from our Ticor Back Plant.

Contact us directly for Customer Service & Property Info:

cs.renton@ticortitle.com
(206) 720-6969

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company

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Do you Posterous?

We’ve been working a bit with Posterous.

Initially, I’d heard this called a ‘Blog.’  It also makes a snappy little website.  Here’s my test site:

Julie’s Posterous Site HERE

What’s different about Posterous?  You just email whatever you’d like published, and Posterous adds your message to your site. No formatting photos or text.  Saves photos beautifully too. 

You can also send a ‘draft’ version, that only publishes once you’ve approved. Lots of themes offered, but I stuck with the basic version. For more info and a demo:

Check it out: 

Posterous – Main Website

Posterous – Blog Profile

- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com & Ticor Title Company

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QR Codes Revisited

QR Codes – Interest is picking up here in Seattle. Our Social Media clock hour class had questions about set up, applications, and usage.  So just what the heck are these boxy little black and white things? And why the growing interest?

I wonder if these capture our attention lately, as retailers and direct mailers utilize QR codes to demo everything from race cars to luggage.  We keep seeing more of these as consumers.

It makes sense that Sellers and Buyers are more likely to use their own smart phones,  to scan QR codes from your biz card, flyer, or ’Just Listed’  post cards.  Maybe it’s time to revisit this topic!

Check out two blog posts from our Tech whiz, Matt Sweet. Or, scan the QR code here to read more and see Matt’s video demo!

  What is a QR Code? How can I use in my marketing?    

  QR Codes – How we generate them.

 

 

Speaking of classes, what do you think of current education options, here in Seattle? Are classes too long, or not specific enough? We’d like to know what works best for you.

Please feel free to post a note on my business Facebook page. I’ve attached a link to my name below.

- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com and Ticor

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25 Best Seattle Neighborhoods

New from Seattle Metropolitan Magazine, our 25 ‘Best Neighborhoods.’ Thanks to our friend Meredith for this tip! Here are links:

20 Places to Live Now

5 Places to Live – Where You’ll Want to be in 2016

Also just posted, a new ‘by the numbers’ recap. This is one of the best charts available, and includes info for us city kids, as well as North & South folks. A must to share with your data folks:

107 Neighborhoods by the Numbers

Thanks to Seattle Met for this newsy report!

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods, 6 Plat Map Pointers

Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods

Time for Seattle Magazine’s annual ‘Best Neighborhoods’ review.  Their recap mentions:

Westlake Avenue North, South Lake Union
12th Avenue, Capitol Hill
Greenwood Avenue North, PhinneyWood
24th Avenue Northwest, Ballard
Upper Fremont Avenue North,
Fremont
Rainier Avenue South, Columbia City
Airport Way South, Georgetown
34th Avenue, Madrona

Compliments to Seattle Magazine, for this interesting article. Also in this issue, ‘Emerging Neighborhoods,’ and more.  Vote for your favorite on the magazine’s Facebook page:

Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods — Facebook Photo Gallery

6 Plat Map Pointers

Plat maps got you flustered?  Our pointers will help!  Visit the latest Ticor Blog:

6 Tips for Reading Plat Maps

We’ve even included a free, downloadable ‘tip sheet.’  Easy to share and save. 

Ticor’s Techies advise that we’re seeing some lively traffic on this post. That tells us to keep this rich content coming your way.  Look for more details about ‘Plats’ in next month’s post.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Claim Your Oscar

Michael Katz

Claim Your Oscar  

We all work a lot, prospecting for new clients.  Seems to me that it’s worthwhile to stop a rethink what to ask, and what to say, once we have those important appointments.  Katz has some fun, telling us to be comfortable with being unique.

In his words, how you apply your own unique knowledge to each client’s particular situation, is what matters.  And I agree, that this is how we all work best. How we get our next customer too.

Spring Market …… coming soon?

If the last couple of days are any indication, could be that we have a Spring Market winding up. So, please book those Title & Escrow orders with me and Ticor!  Our talented Property Info Team would love to help you prepare for the weekend. Discounts too, for online orders.

CONTACT Ticor Prop Info HERE

Coffee meeting happening next week. I’ll explain some changes we’ve made here at RRNetwork.com, and welcome you to join me. Details, just connect with me in the usual ways! Thanks all.

- Julie McCullough Hale, RRNetwork.com

 

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REO Timeline Explained

Wondering what to expect, when working w/ an REO property?  We’ve just published a sample timeline for you at Ticor’s Blog.  Here’s a link:

Ticor Blog – REO Process

You’ll also notice other timely topics here, including:

How to Remove Someone from ‘Title’

Delegate these 5 Tasks & Save Time

With each topic, there’s either a ‘Downloadable’ form, or a Video, which includes further info. 

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com 

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GNG – Be a Good Neighbor!

Marketing made easy and affordable — sounds great, doesn’t it? With Ticor’s ‘Good Neighbor Gazette,’ you can have it both ways.

For $2 / month, download your own newsletter. Just add your contact info, and your pic, if you like, and you’re done! Distribute via:

- Email
- In person with ‘pop bys’ or visits
- via Mail

And now, ‘GNG’ can be downloaded three months in advance. Our tech whiz, Matthew Sweet, has created a ‘shopping card,’ where you can preview each issue, then download several months at once. Pretty handy!

Here’s a preview of January 2011 issue:

Read more details from Matt here:

Update — New GNG Shopping Cart from Ticor

View January, 2011 issue, & see more samples, and order yours right now here:

Ticor New and Improved GNG!

King County Courthouse, along with our offices, will be closed this Friday, 12/24, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Imagine, Playing for Change

Enjoy this version of John Lennon’s ‘Imagine,’ from Playing for Change.

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Holiday Labels from Ticor

Holiday Labels Available Now   

We’re happy to announce Ticor’s annual ‘Holiday Label’ offer. 

  

Details:

  • Please select one design
  • $2.60 for 2 sheets  (includes delivery to your office or home; allow 1 week for delivery)
  • Two sizes:  Standard size 5160 = 60 labels, 30 per page; or smaller size = 160 labels, 80 per page
  • Additional copies are 75 cents per sheet
  • Print yourself –  Only $1 for PDF file, which you can print onto your own labels
  • Use as your ‘return address’ info, for holiday mailings
  • For Real Estate Professionals only  

Order now thru Ticor Customer Service Team:

 cs.renton@ticortitle.com –  please note ‘Holiday Labels’ in your email Subject line

 RRN – December Meeting Reminder 

 Meeting info: Click HERE

We’re also collecting for neighborhood FOOD BANKS — Bring your donation to the 12/8 RRN meeting, & we’ll match your donation from ‘Ticor Gives Back’ Campaign!

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com  

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Why Easements Matter

There’s always something to learn from our colleague Gregg Colbo, Underwriter & Senior Underwriter for Ticor.

Here he explains the term ‘Easement’. Also see our new ‘key word’ pop up message.

Easements & Appurtenant 
(see ‘Key Words)

We’re looking forward to a strong December! Let’s wrap up the year profitably, together!

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Thanksgiving Greetings

 

 Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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New iPhone & Droid Apps from Ticor

Need Property Info to go?  Apps are available now,  for your ‘smart phone’ device.  Info avail to download includes:

- Sales history

- Property Profile

- Comparable sales

- Short form demographics

- Neighboring properties, & much more!

Grab Ticor’s new App from the ‘App Store.’ Just search for Ticor Pocket Profile, a free download. This is for your iPad and / or iPhone.

Get started now

1.   Register right now at:   Ticor Express

2.  Designate me as your Sales Rep

3.  I’ll confirm back to you with final step right away

More info from Matt Sweet, including a video demo:

Ticor Property Profile App  -  For iPhones

Further details:  Ticor App for iPhone

(Free download from App Store)

Also just announced, Droid version: Ticor for Droid

(Free download from Android Market)

* Remember, please go to Ticor Express, for your user name and password.  Registration required for access please.

 

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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News from Facebook, Tales from Underwriting

Big announcement from Facebook today. Here’s link with a quick recap from CNET.com for us:

‘What did Facebook really just announce?’

Just posted over at our Ticor Blog, is a new story from Gregg Colbo, Ticor Underwriter and Senior Title Officer.

“Why do I need Title Insurance?”

(or….the “Tale of the Old Utility Agreement”…..)

Gregg’s been out in the field with me lately, and we’ve been offering ‘Title Insurance Training’ to our clients.  Let me know if you’d like to know how to schedule your own event! (Our Ticor ‘Jeopardy’ Game was a big hit during our last Clock Hour class!)

October invitations were just released, for Agent “networking” coffee.  We are glad to intro Craig Lundgren, Lundgren Enterprises. 

For more info, see this link: 

RRNetwork — October Meeting

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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1031 Clock Hours, 10-5 West Seattle

New for Seattle, 1031 Tax Exchange Clock Hours. Contact me to reserve your spot by Monday morning, 10/4/10.

Includes lunch. Located Keller Williams, West Seattle, in their lovely Training Center.

So, reserve now! Click HERE to save your spot in class.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Facebook Lowers the Boom

Facebook is monitoring usage.  Users who do not comply, will have service ‘cut off.’  Here’s the news from our good friend Peggy Dolane, Provient Marketing, Seattle. Thanks Peggy!

And any of you who haven’t started a business page, it’s probably time to do so…..

Facebook is serious about its profile TOS

September 23rd, 2010

Facebook is serious about its TOS. Don’t set up a profile, when it’s really a Page you need.

Facebook is serious about its TOS. Don’t set up a profile, when it’s really a Page you need.

Have you been trying to fly under the Facebook radar and avoid setting up a Page?

I just was reminded by a client that Facebook is serious about shutting down profiles that are not real people.  This means if you are flying under the radar using a personal profile for your business instead of setting up a business page, your account is at risk of being shut down by the Facebook patrol.

And just because you are a non-profit, don’t expect Facebook to go easy on you.  One of my clients a local (small) nonprofit just got shut down by the Facebook police.  If you have been thinking you are too small for Facebook to notice.  Think again.  And don’t wait to be caught.  It’s worth your while to set up a business page now and start migrating people to it before you are forced to.

Because even if you beg for clemency, the Facebook patrol will only give you a three week window to amend your ways before they shut you down for good.

Here’s a copy of an email Facebook sent my client when they begged to be reactivated:

Hi,

After reviewing the situation, we have temporarily reactivated your account. Unfortunately, the profile held under this email address is being used to maintain a Facebook presence for a brand, business, group, or organization. Facebook profiles are intended to represent individuals only, and it is a violation of our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities to use Profiles to represent any other entities.

As a result, we have scheduled the profile under this email address to be permanently unavailable after three weeks. If this account is used solely to maintain a Page, please add your separate, personal profile as an admin to the Page in question or add other admins to the Page. To add admins to a Page, follow the instructions below:

[http://www.facebook.com/help/?faq=15188].

If you do not have a personal profile, you may create one by going to http://www.facebook.com/.

Keep in mind:

  • Pages must have admins who have personal profiles on Facebook.
  • You may only create a Page if you are an official representative of the entity in question.
  • Pages may have more than one admin.
  • The admins’ personal information is not published to fans of the Page and they cannot gain access to your personal information.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer further support for this issue. If you have additional questions regarding Facebook products and features, feel free to visit our Help Center at the following address:

http://www.facebook.com/help.php

Thanks for contacting Facebook,

Josephine

User Operations

Facebook

Have you been thinking you are too small to be noticed?  Think again.  Can you afford to start over?  Why not follow Facebook’s terms of service in the first place!’ 

Peggy Dolane, Provient Marketing  

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Free Clock Hours for Realtors®

Event:  Free Clock Hour Event

Featuring:  Title Pro Gregg Colbo

(Underwriter, Senior Title Officer, Ticor Title Company)

Date:  Friday, 9/24/10

Time:  10 am to 1 pm

Where:  West Seattle

Topic:  The 1,2, 3′s of Title Insurance

Sign up or more details:  Contact Julie HERE

Space limited; we will start a wait list once this class is filled.  Thanks to all,  for your interest here. Real estate professionals only please.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com 

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Foreclosure Resources

We’re seeing more ‘Foreclosures‘ here in the Seattle area.  Here are two helpful links for you.

Gregg Colbo, Ticor Title, walks you through the steps of a non-judicial foreclosure.   Colbo is Ticor’s Underwriter and Senior Title Officer. 

Anatomy of a Non-judicial Foreclosure in Washington State

(NOTE:  Gregg Colbo will be teaching 3 Clock Hours regarding Title Insurance on September 24. This is a complimentary class, thru Ticor Title. Contact me for more info.)

You’ll find many useful links and explanations on this next site.  Further details are covered, including more info about the bidding process, acquiring a TSG (Trustee Sale Guarantee), and how to find properties:

Northwest Trustee Services — Frequently Asked Questions

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com 

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FAQ – Wa State Insurance Commissioner

Occasionally, my clients ask for things such as ‘flyer stands,’ or for  money toward advertising costs.  The Washington State Insurance Commissioner clearly states what is allowed, under Washington State Code. 

I thought that it might be useful to post some ‘Frequently Asked Questions,’ with answers directly from the Commissioner’s office. 

In all, there are 24 questions answered in the ‘FAQ’  link below. 

Some of the questions in the link include:

- “May a title company* advance recording fees and only bill or invoice for the fees once a month and receive a lump sum payment for the monthly billing?”

-  “May a title company* give a small gift to a borrower, buyer, or seller as a “thank you” from the title company *?”

*’Title company” includes: any title insurance company, title insurance agent, or any representative or employee of either.’

Here’s a link:

Frequently asked questions about the new title insurance rules

This ‘FAQ’ is dated 5-14-10

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

 

 

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LinkedIn – Revisited

LinkedIn - Revisited

Seems that I’ve had a ‘LinkedIn’ profile for, well, forever. A few years anyway.  I like that it sits in the background, quietly connecting me with other professionals. 

One feature of LinkedIn is ‘Recommendations.’  We used to call this a ‘Testimonial.’  I’m glad to recommend my favorite business people, and they do the same for me. 

Here is my ‘LinkedIn’ profile:

Visit Julie on LinkedIn

Check out this video from Common Craft.  You’d think that Sellers and Buyers may do a ‘Google’ search, when they’re looking for real estate pros.  LinkedIn always registers pretty high, at least for me.

Remember that RRNetwork is on ‘Summer Break’ for August.  Ticor Title & Escrow is always at your service, of course.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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How Does Your Rent Compare?

Need Rental Comps?

Some of us are working with ‘Absentee Owners.’  And landlords like data. 

I like this site, called ‘Rent-o-meter.’  Load an address, show Studio or number of Bedrooms, then watch the meter run!

You’ll see how your rent stacks up to neighboring properties.  And Rent-o-meter maps where the comparable rentals are, showing the exact location and comparable rent. 

How about if you’re wondering what the rent may be, on your own home?  I like Zilpy.com (hats off to Matt Warmack, for pointing out this site to me).   Again, just plop in your address, and a quick report appears that shows an estimated rental value of your property.  Rental comps show here too.  And, there are some graphs for the truly data hungry.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title and Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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Steve Jobs – Service Lesson, iPhone 4

I was interested to see Steve Jobs’ press conference today. Here’s the link:

Apple Steve Jobs Press Conference, 2010 07 16

First, as a new Apple user (iPad) — which I’m liking very much.

And secondly, ‘Customer Service’ is how I’ve built my business.   

But Apple’s handling of the ‘Antenna-gate’ issues is a case study in what I call a ‘Service Breakdown.’

An eloquent speaker, Jobs instantly moved into proving why these problems were overblown.  The poor users had to wait thru most of the press conference, before knowing the ‘fix,’ or how Apple would make them happy. 

You see, all of us have expectations of each daily ‘service experience.’  That goes for buying groceries, flying to Bermuda,  or getting a new smart phone.

When our expectations are not met, we feel either annoyed, or victimized.  The Apple 4 iPhone probably has people feeling both. Even though it sure seems to me that there are zillions of very happy iPhone 4 users.

Remember the hard truth about customer service:

Happy customers will tell 3 people about their experience.

Unhappy customers tell at least 10.

The good news:  It is possible, to take a disastrous service problem, and create a customer ‘for life.’  Follow these 6 steps: *

Rule #1. Apologize.

Rule #2. Correct the problem. 

Rule #3. Empathize.  

Rule #4. Compensation.   (also called ‘Symbolic atonement;’ extend an extra courtesy as a gesture of accommodating the client)

Rule #5. Notify your Team Members. 

Rule #6. Follow-up.   (Call, a personal note, whatever fits your style and the situation)

No one can promise perfect service.  But we can all do a better job of recovering, when a breakdown occurs. 

And sure, Apple is making a nice offer to its clients. I just wish they’d done so a bit earlier.

(p.s. Will I buy an iPhone — someday, you bet!)

* Credit the remarkable Ron Zemke, and Chip Bell, for their book about creating marvelous ‘service experiences’ for customers.  These fellows,  way back in the 80′s, taught me much of what I’ve used these 30+ years in various service industries.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

 

 

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Slydial

Ever called someone, & hoped they wouldn’t answer?

Yes, it’s contrary to all we’ve learned about direct marketing.

Nonetheless, I’m surprised at how often I find this little tool useful. Meet my pal Slydial.  For $3 / month, I can dial directly into someone’s Voice Mail. Pretty slick, yes?  

FAQ about Slydial HERE.

I recall keeping my old QWEST pager for another 18 months, after buying my first cell phone. Why?  I had plenty of folks who wanted to leave orders and other business on a message, preferring NOT to talk w/ me directly.

It’s nothing personal – it’s just business.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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Seattle Farmer’s Market Card

Farmer’s Market Card!

Your clients will love this handy postcard.

It’s our most popular ‘Item of Value’ of the year!  Easy to add your contact info, then deliver or mail to your favorite clients. We leave plenty of room for your business logo, photo, and contact info (side 2).

A dozen Seattle Farmer’s Markets are listed.  Side two features a web link, to search for your other favorite Seattle area neighborhood markets.

  • Contact me for this layout in Publisher, or PDF format. (We’ll email to you)
  • We are required by Washington State Insurance Commissioner to charge for this marketing material.
  • Cost for this template is $1.10. 
  • Payment may be required in advance. 
  • To order, please contact me directly:  email Julie HERE
  • Sample below!!

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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YouTube is 5 – Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday YouTube!  Not bad for a Kindergarten-er.

-  Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods

Hats off, once again to Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.  Their annual ‘Seattle’s Best Neighborhoods’ article is packed with pics, facts, and chat.  Pick up a copy of this for your office lobby! 

(Just published May, 2010)

Seattle’s Top Neighborhoods – 15 Best

Individual ‘Must Live’ Neighborhoods, according to Seattle Metropolitan Magazine (photo right, Will Austin):

15  NEIGHBORHOODS

 • AlkiQueen AnneGreen LakeMadison ParkView RidgeNormandy ParkWoodinvilleRichmond BeachCapitol HillKirklandColumbia CityRenton HighlandsMaple LeafBallardShoreline

Charts and Maps

Remember, it’s easy to compare neighborhoods, thanks to the charts provided.  Also, find yours, either by the MAP, or alphabetically by NAME of the neighborhood(s).

Chart showing 107 Seattle Area ‘Neighborhoods by the Numbers’

Map View    (Don’t miss ‘North, South, East’ etc, which includes Snohomish County, or South County neighborhoods like Auburn & Renton.  Kitsap / Bainbridge also avail.

List View  (Starts with Auburn, ends with Woodinville)

Every neighborhood sorted by categories — including:

- Price change since 2008 (or 2006, if you want a real shake up)

- Home sales (as in number of sales, 2009, within a specific Neighborhood)

- Diversity

- Minutes to Downtown

- Average Walk Score

- Crimes

One of my favorite clients asked me for ‘micro data,’ about ‘every neighborhood in Seattle.’  His Buyer was quite precise, and asked for lots of statistical data before selecting a neighborhood.  My Agent friend was delighted when I gave him this report from Seattle Metropolitan Homes

Good listing and selling to all!  See you at RRNetwork coffee this Wednesday, 5/12.  We’re excited about meeting Bob Dunn, WordPress Specialist.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com

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Add Roost to your Facebook Biz page

Need to liven up your Facebook ‘Business’ or ‘Fan’ Page? 

Roost has a simple Real Estate ‘App,’ with handy instructions.

Here’s a link to my Facebook Business page, and my new Roost tab:

Julie’s Roost Tab on Facebook

Pretty cool, yes? (*Welcome to ‘LIKE,’ if you do! Like is the new ‘Fan.’)

Here’s the tutorial, from Derek Overbey, and those smart folks at Roost: 

Also just added:  More info about our next networking Coffee. Stop by the NEXT MEETING tab, for a preview. And save May 12, 10 am, in your calendar. Thanks!

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Flavors.me

“A website in 10 minutes.” Worth a look?   Here’s mine:

Julie’s new Flavors.me website

“Flavors.me allows anyone to create an elegant website using personal content from around the internet.” 

An elegant little website. Or ‘micro site.’ I guess.

And it’s for my favorite price. Want your own?

Video

Flavors.me

Thanks to Tim McMann with The Biz Cats.com for this tip. Here’s a link to their review, and their Facebook page: 

BizCats review Flavors.me  

BizCats on Facebook

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Friend Your Mother

Friend your mother, and other tips on treading carefully via Facebook. Thanks to marketing maven Peggy Dolane for sharing this:

Friend Your Mama   

(from Seattle Times, 4/9/10)

Yesterday at RRNetwork coffee, Peggy gave tips about how to simplify your marketing & Social Media. And we talked ‘Branding.’  Stay tuned for more.

Here’s Peggy Dolane:        Peggy’s FACEBOOK Biz Page       Provient Marketing

Short Sales Speedier   

HAFA Brochure — From NAR

IRS Rules on Short Sales — Mortgage / Debt forgiveness 

Need more? We’ve tidied this up for you on our blog post:

HAFA recap from Ticor Short Sale site

Good Neighbor Gazette

Click here & download our handy GNG / monthly newsletter, 2 pages for 2 bucks.  Add your info in the corner, the email or mail.  Sample shows below.

GNG – April 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 - Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title & Escrow, RRNetwork.com 

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My Dropbox; Pandora visits Seattle

Dropbox.com     

Learning about handy computer ‘stuff’ is a joy for me.  Recently,  Michaelle Crovisier, Keller Williams, told me about ‘Dropbox.’

There are plenty of times that I’d like to make a file magically appear from my Desk top computer, to my Laptop. Shazam — enter Dropbox. 

Dropbox is an online file sharing system. It’s easy to use, every day.  And, it has some extras built in, that I’m sure I’ll use eventually. 

(No more saving to jump drives. No more emailing files and resaving. Sweet!)

This free service gives you 2 GB of storage. Then there are monthly prices for storage of $9.99 to $19.99 a month.  (So far, I’m doing just fine with the free service, thank you very much).

The program installed quickly. And I was able to add some subfolders right away, to keep myself organized. 

Try Drop Box HERE, thru me.  Once you sign up, you can invite others ‘in,’ and gain a little extra storage for yourself.  Nice!

(Earn up to another 3 GB in Bonus space, thru friends your refer ‘in.’)

Or just go to their website, Dropbox.com, and watch the quick video demo.  (Video is  produced by some of my favorite trainers, Commoncraft.com, so it’s quick & clever.) 

Say, here’s a blog post from my favorite music service, Pandora. Did anyone make it to the event?  Pandora hits Seattle    

April RRN info just posted — can’t wait for you to meet this smart marketing pro, Peggy Dolane.

And keep those ideas coming my way! 

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Social Media Clock Hours – North Seattle

We are happy to announce NEW ‘Social Media’ Clock Hour classes!    Join me and my colleague Matt Sweet on March 23, and again on March 30.

Registration and more details here, thru Ticor’s EVENTBRITE link!

(click on logo here:) 

Registration powered by Eventbrite

Customers go online to search for everything these days.  How will they find you?  Learn ‘Social Media’ from two of the Seattle Real Estate Community’s BEST!

Workshop includes:

- Introduction / Overview, Internet and Social Media

- Create your own Twitter, Linked In, and Facebook Business Page

- Practice using tools for ‘Time Blocking’ and Social Media ‘Time Management’

- Set up your ‘Google’ profile

- Lecture combined with workshop format

Bring your lap top! Wireless included.

Social Media 101 with Ticor  

Tuesday, March 23 — 10 am to 1 pm, and

Tuesday, March 30 — 10 am to 1 pm

Location: Coldwell Banker Danforth, Northgate, 2111 N. Northgate Way, #101, Seattle, WA 98133

Cost:  6 Clock Hours for $72

(or audit class for $36)

Thanks to Allan Kuipers with CB!  He’s offering to host pizza for attendees – cool!   Space limited; please reserve asap.

-  Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

 

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Social Media Clock Hours

Clock Hour Classes March 23 & 30

Join me for my first ‘Social Media’ Clock Hour Classes. My colleague Matt Sweet, aka Mr. Internet, will ‘team teach’ classes with me. Reserve by emailing me here:  Contact JMH 

Social Media 101 with Ticor  

Tuesday, March 23 — 10 am to 1 pm, and

Tuesday, March 30 — 10 am to 1 pm

Location: Coldwell Banker Danforth, Northgate, 2111 N. Northgate Way, #101, Seattle, WA 98133

Cost:  6 Clock Hours for $72

(or audit class for $36)

Thanks to Allan Kuipers with CB!  He’s offering to host pizza for attendees – cool!   Space limited; please reserve asap.

Twitter for Toddlers

Ok, maybe not for toddlers. How about Twitter for Beginners?  Almost daily, someone asks me ‘so, what is the deal w/ Twitter?’   Click here to find how to get started, or just to learn more:  

Five Things  -  Get Started with Twitter

Seattle in the Top Ten….Again!

Check out my Facebook Business page, for link. And become a ‘ JMH fan,’ when you visit!

Julie’s Facebook Biz Page

 -  Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Dashboard from Ticor; Online orders

We’ve offered online transaction management for years. And with so many new clients joining Ticor, it’s time to take a look at our popular ‘Dashboard’ system.         

Here’s an online slide show that walks you through some of the benefits:

Dashboard Demo

In addition to Dashboard, simplified ‘online ordering’ is in the works. In the meantime, you are always welcome to email your title orders directly to us c/o our great Customer Service group:

Click here:  Email directly to Ticor Customer Service

(Already a Dashboard user, but you’ve misplaced your password? No worries – email us at the address noted above, and we’ll quickly ‘re-set’ you!)

By sending your orders electronically, we can pass on some savings on the title costs to your Homeowner.  A nice benefit for you to mention to your clients – these days, everyone appreciates saving $!

Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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New HUDs – Learn more this week

REMINDER:

New ‘HUD1′ forms are now in effect. 

Learn what’s NEW, and understand these before your next closing. We’ll be in Burien this week at:   909 Coffee and Wine on 153rd, 10 am this Weds 1/20.

Meet Tammy Woodruff and Susan Smith from Ticor Escrow. Enjoy your favorite coffee drink, and remember your listing flyers and buyers’ needs to share with the group. Please reserve by contacting Julie at 206-478-7312.

Meeting begins 10 am, adjourns promptly at 11 am.

Thanks also attendees, 1/18; great turnout for our Short Sale Webinar. We’re bringing Christopher Rockey to Seattle THIS WEEK.  More details soon!

For help with  Short Sales, visit Ticor’s new site:  www.ticorshortsale.com

 Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Social Networking in Plain English: HUD1′s

Thanks Commoncraft.com!  Social Networking is demystified for you right here.

For more quick videos, connect now to Commoncraft.com !

Speaking of training, our informal poll today revealed that MOST of us don’t know enough about the new HUD1 statements.  Join us for coffee at our Seattle or Burien RRNetworking sessions.  More info:  NEXT MEETING 

Need a more personal session?  Contact Julie HERE and let’s get booked for January!

 Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Using Twitter, Facebook Safely; HUD Training for Agents

Using Facebook and Twitter safely continues to be a hot topic. Thanks to CNET.com for this recent post, with step by step instructions:

Facebook and Twitter Safety Tips from CNET.com

Do you know about the new HUD 1 statements for 2010? Don’t be surprised before your first closing of the new year. 

Learn from our favorite pro, Tammy Woodruff, Ticor Escrow Manager for King and Snoho Counties.  See Tammy ‘LIVE” and learn from a true expert over coffee:

Next Meeting — HUD 1 Briefing from Ticor 

(Seattle and Burien Sessions in January!)

Get moving in January! Bring a friend, and join us for agent networking 1/13 or 1/20. 

Thanks all and a very Happy New Year to you.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Ticor Holiday Crew; Julie on YouTube?

Ticor HOLIDAY CREW!!!      

We are fully staffed thru the Holidays for you.  Your quick contact guide:

Click here to email:    Customer Service / Property Info

Or dial:  206-720-6969  (Diane, Anne, & Rachel)

Click ourCONTACTpage here, for all of our terrific ESCROW branches.

Wishing you the very BEST Holiday Season. I’m off for a while, to enjoy Christmas with my family. Looking forward to a wonderful ’2010′ with all of you.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

 

 

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Oversimplified Marketing

What’s Your Marketing Statement?

Feeling overwhelmed with your marketing? Join the club! Maybe it’s time to simplify. And who better to describe this, than that smart fellow Michael Katz, Blue Penguin Development.  Give his latest newsletter a look:

“I’m going to tell you a secret………. 

Oversimplified Marketing….”

As I said in my request to Michael Katz, when asking his ‘OK’ to publish this elegantly simple blog post…….This sure beats the ‘elevator speeches’ lots of folks have been struggling to produce over the past couple of years!  Thanks Michael!

To subscribe to Michael’s newsletter (I do! So should YOU!)

Link here to Subscribe - Michael Katz Monthly Newsletter

Click here for Blue Penguin Development – Katz Newsletter

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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20 Top Characteristics Used to Price Home; Facebook Security and Safety

Thanks to NAR for this newsy little article. Click below for link:

Top Twenty Characteristics Used to Price Home

For anyone using Facebook, here are some handy tips from the Techies / New York Times:

5 Easy Steps to Stay Safe on Facebook

Remember, NY Times may require you to ‘log in’ for this article. It’s sure worth a read.  Security and adjusting settings is a question I’m asked about almost daily.

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com 

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Selling During the Holidays

Tips from Seattle Times, regarding how to sell during the holidays.  

Homes Can Sell During the Holidays

Holiday reminder — King County Courthouse is closed beginning tomorrow, and through the rest of the week. 

We are seeing tremendous ‘closing’ activity in our Escrow branches. With the original ‘first time home buyers’ credit deadline of 11/30, there are dozens of closings scheduled for 11/30/09.  Keep in close touch w/ your Escrow team.

Good Thanksgiving weekend to all!  We are open today and tomorrow, then closed for the holiday on Thanksgiving Day, and Friday.

 Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Remodeling Cost vs Value; Agent Networking Recap

It’s time for the annual report from Remodeling Magazine:

 
This link is for Seattle area, 2009 – 2010. 
Midrange includes:

 

  • Entry Door Replace – Recoup 65% to 128% of your cost, depending on material (glass, steel)
  • Bathroom Remodel — Recoup 71% of cost
  • Minor Kitchen Remodel – 78% Recoup
  • Home Office Remodel – 48% Recoup

So much for remodeling MY home office!  We will take another look, however, at the first floor bath. 

This is a GREAT link to share with your clients!  Leaf thru the info yourself, create a quick ‘recap,’ and email this before Thanksgiving.

We’ve noticed in the ‘analytics’ of my website here, that this particular report is viewed regularly, almost every week. Wow!  Just remember to credit Remodeling Magazine, of course. (always credit your source!) 

Thx again to Brockerman Hale Remodeling Specialists, and Christopher Hale, for sharing this link.

Agent Networking — November Sessions

Thanks to the nice crowd for our first BURIEN agent networking group. It was cozy with over 15 of us, terrific!  Thanks also to our Seattle group, meeting last week.  

Some links for you,  from my techie friend, Mr. Matt Sweet:

Matt’s Blog — TWITTER  or Twitter & Dept of Transportation

We’re working on our December topics now.  I can share the dates with you:

Seattle RRNetwork — Wednesday, 12/9/09

Burien RRNetwork – Wednesday, 12/16/09

- Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com 

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Ticor Holiday Labels Just Announced…..

We’ve just announced our Holiday Label offer…..a nice Ticor tradition for you. Two styles available:

2009 Holiday labels #Snowflake

2009 Holiday labels #Snowman

Contact JULIE to order!  Please allow 1 week for production. Cost is $2.60 for 2 sheets of labels, including delivery:

Avery 5160 — 30 labels / page (default selection),

 or

Avery 5167 — 80 labels / page (by request)

Special thanks to the very BEST Customer Service Team in the Title business, Diane Brittenham, Anne Serex, and Rachel Jacobson, with Ticor Title & Escrow!!

Note:  This offer is exclusively for active Ticor clients, so Realtors, Loan Officers, etc.

-  Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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Why you need a Realtor……..

What to expect from your Realtor. Thanks to our friends with Washington Homeowners.com.

So, that’s why everyone needs a Realtor!  I like this one.  See six videos made for your clients:  Home Buyer Videos

 Julie McCullough Hale, Ticor Title Company, RRNetwork.com

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