Camera Homes» Denver “On the Verge of Recovery” | Camera Homes Boulder, CO

Denver “On the Verge of Recovery”

karla martin — Wed, 20 May 2009 18:12:08 +0000

Yesterday, “Today Show” real estate contributor Barbara Corcoran, listed Denver as the number one city on the road to recovery. The top five cities were listed as Denver, Raleigh, Austin, Seattle and San Francisco.

According to Corcoran, the signs of recovery include:

Job Growth Opportunity

Growing Population

Good Weather

Abundance of First-Time Buyers

No Overbuilding of Condos or Office Spaces

Vital Downtowns

Well-Educated Population

Large Number of Foreclosures, Early in the Downturn

View the “Today Show” video clip at:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30825142#30825142

2009 Flatirons Tour of Homes Coming Soon~

mary romano — Tue, 19 May 2009 22:57:49 +0000

Go to www.flatironstourofhomes.com

Signs of recovery?

karla martin — Sat, 02 May 2009 03:16:00 +0000

With the latest new home sales report this week, I see signs of positive and continuing change.

The Denver metro area experienced the second highest week of sales traffic since early October, the highest number of home sales since last May and better sales conversions than we have seen since June of 2007.

Great reasons to live in Colorado

karla martin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:49:45 +0000

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 20^th 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

karla martin — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 01:22:01 +0000

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

mary romano — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 16:44:20 +0000

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