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Blog Details for "Active Brad"
Active Brad Active Brad The Stuff You Won't Find On Any Other Website or Blog! Your resource for Real Estate Technology, Marketing, Video, Blogging tips, Computer tricks and Social Media and Networking.. 
Articles
Successful Blogging in the Real Estate Industry
2007-08-09 06:35:00 So now you are a Blogger on Active Rain! You create content, you write, you post, you read, you comment, but do you ever wonder...where does my Blogging go from here? Is this as good as it gets? Should I have more than one Blog? My answer to you is yes! Every single person and panelists that I met in San Francisco at the Real Estate Connect last week, ALL had a Blog or write for a Blog outside of Active Rain. Don't get me wrong, I think that Blogging in the rain is great, in fact I will always be an Active Rain Alumni, but eventually, you should consider a Blog out in the Blogosphere too. Have you noticed that many of the Active Rain writers and Bloggers all have their own personal Blogs too? The reason I keep coming back to Active Rain is for the SEO, the relationships and the comments, among many other reasons which I'll share with you in a moment. I have to say, writing 10 p... More About: Real Estate , Industry
Roundtable Focus Group | Visits the Deferred Sales Trust Strategy
2007-08-07 09:40:00 Today we held a meeting in Walnut Creek, CA. to introduce a strategy known as the "Deferred Sales Trust " to a group of elite Executive Level Brokers and Realtors. The program was sponsored by QFN out of Sacramento, CA. The CEO / PRESIDENT Daniel Ahmad was the presenter of this optional strategy for Sellers, that can also be used all across the Country. We had 13 Top Producing REALTORS / BROKERS from both Contra Costa and Solano Counties in attendance. There were several reasons we wanted to introduce this strategy, and have a group of trusted and reputable Real Estates Professionals as a focus group:1. To provide the ability to help sellers with this new "Deferred" tax strategy2. To open new opportunities and doors which will increase listings and referral business3. To help agents get educated on the DST in the event a seller may have been introduced to it by their CPA or Financial Planner, or heard about it from a family member or neighbor (no surprises)The group met for about... More About: Strategy , Focus , Group
The Deferred Sales Trust Strategy
2007-07-31 00:26:00 Why is this man so Angry even after he sold his property? Because No One Told Him He Could Have... Avoided paying current capital gainsEliminated current depreciation recaptureInvested more sale money by eliminating current taxesEnjoyed lifetime income from the salePassed the assets to heirs, estate and gift tax free All By Using A Deferred Sales Trust !You've all heard of TIC (tenants in common), and the 1031 Exchange, but I bet you have not heard of the DST. What is it? Why do you need to know about it? To help those sellers who don't want to sell because of the possible tax ramifications that could come from the sale of their home. This is a great way to help your sellers with capitol gains tax and other financial issues when it comes to deciding if they want to sell or not. I am currently working with a company out of Sacramento called QFN. They are helping me to educate the Real E... More About: Strategy , Rust , Rate
What is a Legacy?
2007-07-25 07:31:00 What is your Legacy ? Is it your name remembered by an action, a quote, or a change to the world? I have finally made another "life" discovery! It's not about me and my legacy, it's about what I will leave behind one day. What contributions I have made to the world with the miracles given me. THESE PAST DAYS THAT ROCKED MY WORLDI just spent this entire past weekend moving my baby, that's right, my 21 year old baby son Sean, down to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. That's about 4 1/2 hours from our home. This was one of the most emotional and overwhelming experiences of my life! One of the most Happy/Sad moments I have ever experienced. We drove all his things down in a u-haul truck, moved him into his new apartment, took a walking tour of the campus, stocked his fridge, purchased his supplies, and then waved goodbye as these two grown men, father and son... cried! I will never forget his face with those tears in his eyes, and a smile from ear to ear. I don't think I wi...
Soaring With the EAGLES!
2007-07-17 23:24:00 Today, I want to formally welcome a relatively "New Member" to Active Rain. His name is Francisco Gutierrez from San Diego, California. He actually joined "The Rain" back in February and has been busy servicing the Southern California Market for First American Title! When I saw his "Profile Page", I was very impressed with how he structured it. What a useful tool for his clients and yours. Please join me and welcome him, maybe we'll get another post out of him! (No Pressure Francisco) LOL! Welcome Aboard!!I normally post information to try and help other members and my invited Active Rain guests, but today, I have decided to take advantage of this opportunity. I would be remiss if I didn't share this information with you. I am proud to work for a company that has been on a growth spurt since 1889. That's a long time. There are two things I'd l... More About: Eagles , Soaring , Eagle , The Eagles , Soar
Soaring With EAGLES - Flying High, Proud, yet Humble!
2007-07-17 23:24:00 Today, I want to formally welcome a relatively "New Member" to Active Rain. His name is Francisco Gutierrez from San Diego, California. He actually joined "The Rain" back in February and has been busy servicing the Southern California Market for First American Title! When I saw his "Profile Page", I was very impressed with how he structured it. What a useful tool for his clients and yours. Please join me and welcome him, maybe we'll get another post out of him! (No Pressure Francisco) LOL! Welcome Aboard!!I normally post information to try and help other members and my invited Active Rain guests, but today, I have decided to take advantage of this opportunity. I would be remiss if I didn't share this information with you. I am proud to work for a company that has been on a growth spurt since 1889. That's a long time. There are two things I'd l... More About: Eagles , Flying , High , Soaring , Humble
The Real Estate Roller Coaster Video - History of Home Prices since 1890
2007-07-13 11:26:00 This Roller Coaster Graph is an actual graph showing the Real Estate Market Prices from 1890 to PRESENT! Take a ride through history on this clever creation, and see what kind of breath taking experience we have experienced over the years! Be sure to watch the lower right corner under the youtube logo to see what year you're actually in. At the end of the video, it shows the graph from which this video analogy or metaphor was created. WOW! Finally a ride and post we can all enjoy, and then go get a carmel apple or some cotton candy! LOL! The question after this ride is, "What loops, turns, drops, tunnels and climbs do the next 10 years hold for Real Estate Home prices?" The thing to remember that is the most important..."ENJOY THE RIDE!"Be sure to check out the NEW GROUP - "Active Rain Virtual Tours" for your next great Real Estate Ride using "Virtual Tours." Let's get the video rolling on Active Rain!! It's time for Lights, Cameras, and Action!All Content Copyright Prot... More About: Video , History
The National Real Estate Market Report - July 2007
2007-07-09 10:18:00 When I joined Active Rain, it was for many reasons, one of which was to connect with others across the globe to get a feel of what the Real Estate Market is doing in other areas. I also wanted to make connections with other members and build relationships to network business and referrals. I have learned that geographically, our areas are very different in respect to the Market Conditions and in many cases, much the same. I'd like to capture and share this data and information with other subscribers and viewers that might be interested. Primarily for possible investors, buyers, sellers, or even relocation employees of both small and large Corporations. Over 70% of all buyers National ly, start their quest with the Internet.The National Association of Realtors and other State Associations do provide "Market Condition" reports either quarterly or annually. Data-quick in many areas, also does the same type of leng... More About: Real Estate , Real Estate Market
The I-Phone is Here...Can You Say Hello?
2007-06-29 23:27:00 The Brand New iPhone is now available to be purchased. They are calling this the new "Revolutionary Phone!" Many Agents, Lenders, and Clients in my area are now considering this new "Realtool for Realty" for their business and personal use. They have questions and are looking to me for some answers. I don't have any.....yet!! :-( Well, just what's here.It is too new for me to provide enough detailed information regarding the technical aspects and applications of the iPhone. Are you ready to make a purchase on the new iPhone by Apple? If so, I'd love to hear your thoughts about how it might help or contribute to your success in business. I have seen many of their commercials, read some reviews, and now I am looking to you for your thoughts and opinions.See A Well Made Demo for iPhone - DetailsIf you'd like the Tech Specs on the iPhone - DetailsMy understanding is that AT&T has the exclus... More About: Hello
The California Foreclosure Process & Timeline
2007-06-27 08:59:00 The following time-line is applicable for California Non-Judicial Foreclosure s under a deed of trust. Foreclosures begin when the Trustor (borrower) does not make the monthly payment to the Beneficiary (Lender). The first missed payment is a technical default, but in practical terms, most Beneficiaries do not begin the process until the third payment is missed. If the Beneficiary cannot resolve the defaulted payment amount with the Trustor through forbearance or other loss mitigation measures, the Beneficiary will instruct the Trustee to begin foreclosure proceedings.The Non - Judicial Foreclosure Timeline - CaliforniaDay 1Record "Notice of Default"Within 10 DaysWithin 10 days of recording the Notice of Default, copies of the recorded document (NOD) are mailed to the Trustor(s) and anyone requesting Special Notice.Within 1 MonthNotice of Default is mailed to parties, pursuant to California Civil Code 2924(c)After 3 MonthsAt the end of 3-month, prepublication period, the Lender ... More About: Sure , Process
The Foreclosure Process & Timeline - California
2007-06-27 08:59:00 The following time-line is applicable for California Non-Judicial Foreclosure s under a deed of trust. Foreclosures begin when the Trustor (borrower) does not make the monthly payment to the Beneficiary (Lender). The first missed payment is a technical default, but in practical terms, most Beneficiaries do not begin the process until the third payment is missed. If the Beneficiary cannot resolve the defaulted payment amount with the Trustor through forbearance or other loss mitigation measures, the Beneficiary will instruct the Trustee to begin foreclosure proceedings.The Non - Judicial Foreclosure Timeline - CaliforniaDay 1Record "Notice of Default"Within 10 DaysWithin 10 days of recording the Notice of Default, copies of the recorded document (NOD) are mailed to the Trustor(s) and anyone requesting Special Notice.Within 1 MonthNotice of Default is mailed to parties, pursuant to California Civil Code 2924(c)After 3 MonthsAt the end of 3-month, prepublication period, the Lender c... More About: Line , Sure
Update Your Verizon Wireless Handsets - Can You Hear Me Now?
2007-06-19 20:38:00 New PRL code is effective as of June 11th Periodically Verizon will update the Preferred Roaming Code on the handsets that are in use. A Preferred Roaming List(PRL) is software that resides in a dual, tri-mode, or all digital handsets that identify direct Verizon markets, Verizon Partnership markets, and markets where Verizon Wireless has an active roaming agreement. The purpose of the PRL is to direct a handset to the best available network to place and receive calls throughout the United States.Verizon offers this service to help customers use the new towers and cell sites put into service throughout each year.To take advantage of the new towers and cell sites, you can update your phone's "PRL" code by doing the following to each handset: For regular phones and Blackberry Units (Non-Treo handsets) While the phone is powered on, press *22891 press the "send" key or the key that dials the calls from the phone You will hear... More About: Hear , Verizon Wireless , Update
Active Rain on Inman TV - A Congratulations Post!
2007-06-09 15:48:00 Way to go Matt and Jonathan. I was totally jazzed to see you guys in this interview with Bradley Inman on TV. I was snooping through Inman news tonight, getting caught up on some reading, when I came across this video feed. I'm not sure how, and in fact, I can't even find it again on youtube. Luckily, I have the html code here so I can find it again later. CONGRATULATIONS!! I gave it a 5-star rating, and I was only the 5th viewer on youtube. So, my blogging fingers got a little excited, and have taken over my keyboard. I just had to share this with everybody, it was toooo cool. Hopefully, this will get you a few more hits on youtube and some SEO love! Are you guys ready to be stars?! I'm talkin Larry King Live, CNN, and MSNBC. I'm thinkin Dr. Phil and Oprah will just have to get in line. You guys are going to be rich and famous!!! I just know it!! After watching this, it made me proud to be a member of Active Rain ! I look forward to what the future holds for ... More About: Post , Tula , Ratu
Like, Trust and Satisfaction - Priciples of Life
2007-05-29 13:37:00 I once heard someone say, "If they like you, they'll listen to you, but if they trust you, they'll do business with you." It didn't really hit me until recently, when I was at a campground with my family, and we found this to be very true. We realized how much we LIKE Pinecrest Campground, We TRUST it's safe there, and we are always SATISFIED, and have a blast when we go each year. We even make reservations 6 months in advance, because they are so booked up. When you really think about it, every decision, we as humans make, is based on these 3 principles:Like Trust Satisfaction Eve rything that we do in life is ALL about liking it, trusting it, and being satisfied. Every choice you make on a daily basis, starts with "like". Your job, your car, favorite restaurants, hair stylist, your clothes, your vacation, favorite drink, food, and even your husband or wife. If you didn'... More About: Life , Rust
It's a language, and new way of communication! LOL, L8R, and TTFN... :
2007-05-27 05:40:00 Have you noticed that many Bloggers, and other Internet users, have a very different form of communication these days? It is the use of symbols, combinations of letters, and numbers on their Blogs, comments, text messages, emails and other forms of Internet communications. What do all these things mean? I happen to use " :-) " alot! Maybe even too much, but it means I am smiling, and I think that's a good thing. I also use (LOL) but only when I am really "laughing out loud". I had a Realtor friend in my area ask me just the other day, "what does :-) mean?" So I have decided to create a post about this "New Age Cyberspace Comm unication "! Do you know what these symbols and combinations of text mean? If you are a newbie at this, or even a veteran Internet user, you may want to know what each of these converts to, other than the fact... More About: Language
Kiwanis - Fundraiser a Success!
2007-05-25 07:19:00 Today was the annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament Fund-raiser held at Mare Island Golf Course at Mare Island in Solano County, CA. This is the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi. The efforts and contributions made today, helped to raise over $15,000.00 for local non-profit charities in and around Solano County. Four scholarships were given to Benicia High School students who had been selected by the Kiwanis based on certain criteria and accomplishments. These included, but were not limited to community service and events, GPA scores, and overall academic achievements. Donations were also made to the "RELAY for LIFE" charity where funds are used to research and develop a cure for cancer. This is a group on a mission. The Real Estate community in Solano County is a huge supporter of this worthy and much needed charity. Everyone has or knows someone who is affected by this terrible disease, we must continue to find a cure.... More About: Success , Fundraiser
Why Do You Blog? - What's In It for You?
2007-05-22 00:43:00 If you select other, please explain in your comments. More About: Blog
The Battle of the Bay!
2007-05-21 06:25:00 Today was the Giants vs A's game at the Oakland Coliseum (now called McAfee), and we were all suited up with tickets and ready to go. The truck was packed, kids were dressed, tickets in hand and we were off for a fun and exciting day. As we drove toward the stadium, I couldn't help but remember an historical event that took place when these two teams met back in 1989.Do you remember the 1989 earthquake that hit the Bay Area and levelled many parts of the city? I remember it clearly. The San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's were meeting for the World Series Championship. At 5:05pm on a Friday October 17th, the BIG ONE Hit. 7.1 magnitude. I will never forget it. Being at the game today reminded me of that day back in "89" and how it pulled apart the Bay Area, but at the same time, pulled us all together, much like 911.The Bay Bridge had sections literally collapse, the Cypress Struc... More About: Battle
A Rare Photo... a life lesson!
2007-05-20 05:49:00 I have always wanted to capture a photo of a "hummingbird in flight", but it is almost impossible. If you're a photographer, you know what I mean. I went into the backyard this afternoon to help my son do the yard-work, and we noticed that the bougainvillea tree needed some trimming. As I got closer to the thorny limbs, I noticed a hummingbird sitting on the branch not two feet away from me. Getting a shot like this was like capturing lightning on film. Definately a rare photo opportunity.I slowly backed away, ran into the house, grabbed my Panasonic with the Leica lens, and managed to return before the bird had received clearance from flight control. This time, he let me come within a foot to capture this shot just before he flew away. These birds are FAST! In two seconds, he/she was gone!! I took 40 shots in burst mode and got a couple really good ones from different angles.&... More About: Photo , Life , Rare , Less , Lesson
Active Rains Shortest Post - but it will live the longest in your memory!
2007-05-19 05:14:00 ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; This affects 30,000,000 people a year Nationally! ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; ; &nbs p; ; &nbs p; &nb... More About: Memory , Post , Live , Short , Memo
RELAY - The Baton has been passed!
2007-05-18 20:50:00 The Solano Association of Realtors is proud to now offer RELAY as a local member benefit. All Realtor membersof the Solano Association of Realtors are now entitled to a FREE RELAY account. The normal cost is $149.00 peragent, per year, if you are not a local member. What is RELAY?RELAY is the easy internet tool for real estate transactions. Realtors can complete transactions online using a secure, custom transaction website. RELAY is owned by both the California Association of Realtors, and the National Association of Realtors and run by REBT. Document Management - Easily update, track and save the latest version of every document.Custom Branding - Your Brokerage Banner appears at the top of every transaction.24/7 Access- Securely access and manage your transactions from any Internet connection.Broker Sign Up!Sign up for your custom RELAY site. Whether you have one agent in you... More About: Pass , Been , Has Been
Do You Have "ICE" on your cell phone?
2007-05-18 06:28:00 We all carry our mobile phones with hundreds of names and numbers stored in the memory but yet nobody, other than ourselves, know which of these numbers belong to our nearest and dearest ones? In case we are ever involved in an accident, or if we had a heart attack, and the people tending to us get hold of our mobile phones, they don't know which number to call to inform our family members. Yes, there are many numbers stored, but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? For this reason, we must have one or more telephone numbers stored under the name ICE (In Case of Emergency) in our mobile phones. The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is simple, and an important method of contact during emergency situations. Cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, just store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency as "ICE&q... More About: Phone , Cell Phone , Cell-phone
Legislative Day 2007 - Arnold Schwarzenegger - Are You Coming?
2007-05-18 05:03:00 Hello everyone, I wanted all of the members, realtors, committee chairs and directors to have access to this in case you plan on attending this event. Hope to see you at the Region IV luncheon on June 6. If you are planning on attending the Leslie Appleton-Young luncheon June 7, 2007, you will need to register for the Expo and purchase tickets from CAR.org. There is a tentative Caucus Schedule for the business meetings being held that week in Sacramento. There will also be a Northern California Chapter CRB (Certified Residential Brokers) meeting &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; ; and Luncheon at the Convention Center on Friday. I Look forward to seeing you there! More About: Schwarzenegger , Arnold Schwarzenegger , Arnold , Legi , Ming
The Ultimate Tool Box
2007-05-17 18:10:00 How does your tool box look these days? A good tool box, and the tools in it, are crucial to getting any job done right! What tools do you need for yourself? How about your buyers and sellers? Is your toolbox available online? What new tools are available?This is my ULTIMATE ONLINE TOOL BOX. It is for YOU to use. If you're a Realtor, Lender, Buyer, Seller, Broker, Builder or Investor, there are tools in this box for you!| About Us:Strength and StabilityThe CorporationWhat's AvailableThe Homeowners ClubWhy First American Title?Meet The TeamWhy The Vallejo TeamOur Family of CompaniesCompare our Eagle PolicySee What's CookinStrategic MarketingEscrow, How It Get's DoneThe OnlineTool Box:Online Customer ServiceFASTWeb - Property ProfilesAgent First - Online Transaction ManagerFATCO.biz - NOD's, NOT's, REO'sBlank Forms - Deeds, Quitclaims, Interspousal etc.Title Fees Schedule - Calculate fees in any StateReal Estate ... More About: Ultimate , The U
Napa Valley - Where everybody Wines...
2007-05-15 07:29:00 Have you been to the Napa Valley lately? We travelled to Napa on Mothers Day to treat "Mom" (my wife) for her special day. One of her favorite places to go is a winery that we like to visit regularly. We have both been so busylately, we haven't had the chance to really go visit in a while, so the kids and I decided to take her there.The one we really like, is just a few miles past Napa in a quaint little town called St. Helena, CA. If you ever makeit to the west coast, this area is a must see. Some of the best wines in the world come from right here off these vines. The Winery is called V. Sattui. They have a great deli withimported cheeses, deli meats, and a choice selection of wines that can only be bought at the winery, or shipped toyou if you're a club member. They have a great picnic area, with tables setup all over the property for guests. Mothers Day was packed. It was like every moth... More About: Wines , Where , Napa Valley
The Nor Cal Real Estate Expo - Solano County Fairgrounds
2007-05-13 10:44:00 I just spent 2 out of 3 days in a place where normally horses race, cows graze, clowns surround and balloons abound, but not this time. There were no carnival rides, pink popcorn, screaming kids or even petting zoos. That's because this was not your traditional Solano County Fair! Instead, it was the very first ever..... &n bsp; & nbsp; ; Northern California Real Estate Expo at the Solano County Fairgrounds held this weekend, May 11 -13. What an unbelievable event! No Kidding, this was like nothing any of us ever expected. There were some greatspeakers there, but a bit shy on the crowds. We got to see some of our favorite clients and co-workers, and I definitely ate too much food. I broke down our booth tonight because tomorrow is mothers day and you allknow what tha... More About: Real Estate
Solano County Information Center
2007-05-09 06:46:00 If you are interested in relocating or moving into Solano Count y , here is some great information for you.Solano County is a county located in central part of the U.S. state of California, about halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento and is one of the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. As of 2005 its population was 411,593. The county seat is Fairfield.Here is a link to more historyabout Solano, it's geography, cities and environment.Weather you work, live or are just visiting Solano County, here's a link you don't want to miss. Here is a list of links to important and valuable information about our County. You will find this to be very useful,even if you are a long time existing resident.Solano County Weather The Solano County Superior CourtThe Solano County Office of EducationSolano County Employment OpportunitiesSolano County Property Tax Information The Solano County Business DirectoryThe Solano County FairgroundsThe Solano C... More About: Center , Lano
Outstanding "In Their Field"
2007-05-08 11:04:00 I have been wanting to do this for a long time. Here's my 75th post and Tribute! These are the #1 "Featured Agents" in the industries they serve, based on Active Rain points! Check out their blogs, there's some really great stuff here and some really awesome people. This post probably won't last more than 15 minutes before someone passes someone else, but here is your 15 minutes of Active Rain Fame! :-) &n bsp; & nbsp; ; &nbs p; &nb sp; &n bsp; & nbsp; ; &nbs p; These folks are "Outstanding In Their Field s".&n... More About: Standing , Stand
Photos and Graphics and Clip-Art Oh My...
2007-05-06 05:31:00 Some of the best posts and blogs I have ever viewed, stood out more because of the photos and graphics. Many of my posted photos are taken by me, but what about some of those awesome graphics and clipart you see in many blogs? Where do these people find these creative and post-related cool graphics? Some photos and images are protected by copyright laws and SHOULD NEVER be used in your blog or on your website. However, there are many websites that also offer FREE graphics, photos, backgrounds and clipart.Search google for a specific item, and then only select images, graphics and photos that are public domain and not copyright protected or stamped by an author, website, or company. Since we all have camera phones with digital cameras, and many of us take our own photos, it would be nice to have a place on Active Rain that allowed members to contribute and access graphics and photos for their posts. Until then, there is plenty out there to choose fro... More About: Graphics , Photos , Clip , Graph
Cinco De Mayo
More articles from this author:2007-05-05 21:23:00 Cinco De Mayo might mean many things to many people. Regardless, I wanted to wish you all a safe and happy May 5th, 2007. As I work more and more with many people and cultures, I have come to respect and appreciate ALL cultures, their lifestyles, and their ways of life. We are surrounded by a wonderful world of ethnic diversity. I find it fascinating, and think it is important to understand how the Real Estate industry can better understand and support the needs of all nationalities, colors and race. There is so much to learn about ALL people, their upbringing, their beliefs and lifestyles. Working with a company that puts a great amount of research and money into emerging markets, I feel fortunate and blessed to work with and learn about different cultures and people, and be able to make a living while doing it. There are so many products and services online that will teach you about cultures, languages, and even the holid... More About: Cinco de Mayo 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
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