Our network is being plagued by cut and paste content! So today we hired a new team member. Let me introduce you to Harlen 'The Copyright Crusader'.

We are a community of PROFESSIONALS! 99% of you understand that. Harlen has been brought on to ensure that  the 1% who are bringing the rest of us down are dealt with. He has assured us that his relentless pursuit of justice for the holders of copyright protection will be unmatched. He has guaranteed to crush copyright infringement in 30 days or we don't have to pay him (can't beat that). How you might ask? well............

Every time you submit a post on Activerain you see this:

 

Some of you choose to ignore it. Some of you think that since you have gotten away with it before, you will continue to get away with it. You will not. Today, on his first day on the job, Harlen suspended the accounts of four members who had previously been warned about this type of behavior. One member had over 150,000 points. That's a lot of time wasted copying content and trying to pass it off as your own. Please, Harlen implores you, do not be the next person this happens to. He will be hunting content to the far and wide reaches of the network and running that content in Google to find the original author.

If you see someone copying content, leave a link to this post in their comment section. Warn them about Harlen and his 'Copyright Crusade'. Because if Harlen sees it before it's pulled down, the first offense will be a two week suspension. No questions asked. (Harlen thinks this is really lenient. Read that image above again.......it says "Posting copyrighted material without permission WILL result in being removed from ActiveRain")

The second time will be a ban from the network. Harlen has guaranteed this garbage will STOP!!! Plagiarism is polluting a network that thousands of people have poured their heart and soul in to making stellar. Harlen promises you that plagiarizers will no longer leave their mark on ActiveRain.

We have something very special here at ActiveRain. Your participation here is not a right, it is a privilege. By abusing that priviledge you are making yourself, and more importantly, the rest of ActiveRain look very unprofessional. Our community guidelines say: ActiveRain is a place where real estate professionals can network with their peers and discuss industry insider topics. It is also a public forum where consumers can pull back the curtain and see what the real estate industry is really about.

Do we really want consumers pulling back that curtain and seeing plagiarism, stealing and dishonest gaming? Harlen does not!!! Harlen believes that we all learned about plagiarism in elementary school. He remembers his fifth grade teacher Mrs. Robinson sending him to the principals office when he copied a passage from Marcus Valerius Martial without citing it:

"Why, simpleton, do you mix your verses with mine? What have you to do, foolish man, with writings that convict you of theft? Why do you attempt to associate foxes with lions, and make owls pass for eagles? Though you had one of Ladas's legs, you would not be able, blockhead, to run with the other leg of wood." - Marcus Valerius Martial

Here is a great resource for what you can and can't do: The wise advice of Lenn Harley

(This is not a joke, even though it is kind of funny)

 

It is Contest Time!!!  A few months ago, Activerain launched the ability to have an outside domain name feed directly from your Activerain blog.  Since then, many have set up their blog.  So, with that in mind, here is the theme for the new contest:

How are You Using Your Outside Domain for your Activerain Blog to Create Business?

We want to know what you are doing with your outside blog!! Are you marketing it in your materials?  Have you posted it on your business cards?  We want to know how your outside blog is helping your business grow.

This contest is only for those of you who have your own domain name for your Activerain Outside Blog.  Example:  My outside domain for my Activerain blog is http://myrtlebeachhomesblog.com not http://myrtlebeachblog.activerain.com or http://activerain.com/myrtlebeachblog. If you are needing to set up an outside domain for your blog, follow this tutorial to set one up in minutes.

Also, since this is an Activerain contest, outside domains for blogs from other platforms (wordpress, blogger, etc) will not be eligible.

 

Here are the Rules:

• All posts must be tagged, Fall Outside Blog Contest 2008.
• All posts must be submitted to Outside Blogs Group.
• All posts must be original content written after today's date.
• One entry per person.
• All entries must include a link to your Outside Domain Blog.
• Contest Ends on November 7th.

Prizes!

First Place- 5,000 Points

Second Place- 2,500 Points

Third Place- 1,000 Points

All Entries will receive 200 bonus points for entering.

Judges

Jeremy Blanton- Founder of Outside Blogs Group

Carolyn Tann-Starr- Queen of Club Chaos

Jason Crouch- Yeah, we all know Jason....

Active Rain is full of "hidden" talent and I mean true artistic talent ! Sure, AR has lots    of talented people but I have been so impressed with the artists that I have found here.  

After seeing Lizette Fitzpatrick's fantastic artwork and reading Blog & Abstract Artist-Marti Garaughty's comments, I wanted to share some of the AR talent that I have found. (Marti commented " we should organize an AR art exhibit, so much talent floating around here.") GREAT IDEA!!  

Lizette has a "Faces Collection" but has more art on the way, very colorful !

Marti Garaughty does gorgeous abstract paintings, love the colors in "The Day It Rained"!

WA Home Inspector-Charles Buell has a secret Art habit, check it out ! 

Elaine Manes ~Fellow Stager  painted some great artwork that inspired me to get my brushes out again.

Cheryl Willis-MO Real Estate Broker is a very talented quilter, she even started an AR Quilt Group.

Carolyn Tann-Starr is an accomplished artist, check our her portrait of James Bond. 

Richard Weisser-GA Broker  is an expert photographer and has been one of my favorites long before I "knew" him here on AR but he also likes to paint-check out his art!

Susie Blackmon-NC Broker is another talented AR shutterbug, she offers a "Photo of the Day"

I KNOW there are many more! PLEASE pass this along and SHARE your art or artistic Active Rain friends here in the comments!!  Let's discover all the great art here in the Rain !!  Show us your ARTWORK !! 

Subscribe For Future Blog Updates Via Email !!

Need Help Selling Your Home Quicker & For Top Dollar - Staging is the Answer !

Let us help build confidence in your decorating or home staging projects

Cheryl Gilliam - AARC Certified Redesigner & Home Stager

Just Heavenly Decor & Staging - From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Interior Redesign, Home Staging to Sell or Live in NC

http://www.JustHeavenlyDecor.com 

Email - justheavenlydecor@charter.net

Ph 828-310-6305

Serving Hickory, Morganton, Lake James, Blowing Rock & The High Country of NC

I don't know about you, but it's not always easy to figure out which flowers are ready to be deadheaded and which are babies. In the past, I've felt pangs of guilt after I've snapped off a flower head believing it was dead, only to discover after the flower was in my hand that it was a new baby trying to emerge from its bud, and I had snatched away its life.

Many new flowers resemble those that are spent. It's hard to tell the difference. It's better to let them be for a while to see if they open up into a new flower.

And it's the same way with people. It's hard to tell the difference sometimes between a bona fide buyer and an unqualified buyer. As agents, we can be quick to judge because buyers might dress a certain way, drive a certain car, live in a particular neighborhood, speak in a different manner, suggest certain price points or otherwise give the appearance that they are not really a buyer.

I've learned long ago that immediate judgment should be reserved, although I can't say it's not tempting at times to jump to conclusions, yet I absolutely refuse to go down the road. Because you never know. Some real estate agents are extremely judgmental, and it typically comes back to bite them.

When a buyer contacted me about buying investments, she was shocked that I picked up the phone within seconds of receiving her email and asked if I could help her. She was asking about buying rentals in a Sacramento neighborhood that has watched values fall over the years -- an area of town where many agents refuse to work. I had no such reservations. All areas are the same to me. It's real estate.

One associate asked me if I was wasting my time because she would never work with a buyer who was looking below prices of $200,000. When did we become so choosy and snooty about selling real estate, I wondered. What difference does it make if you're selling a $40,000 house or a $1.4 million-dollar home?

Maybe I won't earn a big commission check, but I'll be performing a service, one that I am paid to perform over and over. That was my thoughts. Well, yesterday this client asked me if I would also consider working with her loan officer as he wants to buy investments, too.

Using sound judgment is different from being judgmental. I suspect we can all learn to be less judgmental.

Photo: Big Stock Photo

The Short Sale, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming from Archer Ellison in January 2009

 

I have been "playing around" with Twitter (you can follow me if you would like) for almost a year and there always seems to be something new coming out for Twitter.  In addition to meeting some new folks and following some interesting people there are some definite business uses for the application. Mana Tulberg recently did a great post on some of the Twitter tools available to add to your Twitter experience.

Today I found Twitter search which allows you to track what others are saying about you, your brand, your company, your competition or whatever you think is important or interesting to follow. You can set up an RSS feed for your search term(s).  This will allow you to always be updated with what's going on without having to remember to go back to the site (this is similar to a google alert as discussed in our first Marketing Tip - Monitor Your Brand Online).

You don't even have to have a Twitter account to set up the RSS feed.  Go ahead give it a try.

 

Related Posts

Marketing Tip - Monitor Your Brand Online

Marketing Tip - Monitor Your Brand Online Part 2

5 Big Social Media Wins Last Week

Twitter Research

When you need the convenience of modern life right at your doorstep, but you prefer the privacy of a peaceful community cloistered by greenbelts, The Landings will appeal.  Home designs range in size from approximately 1,700 to 2,500 square feet of living space plus 2 car garage and porches.  These homes include an array of outstanding features included with every home.  When you enter The Landings, you will immediately notice that the street appeal of these single-family homes is extraordinary with stucco exteriors, architectural shingles, beautifully fully landscaped lawns with sprinkler system and elegantly designed driveways and walkways made of brick pavers. 

Chapman Realty and The Golden Isles Investment Partners are pleased to offer this new 4 bedroom, 2 bath located at on the cul de sac at 24 Cargo Lane in The Landings at Golden Isles for $246,450.

Interior appointments include hardwood flooring, fireplace, pop up ceilings, crown molding, recessed lighting, oiled rubbed bronze fixtures throughout,

kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen counters, custom built cabintry, recessed lighting,

as well as owner's retreat with jetted garden tub with ceramic tile surround, walk in ceramic tile shower, double cultured marble vanities, linen closet, oversized walk-in closet and so much more. 

The Golden Isles Investment Partners (owners Ron Sluder, Keith Ross and Doys Osteen) offer this community as both developer and builder.  The Landings at Golden Isles is an intimate community offering protective covenants, streetlights, underground utilities, county water and sewer as well as curb and gutter. The Landings is the place to be when you like to be close to everything - work, shopping, restaurants and countless other leisure and entertainment opportunities.  The Landing's location is just minutes from Exit 38 and I-95 at the intersection of the Golden Isles Parkway and Highway 99.  These new homes are convenient to Coastal Pines Golf Course, the mall, water sports, theatre, grocery shopping, restaurants and schools.

For more information or viewing, email chapmanrealty@yahoo.comor call tollfree 1-877-221-0088.

Brunswick and the Golden Isles Blog

Homes Brunswick Georgia

 

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity, enthusiasm, and support of all the Rainers who have reached out by email and phone and I think even mental telepathy to marketing guru Seth Godin on my behalf. With a jump start from wonderful Broker Bryant, you've been sending the word every way you could, and you can be very proud of your efforts.

Now I can tell you that I wrote to Seth and he responded!  He's very gracious and says that he envies me for the great friends I have. And that what really worked was "… that you reached out and wrote to me and I wrote back."  But he also said that it's enough with the onslaught of messages from this amazing Tribe.

I knew that the Active Rain community was powerful, but…Wow! I think something Seth wrote in his blog on Wednesday is very appropriate here: "Attention can be worth more than money. Enthusiasm is priceless." Thank you all my priceless friends!

Now, please no more messages/emails/calls/or blogs to Seth.

 

 

www.HomeRome.com

410-530-2400

Excitement...Frustration...Hope...Desperation...Anger...Disappointment and Disgust!  These are the feelings that a buyer is likely to have during the 3rd party approval process of a home that is a short sale...and that's during a sale THAT ACTUALLY ENDS UP CLOSING.

Once you write a contract on a short sale you could be waiting weeks and often months for an answer from the seller's lender.  Should you consider writing an offer on a short sale?  Please think about this first...

Short sales are not for everyone:

If you have a specific timetable to meet... Don't write a contract on a short sale.

If you can't accept the property in the condition that it is today... Don't write a contract on a short sale.

If you don't have a backup plan... Don't write a contract on a short sale.

If the seller of the property is an investor... Don't write a contract on a short sale.

If you are considering the purchase of a short sale...talk to a REALTOR.  Your REALTOR will advise you about the process and whether or not you are a candidate for a short sale.  The process is often long and leaves many without a successful conclusion.

Do the rewards often times out way the risks? Absolutely, but only you can decide if you are willing to wait after you know all the facts. 

 

 

 

 

 Move To Lake Mary (Orlando & Central Florida)

Licensed Real Estate Professional, ALHS, e-PRO @ 407.758.1020 or Debbie@CasAndDebbie.com 

Hi folks. My good friend and fellow ActiveRainer, Margaret Rome, is getting close to launching her first book "Real Estate the Right Rome Way". I'm sure most of you know Margaret but if not....stop over and check out her profile.

Margaret and I joined AR at just about the same time, July of 2006. In fact, as far as I can, tell we actually joined on the same day. Her first post and my first post were both on July 8, 2006.

Margaret and I have always had a connection. We are very much alike and handle our businesses the same. I still believe we were separated at birth. Here are a few similarities.

1. We are both "solo" agents
2. We both specialize in listings
3. I have a TLW she has a TLH.
4. We both have tempurpedic craftmatic adjustable beds!!!
5. We are both soooooooo good looking.  

Anyway....Margaret is really wanting to get Seth Godin to review her book and maybe write a blurb on the jacket. So she decided to have a little contest to see who could come up with a good idea to get Seth's attention. My idea was to get as many Rainers as possible to place this phrase in their next post:  

Hey Seth Godin!!!! Come over and review Margaret Rome's new book"

I figure Seth has his Google alerts activated and if enough of us do this he will not be able to ignore us and will have to come over to see what's going on. If you are not familiar with Seth he is a master marketeer and a best selling author. Getting him to review Margaret's book would be HUGE!! 

So.....if you would, next post you write, just take a minute and copy/paste this phrase....

Hey Seth Godin!!!! Come over and review Margaret Rome's new book"

.....and place it at the bottom of your post. Or the top. Or the middle. Let's show Seth the power of the Rain. How simple is that?

I am leaving in one week to work with the impoverished haitian refugees of the Dominican Republic. I struggle with their living conditions. Most have no running water and what they call a house is usually just a collection of trash fastened together. The next time you think your house isn't nice enough or needs a new bathroom remember there is a large part of the world that has NO bathroom and never will. Imagine living your entire life without running water, it maight make you appreciate your outdated bathroom more.

If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to Micah Missions, 100% of donations goes into the country with me next week. You can use Paypal....MicahMissions@gmail.com

 

 SEARCH HARFORD COUNTY MARYLAND REAL ESTATE

 

I have lived in Maryland all my life and been an active real estate professional for the last 20 years.

 If you have a home to sell in Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Harford County or Cecil County call an agent that knows the area and works hard to make you a satisfied client. I specialize in Bel Air, Abingdon, Aberdeen, Forest Hill, Perry Hall, North East, Kingsville and the entire I95 corridor. For 20 years I have helped people buy and sell real estate and specialized in REO and foreclosure properties for investors and homeowners.

 When I am not helping my clients with their real estate needs I enjoy spending time with my family and my Pomeranian Zeke, bible study, gardening and foreign mission work. In 2007 I founded Micah Missions a non-profit company designed to raise awareness and funds to assist the struggling Haitian refuges in the Dominican Republic.

California home sellers who sold a home in recent years might qualify to get cash back. It depends on whether a seller qualifies as a class member under the Property I.D. Natural Hazard Disclosure Report class-action settlement. A class-action lawsuit was filed against Property I.D. and a handful of California real estate brokerages, claiming brokerages violated the federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) and California's Unfair Competition Law by receiving kickbacks for referring business to Property I.D. Some brokerages believed they could get around RESPA by forming joint ventures with Property I.D. The lawsuit stems partially from the fact this relationship was not disclosed to the sellers who paid for the NHD reports.

The defendants denied the charges. Although the Court did not reach a verdict, all parties decided to agree to a settlement.

If you were a home seller in California, you may participate in the settlement if you sold a home through RE/MAX (August 23, 2000 through February 28, 2003); Century 21 (July 31, 1996 through June 30, 2006); or ERA Real Estate (July 31, 1996 through June 30, 2006) -- and in southern California only: Coldwell Banker (July 31, 1996 through June 30, 2006) or Prudential California Realty owned by Pickford Realty (July 14, 2000 through August 16, 2005).  The home must have been your principal place of residence or vacation home. Rentals, commercial, vacant land or agricultural over 25 acres does not qualify. The home must have been purchased by a buyer who financed the transaction by taking out a mortgage.

You need to fill out a NHD Report Settlement Claim Form to participate in the class-action settlement. Payments will vary between $99 or $114 and depend on how many people submit the claim forms. There are several settlement classes, depending on which brokerage the seller hired.

The case, Berger v. Property I.D. Corp., will be heard on January 26, 2009 at 9:30 AM, at which time the Court will consider disbursement. For more information, go to Natural Hazard Report Settlement web site.

The Short Sale, by Elizabeth Weintraub, is coming from Archer Ellison, January 2009.

Photo: Big Stock Photo

Looking for a different type of real estate investment? Tenants in common ownership offers benefits for investors who are tired of property management and want to use leverage by buying a fractional interest of a much larger investment vehicle.

However, as some Sacramento real estate investors have discovered, it pays to investigate the company before handing over cash to buy into a tenants in common project. Not only is checking out the company essential, but finding out whether the investment is registered as a security might save you scrutiny by the SEC.

One such company, Sacramento-based Heaven Investments Holding Corp., filed for bankruptcy in August, listing assets of $21.6 million and liabilities of $30.6 million, and it's presently being investigated by regulators.

The experts say if you're going to participate in a tenants in common 1031 exchange, make sure you're dealing with a registered representative who has a Series 7 (or Series 22) and Series 63 (or Series 66) license because such transactions, although real estate, are actually securities.

The way a tenants in common 1031 exchange works is instead of trading property A for property B, investors can exchange their equity by buying a fractional interest of a much larger, perhaps commercial, project. These investments are typically offered through a private placement memorandum. Investors are advised to select a company with a proven track record and work with a tenants in common specialist who has performed due diligence.

Some of the advantages of a Tenants in Common 1031 Exchange are:

• Preservation of wealth
• Diversification
• Deferred taxes
• Relief from property management
• Cash flow possibilities
  
• Potential appreciation

Read more about Tenants in Common 1031 Exchanges.

The Short Sale, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming from Archer Ellison in January 2009.

Photo: Big Stock Photo