judyo's Blog: All Categories

Fortunatley, I do get a lot of buyers that fill out my Home Finder Search Form on my multiple websites.  Most of the forms are filled out  with enough information so I can create a search and get them on the automated e-mail system my MLS provides. 

But every once in a while I'll get some requests that I just can't complete.  A lot of people want a big backyard but there are no search parameters for that.  Even if a lot might seem a good size it still depends on how the house is set on the lot.  We do have houses here and there that have all front yard and very little in back.  These are older homes and I don't understand why any of these were built this way but it is what it is.  So buyers have to check out each listing individually by photos or driving…

There are so many blogs and posts written about the REW conference but I had to add my own story.  I almost didn't go because I was so intimidated by the multiple methods of travel required - all explained at my fear of flying post.

Planes, Taxis, Ferries and Automobiles

I felt like a whiny little baby about my fear of traveling to Nanaimo.  Especially when I heard Michael Brown's story.  He had a longer flight than I did but he also had a 3 1/2 hour drive to the airport first and had to use extended parking.  My airport is less than 15 minutes away.  Boy, we sure take things for granted.

I arrived at Seattle first and waited for Michael.  We told each other what we were wearing although I was sure I'd recognize him from his pics on his website. …

I didn't start flying until I was around 45.  I took my first Valium ever for the flight and couldn't sleep well for weeks prior to the trip.  But it was a trip to Cancun as a Christmas present that I just couldn't turn down.  I am claustrophobic plus I just can't understand how planes can actually fly.  I won't scare myself too much with my other thoughts and feelings about flying so I'll stop here.

On my first flight we sat in the first seats as I thought I'd need the leg room (I'm 5'3" - I guess I thought it would offer a more open feeling although I've never sat there since).  I was eyeing the door and kept telling myself not to bolt.  I took deep breaths and the Valium started kicking in.  It was a very smooth flight with the exception of banging my…

I just gave a referral away that came to my website.  Why?  It was a couple looking for a rental.  There's not much commission money in rentals and I wanted this couple to be taken care of.  But they were looking in an area I don't work in, even though it is in the large MLS I am a member of. 

Sure, I could use the business but I'm sticking to my guns of how much travel time I'm willing to take, especially wth today's gas prices.  And I doubt these renters will find what they want in one trip.  In fact, they only gave me one address to view so I think this is just the beginning of their search.

I get a lot of out-of-area leads from my website, both buyers and sellers.  I've passed some of them on, mostly for a referral fee, but sometimes I just pass on…

The real estate market in the Midwest isn't supposed to have been affecteed as dramatically as places like the West Coast and fast growing areas like Las Vegas.  Yet as far as I'm concerned the southwest suburbs of Chicago have really taken a dive.

Prices continue to drop and there is minimal activity, especially in comparison to the amount of available inventory.  I am working with two sellers of real estate in orland park illinois that have already purchased properties. 

The first couple seem to understand the current market a little better but since they've found a property recently they are  getting desperate, or maybe I should say more realistic.  Unfortunately, they had two offers that they turned down in the past.  Because they found a home they…

I hate lugging things around.  I used to carry a tiny little purse that looked more like a wallet with a cord on it.  I shopped around for the lightest briefcase I could find (made out of some kind of microfiber).  And I was so excited when I got my 12" screen Toshiba laptop.

Compared to my Dell Inspiron it felt so light and seemed so compact.  I thought it would be the perfect travel laptop.  That is, until I carried it in my laptop backpack on a flight.  OK, there were some magazines and other stuff in the backpack, but suddenly that little laptop didn't feel so little anymore.

So I went on a quest to find a tiny laptop that was less than $2,000.  To make a long story short, I am now the proud owner of the first couple hundred (if that many) MSI Winds…

The sad story of ePerks suing Vlad Zablotskyy of Go-Beyond-MLS.com is growing throughout the Internet.  Vlad, a real estate blogger, was one of ePerks many paid reviewers.  Vlad gave them a positive review but his blog started receiving negative comments from real estate agents that felt they were burned by ePerks. 

After reading these comments and doing a little research, Vlad posted another review asking if "ePerks was a gem or a scam?" More comments came his way, many from the same ip.  Seemed like those were positive messages and it is assumed that these posts were from ePerks employees.

To make a long story short, ePerks sent Vlad a cease and desist letter and requested that he remove all negative comments.  In fact, they also asked him to remove…

For those of you that would love having the opportunity to get a REW website package including your template of choice, core IDX and free lifetime hosting valued in excess of $5,000, the raffle has just been extended to July 1st.  Tickets are $35.00 for one chance and 4 for $100.00. 

If you're blogging on REW you probably already know how great and beautiful these websites are.  They are search engine friendly and you are allowed your choice of colors and more.  If you don't have a website yet this is your chance to start at the top!

But if you already have a website, even a REW website, try for another one.  I have multiple sites - more general and niche sites.  Do you work in more than one major town (I work in many)?  Create a site for condos if…