R TEAM

Great Post on Guest Posting

Guest posting is when you write an article for someone else's blog (or someone writes an article for  your blog who is not a regular author).   For example,if you're writing a "Sunday Drive" about a niche neighborhood for Mortgage Porter, you're writing a guest post.  Or if I'm writing an article about mortgages on your blog, I'm your guest.  I think you get it

This article from ProBlogger really covers all the do's and don't do's as well as how to make the most of your guest post.  It's a must read.

Picture Yourself as a Real Estate Magic 8 Ball

I check out how people find me via the search engines...and many are by questions they have.  People seeking answers simply type the questions into the SEO (google, yahoo, msn...who ever) and hopefully my blog is on the first  page.  I don't really write for this...but I do write for what I think is currently on my clients (or my desired clients') mind.

So if your "perfect client" had a real estate Magic 8 Ball in their hands, what would they ask it?

Answer them. 

Blogging for Business

I couldn't have said this better myself: 5 Call to Action Tips...How to get blog readers to become clients

This is one of the "non real estate" blogs that I subscribe to...why?  It's because of advice such as this AND they are based on a Typepad platform (like my blogs).

When you see a blog you enjoy reading--subscribe! 

5 Top Ways I Drive Traffic to My Blog

There are so many ways to help readers find you...it could really make your head spin.  I probably shouldn't be writing this because I'm sure I'm missing out on some wonderful tools for increasing your blog traffic.  To begin with, I really don't care about how many people see my blog (yeah, it's kind of cool when my hits are up but really) what's important is WHO finds me.  It all goes back to attracting people you enjoy working with.

With that said, this is what I do for my blog--some of these "tips" are not on purpose--I've just learned they work.

1. Write good content (duh! I know...) as if you're writing to your client/audience.   I often will use the title to phrase a question that I've been asked by a client.  I've found that people using search engines, such as Google, will enter a question or an answer to a question.
2. I use Twitter to announce a new post that I've written.  Sometimes I'll say something as simple as "New Post: [Post Title] and '[URL]" or I might be more clever and say "Have you ever wondered about [what ever my new post is about]" and [URL].  Note: with Twitter, I like to shorten my URL's using Tiny Url.
3. Commenting on other blogs with your similar interest, that allow you to embed your your URL as a signature is another great way to drive traffic to your blog.
4. Write guest posts for another established blog. 
5. Promote your blog in your email address, business cards and announce it over and over again to your sphere of influence.

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE:  Once your blog is somewhat established (meaning it's a few months old and you're writing at least twice a week)...you can submit it to Citizen Rain...this is another great way to help you're clients find YOU.

How to Market the FTHB Tax Credit

I'm sure you're all ready doing this... here's a few ideas that will also work with all the changes (not just the FTHB Tax Credit) coming up thanks to HR 3221.  Ready? 

Have flyers ready to hand out at your open houses with the upcoming changes.   (I can help you here...see below).

Contact your clients who have closed from April 9, 2008 to present.

Contact your clients with (adult) kids who may be considering buying their first home.  $7500 come tax time would make a nice house warming gift.

Contact your CPAs and tax advisors.  I'm sure they're all over this...but they may be in contact with more people considering buying now.  It will be good to be on the forefront of your CPA's mind.

Guess what?  I have a flyer ready to go.  If you would like me to send you my First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Flyer for your use, send me an email.

The First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

It's summer time...business is a bit slower...and the Government has just provided you with a great opportunity with the passage of HR 3221.  Here are some quick facts for you to chew on:

• Buyers who have not owned a home in the past 3 years are elligible for adjusted gross incomes up to $75,000 for single/$150,000 for married, filing jointly (phased out entirely at $95,000 single/$170,000 for married filed jointly).
• Applies to owner occupied homes only.
• This is NOT a down payment assistance program.  This does not go towards closing costs.
• This is essentially an interest free loan from Uncle Sam up to $7,500 (or 10% of the purchase price, which ever is less) payable over the 15 years.   
• This is all done come tax time when home owner is filing their taxes.  The first year, they will receive their tax credit (which may either off set what they owe or be additional funds in their favor).
• Payments do not begin until 2 years after the tax credit is claimed.
• The following 15 years, the homeowner will have "tax payment" in the amount of $500 per year (assuming they qualify for the maximum $7,500).  INTEREST FREE!'
• If the home is sold or it is no longer the home owners primary residence, the balance is due (again, when taxes are filed).
• This applies to purchases made back to April 9, 2008 through July 1, 2009.

I highly recommend that you contact any of your first time home buyers (or people buying again after not owning a home for the last 3 years) who bought from April 9, 2008 to now.  Be hero and get this good news out.   They may or may not want to excercise this credit--but why not YOU take credit by spreading this positive information to your clients.   While you have them on the phone, ask them if they know of anyone who has been considering buying their first home...afterall, this opportunity is only going to last for less than a year (July 1, 2009).

Of course you should be marketing this to potential new clients as well...the clock is ticking down to July 1, 2009.   Blog about this, talk about it--get the word out!  For more information about the first time home buyer tax credit, click here.

Well...what are you waiting for? 

Another Reason to Contact Your Past Clients

I promote offering an Annual Mortgage Review to my clients...in fact, I take it a step further, I'm offering to adopt mortgages.   Adopting a mortgage means that I'm going to review a home owners mortgage that I did not originate.   9 times out of 10, this does not result in a transaction--it does result in adding someone to my data base who trusts me because I provided a free service of value to them.   My annual mortgage review includes:

• review of their current mortgage (ideally reading their Note).  Many home owners do not know the terms of their mortgage, especially if it's an adjustable rate mortgage.
• review of their credit report with advice if there is room to improve their credit scores.
• review of their financial goals to make sure their current mortgage still suits their needs along with a comparison of their existing mortgage to current products (these days, odds are their existing mortgage is better than current rates).
• property profile from my preferred title company (this is where you could come in!)

I encourage you to contact your past clients to see if they are interested in an updated Market Analysis.  Most home owners are lost right now when it comes to estimated the value of their homes and do have questions about it.  This is another opportunity to reach out to your clients -- even if the news isn't good.  I think it's important to show that we are there for our clients during all times of market cycles.   

I'm happy to adopt your client's mortgages in Washington State if their loan originator is no longer in this business (many are and will continue to leave).

Be a Hero -- Tell Your Clients about this Great Opportunity

Because of a recent settlement to a class action lawsuit, Transunion is offering free credit monitoring to just about anyone who has obtained credit in the past 21 years.   For more information, you can read an article I wrote by clicking here.   Consumers must register their claim before September 24, 2008.

So how can you be the hero in this?  This is a great reason to call or email your clients who have bought (or sold) a home with you...they probably used a mortgage and would therefore qualify for this benefit.   Odds are, they've had a credit card or car loan too--so even if they paid cash for the home, this would still be welcomed information.   

Don't want to make all those phone calls?   You could always write your post, feel free to link to mine (heck--I'll write a post about it on your blog if you'd like me to)...or you can send out an email (be sure always include the web address to your blog!).

Having your credit monitored is especially timely these days.  Banks are reducing credit line limits on revolving and home equity lines and this damages credit scores if the new balance winds up being over 30% of the available credit line.   

So be a hero and spread some good news to your clients!   They will want to (and need to) hear from you.

To Our Success!

PS:  No reason why YOU shouldn't sign up and take advantage of the free credit monitoring: https://www.listclassaction.com/

 

A Big Reason for Agents to Blog in a Tough Market

Why blog now?  It shows the public (your readers) that you're working and have a pulse.   Unlike a website, a blog is updated at least few times a week where a website can go up and means nothing.  In fact, I've seen websites of LO's who are out of the biz (banned from DFI) but their website remains...maybe that's an argument for...I'm not really sure.  But...if you have a blog and you're writing articles, posting photos, sharing your thoughts, wisdom and opinions--you, my dear, have a pulse!  A static website does not--no matter how glitzy it is.  Not to mention that existing blogs are pushing your website out of Google and other search engines radar.

The public needs you right now, more than ever.  It doesn't matter if they're a home owner, renter or past client...they're being filled with so much confusing information and stats from all the wrong places (including the media) if it's not coming from you.   This is a great opportunity to shine and to show folks that you are an asset and know your stuff.

Do not disappear in this challenging market.  Roll up your sleeves and show the world how great you are--blog!   Your blog will help you more than mailing out calenders and the like ever will.   Just today, I had an online loan application from someone who "googled" me, another blog reader and someone emailed me asking to be added to may postal-mail newsletter.   I'm adding strength to my data-base by people asking to be on it.   

In fact, I just got this email while typing this regarding someone wanting to receive a copy of my latest issue of Mortgage Porter Quarterly (because of this post):

"Rhonda, Future issues would be great too. Also, I will reach out to you for any refinancing needs."

If I can do this--YOU can do this!

Give your blog 6-12 months and you'll thank me for it.   And what's great is that even after "this market" your blog will continue to thrive and be an asset to you.  It's the best business investment you can make and it's never too late to start.

Use any down time to be productive and get wheels on your blog.   I'm here to help--that's what THIS blog is all about.   

Questions?  Email me or better yet, comment here.

Would Publicity Help Your Business? Blog!

Over the past week, I've had several interviews or request to use my material (articles I've written for my blogs).  You really wouldn't believe it...at least I don't! 

Today, the New York Times published an article The Affluent, Too, Couldn't Resist Adjustable Rates.  Which was also reprinted in various other newspapers...I even saw it from one in France!   My interview with the reporter lasted about 30 minutes and boiled down to just this quote:

The first step for distressed homeowners, said Rhonda Porter, a certified mortgage planning specialist and broker in Seattle, is to pull out their loan documents and see what they say.

I'm amazed how many of my clients have seen that I was printed in the New York Times.   Even the West Seattle Blog picked up the story.   Getting kudos from WSB is potentially more beneficial for my personal business than my bit in the NYT and personally means a great deal to me.

I also received additional attention that I was not anticipating or welcomed.  That simple quote above brought on the wrath of another blog which is highly read.  I think their intentions were more towards how the NYT article was written, however I was dragged into it.  Sorry...I don't see any reason to get up in arms over someone recommending that people review their Notes.  I believe their biggest issue is that I have earned a designation of CMPS which they pretty much feel is BS. Anyhow...long story short...I was amazed how many fellow bloggers (including those from Seattle Bubble) stood up for me.  That part was pretty cool.

The interview has driven plenty of visitors to my blog.

Bottom line, without having a blog, the journalist from New York Times would have never contacted me.   Never.

Would you like a little publicity?  Do you want to be viewed as an expert in your field?  Blog.