R TEAM

R TEAM is coming to Kent in May

It was suggested that we have the next R TEAM meeting at my office on the Kent East Hill so that we can use our conference room and projector...which should help make discussing our topics a little easier for all to hear and absorb.

The only downside with our office is that we do not have free wi-fi...however with that said, I think just a couple of us brought our lap tops to the last meeting at Panera Bread in Federal Way.  So if you do want to have internet access and you have personal means, please bring it!   I do have wi-fi available for a couple connections via my DriodX, however it can be pretty slow...you'll want to bring your own if this is important to you. 

 RSVP by clicking here.  SPACE IS LIMITED.

When:  Wednesday, May 4, 2011 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Where:  Mortgage Master Service Corporation's recently remodeled office located at 24909 - 104th Avenue SE, Suite 100, Kent, WA 98030

Please be prepared to discuss one buyers need and one listing - you'll have 60 seconds for both!   And bring your personal wi-fi, if you want it.

By the way, here's a quick poll on Facebook:  What would you like your next topic to be at R TEAM  if your desired topic is missing from the poll, add it!

I am SO EXCITED! R TEAM meets in Federal Way this Wednesday!

We will be having an R TEAM networking this Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. in Federal Way at Panera Bread.  This no-host event is free to attend.   Please bring  your lap top or iPad and join us for coffee, networking, learning and sharing.

Please click this link to RSVP so we know how many to expect.   Feel free to spread the word to fellow real estate agents you would like to network with!  Post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. ...the more the merrier!

My Notes from Seattle's Agent Reboot

 
Yesterday I left my lap top at home and brought my Livescribe Pulse Pen (which I love!!) to take notes.  I will write a follow up post on all the reasons why I love this pen soon... meanwhile, if you would like to read my notes from Seattle Agent Reboot, click here.

photo credit:  Stephanie Baldwin

R = Revamped, Refreshed and Reunited

It seems like following almost every Seattle reBarCamp, real estate friends reach out to see if we can meet for coffee or lunch to discuss some of what they learned at REBC.   I think this is a perfect opportunity to re-launch "R TEAM".

Those who knew me before I became a mortgage originator, probably are familiar with R TEAM.  It's a  network group that I started back in 1992 so that real estate agents could share and network outside of their offices.  I picture the "refreshed" version of R TEAM including a lot of discussion on various social media trends and of course what's new in the mortgage world and real estate. 

To kick off R TEAM, I've created a Facebook Page.   I would be flattered if you would visit the page and "Like" it.

My next step is to determine where our first meeting will be.  I think we need:

• free wi-fi
• neutral space (not someone's real estate office)
• possibly a place where we can have coffee or  lunch (or brown bag it)
• possibly around Southcenter

Suggestions?

 

 

What Defines Social Media Success for Real Estate Professionals?

I've been wondering how someone defines success in terms of their social media efforts.  Is it how many friends you have on Facebook?  How many followers on Twitter or tweet's you've tweeted?  Is success defined by the list you're included on of Top This or Top That?   Is it how many blog posts you can pop out in a week?  Maybe others view you as an expert and now you're even contemplating becoming a social media coach to take advantage of your "success".

I believe that before you can define what determines success with your use of social media, you need to decide what your primary goal is.  Why are you using social media?   What do you hope to accomplish? 

I'll admit that when I started blogging in late 2006, I really didn't have a goal.  It was really just a need.  I had to vent (or blow up!) about the mis-reporting regarding loan officer licensing which was brand new to Washington state at that time.   I never dreamed anyone would read my blog or follow me on Twitter...or that I would still be writing The Mortgage Porter.   It did take me some time to realize that I do have (and need) goals with regards to my social media efforts.  

My blog has been a great resource to allow consumers to find me when they google search terms.   Facebook has been a wonderful way to stay connected with my past clients, friends and family.  Twitter has been a "fish finder" for me by tweeting out useful tidbits of information and having great dialogues with my "followers".

I've discovered it's not important to me how many friends or followers I have on the internet, what is important is the "who" - not the "how many".    I've also accepted that I don't have to know or be on the newest social media platform...I believe that we can only do so much...and I'm NOT one who will ever pay for content or outsource my status updates on Facebook or Twitter.   I do have limited time because social media is not my career; originating mortgage loans is.

If your goal is to increase your real estate or mortgage business, do you know where your business is coming from?

I know in a few weeks, I'll be seeing hundreds of real estate and mortgage professionals at the 2011 Seattle reBarCamp at the Seattle Center on March 3, 2011.  I hope those who are newer to this medium have a chance to really focus on what's important to them and what their goals are before this fantastic event.  There's so much social media out there and only so much time.

If you've been considering adding video blogging to your marketing efforts, you'll want to come a day early to the NW Video Marketing Summit on March 2, 2011.   For more information or to rsvp, visit www.videomarketingsummit.tv.

Two MUST ATTEND Events coming to Seattle this March

Both events are at the Seattle Center:

March 18, 2010 - Pacific Northwest Housing Summit  
March 19, 2010 - RE Barcamp Seattle

The panelist for the Summit continue to grow and we anticipate quite a turn out from across the country at both events.  Sponsorship opportunities are still available and start at $250.  

Of course there will be "tweet-ups" and social hours following both days.

Be there!  Follow both events on Twitter: @pnwhs #pnwhs and @REbarcampSEA #rebcsea

PS:  Space is limited to the first 700 registered attendees for the PNWHS...and there's a "sweet heart deal" for pre-registrations by Valentines Day.  

 

Happy New Year and Happy R TEAM

R TEAM will be having our first meeting in a very long time.  I can't remember the last time our group met at Marie Calanders in Federal Way deciding to take the winter off and never getting back together again.   Well, I think the time for R TEAM is here again and yes, I've been saying that and my last post here was in October...I've been a little busy keeping up with all our changing guidelines.  And it's important that I share them with you.

 R TEAM's history is one I'm proud of.  I really did start this group back in 1992 to help agents network together and to share the latest information or helpful tips. 

Our first meeting will take place the morning of Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at The Talon Group in Seattle and will cover the new Good Faith Estimate by yours truly.  Space is limited to real estate agents only please...you can RSVP and get the nitty gritty here or by logging into the Forums at the top of this page.

I hope to see you then!  

It's Just a Matter of Time

I know I'm neglecting this blog...it's because of a lack of time.   Navigating transactions and keeping up with the ever changing guidelines would be plenty to keep any mortgage professional on her toes...add in writing a mortgage blog to try to keep consumers and real estate professionals informed and you can understand where time runs out on me. 

I've also been asked to share some of my social media "knowledge" and/or experiences to various groups with speaking engagements which has been kind of a fun adventure...and I'm involved with organizing two RE Barcamps that are coming up soon! 

September 8, 2009 is Seattle's RE Barcamp and October 6, 2009 is a "mini" RE Barcamp in Bellevue.   Please check them both out!  You can get more info or rsvp by clicking on the links above.

Bottom line, know I'll post here when I can (time permitting).  

Social Networking Seminar on May 6, 2009

The Talon Group is promoting a 2 hour intimate (meaning you better sign up soon--space is limited) seminar featuring yours truly and Jim Reppond, a local Realtor who's an expert at various forms of social media networking.

Our goal is to provide local real estate agents and mortgage professionals ideas and information on various forms of social networking beyond having a blog.   Learn from two real estate professionals who have been successful in our businesses using various forms of social media including Twitter, Facebook, BizNik, LinkedIn and videos.

The Details:

• When:  Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. sharp - Noon.
• Where:   Phinney Community Center, 6532 Phinney Avenue North, Room 6 (Blue Building), Seattle, WA 98103
• Cost:  $10.00 per person
• RSVP:  Michael Schafer at [email protected] or 206-320-1400.   Or contact your Talon Account Manager.

Space is very limited (first come/first serve)--so please RSVP today if you're interested. 

The State of the Market: How to Survive and Thrive

Don't miss out on this presentation by The Lones Group on How to Survive and Thrive in this market presented by Denise Lones.   This takes place on Tuesday, November 18, 2008.  For more information, please click here: Download TalonGroupNov18.pdf 

RSVP to Michael Schafer at          206-320-1400        .

Did I forget to mention there are 3.5 clock hours?   Check it out--get inspired!

Hosted by The Talon Group.