Animate Your Relocating Buyers’ Interest with Animoto

I specialize in relocation, as a niche market, in part because I enjoy it, but also because I’ve made 4 major moves (over 1000 miles) with kids, cars, cats, dogs, and 2 jobs, so I know how to do it well.

I’ve also worked on relocation from a corporate perspective – setting up relocation programs, relocating employees in and out, and have used a couple of corporate relocation programs through my wife’s former companies when we moved to and from Minnesota. I get it.

But the point of my thinking here is generating interest and enthusiasm with your buyers who are relocating to your area. And using Animoto to create that enthusiasm and interest.

I’ve shared a recent slide show about Cardiff-by-the-Sea that I created in Animoto below. There are several great uses of this “video”.

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Share it via email or send the link to a buyer who is relocating to give them an overall visual perspective on the area. This will say far more than you can ever say in words in just 20 – 30 photos, and if they know little or nothing of the area, this will tell the story they want to hear. And it demonstrates your knowledge of the area.

If you don’t already have photos in your database for the community or neighborhood, spend 30 minutes one day taking a bunch of photos. I now have about 10,000 photos of various communities, neighborhoods, complexes and so much more that I can use for creating slide shows, and of course using in Localism posts.

But don’t just think of this Animoto slide show as unique to that buyer. Once you have the slide show (it acts sorta like a video but isn’t) you can use it for others who are relocating without making any changes. But if you want to add or delete some pics, or add more text, it’s simple to do in just a few minutes.

Post your slide shows on community pages on your Wordpress website. And be sure to put them on YouTube, with keyword descriptions and an appropriate website you want viewers to visit.

Use your community Animoto shows for your listings, and be sure to show a prospective seller the show that you will use to help market their home!

Use your slideshows in your posts about the larger community, and in any Localism posts that relate to the community that you create (a restaurant, things to do, market reports).

I expect you can think of some other uses, as can I. Animoto gives you the option to include a clickable URL link (button) at the end  (for the Pro version) – I suggest you do so.

Have fun and be creative!

In case you are a reader who is interested in checking out the homes in this charming seaside community of Cardiff, you can do so using the link below.

 SEARCH FOR HOMES FOR SALE IN CARDIFF BY THE SEA CALIFORNIA

Let's Play in the Sandbox

I learned about a new application that I thought was pretty cool and wanted to pass it along. 

Have you ever had a virus invade your PC or laptop (who hasn't, multiple times?) Or discover spyware or malware? Sandboxie is designed to cure you and your laptop of these problems. 

I discovered Sandboxie when my laptop got sick while traveling back East and had to take the patient in to visit the Computer Doctors. Once they were able to rid my laptop of the viruses, buried deeply inside and rather resistant to being expelled, Sandboxie was installed. 

Sandboxie creates a virtual environment for your Internet browsers (IE, Firefox, and Chrome) where all the files you intentionally download, and those you don't (like viruses, malware/spyware, and website cookies), reside. [photo courtesy of Stacey Heneveld on Flickr]

You are given the opportunity to move those files you want outside the Sandbox to the real environment anywhere you want (e.g., My Documents or other directories and sub-directories) at the time you download the file, and again when you close out your browser. 

When you log-off the files in the Sandbox (i.e., your virtual environment), including the nasty viruses you don't know about, will disappear, providing increased protection from your Internet surfing. 

Keep in mind that it is still possible to get infected if you save a file in the real world that itself is infected and is not caught by your virus protection software. 

Sandboxie is normally set up to run automatically, but you can disable it before you play outside the sandbox if you wish to, say, set up or save cookies from a trusted website. 

There is no perfect solution to prevent all viruses. And since they continue to evolve rapidly antivirus software programs must frequently update so they can recognize the new viruses and catch them red-handed before they affect you. 

But Sandboxie seems to be a pretty good option to include in the virus prevention arsenal.

My new tech friend is Dropbox. 

I'm sure you've heard of it, and perhaps are in love, too. But if not, it is well worth your investigation. 

And it's free. I love free, especially when it's cool stuff. 

I am using Dropbox,  as an example, right now to work with friend and web designer, Gregg Franklin, who is helping me launch my new blog. More on that in the new future. It's gonna be cool. 

Dropbox allows you to share files across computers. Imagine sharing tons of files (pdfs, word docs, excel files, photos) with your team, your transaction coordinator, your clients, and so on. 

• You simply download Dropbox and the application resides on your computer where you can drag and drop files that you wish other folks to see
• Files are stored on-line (i.e., another backup source) so you can access your files from any computer
• You can set up multiple folders so you can share with different groups of people
• Invite the folks who should share the files in a folder
• When new files are added everyone sharing the folder gets notified 

It's so easy to use and simpler than having to email documents back and forth. 

And a special bonus...you get additional free space when you invite others to set up a Dropbox account. Of course you get a couple of gigabytes of space to start so you have lots of storage.

NOTE: Want to pass along some free space to me? Sign up by clicking on the logo above or click sign up with referral. Once you join then tell YOUR friends to sign up so they will join and give YOU some more free space.

What are you waiting for?

How to Use LinkedIn To Maximize Your Professional Identity 

I attended a terrific LinkedIn seminar the other evening taught by 2 managers from LinkedIn. I learned a lot of stuff I didn't know and thought I would pass it along. 

While many think of LinkedIn as a job board, it's not. Admittedly it's being used extensively in the corporate world for recruiting but there are far more reasons to be on LinkedIn.

Here's Why: 

• 75 million members with 3 million added each month, over 1 per second
• US has 52% of the members but international membership is growing
• Focus is on managing your professional identity
• You can build and maintain your professional network
• You have the ability to obtain valuable knowledge, insights and opportunities 

Your presence on LinkedIn is key, and you must focus on your PROFILE, NETWORK and ACTIONS (status updates, messages, etc.).

As in other social media arenas, blogging, and the real world, folks will be thinking: 

(1) I don't know who you are, and

(2) I don't know what you can do for me.

 And people on LinkedIn may be more circumspect that they are on Facebook and Twitter because of the nature of LinkedIn's professional presence.

Just as people searching for, or thinking about, a new career will do, folks who are considering buying or selling will be pondering these questions. Remember, WIIFM!

Your profile gives you the opportunity to let others know what you can do for them.

No, it's not the place to brag about yourself, but a way to share your expertise and knowledge, the services you like to provide, and much more. It's the place for the REAL YOU to shine, so use the summary, headline, and talk about what you do.

Yep, you want a photo here, too, IMO (and per LinkedIn).

 It's also important to have some recommendations (check out the article I wrote not too long ago  - Would You Endorse Me? A LinkedIn Controversy). The LinkedIn dudes didn't talk about the issue of folks asking for recommendations that you don't know but I'm sticking with my opinion, and what most commenters in my article had to say. 

Here's another VERY COOL feature - there are a number of applications offered by LinkedIn. Consider using SlideShare to upload presentations, video, and other materials that you think would be of interest and value to consumers. Go to the navigation bar at the top of your profile and CLICK ON MORE. You will see a drop down menu of options, including an Application Directory where you'll find Slideshare. You can sync your SlideShare account with LinkedIn, or create a new account then start uploading files.

And for heaven's sake consider linking your Wordpress blog, if you have one, to your LinkedIn Profile. 

I could go on, but this should get you started, or perhaps take your current profile to the next level. 

One more tip - if your profile is not showing at 100%, you've got work to do.

Do it!!

Love the iPhone? Love Wine?

Have I Got an App for You!

I'm not an iPhone user (yet) but I am a big wine lover. And having returned recently from a trip to Napa and Sonoma, I wanted to pass along this new iPhone app I learned about. 

Mr. Picky will help you find wine in the Santa Barbara, Paso Robles and Temecula wine regions. It's part opinion and part informational, started by My. Picky himself, David Mallen, and his wife Patti. 

There are plans to expand to Oregon and Texas. And of course the famed Napa and Sonoma regions. All this according to the Santa Ynez Valley news pub "From the Vine."

The application includes restaurants and favorite wineries, plus you can leave feedback. And there is a large Santa Barbara directory at this point. 

Mr. Picky could be worth checking out if it's in your area. But my guess is it will grow quickly, provided the founders have the time outside their normal fulltime jobs to make it happen. 

And of course they have the requisite Twitter and Facebook sites.

Maybe someday it will work on my Blackberry. :)

GOOGLE is an amazing company 

Few would dispute that GOOGLE has taken over the Internet (the world?) with a host of applications for personal and business use (about 2 dozen I believe), plus being the biggest search engine around. Last data I saw we are talking almost 300,000,000 searches per day.

GOOGLE IS my life it seems these days. 

OK, I don't depend on it, per se. But there isn't much in my life that I can't learn about, check on, verify, look up, or learn from GOOGLE. At least if I choose to do so.  GOOGLE GETS me to where I need or want to be on the Internet, most of the time.

Need directions, or a map, or just want to know WHERE some place is? GOOGLE maps

Need the phone number or hours of operation - GOOGLE it

Want to know more about a restaurant, hotel, park, community center, gallery, museum, tourist attraction, lake, marina, sports facility? GOOGLE will get you there

Checking on clients? Prospects? GOOGLE Them

What are folks saying about you, if anything? What is YOUR on-line presence? GOOGLE yourself

Need legal or tax docs? GOOGLE again

Interested in what the traffic is like on the freeway right now? What earthquakes just happened in the area? What police crimes are taking place? GOOGLE

Need a phone number or address? Or interested in who belongs to that phone number or email address that looks suspicious? GOOGLE again.

I make hotel, restaurant, parking, train, car rental, and flight reservations on-line. GOOGLE gets me there.

I can find where to purchase something I need or want on-line, and of course buy it with a few clicks...GOOGLE again.

I can find out about my tax bill, or anyone else's, discover what homes are being sold, have sold, have foreclosed or will be

I share my calendar, documents and presentations, marketing materials, buyer and seller handbooks, and more on GOOGLE.

And then, of course, there is YouTube. Need I say more?!

Of course you can spend every waking minute on GOOGLE searching.

And then getting overwhelmed with information, reports, studies, videos and video streaming, music, movies, photos, eye witness testimony, gossip, TV news, newspapers, and more trivia than anyone can possibly have any use for. 

GOOGLE has touched the world in more ways than we can count, and I doubt they're done.

It's a bit scary, when you think about it where GOOGLE can lead you, or anyone else. 

Do you think this post will get indexed and appear on page 1? After all, a search for "GOOGLE" shows 1.9 BILLION results.

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WANNA GOOGLE ME?

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 If I can provide more information about Encinitas and Leucadia real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

Can you imagine life without a cell phone?

• For some, this might be your worst nightmare. Your personal hell. 

• For others, life without a cell phone would be paradise. 

I had another one of many conversations with an out of state client whose REO purchase closes in a couple of days. She does not have a cell phone, and after our talk I found myself pondering... 

So what WOULD life look like without a cell phone??

No entertaining, and not so entertaining, ring tones to listen to

No text messages

No telemarketing calls (well at least not to your hip or purse)

No surfing the 'Net wherever you are (OK, most places)

No bothersome emails unless you sit down at your computer

No vibrating

No reminders in every meeting, in restaurants, and in church to turn off your phones

No frantic stepping out of a meeting room and running outside to get cell service

No dropping calls

No sprained thumbs

Bars would take on a whole new meaning. Or an old meaning

No bumping into trees, lamp posts, people or falling off the curb while texting and emailing (Seriously, injuries are increasing)

Social gatherings would all be live, and folks would look you in the eye when you are talking

No one talking at the top of their lungs walking down the street (alright, there may still be some of that)

Less pressure to respond instantly, no matter what you are doing (come one, admit you take calls and text in the bathroom)

Folks would drive their cars with both hands on the wheel.

People would dine out without chatting on their cells, or annoying others

No beaming or bumping 

I could go on, but you get the picture. 

There ARE folks who manage to get through life without cell phones. We ALL did for years. But I don't know that I could now. 

The thought of putting it away for a while or not taking it everywhere I go has some appeal. Until I really think about it and panic. I AM hooked. I admit it. You?

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If I can provide more information about Carlsbad real estate and surrounding areas, or the housing market in general, or otherwise assist you in your homes search, please contact me by phone or text at (760) 840-1360 or email me at JDowler@remax.net.

All content copyright © 2010 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits

I spoke to the Rancho Santa Fe Business and Professional Women's Association last week about blogging and social media. This is a diverse group of business owners, including real estate professionals, with a broad range of knowledge and experience about on-line marketing (and a fabulous group to network with if you are in the North County San Diego area).

I talked briefly about social media and how it worked to start, and then shared some notions about:

WHAT SOCIAL MEDIA WILL NOT DO!

• Transform your business if it is crummy ( a Linda Davis "almost"quote from Bloggers Connect)
• Make you a great business person if you are not
• Bring you business overnight
• Operate without your participation
• Remain the same 

Because of time limitations and the broad audience I decided to share my top tips (not really in any particular order): 

My 17 Tip Tips

17. DO SOMETHING - Your clients, prospects, and competition are, so you need to understand social media and how it can and is being used. Don't join every website or spend every waking hour involved with Social Media, but do SOMETHING 

16. MAKE A PLAN - You need a plan about what you are going to do and when. Focus on WHO you are trying to reach - your target audience. Needs to tie into your overall business plan and goals.

15. DON'T LIMIT YOUR THINKING ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS ON-LINE - Don't get into the trap of thinking social media will not work for MY business. Think of how you can create and foster relationships like you would off-line

14. GET A FACEBOOK BUSINESS PAGE - With over 300 MILLION on Facebook now, if you are there create a business page. If you are not on Facebook, get there. 

13. CHECK OUT TWITTER - Create an account and follow me - @JDowler - so you can see everyone that is following me or who I am following and howTwitter works. Add followers as you can. 

12. GET ON LINKEDIN - If you are not there create an account and add your profile/professional resume. Look for people you may know who are there to connect with. Search by schools, businesses, cities and names.

And here are some more

11. START A BLOG, OR KEEP ON BLOGGING - Great for SEO and pulling up your rankings on Google, making it easier for people to find you and your website. If you have lots of information to share with consumers blogging may be right for you, and you can use this as your website if you don't have one. 

10. PARTICIPATE AND ENGAGE - It takes 2 to tango and social media is a two-way street. People won't engage if you don't. Let people know you are there and be part of the conversation. 

9. MIX BUSINESS WITH SOCIAL - It's OK to do both - you're human. Business all the time works against you - folks want to get to know YOU not just your business. 

8. BEHAVE YOURSELF - Can you play well in the sandbox? Watch the bad language, slander, sex talk, jokes, confidential information, being critical, racial slurs, and innuendos. Some folks seem to forget where they are and what they are doing and saying on-line

7. REMEMBER...THE INTERNET HAS A LONG MEMORY - The Internet doesn't forget. You can't just hit delete and make it go away

6. HAVE FUN - Social networking can be great fun, but if you don't enjoy it, or act like you don't, people will know.

And these aren't too shabby either

5. NO SPAMMING - No mass tweets, connecting with people just to build numbers, and sending email blasts to folks randomly. Don't promote YOURSELF in responses to others' tweets or comments on Facebook.

4. GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND - Have you Googled yourself? Do it regularly. Google your prospects and competition. Suggest potential clients Google you. 

3. KNOW WHAT YOUR ON-LINE REPUTATION IS AND MANAGE IT - People WILL talk about you, refer to you, mention your name, and so on. You NEED to know what is being said on-line so you can deal with it. Use Google Alerts for your name and business (and variations) 

2. DON'T HOPE SOCIAL MEDIA WILL BRING YOU BUSINESS...KNOW THAT IT WILL - attitude is key

1. DON'T STAY BEHIND THE COMPUTER - Face to face is still important. And don't give up what is already working for you in your business.

Here in California we have a lengthy Offer to Purchase contract along with a long list of real estate disclosures (some statutory), both state and federal, that are part of the typical residential real estate contract. Getting signatures and initials in all the required places, and keeping track of paperwork can be a challenge, but is certainly a necessity. 

It becomes even more problematic when working with buyers and/or sellers who are out of the area.

Technology has made life much easier and faster, and faxing, or even better - scanning and emailing documents - is the way to go. And more and more of the other documents (escrow instructions, natural hazards disclosures, preliminary title reports) are now emailed in pdf form. Being able to store all docs electronically is so much safer and easier 

More and more transactions are using electronic signature applications, such as Docusign, to complete the process to obtain the required initials and signatures from all parties, including the agents. It's faster, and can save money as opposed to over-nighting contracts, plus you get clean copies versus the old fashioned fax machine (wow, I remember the days when faxed signatures were not even allowed). 

But there is a caution. Some lenders will NOT accept electronic signatures on the contracts, as I learned in one transaction. So we had to re-circulate the contract to obtain the necessary live signatures. Not a big deal, since the original emailed offer from my buyers was submitted as a pdf with initials and signatures anyway. The lender continued processing the file with the Docusigned documents while they waited to receive the live signatures in the contract to complete the file. 

Docusign seems to be a cost effective application to use, beginning at $15.95/month, especially if there are multiple transactions. Thoughts? Anyone have good or bad experiences?