Great reasons to live in Colorado
We all know there are many great reasons to live in Colorado, but here are a few more…
- Colorado ranked second in the 2009 ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index. States earning this ranking are considered the most likely to manage economic stimulus effectively and make a solid recovery from the nationwide recession.
- Boulder ranked 20th on Forbes’ 2009 list of the “Best Places for Business and Careers”.
- Metro Denver is on Forbes’ list of “Ten Cities Where Americans are Relocating”.
- Colorado ranks fourth in the nation in a Gallup survey for health and happiness of its residents.
Source: Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation
Good for us!
Saving the world
Happy Earth Day!
I was pleasantly surprised to catch my 13-year-old son watching Oprah’s Earth Day discussion today. I suspected my “save the world” tirades made an impact on him, but the rolling eyes lead me to believe he wasn’t fully on board. As Oprah and her guest ran down a list of ways to reduce our carbon footprint, I responded by pointing out the ones we had under control. Purchasing Energy Star® appliances, using compact fluorescent bulbs, recycling everything from homework to cereal boxes, etc. etc. Best of all, I think I finally made my point as to why we keep our dual set-back thermostat between the 63 and 68 degree range in the winter. Thanks Oprah! Although with temperatures approaching 80 today, I will likely need to reiterate this message when the snow returns.
Here’s to all you avid conservationists. Way to go!
Being Social – Online and Off
was thinking the other day of all the “talk” about social media. For those of us who are Realtors®, ActiveRain blogs appear to the most popular media. However, it’s also the latest rage to be tweetered on Twitter, have a Facebook friend, or get LinkedIn. While social media continues to grow in popularity, and worthwhile for many reasons, it’s vital that Realtors not forget about the good old tradition of social networking.
Yes, that’s right – meeting people face-to-face, in person! Before the Internet age, many real estate professionals relied on getting out of the office to professional meetings to network, greet fellow colleagues (not to mention, prospects) and build relationships.
Building relationships – that’s what it’s all about. And today, more than ever before, it’s important that Realtors “meet & greet,” shake hands and have a personal conversation with potential buyers & sellers – not just one that’s typed in an e-mail.
In an article published in Pacific Business News (3/13/09), a Waikiki entrepreneur was quoted as saying “…hundreds of professionals [are] making time for midweek business networking events in Hawaii, a scene that has taken off in the last six months.”
“People are starting to realize, especially in this economy, that you have to get out, put your face out there, build your credibility so you can not only grow your own business, but help others with new contacts.”
In my marketing seminars and articles I’ve written, I’ve long touted the benefits of networking. And, I don’t just mean attending events, but getting involved with the various organizations that are available in the Boulder community.
In their book, Marketing Your Consulting and Professional Services, authors Dick Connor and Jeffrey Davidson maintain that if you, “Visit any metro area and attend a local meeting of the Red Cross, International Rotary. . . or other civic, professional, or charitable groups, undoubtedly, you will meet many of the area’s most successful professionals. Successful professionals know that giving of their time freely is an excellent way to be of service to the community and to help build the firm.”
And, in their book, Marketing Your Service Business, Jean Withers and Carol Vipperman explained, “Joining just two organizations of people who might be prospective clients can provide referrals and new business.”
So, if you’re a Realtor who is online typing away on ActiveRain, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or whatever your social media of choice, good for you. However, don’t forget to put yourself OUT THERE in the public among potential prospects who might just appreciate meeting you in person, having the opportunity to shake your hand and laugh together outloud instead of “LOL” online.
There are MANY organizations available that hold networking events and/or need your involvement on a committee or council.
Between Boulder & Denver there are numerous choices that include:
• Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce
• Boulder Chamber of Commerce
• Business and Professional Women (BPW)
• Several Rotary clubs
• ToastMasters
• Leads Clubs
• And more.
Check out your community. In addition to your local Chamber of Commerce and non-profit organizations you may have numerous trade associations – from real estate organizations (i.e. Boulder Area REALTOR® Association) to advertising and/or marketing associations (i.e. Rocky Mountain Direct Marketing Assocation or the Business Marketing Association).
See what’s available to you and go meet some new faces – up close and personal. And, while you’re at it, HAVE FUN!
As the article in Pacific Business News put it, it’s “More fun, productive than cold-calling.”
Source: Chiem, L. “As business slows, networking accelerates.” Pacific Business News, 3/13/2009
A former 26-year Boulder resident, Debra Jason is a freelance copywriter who started her business, The Write Direction, in Boulder in 1989. In addition, she is also a Realtor-Associate with Na Pali Properties, based on Kauai, HI. With 20 years of experience operating her own marketing business, she combines her creative skills with selling real estate in an effort to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals. When paradise is calling you, you may call Debra direct at (888)449-0815 or contact her via e-mail at dajason@hawaii.rr.com, Get Kauai’s latest listings e-mailed to you weekly when you sign up on Debra’s Web site at www.kauaihawaii-realestate.com/boulder.html
Spring Optimism
According to the BARA, the Boulder Area Realtor Association, home sales in Boulder in the first quarter of 2009 were down 50% compared to the same period in 2008. Erie home sales were down 33%, Longmont was down 26 percent, and both Louisiville and Lafayette were down 23%. Boulder showed only 76 buyers closing on homes in the first quarter.
Pretty daunting statistics for anyone looking to sell their property. However all is not gloom and doom. In Broomfield the number of homes sold in the first quarter was up 16%.
Some local realtors are recommending caution but are not without optimism. They say the phones have started ringing a little more often and many calleras have questions about the market and what the professionals see happening.
Of course many people still are hesitant to make any kind of decision because things are still so unsettled in the economy. People are not only losing jobs but those who are still employed are taking cuts in pay.
It will certainly be interesting for all of us to see what this next quarter brings. Spring typically means a boost in business for a lot of us. Let’s hope that is true in 2009!
Spring Cleanup
Of course you make sure your home is neat and clean and ready to show to potential buyers if you have it on the market. Is a tidy home enough?
One thing to consider is setting the stage. Remember you are not just selling a house, you are selling a home. Some of the tips realtors recommend are putting fresh flowers in some of the rooms. Don’t overdue it but make it look natural. Scents are also very important. Sense memory is one of the strongest. It may seem corny but baking a pie or cookies or even having some pot pourri bubbling on the stove can really make an impression when someone comes through the door.
The other thing to thing about is making sure your yard looks good. The windows are sparkling, the gutters are clean, the weeds are pulled. Curb appeal is extremely important especially in a down market.
We have some great professionals in our Consumer Services Guide that can help you with all of your spring clean-up needs. Check us out online or in print!
Zillow partnership
In this tough economic time advertisers need to continue to market their properties aggressively. We at the Camera want to help you market your listings and sell your properties.
To this end we have partnered with the online real estate site Zillow.com. Zillow is a relatively new site but has already moved up to be the number to homes for sale website.
Through our partnership with Zillow we have several options to offer you. You can run a featured listing on Zillow for a full thirty days for only $20. A featured listing means your property moves up to the top of a list when potential buyers are searching for property.
One of the concerns we hear about Zillow is regarding estimated property value that appears on the site. Zillow calls this a “zestimate” and there are several places on the site that lets potential buyers know that it is only an estimate and does not reflect the actual price.
Please call one of our real estate professionals today and let us help you market your properties.
Susan Lind 303-473-1452
Kelly Hendershot 303-473-1171
Vickie Lane 303-473-1376
