Special Service And A New Brown Case

Special Service And A New Brown Case

I like to wear my phone on my waist and the best case for my needs has a magnetic closure and fits horizontal  on my belt.  Not too long ago, my phone was shattered when I took a fall.

It was definitely time for a new case.

Not Driven But Definitely The Driver.At the Towson Town Mall this week, I stopped at Cellairis, which sells mobile accessories.

I was "just looking" when Charanjit  asked to see my phone. He was so helpful finding me the right replacement case. He tried quite a few and realized I had a specific need was picky. He left me alone and ran to another location, bringing other items for me to try.

Oh how I appreciate this special service.

Because of this kind gentleman, I now have a new leather case and a protective cover that looks like wood... both in  my favorite color.

Do you have an example of special service?

Special Service And A New Brown Case

                                                                                                                  

                                                     

                                        

Not Driven But Definitely The Driver

 Not Driven But Definitely The Driver

Barbara's post  Are You Really Driven...got me thinking.

I am not driven but I am definitely the driver.

Always looking for a way to get my properties sold.

It could be a new way, an old way or a better way.

Advertising and marketing  come in so many different forms.

 Find out what works. Nothing works all the time and unusual properties require doing a variety of things. Some require a lot of time, some a lot a patience and some an outlay of money.

Writing copy, use of the internet, proper information in the MLS, keeping print media updated and a multitude of blogs can all draw attention to the house.

Sharing  technology or getting a listing or making my own appointments or the use of Lockboxes or finding a property for a specific buyer or talking about a reverse contingency, are all ways of getting noticed and in return getting exposure for my listings.

Letting the public know the benefits of the the community, talking to other agents, teaching, being the neighborhood expert, networking, writing a book and even having a my own radio show, proves that I am

Not Driven But Definitely The Driver.

Purple Balloons A Raven's Win

 Purple Balloons A Raven's Win

Even when it looks like it is over...Never Give Up

 Go for the dream even when others don't have confidence in you.

 Saturday's Playoff game score ... Baltimore  Ravens 38  Denver Broncos 35.

  

 

The fun was texting with Carra Riley who was in Denver. Notice her daughter's cast with Bronco colors.

Carra's daughter wearing a Bronco cast! Here's to a speedy recovery!

Another kind of WIN

There were five ties during the game and each time we would text "new game." Each team had the same chance to start over. 

 Next week Ravens play the Patriots. Who will be texting?

  Purple Balloons A Raven's Win

Finding Time To Blog

Finding Time To Blog

 

When speaking with clients, agents and other professionals ..I am frequently asked..

How do you find time to blog?

Here are a few of my responses

• 'Gee you look really nice, great looking outfit. How did you have time to put yourself together for this appointment?'

• 'Your hair looks great, when did you have time to go to the salon?'

• 'Did you take a shower today? How did you make time?' 

• 'You ate today. When did you find time?'

• 'Gas in your car?

 You get the idea. After a few questions and a bit of laughing my point is made.

You make time for what is important!

As mentioned on page 15 of my book  Real Estate the Rome Way  .... WIN is an  important acronym that works to focus my concentration.

It stands for What's Important Now. The more you use these three words, the more you understand the power of What's Important Now?

WIN is how I am

Finding Time To Blog

Going The Extra Mile For A Seller With The Help Of An Active Rain Friend

It was a pleasure having Martha calling in and being part of the radio show today. I really like her unique listing and her sellers are a delight.

Hope this fabulous home finds the right buyer soon.

Via Martha Brown Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc):

Going The Extra Mile For A Seller With The Help Of An Active Rain Friend

Over my time here I have read many posts about how the friendships we gather here in the Rain have helped us in so many ways. From sharing to caring our Active Rain friends have been there through it all. Today I experienced an even more amazing outcome of a friendship that began here in the Rain.

Many of you know of Margaret Rome here in the Rain.She is one of our great Ambassadors and a friend to many all across our great real estate land. Well she is hosting a talk radio show called 'All About Real Estate' in Baltimore and she invited me to call in to discuss my beautiful log home in Pasadena. I was a nervous wreck but knew I needed to do this if I was going to go the extra mile for my Sellers. I took a deep breath and called in. I should have known that with Margaret on the other end it was going to be a pleasant and enjoyable few minutes .

I can almost guarantee, no I can guarantee, that I would have never met Margaret Rome if it had not been for being here on Active Rain. And I would have never known about this incredible opportunity to call in about my listing on a talk radio show in Baltimore if it had not been for Margaret Rome. After all Baltimore is not my market area

Today Active Rain and Margaret Rome brought 2 agents, from 2 different market areas, together for one common goal; To go that extra mile for one of our sellers. Where else could that have happened other than here on Active Rain?

Thank You Margaret Rome and Thank You Active Rain!!

Going The Extra Mile For A Seller With The Help Of  An Active Rain Friend

**************************************************************************************

About the Author- Martha Brown is a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) whose passion is homes in the Annapolis MD area and surrounding communities. As a 3rd generation Annapolitan she writes about her experiences in and out of the real estate market. Martha has been a local Realtor(R) since 1992 of which all have been associated with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the largest independently owned real estate company in the Mid Atlantic.
Martha would love to hear from you so give her a call any time. Sharing her Annapolis MD area expertise is her passion.  You can reach Martha at 410-440-7839 (cell) or 410-260-1800 (ofc)
 Martha@HomesAroundAnnapolis.com

Bringing 'Peace of Mind' to Your Real Estate Transaction

                           

Lets House Hunt 

Visit Annapolis

Join Me on Facebook

Google Martha    

                                           

All Photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All Rights Reserved and may not be reproduced or reprinted without express written permission of

Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate.  

Every effort has been made to assure that the information in this blog is as accurate as possible. Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to any information provided by third parties which is accessed through this blog via a hyperlink.

Find Martha Brown on Google+

Busy Talk Radio Show With Lots of Callers

It was Sunday and it was 12 Noon and we had a busy radio show.

Here are examples of some of the call-in topics.

• A buyer with a delayed settlement still in underwriting.

• A mother calling for her daughter who is a teacher and first time buyer. 

• A cash buyer concerned  about closing costs.

• A buyer with "bad credit" wanting to purchase a small house.

• There was even one caller wanting to talk politics. I reminded him this show was called All About Real Estate for a reason.

 The listening audience is looking for help with their real estate needs. Buyers, sellers and real estate professionals are welcome to call in on Sunday.

Callers make the show and two special friends called in today.

The first was a seller talking about his vacation condo for sale in Whitetail and is  Only 90 Minutes From Baltimore!  This one bedroom property, located  at a ski resort, is owned by my friend and personal trainer John Vargo. This condo is also for rent until the right buyer is found.

 

The second was Realtor® Martha Brown who talked about her   Unique Listing In Pasadena.  This property is perfect for entertaining on a secluded acre, with multiple garages, carports and a private "beach" area. It would make a great extended family compound, a corporate retreat, Bed & Breakfast or just your own year round  'staycation'  home with a rustic, charming resort feel!

This radio show is a perfect way to help buyers and sellers, along with other professionals, stay current with real estate.

 

WCBM 680 AM Talk Radio Sunday at 12 Noon

Busy Talk Radio Show With Lots of Callers

 

Listen To Live Radio Sunday at Noon

 Listen To Live Radio Sunday at Noon

 January 13, 2013

All ABOUT REAL ESTATE

Tune into  radio station  WCBM 680 AM or Listen www.wcbm.com  at 12 noon East coast time!

There is an iPhone and iPad app wcbm.com

Baltimore, Maryland

 

 

Margaret Rome will be hosting live radio " All About Real Estate" Sunday at noon! You are invited to listen or to call in and discuss real estate.

Call in Number 410-922-6680

Listen live www.wcbm.com

Live Radio Sunday 12 noon Listen To Margaret Rome

All ABOUT REAL ESTATE

Attending a Denver ReBar Camp From Baltimore

Attending a Denver ReBar Camp From Baltimore

Wonderfully busy day in Baltimore starting with a workout at the gym,  showing my Contemporary Stone and Cedar  Rancher , attending a Mini ReBar Camp in Denver, a client meeting and dinner with friends.

Whoa.. back up. How was I able to attend a mini ReBar Camp in Denver?

This photo of my computer screen shows  Carra Riley presenting live in Denver. The lower part part  of the screen, you can almost see Margaret Rome and 'Hangout On Air Specialist' Ronnie Bincer .

We were not in Denver but at our computers at home using this exciting technology.

 

Carra Riley  was hosting the event, with Kristal Kraft, in front of real estate agents, in Denver, who were learning  how to use Hangouts On Air.

Other guests included Margaret Rome, Adrienne May, who was sharing great information about Veterans United, and  Sarah Hill.

It had to be exciting for the ReBar attendees to see the action live on the big screen in a Denver classroom.

Sarah Hill describes a hangout as Human Media vs Social Media.

Google+ Hangouts might just be the 'new way' for connecting us to each other.

A Hangout is a private video chat.

A Hangout on Air is public and recorded on YouTube.

Do you want to learn more about Google+ Hangouts?

Go find a friend, hangout and have some fun.

Attending a Denver ReBar Camp From Baltimore

Rio Is Moving Because of a TOO LATE Sign

 

Rio Is Moving Because of a TOO LATE Sign

Rio will be moving to a new home because his beautiful 7 acre farm located at   1930 Jordans Retreat 21776  has a "TOO LATE" sign.

 

7 Acres of Charm...Jordans Retreat in New Windsor, Maryland

You can check the photos of  this 7 acre mini farm located at 1930  Jordans Retreat  to see what you missed.

Rio Is Moving Because of a TOO LATE sign! 

Cinnamon and Luggy Are Baltimore's Pets Of The Week

Cinnamon and Luggy Are Baltimore's Pets Of The Week

Would you consider adopting Cinnamon or Luggy?

As a Realtor® and Broker in Baltimore, I am used to Finding Homes For Baltimore Buyers. Now I am looking for another kind of home.

Can you help the Baltimore Humane Society find a home for Cinnamon and Luggy?

 

Do you have room for either one?

Cinnamon and Luggy Are Baltimore's Pets Of The Week

ActiveRain at Work On Steroids Helping Friends From Another State

 ActiveRain at Work On Steroids Helping Friends From Another State

This week's radio show was a discussion on Condos and Coops.

 

The seller, who called  All About Real Estate the first  Radio Show Of The New Year ,

  is a dear family friend from my hometown... Danville, Va.

A few months ago, Ben asked, jokingly, if I could sell his Florida condo. Well sure I can sell from Baltimore.

  How so, you may ask?

First thing... contact my ActiveRain friend, Elyse, a Realtor® not too far from West Palm Beach. A referral was made and Ben and Elyse signed a listing agreement.

There are a lot of condos for sale in this  West Palm Beach, Florida   development so we are finding ways to make this special unit stand out from all the rest.

Good luck Ben, good luck Elyse. Hope we find the right buyer for your beautiful Florida condo.

Have you used ActiveRain to help buyers and sellers outside of your area?

 ActiveRain at Work On Steroids Helping Friends From Another State

Systems in Place For 2013

Systems in Place For 2013

Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

As a listing broker in Baltimore, I represent sellers to get their home sold. Each of my properties get extensive exposure through my website, my blog, my signage, my presence in the community, hosting a radio show and my advertising.

When one of my listings gets a "TOO LATE" sign, some sellers need to buy another property in the Baltimore area.

                                                                            

I have always had a Buyers4YourHomePage  to help these special clients find the right home. In addition to advertising my listings I also advertise for these qualified buyers.           

                                                                                                                                                                       
                                                     

Below are a few of the homes needed for qualified buyers.

                                                                                                                        
                   
      

 The main portion of my advertising is for my listings. Lately the left side of my advertising is searching for buyer specific property.   

It is rewarding to know that this special advertising still works.

                       Advertising To Find a Home For Baltimore Buyers.

Systems in Place for 2013

Was the Pet Rock a crazy idea?

New ideas sometimes come dressed up like clowns or fools. It can be hard to tell whether you're looking at the next great innovation or just another flash in the pan.

A hundred and three years ago, a couple of bicycle mechanics were considered nut cases. Until they flew at Kitty Hawk.
Thirty three years ago a marketing executive packed pebbles in boxes, gave them names, and became a millionaire selling Pet Rocks. Genius or just plain clever, they had crazy ideas that placed them out in front.
So you can understand why I was feeling pretty smart the other day when I heard about a new website called BuyerHunt.com that lets sellers search for buyers. According to an Inman News story, "The site allows prospective home buyers to create a free profile that describes the home they are seeking." Hmmm...sounds a lot like the Buyers4Your Home feature that's been on my website for several years! My B4YH allows sellers to scroll through a list of potential buyers. I run an "ad" for buyers. It includes information about area, price range, school system, and other features the buyer is seeking. I keep the buyer's information confidential and make the connections for interested sellers.

When I first created the page, some people thought it was a slightly crazy idea. Now, after several years, the Buyers4YourHome page is one of the most visited on my site. People looking for a specific home go there to post their needs. Sellers scan for a possible match for their home, often before they even sign the listing agreement. I offer this service to other agents who have a specific buyer. I run an "ad" for them. And that "ad" sometimes turns into a listing for me.

Crazy idea? Maybe. But don't dismiss it. You just might be ahead of the curve!

How to Add a Photo When Using the iPad for Writing a Blog Post on ActiveRain

My iPad is a wonderful tool that I enjoy using  for my real estate business. Thanks to William Johnson for encouraging me to use the iPad and for sharing his expertise. I cannot wait to try this.

Via San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates):

 

How to Add a Photo When Using the iPad for Writing a Blog Post

Cheryl Richie from Maryland and I some time ago figured out how to add the photo using our Flickr account. It was as simple as sending the photos to Flickr and using the web address for the photo. My problem with this is I don't want to send all my edited photos on Flickr for reasons that have nothing to do with this post. 

When I edit or resize a photo and add a © and name, I save that photo in DropBox. Unable to have Dropbox as a selection that works when trying to add a photo to my ActiveRain post from my iPad, I did notice that the app iPhoto for the iPad was available. So I purchased that app for the iPad. 

What I hadn't figured out was that DropBox where I have all my edited photos that I would use for my blog posts also has as part of its share capabilities the choice to save the photo again in iPhoto, since it can not be directly imported into the ActiveRain post.

It all finally came together and is now very easy to add the photo to the WYSIWYG format available in the full version of ActiveRain on the iPad. 

Step one - Locate a desired photo for Blog Post in Dropbox on the iPad

Step two - There is a share icon, select Save to iPhoto

Step three - Locate the photo in the iPhoto Photo Stream to confirm it is there.

Step four - Open up a New Blog Entry window on the iPad

Step five - Select the Add a Photo icon on the tool bar

(It will give you a choice to use existing photo or take a photo ).

Step six - Select Existing in iPhoto

Step seven - Locate the photo and choose

Step eight- Select size and position for the post and insert photo into blog post.

That is all there is too it. 

Enjoy adding photos to your posts done entirely from your iPad

Meeting The Appraiser In Baltimore

Two of my listings will be going to settlement this month even though

Houses Do Not Sell In December.

 

Arriving a few minutes early for our 1:00 appointment, the appraiser was already at the property taking outside measurments and photos. She was a real professional and acknowledged this was a special home for the price and there were not many SOLDS in the neighborhood.

When I gave her my packet of information, she was quite pleased to take the comparable sales, along with the plat and Multiple Listing information.

I make notes on each comparable with the number of bedrooms and baths, with the sales price, with date of closing, with upgrades, property condition, short sales and any details that help to compare the subject property. There may be homes whose prices need support by using tax records that have sold without using a Realtor®

 I have to sell the house 3 or 4 times.

 

The first sale is to other agents so they bring their potential buyers. The second sale is to the buyers. The third is to the appraiser. And occasionally a fourth when it has to be sold to the underwriter.

When the house needs to be sold 3 or 4 times, I will be

Meeting The Appraiser In Baltimore

We'll List When We Find The Right Place To Move

 

This past weekend I showed a condominium to a potential buyer. During the showing the question came up about selling their present house.

 

They were very concerned about the possibility of two moves. An illness made this more than inconvenient. I was asked to take a look at their home to see what ball park price they could expect.  That's when I discussed the idea of a  Reverse Contingency.

It is important to know a client's motivation. Are they ready to sell? Are they ready to buy?

Concerned if they can find a suitable home...even more concerned if they can sell the home they are living in.

Do you see how people can be stuck, even paralyzed, in making a decision? This process needs to be discussed. You have to be comfortable making a move after being in, what you thought was, your "forever home."  This is how the same situation  turned out a few years ago.    One Listing, Two Sales.

It is easy to find out how serious they are to avoid that 2nd move.  Ask this question: " What if someone comes along and offers you a million dollars?" (You know their home is in the $500,000 category.)  Quite a few sellers will say OK! We will pack, store, travel for awhile, move to an apartment, move in with our kids or to a hotel for that kind of incentive.

Others will not or cannot be inconvenienced for any amount of money. This is the perfect place for the "reverse contingency."  When an offer is made... a specific clause is written into the contract... stating  a short amount of time (could be weeks) for the seller to find the home of their choice.

 

When two separate moves are just not possible. My advice  is to list the property, contingent on "finding a home of choice". You may see HOC in multiple listing remarks. When their home goes under contract...they can write on the new home. We make the provision and this contract will have a contingency on the settlement  of their present home. 

I will continue to look for the perfect condo for this couple to "Right Size" into. I did not say "downsize".

There are so many ways to help buyers and sellers. First you must ask the right questions and find out their needs.

How will you respond when the client says:

    "We'll List When We Find The Right Place To Move"

The Clubhouse Condo Upper Park Heights

The Clubhouse Condo Upper Park Heights

6711 Park Heights Ave

Baltimore, MD 21215

THE CLUBHOUSE

UNIT # 411

 Above you can see the lobby, library, front entry security, and the party room set up for a meeting.

 

This all brick condo has the convenience of a full service building. This fourth floor unit is accessed by elevator and you have a doorman to greet and help with your needs.

This one bedroom corner  Baltimore Condo, at 6711 Park Heights Ave. has a separate spacious  laundry room with extra storage, eat in kitchen with large window, spacious bedroom,  huge walk in closet and a covered balcony off the spacious living dining room area. Monthly condo fee $360.

In addition... the building has secuity, a party room, library area and elegant lobby. Senior Friendly's Reserve-a-ride is available several times a week along with social planned activities and assigned parking. 

6711 Park Heights Ave

Baltimore, MD 21215

THE CLUBHOUSE

UNIT # 411

 $49,944

When would you like to visit?

The Clubhouse Condo Upper Park Heights

Search All Active Listings

Live Radio Sunday 12 Noon Listen To Margaret Rome

Live Radio Sunday 12 Noon Listen To Margaret Rome

 All ABOUT REAL ESTATE

You are Invited to Listen In Sunday at 12 noon December 30, 2012

Tune into your radio WCBM 680 AM or Listen www.wcbm.com  at 12 noon East coast time!

Baltimore, Maryland

You Are Invited to Listen on Sunday at 12noon To All ABOUT REAL ESTATE

Margaret Rome will be hosting live radio " All About Real Estate" Sunday at noon! You are invited to listen or to call in and discuss real estate.

Call in Number 410-922-6680

Listen live www.wcbm.com

Live Radio Sunday 12 noon Listen To Margaret Rome

 All ABOUT REAL ESTATE

Today There Are Fifty Millionaires on ActiveRain

Today is a big day. For the first time ever, there are 50 millionaires on ActiveRain Our fiftieth member is William Johnson and he is featured in the Member Spotlight

San Diego Real Estate Voice authored by William Johnson GRI CRS e-Pro CDPE (RE/MAX Associates) Ladies and Gentlemen...we have a new member in the Millionaire club! Congratulations William! We are wiser and stronger because of you! View Member

 

William is the kindest, most knowledgeable, best photographer, excellent Realtor®, nicest and smartest member here.

 His willingness to share is overwhelming. If he thinks he can make your day...he will.

 Hope that everyone will go over and give William a big congratulation shout. As ActiveRain said above..."We are wiser and stronger because of you!"

I am very proud to call William my friend. There is a Formula: Becoming A Millionaire 

Today There Are Fifty Millionaires on ActiveRain

Baltimore Winter Sunset

Baltimore Winter Sunset

Coming out of the movies on a cold rainy day in Baltimore, the sun was setting below the dark gray skies.

 

To me it was a very pretty sunset...maybe not as dramatic as the sun setting on this Waterfront Contemporary Home for Sale in Baltimore County 

But if we are aware and take time... the beauty is amazing. Even on a cold rainy day in Baltimore there is a pretty...

Baltimore Winter Sunset

When would you like to see the sunset at 6831 South River Drive?

Looking For a Baltimore Home For Josie and Firefly

Looking For a Baltimore Home For Josie and Firefly

As a Realtor® and Broker in Baltimore, I am used to Finding Homes For Baltimore Buyers. Now I am looking for another kind of home.

Can you help the Baltimore Humane Society find a home for Josie and Firefly?

 

Do You Have Room For Josie or Firefly

Looking For a Baltimore Home For Josie and Firefly

Search All Active Listings

Baltimore Train Garden Glen Avenue Fire Station

Baltimore Train Garden Glen Avenue Fire Station

Free Admission

 After  55 years this is the longest running fire house train garden in Baltimore. You don't have to be a little kid to enjoy and there is a lot to see and learn about Baltimore.

It is magical with many moving parts. If  you look closely, you will find fire fighting scenes, Elvis Presley, The Grinch, pirates, a drive-in movie complete with screen and cars, Natty Boh, a hot air balloon, a cemetery and many different trains moving around different tracks at different levels.

 The exhibit is open every day from 10 AM to 9 PM and is located at 2700 Glen Ave 21215 in Northwest Baltimore.

Firefighter Jacobs was on hand to fix one of the trains and share some history with my daughter Erica.

The exhibit is open every day through January 2nd from 10 AM to 9 PM 

 2700 Glen Ave 21215 in Northwest Baltimore.

Baltimore Train Garden Glen Avenue Fire Station

Free Admission

Houses Do Sell In December....

Houses Do Sell In December....

Two Too Late HomeRome Signs in Baltimore

 

You are not seeing double. Today I  put up two 'TOO LATE' signs. In case you didn't notice it is December 24th and nothing sells this time of the year. You have heard that... right?

Each year I increase my listing inventory in November and December when most sellers wait until after the New Year.

Why encourage people who need to sell to list now and not wait?

Serious buyers and agents with qualified clients are out looking during the holiday season... even during cold, snowy rainy days.

If your home is not on the market, it is not going to sell.

                          

                 Pickwick Split has a Too Late Sign

Baltimore Semi Detached Stone Home Upper Park Heights Is TOO LATE

Houses Do Sell In December....

Two Too Late HomeRome Signs in Baltimore

What Special Parties Are You Enjoying This Season?

What Special Parties Are You Enjoying This Season?

 The guests were treated like royalty...no one ever had an empty glass, food was passed by elegant servers and hors d'oeuvres were plentiful and delicious. A full gourmet dinner was served with tenderloin, salmon, curried chicken salad on mini croissants, individual portions of layered potatoes, beautiful asparagus, gorgeous salad and lovely array of fruit and cheese.

 

Every corner of the beautiful home was filled with holiday decorations from trees to wreaths to whimsical elves. It was a wonderful party filled with beautiful people having a grand time.

 

For more photos of special parties from prior years, check out this one and  another one and one more.

What Special Parties Are You Enjoying This Season?

Do you remember the Chanukah House on Park Heights Avenue?

 

 

Do you remember the Chanukah House on Park Heights Avenue?

  This Was the Baltimore Chanukah House a Few Years Ago.

The Chanukah House...A Baltimore Tradition 6211 Park Heights Ave 21215 

    

Some houses bring more to their community than just a nice façade, and this was  one of them. For many years, one house  brought light to its neighborhood with a seasonal display that gave it the name of

"The Chanukah House."

The colorful display took a hundred hours to set up and drew throngs of visitors.

It was no accident that the house was so brightly lit - Ann and Morris Cohen brightened the community with their presence.

Do you remember the Chanukah House on Park Heights Avenue?

WINNERS! Photos Then and Now Contest Results

 

 Twenty plus years in Real Estate was a fun trip down memory lane.  This was a great idea...thanks to Bryan Robertson for putting this contest together. This took a lot of work and even more time for Bryan, Greg and Leslie to go through so many good entries. I am honored to be chosen.

Go to the original contest  post  and check out all members who participated.

 

Via Bryan Robertson, Real estate broker Los Altos & Silicon Valley Luxury Homes (Sereno Group):
The winners are all set!  It took a long time to review all these entries and making a final decision was a difficult one.  Personally, I would rather have had a Top 10 Winners list because there were that many to choose from.  You all wrote some great posts and it was a lot of fun looking back on some pretty old photos.  A couple of lessons learned from this contest were:

• Many agents do make an active effort to update their photos
• Almost all photos are reasonably recent
• The stereotype that agents all use "high school photos" is mostly false

First, I'd like to thank my two colleagues for helping out with selecting the winners.  They went through over 200 posts to look at each and every entry before making a short list of candidates.  The other judges were Leslie Ebersole and Greg Nino.

THIRD PLACE WINNER: Christine Bohn's entry Beware, old headshot may scare you
One of my favorite aspects of this post was the side-by-side, three picture montage that showed how her photo changed from 2005-2010.  Hair, clothes, even glasses changed and it gave a great perspective of the style she was evolving into.  Read this post because you'll learn about her first brokerage - shocking!



SECOND PLACE WINNER:  Brenda Mullen's entry My past real estate head shots for your amusement
Brenda is a great blogger and she's very good at telling a story.  Her entry was a great mix of narration, humor, and photos.  She also was nice enough to include links to the photographers who did the work which is a nice little SEO boost (good blogging).  She got bonus points for including a photo of her cards to show the changes between past and current.  Nicely done Brenda!



FIRST PLACE WINNER:  Margaret Rome's entry HomeRome photos then and now
Margaret is one of the top bloggers on Activerain and I think it's because she takes the time to write great stuff.  In this case, it wasn't the writing as much as it was the collection of photos that go back through her past pictures and how she used them in her business.  She showcased 20 years of photos from magazines, business cards, and advertisements.  Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

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 Bryan Robertson, Broker Associate | T: 650.799.9951 | Email: bryan@serenogroup.com | Website: http://www.BryanRobertsonHomes.com |CA License: 01191946 | Sereno Group - Los Altos branch | 369 S. San Antonio Road | Los Altos, CA 94022

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