Welcome to Wichita Falls, TX!
https://activerain.com/blogs/lakelivingston
2012-07-29T15:10:09Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
The Power of Words for the Professional...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/3392048/the-power-of-words-for-the-professional---
2012-07-29T15:10:09Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
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<p><img title="What did you say?" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/1/3/4/ar134362427043198.jpg" height="325" alt="What did you say?" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: left;"><big><span style="font-size: large;">We all know that words spoken, inflection of voice and timing all have a great deal to do with our POWER OF COMMUNICATION. </span></big></p>
<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">What one person hears may come across as totally different from another person that hears the same thing. Remember the old game where we would sit in a circle and whisper a line in the next person's ear? The beginning line could be as simple as:</span></big></p>
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<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">John and Mary laughed together at the dinner table.<br><br> And, then by the time that line gets to the final person they have to announce what the line was. To the final person the line was...<br><br> John and Mary flirted after dinner. <br><br> So, okay they are close but not dead ringers! How we would laugh at that game as a child! <br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">Today though, each and every spoken word to our clients must be clear and meticulous</span>. The POWER OF WORDS have the ability to change a persons perspective completely. In our business today, whether it is selling a home, helping a client to purchase a home, announcing the details of an inspection of a home or just showing a home...THE POWER OF WORDS can make or break your client's decision and their future. <br><br> The phsycology of words is a bit complicated but easy to learn!<br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">You see,</span> I just told you that it's complicated which may make you not want to learn or understand and then <span style="text-decoration: underline;">TOTALLY NEGATED</span> the statement with a <span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT</span>. That little conjunction is a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> powerful word</span>. <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Within a sentence the word BUT completely negates what was just said...</span><br><br> It would be like saying, "I love you .<span style="font-weight: bold;">..but..</span>." which places a different term or a contingency on the first statement. <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">How and what does this have to do with Real Estate?Everything, my friends!</span> "I love you "but"...well, not really <span style="font-weight: bold;">because this and that could be better</span>. My friends, either you love or you don't. Simple as that.<img title="Power of Communication" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/8/8/4/ar134362442348803.jpg" height="325" alt="Power of Communication" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: right;"><br><br><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">No "Buts" about it. </span><br><br><span style="font-weight: bold;">This home IS exactly what you want...BUT...it isn't on the cul-de-sac.</span> Bad, bad bad...Try this one. This home is exactly what you want! It is at the end of the street which is just as good as being on the cul-de-sac! <span style="font-weight: bold;">(then heads are nodding and you are that much closer to the sale!)</span> </span></big></p>
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<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">How do you ask for the sale? Your clients are very insecure most likely and you have to keep that in mind. Do you say, "are you ready to fill out the contract?"...or do you have the savvy to say, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>"let's get your new home secured".</strong></span> See the difference? First of all your clients are insecure with a combination of "wanting" and "being afraid they may not get" the home they are bidding for. For you to say to your client that you are helping "secure" their home, you are also "securing" the client with hope, belief and trust...<br><br> More examples: "Would you like to view the house?" <br> No, "Would you like to view what could be your new home?"<br><br> Ready to go house shopping?<br> No, "Are you ready to fall in love with your new home?" <br><br> Wow! That's a pretty dress! ("so what? she says...there was a full rack of them")<br></span></big></p>
<p><big><span style="font-size: large;">No, Try, "Wow, you look great in that dress..." <br><big><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">This gives the credit to the person you are complementing and not just the dress...all of life works this way.</span></big><br><br><br><br></span><big><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, take those POWER WORDS and make things happen! You and I both know WE CAN.<br><br> Later in the Rain,<br> Deb Alayne!<br></span></span></big></big><small><br></small> <big style="color: #663300;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Wichita Falls For Deb "Alayne" Brooks' Real Estate!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/3382865/wichita-falls-for-deb--alayne--brooks--real-estate-
2012-07-20T16:13:03Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big><big><big style="color: #330099;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img title="Deb " src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/4/9/5/7/ar134283018575947.gif" height="200" alt="Deb " width="200" style="margin: 20px; float: left;">So very many of my great friends have contacted me with the huge question<em><strong>..."where are you?"</strong>.</em> This has happened many times the last few months and I'm finally going to spill the beans. </span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big style="color: #330099;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have never separated from ActiveRain in heart but I guess I did in mind. Mind? Even I am afraid to access mine at this point as it is quite Abby-Normal...okay, no wise guys!! <br> <br> My life has changed for the better, I assure you.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big style="color: #330099;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am now single and exploring the world from only my point of view. This is not anything I would wish upon anyone but I am strong and am loving my life! <br> <br> I up and moved from The Great Piney Woods to <strong>Wichita Falls, Texas</strong>. Why? It was a lightening bolt from God that told me to go. I am close to much family that is so dear to me and again, "I am loving life". <br> <br> Brooks Prime Properties, LLC is still going strong and I have taken a hands-off approach. I am now a <a href="http://www.remax-elitegroup-wichitafalls-tx.com/remaxtx/modules/office/office.asp?p=featuredproperties.asp" title="RE/MAX ELITE GROUP" target="_self"><strong>Proud</strong> <strong>REALTOR<span style="font-size: medium;">®</span> WITH RE/MAX ELITE GROUP OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS</strong>.<br> <br></a> I joined the Debra West Team which brings up why I am going by "ALAYNE" Brooks now.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big style="color: #330099;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> <img title="Lot's of Debbie's here!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/7/8/5/ar134283040458709.jpg" height="73" alt="Lot's of Debbie's here!" width="178" style="margin: 10px; float: left;">There were already three...<img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/2/9/8/ar134283046989212.jpg" height="73" width="178" style="margin: 20px; float: left;">count them...3 agents including a Broker by the name of Debra.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big style="color: #330099;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yes, and they were <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/6/5/2/ar134283053225629.jpg" height="73" width="178" style="margin: 20px; float: left;">spelled the same. I may have seen that as a sign BUT NOW MY SIGN IS...<br> <img title="Deb Alayne Brooks is now a RE/MAX Elite Realtor! Love Wichita Falls, Texas" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/1/1/ar134283008511423.jpg" height="142" alt="Deb Alayne Brooks is now a RE/MAX Elite Realtor!" width="370" style="margin: 20px; float: left;"><br> <br> Wichita Falls is a pretty town. It has a population of approximately 103,000 people, Midwestern University with a population of approximately 8,000 students and me. <br> <br> I thought I would include a quick sideshow of some of the shots I have gotten since being here. <br> <br> Not to worry. Quote from Arnold Schwarzenegger..."I'll be back!". Wish me luck with my new venture, my friends.<br><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" bgcolor="#ffffff">
<tr><td><a href="http://smilebox.com/play/4d7a49314e7a59354d6a4d3d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_playback_link" target="_blank"><img src="http://smilebox.com/snap/4d7a49314e7a59354d6a4d3d0d0a.jpg" height="330" alt="Click to play this Smilebox slideshow" width="420" style="border: medium none ;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a href="http://www.smilebox.com/?partner=googleaa&campaign=blog_snapshot" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.smilebox.com/globalImages/blogInstructions/blogLogoSmilebox.gif" height="46" alt="Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox" width="420" style="border: medium none ;"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td>Personalize your own <a href="http://www.smilebox.com/anytime-slideshows.html" target="_blank">slideshow design</a>
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</table> <br> Alayne...AKA: Deb, REALTOR<span style="font-size: medium;">®</span></span></big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Is it a "SAFE" act? Not anymore! Flippers Beware!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2993241/is-it-a--safe--act--not-anymore--flippers-beware-
2012-03-01T06:28:24Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">First, I must proclaim that I am NOT an Attorney and in no way am I attempting to give legal advice. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; text-decoration: underline;"> My question is, "how SAFE is it to owner finance in Texas?"</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <img title="Deb Brooks on Texas House Bill 10 Lake Conroe Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/9/8/0/ar13306406408969.JPG" height="225" alt="Deb Brooks on Texas House Bill 10 Lake Conroe Real Estate" width="225" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /></span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">I received a call from a friend yesterday and she was asking me about the potential of OWNER FINANCING her Texas home. She explained that a couple had viewed it and said their credit was not up to par and would the Seller consider holding the note.</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; text-decoration: underline;"> This answer was a no-brainer. It was a big fat "NO"</span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">. Their home is still mortgaged which caused the obvious problem. ARMS LENGTH MORTGAGES ARE ILLEGAL IN TEXAS. In fact, if you go into a contract stating you will finance the home for them and you consider it a sale, it is my understanding that your note holder will call your note due and payable immediately!!! If you've sold the house they want their money! </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="font-size: large;"><big style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE! HOUSE FLIPPERS BECOMING A DYING BREED...</big><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /></span> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">As Realtors, and Mortgage Pros and all of us that are involved with this business it seems we have to pay attention to LAWS OUTSIDE OF OUR PROFESSION to stay on top of things. Yes, yes, we all know this but with the changes being made every day it's tough to keep up.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <big style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Are you familiar with the 2010 "SAFE ACT" IN TEXAS HOUSE BILL 10?</span></big><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><small style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> “Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act”) <br /> </small><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /></span> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">I was not familiar and came across it quite by accident. What an eye opener it is. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;">The bill states that, Under the current code, owner-financiers must have a Residential Mortgage Loan Originator license from the Texas Savings and Mortgage Lending Department.<img title="Texas House Bill 10" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/9/4/9/5/ar133064055959496.JPG" height="325" alt="Texas House Bill 10" width="325" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /><br /> <br /> </span><span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Once upon a time we were allowed up to 5 transactions a year...kind of like flipping cars. This restriction is just unimaginable! It seems to me that if the sales took place at a legal Title Company with legal paperwork, the government shouldn't be able to tell us what we can or cannot sell!!!!!! Come on now! They are now saying not even ONE owner finance per year with a few exceptions. </span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">EXCEPTIONS:</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">If you own the home free and clear and it is your homestead.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">If you sell to a family member.</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Or, use a Third Party Mortgage Originator...there goes the profit!</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">AND IF YOU DO IT ANYWAY ARE THERE REPERCUSSIONS?</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Oh my, YES. If you are caught doing it anyway you are subject to a $25,000 fine, you may owe damages to the Buyer and well, isn't this all bad enough?</span><br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <br style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /> <span style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">So, FLIPPERS BEWARE!</span><small style="color: #000099; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <br /> </span></small> <br style="color: #000099;" /> </span></span></span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Take Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2760762/take-charge-of-your-attitude-and-sell-more-real-estate-
2012-01-25T10:18:35Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Take Charge of Your Attitude and Sell More Real Estate!<img title="Sell more Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/9/6/0/ar132753326106975.JPG" height="325" alt="Sell more Real Estate" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>IMHO...</big></big></p>
<p style="text-decoration: underline; color: #df5900;"><big><big>Our attitudes, as well as our thoughts, actions and the love we choose to give are all <strong>CHOICES.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>If you want a better attitude....make better choices.</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Be grateful there is work to be done. Boredom kills and challenges keep you "thinking".</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Quit grumbling and count your blessings.</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">We all have them.</span></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Thank our Nation for giving us the<strong> right and the choice to vote.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Thank our customers for being loyal.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><big><big>Offer to help a friend, colleague, or client with <strong>no expectations</strong>.</big></big></span></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Remind your clients that you will be there for them <strong>when they need you</strong>.</big></big></p>
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<p style="color: #df5900;"><big><big><big>Allow yourself only two kinds of days....<strong>good and great. It's your choice.</strong></big></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Your answer to, "how is business" should be <strong>"GREAT."</strong> (would you want to do business with a whiney, gripey, naysayer? Not me...</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Say, "thank you" with your heart.</strong> Even if you wish the outcome were different.</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Open</strong> your mind to alternative thinking...<strong>work the mind without judgement.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>Be glad to be here and others will be glad to be around you!</big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big> </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big>My list could go on for days...Just remember that if you place your best attitude forward you will acquire business. You are the kind of person everyone WANTS to work with. </big></big></p>
<p style="color: #df5900;"><big><big><big><big>And, I'm talking to myself here too! </big></big></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #196400;"><big><big><strong>Believe it. Live it.</strong></big></big></p>
<p style="color: #c68442;"><big><big> </big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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"Change" is a lot more than you find in your pocket!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2755100/-change--is-a-lot-more-than-you-find-in-your-pocket-
2012-01-24T05:02:17Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><big>Is anyone else's head spinning like mine? Geeze, everything is changing!</big> I realize that nothing remains the same but in the "good ole' days" they stayed the same for a lot longer. And, the changes were not just slammed in your face! Changes happened gradually with plenty of time and acceptance to get a grip on how we need to do things. In fact, gas prices did not jump so hard in a day! Fashions changed from a butterfly collar to a straight angled collar and the rest of the blouse was the same. One digit was added to our phone number at a time and our lives moved a lot slower.<br /><br />Children today, by the time they are two, are playing games on Smart Phones and learning to read on the computer. Computers and technology are simply a part of their lives and they adapt as easily as the wind shifts...</big></big><img title="ActiveRain is changing" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/1/4/0/ar132742766504171.JPG" height="325" alt="ActiveRain is changing" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /><br /><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Then there's me.</span><br /><br />And, probably a few of you too that just don't catch on that easily! <br /><br />I hit a button on FB the other day and up popped a screen I had never seen and I really hate the change! I want my own screen back but I can't find it. <big><big></big></big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><big><big>Now, I read and see that ActiveRain is going to start messing with my head too...why oh why must you do this to me ActiveRain???? </big></big></big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><big><big>I'm an old dog and it's tough to teach me new tricks!<img title="old dog, new tricks" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/9/6/8/ar132742776786952.JPG" height="225" alt="old dog, new tricks" width="225" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></big></big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><big><big> </big></big><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Okay, I know you are simply trying to make a great site better but take it slow and easy on us please! I understand that women in my age group, (still going on 39), are your heaviest users. Surely I can't be the only one worried about readapting!!!</span><br /><br />I have to think hard and heavy when I go to change clothes! <br /><br />I'm just a little worried and will attempt to learn without trepidation.<br /><br />I love you just the way you are! <big>Be gentle!</big></big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #24006d;"><big><a href="../../blogsview/2750679/a-new-look-and-feel-on-activerain-launches-on-tuesday-january-24">A New Look and Feel on ActiveRain Launches on Tuesday January 24</a></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Want to Ramp up Your Business Success in 2012? Join a Mastermind Group
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2747177/want-to-ramp-up-your-business-success-in-2012---join-a-mastermind-group
2012-01-22T06:07:14Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><p>This is ingenious...but I expect nothing less from Anna Banana! We all need to take part.</p>
<p>I am going to follow through on this and if you would like to be with my team please email me. We have a great deal of brainstorming to do!</p>
<p>Thank you so much Anna for your creativity!</p>
<p>Deb Brooks</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag"><blockquote><p><strong>Want to Ramp up your Business Success in 2012? Join a Mastermind Group</strong></p>
<p><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>What is a MasterMind Group? </strong></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong> </strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Passion, energy, support, commitment, synergy, harmony</strong>……..are all words to describe a <strong>Powerful <img title="Active Rain BananaTude Mastermind Groups" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/0/9/0/1/ar132675475010907.jpg" height="176" alt="http://activerain.com/groups/BananaTude" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" width="200" />Mastermind </strong>coming together to create something bigger then themselves. A mastermind will <strong>challenge</strong> members to create and accomplish ones goals, <strong>brainstorm </strong>for unique ways to build their businesses, and <strong>support </strong>each other with respect and honesty.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Think of your MasterMind group as your personal mentor/coach/best friend</strong> that will challenge you, praise you and kick your butt in a positive manner if need be. Now that can be a little scary if you’ve never participated in a Powerful Mastermind. I suggest that now is the time to get out on the edge – and jump into 2012 with passion! <strong>By trusting the process</strong> you will discover more than you imagined possible within your mastermind group.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/BananaTude" title="BananaTude Group" style="color: #1e77b9;">Join BananaTude Group </a></strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong style="text-align: center;">Small Group Mastermind Guidelines</strong></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><img title="Active Rain BananaTude Group MasterMinds" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/8/9/3/ar132675435739802.jpg" height="267" alt="http://activerain.com/groups/BananaTude" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" width="175" />Participation from each member is a key element</strong>. To chose members for your group think of those you know within the BananaTude group that are like you, that want to create more in their business and personal life and want to share their expertise with each other. Keep your group small – the recommended number is between<strong> 4 to 6 members</strong>. A smaller mastermind tends to create an optimum experience for all members and offers your mastermind a greater level of success throughout 2012.<br /> <strong> </strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Choose your Mastermind Partners Wisely!</strong> Look for people that you know will participate fully and stick with the group for 2012. Ask them questions and be sure you have a similar mind-set before you agree to starting a group. Most likely you know several potential members right now....so give them a call and get rocking. <strong>It's up to you to form your group!</strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong style="text-align: center;">Once you have formed your Mastermind Group - <a href="mailto:anna.banana@cox.net" title="Email Anna Banana">Email Anna Banana</a> - the group members names.</strong></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Each Mastermind group will decide the Vision and Focus of the group.</strong> Perhaps you’ll have a challenging situation to discuss and get feedback and suggestions from your peers. Or you might want to consider a topic that you all think about and share thoughts and ideas on and then blog on the topic either as a Mastermind group or individuals. The sky is the limit on ideas for topics for a Mastermind group.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Communication.</strong> You can<strong> email</strong> back and forth daily, weekly or whatever time works for all of your members. Some groups may like to<strong> Skype </strong>or create a <strong>Hang out</strong> call on Google. And there is always the old fashioned method, phone calls! Keep in mind that <strong>Communication from all members is the KEY</strong> to the success of your Mastermind group. Again, how and how often you communicate is up to your group.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>2 New Bananatude Activites for the Entire Group in 2012!</strong></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><strong><img title="Announcements for BananaTude Group" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/7/9/4/3/ar13267565034971.jpg" height="188" alt="http://activerain.com/groups/BananaTude" style="float: left; margin: 15px;" width="250" /></strong></p>
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<div><strong style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">1. Monthly Topic Discussions. </strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">We will develop monthly topics and invite each group and or each Bananatude member to think about and write a blog to share with each other on BananaTude. You can do this as a Mastermind Group and/or as a individual member. Your choice!</span></div>
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<div><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">2. Facebook Group for BananaTudes. </span></strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">I have created a Facebook page for<strong> BananaTude Members Only.</strong> It is a private group. Just like the AR group the Facebook group is a positive and respectful platform to share ideas and enjoy "coffee or happy hour time" together in relaxed manner. Please do share your thoughts, ideas, wisdom & humor freely! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">To Join BananaTude - <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Log into Facebook - Search for Banantudes</span> - Request to be a member</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
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<div><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;"><strong>PS The Facebook BananaTude Group is </strong>NOT about telling the world how many listings or contracts you have going today - Please Don't go there! <strong>WCID4U <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> WIFM or IIAAM!</strong> </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;">Bring on your Tude to Bananatude in 2012!</span></strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12px; color: #333333;"><br /></span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong style="color: #333333; font-size: 12px;"><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/BananaTude" title="BananaTude Group" style="color: #1e77b9;">Join BananaTude Group </a></strong></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></div>
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<p> </p></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Are we in Real Estate or Education?
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2741254/are-we-in-real-estate-or-education-
2012-01-20T12:58:07Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><big style="color: #000099;"><big><strong>Is a Realtors'</strong><span style="color: #000000; font-size: medium;">®</span><strong> profession Real Estate or Education?</strong></big></big></span></p>
<p><big style="color: #311000;"><big><big><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>The answer is BOTH.</strong></span> Part, <strong>a large part</strong>, is the educational process of the customers and clients. To define the positions of Realtors</big></big></big><big><big><big>®, and the insignia ®, one of the main duties would be to educate and watch the backs of the buyers. When a Realtor® receives a phone call or email contact from a person looking for a property, what should they do? Should they help the potential client learn about the business? Are Realtors® teaching them what they need to know?<img title="Teaching Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/8/8/5/3/ar132711053935884.JPG" height="325" alt="Teaching Real Estate" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 20px;" /><br /><br />Should the agent say, "sure, I'll show you" or should you say, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">"May we discuss what it takes to purchase a home?"</span><br /><br />Which statement is the right way to go? </big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big><span style="text-decoration: underline;">There is no need to answer.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big><strong>Great agents know the answer.</strong> </big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big><big>They could run and show the home to whomever chooses to want to see it or they could "QUALIFY" the customer/client and decide the best way to proceed. It is proven that the main way to proceed is to EDUCATE the interested party. <br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do agents want to show them something they can't have?</span> <br /><strong>No...</strong><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do agents want to spend their time (which equates to money) showing without qualifying properly?</span><br /><strong>No...</strong><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do agents want to create "desire" for a home that a client does not qualify for?</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Absolutely no...</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do agents want to disappoint their client or customer or waste their time?</span><br /><strong>Of course not...</strong><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Do agents want to send paperwork to a potential lender knowing they have a snowball's chance in "guess where?" to qualify?</span><br /><strong>Nope...</strong><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">These are all great reasons to qualify your client!</span><br /><br />But, here comes the Key that makes the Real Estate Professional an Educator/Teacher. Once it has been established that the client is qualified to purchase, the work begins.<br /><br /><strong>Remember to Teach the Specifics and the "Protocol of the Process...</strong>"</big></big></big> <img title="holding your dream in Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/3/5/5/ar13271106855382.JPG" height="325" alt="holding your dream in Real Estate" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 20px;" /><br /><br /><strong><big><big><big><big><span style="color: #000066;">"REALTORS®, hold </span></big></big></big></big><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><big><big><big><big><span style="color: #000066; text-decoration: underline;">the </span></big></big></big></big></span><big><big><big><big><span style="color: #000066;">desire of home ownership in their hands...<span style="text-decoration: underline;">not by being able to grant a wish but by "Teaching" the way to make dreams come true!"</span></span></big></big></big></big></strong></p>
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<p><strong><big><big><big><big><span style="color: #000066;">Deb Brooks, REALTOR ®</span></big></big></big></big></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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When The Pendulum Swings Too Far...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2732306/when-the-pendulum-swings-too-far---
2012-01-18T07:45:12Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #663300;"><big>In Real Estate it truly hurts. It hurts everyone. Two major facts in our business will forever remain the same. People in general want a roof over their heads to call home and it's easier to love it and call it "home" if you hold the deed. Rentals are beginning to skyrocket and why? <br /><br />This is a true to life analogy that tells the story...<br /><br />Currently on our books is a pending sale for the amount of $605,000. Not bad, huh? The client is financially superb. The appraisal on the home came in at a much higher number so there is plenty of justification for the cost. The client is placing enough money down so that he is only financing $175,000...that's a lot of money down wouldn't you say? Our client has multiple accounts with Chase Bank to the tune of over $1,000.000.00. <br /><br />Now, this is a "no brainer". <img title="Pendulum in Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/2/2/2/6/ar132691922062224.JPG" height="325" alt="Pendulum in Real Estate" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 20px;" /><br /><br />NOT...<br /><br />Chase Bank has returned to the client for a forth time now asking for verification of minor details, paperwork, proof of funds (held by Chase itself) and hoops of all kinds are having to be jumped! Chase sits on it and won't even turn it into underwriting till it's spot on. Come on! The client is so frustrated that he is seeking an in-house loan from a small bank that would hold the note themselves instead of selling the note to Fanny and Freddie. <br /><br />AWWWW....there's the glitch. Chase wants to sell the note to Fanny and Freddie so all governmental policies and i's and t's must be dotted and crossed. Now that our lives are being run by the government the pendulum has swung in the wrong direction. <br /><br />Who cares if the note doesn't sell? <br /><br />The government will take care of it...right? <br /></big></big><br />"sigh"</p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Hey Baby Boomers! Have You Had Enough Yet?
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2607793/hey-baby-boomers--have-you-had-enough-yet-
2011-11-17T03:13:24Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p>Read Peggy's post if you are a Baby Boomer at either end of the spectrum! It sure suited me and the way I feel about life. As we get into the later years we begin to prioritize what is important to us. I let my garden go too. I now buy all veggies at the grocery store like the young people! Laugh out loud! This is a great read. Don't miss it.</p>
<p>Deb</p>
<div id="reblogging_tag"><blockquote><p><strong>Hey Baby Boomers! Have You Had Enough Yet?</strong></p>
<p><strong><img title="Housing Alternatives for Baby Boomers" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/3/5/3/4/ar132149992343531.jpg" height="150" alt="Housing Alternatives for Baby Boomers" style="margin: 10px; float: left; border: black 2px solid;" width="200" /></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>First, let me say that I am a bona fide <strong>Baby Boomer</strong> so I can relate. Second, let me say that I spent the entire weeked raking up leaves from my yard and debris from my garden. Third, let me say that all this yard work is getting really old.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>I, for one, have had enough! </strong> I am ready to let someone else do it all. My house has become too much of a burden, and my prized garden that I spent a lifetime creating is ridiculously labor-intensive. I don't even want to look at it anymore.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Lest you think I am a decrepit old fogie, I want to assure you that I am not. But I would rather spend my free time, what little of it there is, on other pursuits, like bike-riding, hiking, traveling, babysitting for my granddaughter, and other fun things. Raking leaves, shoveling snow, pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, etc. are not fun.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I always thought I would stay in my house up to my dying day, but now I am thinking about moving. I would really rather have a smallish, newer home with enough room for visitors and where I can spend time relaxing, entertaining, or whatever instead of spending every last waking free minute on maintenance chores.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you too are thinking that it's time to let go of all the drudgery, there are plenty of <strong>housing alternatives for Baby Boomers</strong>. Here are a few questions to think about:</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Maintenance </span></strong></h3>
<p>You can decide how much work you want to do. Maybe you just want a very small yard--something that is manageable--and you are willing to do some work. Or maybe you want someone to take care of all the exterior work. Both options are available; in general, the more work that the association takes over, the greater the association fees. If you are still a gardener at heart, you might prefer a tiny yard that you can manage or that you can hire someone to help you take care of it. Be sure to check with the association to find out exactly what is covered. </p>
<p> </p>
<h3><strong><span style="color: #333399;">Privacy</span></strong></h3>
<p>If you have lived in a single family home all your life, you might not be ready to give up your privacy by living in a densely-populated condo complex. There are many single-family homes in associations or attached villas that will still give you the privacy you are used to and still give you the maintenance-free living you are looking for. </p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color: #333399;">One Floor Living</span></h3>
<p>If you are just looking for one-floor living, you have ranch-style condos, single-family homes, and two-story homes (attached and detached) with a master bedroom on the first floor. You will still have plenty of room and visitors can always take the bedrooms upstairs.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color: #333399;">Amenities</span></h3>
<p>How important are social activities to you? Some complexes have everything you need within walking distance, including fitness centers, swimming pools, recreational facilities, and meeting rooms. You have to decide if you are the type of person that would take advantage of the amenities or are you simply paying more for something you won't use.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color: #333399;">Age-Restricted or Not</span></h3>
<p>Are you ready to live in an active adult community or do you enjoy having people of all ages around you? There are communities for people over the age of 55, over the age of 62, or of all ages. In recent years, some of the the communities built for active adults have actually been converted to non-age-restricted, so don't think they are all age-restricted.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3><span style="color: #333399;">Here or There</span></h3>
<p>You might be ready to give up your yard; you might also be ready to give up winters as well. Moving out of a life-long home is never easy, and it requires a careful decision-making process to find out where your next home will be.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you are staying right here in Connecticut, I can provide you with information on maintenance-free living so you can see what your options are. If you are thinking about relocating, please talk to me as well. I can recommend reputable REALTORS® that will take good care of you and help you find your next home. Either way there are great <strong>housing alternatives for Baby Boomers</strong>!</p><div class="agent_signature"><p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p>Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®<br />Serving the Greater Hartford Area<br />Prudential CT Realty<br /><a href="mailto:peggychirico@prudentialct.com" title="contact me" target="_blank">peggychirico@gmail.com</a></p>
<p>860-748-8900</p>
<p>If you are buying or selling a home in Hartford County or Tolland County, please call me, <a href="mailto:peggychirico@gmail.com" title="email me" target="_blank">email me</a>, or visit my <a href="http://www.peggychirico.net" title="peggychirico.net" target="_blank">website</a>. I would be happy to help you with your home search or provide a market analysis for your home.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong>Find your <a href="http://www.peggychirico.net/search-real-estate/" title="dream home" target="_blank">dream home</a> now!</strong></span></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Rich Real Estate Agent, Poor Real Estate Agent, Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2598556/rich-real-estate-agent--poor-real-estate-agent--nuts-and-bolts-of-real-estate---
2011-11-10T14:22:28Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #936231; font-weight: bold;"><big>If you read the recently published post by Active Rain you will realize the amount of information they gathered is totally invaluable to your business. </big></big><big style="color: #936231;"><big><img title="Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate, Lake Conroe" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/7/0/0/ar132098070100713.JPG" height="325" alt="Nuts and Bolts of Real Estate, Lake Conroe Real EState" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></big></big><big style="color: #936231;"><big><br /></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #936231;"><big>And, this applies to you.</big></big><big style="color: #936231;"><big> From the moment I began Real Estate, I have invested a great amount of money in Advertising and On-line Presence. Most of my On-line Presence is self generated but not all of it. <span style="font-weight: bold;">With all the sites featuring Real Estate such as Homes.com, Zillow, Twitter, Craigslist, and of course Facebook, I have found that most of my business in dollars $$$'s have been generated from ActiveRain! </span></big></big><br /><big style="color: #936231;"><big><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">ActiveRain is a site that has spread throughout the Real Estate Industry like a wildfire in Texas.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why not? It's hot! <img title="active rain is hot!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/8/7/0/ar132098243207812.JPG" height="125" alt="active rain is hot!" width="125" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The other day I was googling a couple of subjects where I needed to expand my knowledge and low and behold, on the first page were posts of mine!</span> Talk about being shocked, overwhelmed and honored at the same time, my head was spinning! Here I am looking for answers and there I was! Google had chosen me as an expert! Now, I do not claim to be an expert on anything! I love to write and I try and serve my clients the way they deserve to be served with strong ethics, personal service and knowledge. But, our greatest friend, Active Rain had me on the first page for my own questions! <br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now, I attribute this to many factors but there is no fudging about the truth.</span> Active Rain has taught me how to write with appropriate SEO, the right title, the way to categorize my posts, the way to use Localism and the right way to communicate with Google! Thank you! Active Rain, you will always be my hero. And, they are recommending a service that I do not think we can actually pass up. I have placed my trust and faith in AR for so many years now I simply must listen!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">If you have not read</span> the ActiveRain published post</span> <strong><a href="../../blogsview/2594884/rich-real-estate-agent-poor-real-estate-agent" rel="bookmark">Rich Real Estate Agent, Poor Real Estate Agent </a></strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">then this is a MUST READ! </span></big></big><big style="color: #936231; font-weight: bold;"><big> Read the post for the total nuts and bolts of your marketing analysis today!</big></big><br /><big style="color: #936231;"><big><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The post reiterates what most of you know yet have forgotten!</span> With the economy as it stands, each of us are attempting to save our money. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The bottom line is, "It Takes Money To Make Money!"</span> and how often have you heard this term? How often has it sunk in to your consciousness that it is a true statement? <span style="text-decoration: underline;">It's time to face it my friend! We have to spend the money to stay in the game!</span> Now, also what we have to do is to become extremely astute to what is going on around us to give us the return! We have no money to waste or to burn! <br /><br /><strong>Our dollar needs to return ten!!!</strong><br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Lake conroe real estate, truth" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/6/2/9/ar13209809692619.JPG" height="325" alt="Lake conroe real estate, truth" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" />How is this possible?</span> <br /><br />Why is it that:<br /></big></big></p>
<ul style="color: #936231;">
<li><big><big>We are 16 years into the Internet Revolution and three years into the Do Not Call Registry, YET more real estate agents knock on doors and cold call than advertise on the Internet.<br /><br /> </big></big></li>
<li><big><big>Realtor.com is the official site of the National Association Realtors (NAR) and has been around for 15 years (or so), but is falling behind Trulia in real estate agent usage, and only slightly ahead of Zillow, both of which have existed for 5-6 years now.<br /><br /> </big></big></li>
<li><big><big>Direct mail is the most popular form of real estate advertising. The US Government and Postal Workers Union thank you. <br /><br /> </big></big></li>
<li><big><big>Only 15-16% of real estate agents use an assistant to help with marketing. How valuable is your time? If you use this as a metric, most real estate professionals don’t think their time is that valuable .</big></big></li>
</ul>
<p><big style="color: #936231;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quote by Active Rain.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><img title="Lake Conroe Real Estate" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/8/9/1/0/ar132098131501982.JPG" height="325" alt="Lake Conroe Real Estate" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" />Oh, and don't forget <span style="text-decoration: underline;">this quote</span> from Active Rain! Girls, are you going to continue to let this happen?</span><br /><br /><strong>Demographics:</strong></big></big></p>
<ul style="color: #936231;">
<li><big><big>Rich real estate agents tend to be <strong>MEN</strong> (58% male). Poor real estate agents tended to be <strong>WOMEN</strong> (60% female). 47% of the survey was male.</big></big></li>
<li><big><big>Rich real estate agents have <strong>11-20 years of real estate experience</strong>. Poor real estate agents had 4-5 five years of experience. The average was 6-10 years of experience.</big></big></li>
<li><big><big>The average age of the respondent was 51-60 years old. S/he is a college grad with moderate technology experience. Age did not matter between rich and poor real estate agents.</big></big></li>
<li><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Quote: ActiveRain</span><br /></big></big></li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><big><big><br style="color: #936231;" /><br style="color: #936231;" /><span style="color: #936231;">Okay, now that you are totally confused and perturbed with no answers coming your way, get your questions out of your "mind pocket" and tell US about them. </span><br style="color: #936231;" /><br style="color: #936231;" /><span style="color: #936231;">Revelation! Another quote! The average age of the respondent was 51-60 years old. Ladies, are we going to stand for this? Are we letting our pride go to these stats? No way! Let's conquer these stats today!</span><br style="color: #936231;" /><span style="color: #936231;"><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">SIGH, How do they know these things?</span> </span><br style="color: #936231;" /><br style="color: #936231;" /><br style="color: #936231;" /><span style="color: #936231;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MEGA QUESTION OF THE DAY</span>...Why is the word <span style="font-weight: bold;">FACEBOOK</span> on the spell check and <span style="font-weight: bold;">GOOGLE</span> is not?<br /><br />ACCOLADES to the person that can explain this to me! </span><br style="color: #936231;" /><br style="color: #936231;" /><span style="color: #936231;">N<span style="text-decoration: underline;">OW, READ THROUGH THE MESSAGE BELOW OR EXPERIENCE A SLOW YET CERTAIN BUSINESS DEMISE!</span></span></big></big></p>
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/rich-real-estate-agent"><img src="http://activerain.comhttps://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/8/1/8/3/ar132078739938181.jpg" height="800" alt="" width="375" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></p>
<p>Data provided by ActiveRain.com. Join 215,590 <a href="http://activerain.com/rich-real-estate-agent">Real Estate Agents</a> on the world's largest Real Estate Social Network.</p>
<p><br />Stay Tuned!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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FALL SEASON OF MIRACLES CONTEST >>>>>>WINNERS!!!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2593504/fall-season-of-miracles-contest-------winners---
2011-11-08T00:05:48Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><img title="Called Shot Master" src="http://activeagent-prod-assets3.ar-img.com/images/badges/a/da54238175d5e85efbc83803e5d51840cde863dd.gif?1320729927" alt="Called Shot Master"></p>
<p><strong>Well, good morning all!</strong> As always I sat down with my cup of coffee and booted up the old computer to check in and what a wonderful surprise this was! I still have to go read several of the others as life has been busy and crazy lately.</p>
<p><strong>I am so honored to find a win with my story!</strong> <strong>Truly honored!</strong> It was a tough one to get started writing but I knew I had to share my miracle! When I saw this contest I could only think of about 233 miracles in my life in the last few months so it was tough. As Sally says, "everything is real estate" and that just makes me laugh! She's right! <strong>We all have miracles surrounding us each day and all we have to do is acknowledge them and appreciate.</strong></p>
<p>To the judges I want to extend my heartfelt "thank you!" as I understand the overwhelming responsibility of judging a contest and the time, effort and heart it takes to do so!</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>So, Jeff, Gayle, Andrea, Renee and Debe and of course Sallly...</strong></span></p>
<p><big style="color: #330099;"><big>Thank you all! My friends here in the rain are my favorite Miracles!</big></big></p>
<div id="reblogging_tag"><blockquote><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><img title="Our little miracle....BRAYDEN!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/2/4/8/1/ar132073166418429.JPG" height="275" alt="" style="margin: 20px; float: right;" width="250" />The <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2524506/the-miracles-of-life"><span style="color: #0000ff;">MIRACLE OF MY LIFE</span></a></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> was the birth of my daughter’s first child (and my first grandchild) Brayden. After ten years of hoping and wishing to bear a child with her only true love, that dream happened on September 20, 2011.<span style=""> </span>It was my dream to experience being a gramma. I can tell you (now) from experience, the amazement and utter joy I felt when holding my grandson in my arms for that first time. </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style=""><em style=""><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Miracles come in all shapes, sizes and forms.</span></em></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> They can be anything from a rainbow to the miracle of life. A miracle can come from within or the power of love, prayer, strength and support as <strong><a href="http://activerain.com/christacaulk">Christa Caulk</a></strong> explains in her post <a href="http://haveheart.ning.com/profiles/blogs/july-9th-2010-a-day-i-will-never-forget">“July 9<sup>th</sup>, 2010- A Day I Will Never Forget”</a> <span style=""> </span>or it can be a realization that inner strength from within changed a life.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The <em style=""><a href="http://activerain.com/groups/positivesouls"><em><span style="font-style: normal;">POSITIVE ATTITUDE for the Weary Soul</span></em></a></em> group offered all members a chance to share their miracles in the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2532188/an-activerain-fall-season-of-miracles-contest-paws-group-extends-contest-time-and-ends-midnight-october-31">Fall Season of Miracles Contest</a> and to support the ActiveRain community with their positive stories. It is a time to strengthen our community and bring our miracles to all of you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">As our Head Judge<strong style=""><em style=""><a href="http://activerain.com/jdowler">, Jeff Dowler</a></em></strong> stated, “I was certainly touched by each and every one (story)”. <span style=""> </span>Jeff worked through his vacation here on Kauai to ensure that the scoring continued and when he landed back home today the winners were on hand. HOORAY FOR JEFF! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">The other Judges were <strong style=""><a href="http://activerain.com/debe">Debe Maxwell</a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/andreaswiedler"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Andrea Sweidler</span></a>, <a href="http://activerain.com/gailrobinson">Gail Robinson</a></strong> and <strong style=""><a href="http://activerain.com/lasvegasrealestateforyou">Renee Burrows</a></strong> and they worked hard and diligently to read every entry and they finally came up with the top winners and deserve a big round of applause!!!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><em style=""><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Though I believe every single entry is a winner</span></em><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> the Judges HAD to pick their top picks. So without further hesitation….the following entries are the winners for this years Fall Season 2011 contest and a special thank you <strong style="">to <a href="http://activerain.com/arbob">BOB STEWART- Our ActiveRain Community Evangelist</a></strong> for his loyal support of the <a href="http://activerain.com/groups/positivesouls">PAWS Group</a> and approving the points!!!</span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><img title="WINNERS OF THE FALL SEASON OF MIRACLE CONTEST!" src="http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/gif/pastel-stars.gif" height="100" alt="" width="108" /><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><img title="WINNERS OF THE FALL SEASON OF MIRACLE CONTEST!" src="http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/gif/pastel-stars.gif" height="100" alt="" width="108" /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>FIRST PLACE WINNER</strong> for 5,000 points!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2558710/life-day-up-close-and-personal-fall-season-of-miracles"><span style="color: #342be9;">LIFE DAY (up close and personal) ~ Fall Season of Miracles</span></a><span style="color: #342be9;"> by </span><strong style=""><span style="color: #c00000;"><a href="http://activerain.com/mimifoster"><span style="color: #c00000;">Mimi Foster</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>SECOND PLACE WINNER</strong> for 4,000 points!<span style=""> </span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2543300/fall-season-of-miracles-a-greater-plan" title="Fall Season of Miracles: A greater plan" target="_blank"><span style="color: #342be9;">Fall Season of Miracles: A Greater Plan </span></a><span style="color: #342be9;"> by </span><strong style=""><span style="color: #c00000;"><a href="http://activerain.com/cantrabla"><span style="color: #c00000;">Maggie McFarland</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>THIRD PLACE WINNER</strong> for 3,000 points!<span style=""> </span><a><span style="color: #342be9;">Fall Season of Miracles and a Much Needed "I love you"</span></a><span style="color: #342be9;"> by </span><strong style=""><span style="color: #c00000;"><a href="http://activerain.com/lakelivingston"><span style="color: #c00000;">Deb Brooks</span></a></span></strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>FIVE HONORABLE MENTION WINNERS</strong> for 1,000 points each (and shown in order of scoring points)!<span style=""> </span></span></p>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2566778/fall-season-of-miracles-living-in-the-moment-today-is-all-we-have"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Fall Season of Miracles Entry | Living in the Moment | We Only Have Today</span></a> by <strong style=""><span style="color: #5f497a;"><a href="http://activerain.com/bhensley"><span style="color: #5f497a;">Barbara Hensley</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2571576/fall-season-of-miracles-i-can-walk-and-see-"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Fall Season of Miracles I Can Walk and See</span></a> by <strong style=""><span style="color: #e36c0a;"><a href="http://activerain.com/jrichman65"><span style="color: #e36c0a;">Jeffrey Richman</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2567711/it-s-not-easy-to-force-feed-a-child-or-a-business-fall-season-of-miracles"><span style="color: #0000ff;">It’s Not Easey to Force Feed a Child or a Business—Fall Season of Miracles</span></a> by <strong style=""><span style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="http://activerain.com/normatoering"><span style="color: #0070c0;">Norma Toering</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2577784/fall-season-of-miracles-finding-grace-in-the-unknown"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Fall Season of Miracles –Finding Grace in the Unknown</span></a> by <strong style=""><span style="color: #467d43;"><a href="http://activerain.com/sanjosesiliconvalleyrealestate"><span style="color: #467d43;">Kathleen Daniels</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2561943/fall-season-of-miracles-my-miracle-came-during-the-fall-two-years-ago-"><span style="color: #0000ff;">Fall Season of Miracles- My Miracle Came During the Fall- Two Years Ago</span></a> by <strong style=""><span style="color: #ff33cc;"><a href="http://activerain.com/sharsitter"><span style="color: #ff33cc;">Shar Sitter</span></a></span></strong></span></div>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style=""><em style=""><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></em></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style=""><em style=""><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">All other entries will receive 500 points for their support of the contest!!!</span></em></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><strong style=""><em style=""><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;">Thank you all for your participation and should you all like to read the entries go to the announcement post </span></em></strong><span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2532188/an-activerain-fall-season-of-miracles-contest-paws-group-extends-contest-time-and-ends-midnight-october-31">Fall Season of Miracles Contest</a><strong style=""><em style=""> <span style=""> </span>to read the last comment with the entries!</em></strong></span></p><div class="agent_signature"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA, AHWD, CRS, e-PRO" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/4/2/5/ar129796963352409.JPG" height="122" alt="" width="400" style="margin: 10px;" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Celeste</strong> <strong>"Sally" Cheeseman</strong> is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with <strong>Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii.</strong> With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs<strong> </strong> she serves the island of <strong>Oahu</strong> (Honolulu County) and all <strong>Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.</strong></em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://idxpro.cisdata.net/AR409532/Search/quick/" title="Search for Hawaii Homes for Sale!" target="_blank"><img title="Search Hawaii Homes for Sale!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/2/2/1/7/ar130284341571227.png" height="54" alt="" width="250" /></a> <a href="http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/contactsally/contact.htm" title="Contact Sally!" target="_blank"><img title="Contact Sally!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/7/2/4/9/ar130307231494274.png" height="56" alt="" width="164" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em> © 2007-2011 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><em>All rights reserved.</em></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/cheesemanhomes" title="Meet us on ActiveRain" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/activerain.gif" border="0" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://twitter.com/sallyhawaii" title="Follow us on Twitter" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/twitter.png" border="0" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sally.cheeseman" title="Connect on Facebook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/facebook.png" border="0" alt="" /></a> <a href="http://www.YouTube.com/MililaniRealEstate" title="See our videos on YouTube" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img src="http://listings.realbird.com/3rd/icons/social/youtube.png" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br /> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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If the House has Issues...Are you a lazy Realtor®?
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2591036/if-the-house-has-issues---are-you-a-lazy-realtor--
2011-11-06T10:05:36Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #996633;"><big><big><strong>If the house has issues, will there be anymore discussion?</strong> I truly think that depends on several things. If you are honestly out to find the right home for your Buyer then you have probably listened to their reactions about the house in the first place. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Or, are you one that says, "well, you certainly do not want to deal with this!" <img title="Lake conroe house with issues can still be desirable" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/2/9/0/ar132062056009261.JPG" height="325" alt="Lake conroe house with issues can still be desirable" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Here's my "what if"...</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What if your Buyer loves the home with the absence of the issues?</span> Let's say it has foundation issues. <span style="text-decoration: underline; color: #330099;">Did you just say, "oh well, we will find you another?"</span> Or, did you question your Buyer? Did you say, "this issue can be repaired and to your liking if this house is the right one for you!" <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Realize that if your client has seen the "right" home yet it had too many issues to overcome that it might just be your fault the home wasn't purchased?</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #330099;">What if you had answered with, "all issues can be overcome and if this is the home for you, I say we address the issues till it's all worked out!"</span> <br /><br />Do you suggest they keep it on their "short list" and study the "disclosure" and then begin to communicate with the Sellers? <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #330099;">Or, do you simply walk away?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: #330099;">Many a home sale has been squashed with the disappointment of one single possibility!</span> Is your attitude Positive or Negative? Do you leave room for the door to be opened? Do you give all alternatives to perfection? A good Realtor® will explore, question, negotiate just about anything to provide a successful transaction for their Buyer. <br /><br /><span style="color: #330099;">And, have you ever asked yourself, "could I have done more?" after a client goes MIA?</span> <br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">No matter what the structure, there is a perfect match for the home.</span> <br /><br /><span style="color: #330099;">Listen to what your clients say and then Hear what they mean.</span> <br /><br />Never be the one to close the door on a possible match! Do your due diligence and explore all possibilities. You will make more money in the end and end up with many grateful clients! <br /><br />Good luck!</big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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ActiveRain you make me laugh! Your Google Juice Tickles Me!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2588964/activerain-you-make-me-laugh--your-google-juice-tickles-me-
2011-11-04T14:11:05Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #000046;"><big><big>ActiveRain you make me laugh! Your Google Juice Tickles Me!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">It's been a very long week</span>...month...and so on! This last week though has been a bear. <br /><br />I have been missing my blogging and my friends and my contests and my points and of course, last but not least, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">MY GOOGLE JUICE!</span> Today I was dealing with yet another hitch in my "getalong" and I received a phone call.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Deb and the Montgomery Trade Days" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/5/8/7/ar132045516778544.JPG" height="325" alt="Deb and the Montgomery Trade Days" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />The lady on the other end of the line asked the question,</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Are we having the Montgomery Trade Days" tomorrow? ( I AM LAUGHING TO MYSELF) as it clicked right away why she was calling!</span> </big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #000046;"><big><big>My immediate question to her was, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"did you find me on Google?"</span> and her answer was<span style="font-weight: bold;"> "yes!"</span> You see, I had written Localism Posts during the September Challenge each and every day.</big></big></big></p>
<p><a href="30%20Days%20In%20September%202011%20Localism%20Posting%20Challenge" title="Deborah Byron Localism Challenge">Deborah Byron had a contest for Localism Postings for the month of September.</a> </p>
<p><big style="color: #000046;"><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />One of the posts I wrote was about the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2486257/montgomery-texas-trade-days-" title="Montgomery Trade Days By Deb Brooks">Famous Montgomery Trade Days!</a></span>I was at the top of Google! <br /><br />I explained to her how the Trade Day's work and asked her if it would be her first time here...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HER ANSWER WAS A GOOD ONE!</span><br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">"Yes, she said. My husband and I are moving to Montgomery and will be looking for a home!"</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(Deep breath) and "Well, you have come to the right place!"</span> I will be meeting her at the Trade Days tomorrow to show her around!<br /><br />ActiveRain? You make me laugh with joy!<br /><br />Thank you!<br /><br />Deb</big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Home is where the heart is...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2587176/home-is-where-the-heart-is---
2011-11-03T14:46:34Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big><img title=" right questions on Lake Conroe with deb brooks" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/5/6/5/5/ar132037065955652.JPG" height="325" alt="Asking the right questions on Lake Conroe with deb brooks" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" />Home is where the heart is...<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">As Professionals we have the drill down now don't we?</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">We question, we qualify, we place</span>, but are we actually doing the best for our clients? <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Are we finding out where their hearts are?</span> </big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big>Couples, singles, families, all have their specifications of their perfect "living ideals". </big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big>Maybe you have a woman that works full time and her only relax time is in the den? </big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big>Maybe you have a full time home maker that spends 40% of her time in the kitchen or maybe her idea is to make the perfect home for her husband? <br /></big></big></p>
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<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do you ask the right questions?</span> Yes, I'm sure you ask questions....that's a given. <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #8a4500;">But, are you "breaking the ice enough to find out the true motivation" of your buyer?</span> </span></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #006600;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"><img title="breaking the ice on Lake Conroe with Deb Brooks" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/6/8/2/ar132037081528695.JPG" height="325" alt="breaking the ice on Lake Conroe with Deb Brooks" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sometimes,</span> the best of sales is to just <span style="font-weight: bold;">listen to your buyers. Just listen.</span> They may not tell you specifically just what you are needing to know. <span style="font-weight: bold;">BUT, if you truly listen, you can learn more than meets the ear!</span> Listen to the comments made and the dynamics of their relationship to find what they are looking for. <br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">They may not even know yet what their ideal home is.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you listen, you could be the one to give them that discovery.</span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><br style="font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Now, that's doing your job!</span><br /><br />Do it.</big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Hallow-Thanks-Mas!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2579986/hallow-thanks-mas-
2011-10-30T15:54:28Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">This one won't be coming up on Google you know.</span></big> No such word. I first heard this from <a href="http://activerain.com/jasoncrouch">Jason Crouch.</a> Yes, the famous, or is it the infamous Jason Crouch? He's off making bookoos of money for his family as we speak. We are all trying to do the same. What is it you ask? This word? Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course, Christmas or Hanakkuh depending on your choice! They are all beginning to blend together. Help keep the "commercialism" from our Holidays! </big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big>WooHoo! <strong>We are in the season of celebratin</strong>g. <img title="Halloween in Lake Conroe" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/3/9/1/ar132002930719339.JPG" height="325" alt="Halloween in Lake Conroe" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The word "celebrating" almost brings to mind the word "cerebral" meaning "that of the brain" and I guess we are "thinking" of celebrations!</span> I walk into almost any store now and I can see blinking lights on trees and Santa Claus and forget about Turkeys as they are almost ready to ditch to the compost. We just keep jumping ahead of ourselves to slam the advertising of the next way to spend money! Let's get over the "commercialism" of these holidays and go back to the roots of the holidays. </big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big><strong>Let's enjoy "people" and "friends" and "family" and get back on the track of what holidays are all about!!</strong><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Thanksgiving with my Active Rain Friends!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/0/3/3/1/ar132002935313303.JPG" height="325" alt="Thanksgiving with my Active Rain Friends!" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />Please, my dear friends, let's celebrate life, freedom, the potential of wealth and the ability to become friends!</span> We have the ability to become a community and that is exactly what we all want! I do not know my city and the people who live here n<strong>early as well as I know YOU</strong>! Thank you for that. </big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big><strong>YOU</strong> are what makes a community and the reason to <strong>celebrate holidays!!!!</strong> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Christmas with friends on Lake Conroe" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/9/5/8/8/ar132002942888595.JPG" height="325" alt="Christmas with friends on Lake Conroe" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" />So, as we move into Hallow-Thanks-Mas, please continue to blog.</span> It's a great time of the year to reach google and clients and even new friends. I just want to say that I'm glad to be here. I am also glad you are here. Stay safe and confident in what you have to offer the world. Never stop trying and placing your best foot forward.</big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big>We have other holidays coming up and I hope to share them with you! Keep writing and bringing AR close to your heart and pocketbook!</big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="color: #874343;"><big><big>See ya soon!<br /><br />Deb</big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Change...it's more than what you find in your pocket. Just Thinkin'...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2572727/change---it-s-more-than-what-you-find-in-your-pocket--just-thinkin----
2011-10-25T14:36:07Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #003d00;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Thoughts from Deb on Lake Conroe" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/7/6/9/1/ar131959261719673.JPG" height="225" alt="Thoughts from Deb on Lake Conroe" width="225" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" />It is a daily guarantee.</span> Nothing we do, nothing we know, and no one we know will remain the same. Philosophy is one of deep thought, "educational concepts" that haunt each of us even if we never had formal education.<big style="font-weight: bold;"><big> <small><small>Whether you realize it or not, it will haunt you.</small></small><br /><br />EXAMINE ALL POSSIBILITIES<br /><br />Change.</big></big> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">What does it mean?</span> <br />As humans it means we have yet another mountain to climb. We have yet another problem to solve. We have yet another heart to heal and yet another dilemma to dissolve. <span style="font-weight: bold;">We can do it.</span> We were placed upon this earth to absorb, then rationalize and to then react. Our inclinations are to revert to primal thinking. This would mean thinking of one's self first and foremost. <br /><br /><big style="font-weight: bold;"><big>But, as civilized man,</big></big> we are much more progressive than that. We, as civilized and educated man, instead of primal reactions, act and react with "thought and reasoning". <span style="font-weight: bold;">It is not unreasonable.</span> Change is necessary for each and every one of us to survive. Remember the old saying, "if you do the same thing over and over again, you will receive the same results...and that <span style="font-weight: bold;">is the definition of "crazy"</span>?" <br /><br /><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Deb's Just Thinkin'" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/3/0/7/ar131959275770364.JPG" height="325" alt="Deb's Just Thinkin'" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 20px;" />My advice. Accept change and go with the flow.</span></big></big> Accept the change within your personal life and your professional life. This might mean to re-evaluate a "no-no" for you from the past. Possibly see the good in the possibilities and accept the change. In Real Estate we are changing each and every day. We use to put our foot down and say, "no way are you advertising my listing!!!" My question to you is...."were you thinking of yourself or your client? So many things are changing daily that we must adapt or accept our demise. Aren't we here to sell and co-operate in the sales for our clients? Isn't this our Fiduciary responsibility?"<br /><br />Loosen up. Half (50%) a commission is a whole lot better than (100%) of nothing! Do what you need to do to advertise and share your listings. It's only fair for your clients! Love your clients and sell their properties. <br /><br /><big style="font-weight: bold;"><big><big><small>Like I said. "Loosen up."</small> </big></big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Lower Your Head In Prayer for Jamie Caulk
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2560794/lower-your-head-in-prayer-for-jamie-caulk
2011-10-17T17:15:23Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #5f3f1f;"><big>Most of us have received the news of the Caulk family tragedy by now. I can think of nothing else this Monday night as I am crying and imagining a mother's pain. Missy Caulk is now and has been one of our own and one of the sweetest, dearest and sharpest people I have ever met. I would never had the opportunity to know the Caulk's without ActiveRain and for that I am very thankful.<br /><p><a href="http://photobucket.com/images/candle%20gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo173/SidneyFudnucker/Animations/Candle.gif" alt="Candle Pictures, Images and Photos" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" width="175" /></a></p></a><br />Friday night Missy's son, Jamie was in a horrible auto accident. Jamie is currently fighting for his life and his family could use all your prayers. Jamie Caulk, bright, ambitious, talented, and young decided to walk in his mother's amazing footsteps and enter the business of Real Estate. After visiting Jeff Belonger's FaceBook page I learned even more of Jamie. <br /><br />He was blessed with the voice of an Angel and the talent to support it. As he sung his song I broke down and wept for Jamie and his family. Our own Bob Stewart is married to Missy''s beautiful daughter, Christa and they are all fighting for Jamie's life. This is obviously not my ordinary post but we need to unite. They are our family too. <br /><br />PLEASE UNITE IN PRAYER for those in our community and let our God know how much we need Jamie back. We need our community WHOLE and we need Jamie WHOLE.<br /><br />Pray and please support the Caulk's and Bob Stewart. They are the building blocks of ActiveRain and helped to create our unity. They helped to build our wonderful family here.</big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Activerain First Annual Talent Contest-The Results Are in, the Top Ten Have Been Selected, the Rest is Up to You!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2560697/activerain-first-annual-talent-contest-the-results-are-in--the-top-ten-have-been-selected--the-rest-is-up-to-you-
2011-10-17T15:31:31Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><p>Don't miss the First Annual Talent Competition and the videos! Stacey Smith, Chris Alston and Pamela St. Peter are about to judge our videos for the VBloggers Group. Join the group to enjoy so many different and talented submissions.</p>
<p>AND IF YOU GET THE CHANCE VOTE FOR "DEB HIRED AN ASSISTANT~HER NAME IS REECIE SUE, DEB BROOKS</p>
<p>Have fun. They are all great~worth the watch~</p>
<p>Deb</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag"><blockquote><p><strong>Activerain First Annual Talent Contest-The Results Are in, the Top Ten Have Been Selected, the Rest is Up to You!</strong></p>
<p>The top ten videos have been narrowed down, and they are ready for your votes! Take a look at each of our talented participants, and leave your top 3 favorites in the comment box below. <strong>If you wish to keep your vote anonymous, you can email your votes to me a</strong>t <a href="mailto:stacey@staceyrealtor.com">stacey@staceyrealtor.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Last day for to cast your votes will be Friday October 21st, up until midnight (PST).</strong></p>
<p>I would like to thank all those who participated, it was a very difficult job for myself, Pamela, and Chris to go through all these excellent videos, and all of you did an awesome job, and thank you so much for your participation! Please keep your eyes open for more videoblogging challenges in the future.</p>
<p>I would also like to give a special thanks to my two judges, <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/calston">Chris Alston</a> and<a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/raleighhomesonline"> Pamela St.Peter</a>, you two were awesome!!! I appreciate all your help with narrowing down these videos! I could not have picked two better people to help with this, and I appreciate your help more then words can say!!!</p>
<p><strong>Also thank you to the Activerain staff and community builders for allowing us to be able to hold contests like these!!! This is a very special community and I love being a part of it!</strong></p>
<p>Now the moment you have all been waiting for....<strong> IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER</strong>....... Activerain's First Annual Talent Contest Top Ten Finalist!!!!!</p>
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<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ijqJHRgXL_Y" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2472798/active-rain-talent-competition-did-being-a-realtor-ever-make-you-want-to-go-the-garden-to-eat-worms-" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Activerain Talent Competition. Did Being a Realtor Ever Make You Want to Go to the Garden to Eat Worms?-Donald Bradbury</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XHZHLMVK7jQ" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2481311/ar-talent-competition-the-top-5-real-estate-group-jingle-video" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">AR Talent Competition-The Top 5 Real Estate Group Jingle Video-Marc and Carey Montgomery</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/C-_eoPjfEys" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2498310/digby-the-amazing-diving-ducktoller" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Digby, the Amazing Diving Ducktoller-Sally Weatherley</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fXY1NceFD_E" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span style="line-height: 14px; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2508351/deb-hired-an-assistant-her-name-is-reecie-sue-" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Deb Hired an Assistant! Her Name is Reecie Sue-Deb Brooks</span></a></span></span></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VPDcRB-Ptvg" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2508096/1st-annual-activerain-talent-contest-my-video-entry" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">1st Annual Activerain Talent Contest: My Video Entry-Richard Yates</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n0kq20jcS3c" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2506521/still-afraid-to-get-in-front-of-the-video-it-can-t-get-any-worse-than-this-" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Still Afraid To Get in Front of the Video? It Can't Get Any Worse Then This-Laura S. Baker</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eF6F36J9JBE" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span><span style="line-height: 14px; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><span><span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span></span><span><span style="line-height: 14px; background-color: white; color: black; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2506470/talent-video-competition-determination-amd-persistance" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Talent Competition Video-Determination and Persistance-Tom Arstingstall</span></a></span></span></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X7OF9anRLXI" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2496213/yes-virginia-there-is-summer-fun-in-prince-william-county" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">Yes, Virginia, There is Summer Fun in Prince William County-Karen Kruschka</span></a></span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/29029070?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0" height="225" width="400"></iframe></p>
<p><a href="http://vimeo.com/29029070">30 Elevator Pitch- Rebekah Radice</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3094317">Cameron Radice</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2507320/1st-annual-active-rain-talent-competition-life-is-a-juggling-act" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">First Annual Talent Competition, Life is a Juggling Act-Rebekah Radice</span></a></span></p>
<p> <strong>***And for some reason the code for our 10th finalist was not taking to well to this blog... Joe Manausa: if you have a youtube channel where I can get this code please let me know and I would be happy to embed it to this post. But here is the link to our tenth finalists blog.***</strong></p>
<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2505282/how-to-animate-your-housing-reports-with-video" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000cc;">How to Animate Your Housing Reports Using Video-Joe Manausa</span></a></span></p><div class="agent_signature"><p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: andale mono,times;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Need a Great Realtor in Dana Point... Let me <a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Stacey+Smith+Dana+Point+Real+Estate+Agent" target="_blank">Google one</a> for you!!! </em></strong></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: andale mono,times;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>Stacey Smith<br />CA Coastal Estates, inc.<br /></em></strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: andale mono,times;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em>949.350.8922</em></strong></span></span></span> <br /> </p>
<p>If you are looking to buy a home or sell your current home in Orange County, Ca. please allow me to assist you. I work throughout most of Orange County but my area of expertise happens to be south Orange County and the Coastal cities. Locations I service include: Dana Point, Capistrano Beach, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Crystal Cove, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa. I service all areas through out Orange County so please call me today and allow me to assist you! </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002170225136" title="My Facebook Page" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/6/4/6/7/ar129711315576464.png" height="128" alt="" width="128" /></a> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Smith84" title="My Twitter Page" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/5/7/9/6/ar129711319669754.png" height="128" alt="" width="128" /></a> <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=77243925&trk=tab_pro" title="My LinkedIn Page" target="_blank"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/0/1/4/ar129711322741075.png" height="128" alt="" width="128" /></a> </p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: small;">Please Allow Me To Assist You and Your Family in Finding The Perfect Home As Your Real Estate Agent!</span></strong></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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What is Trunk or Treat? Halloween on Lake Conroe!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2560292/what-is-trunk-or-treat--halloween-on-lake-conroe-
2011-10-17T11:20:21Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p style="text-align: left;"> <img title="Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/5/0/7/ar131888907970526.jpg" height="177" alt="Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" width="250" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;">That was my first question when I saw the <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2556224/week-2-october-s-trending-queries" title="AR Inspiration Station" target="_self">new Inspiration Station post.</a> Hummm...off I went to search for it! <strong>I absolutely love the idea!</strong> Being from a rural area my house was way back off the beaten path. Even I was afraid to go out in the dark on Halloween night! No one EVER came to my front door for candy.<img title="Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/3/5/3/ar131888866335393.JPG" height="225" alt="Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" width="225" style="margin: 10px; float: right;" /> </span></big></big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big></big></big> </p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>I had to eat it all!</strong></span> <br /><br /><strong>Do you have a car or a truck?</strong> Then you have a trunk! This concept is based upon the candy going to the kids instead of the kids going to the candy! Yep, have car will travel. I am finding this a most fascinating idea and one I hope to execute. </span></big></big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><img title="Decorate your trunk! Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/2/3/8/8/ar131888896088328.jpg" height="235" alt="Decorate your trunk! Lake Conroe Real Estate brings YOU FUN!" width="314" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /><strong>Drive to your local neighborhood or church or party and open your trunk!</strong> You can get crazy with your decorations and costumes! Over the course of the past few years Halloween and the celebrations have become forced to change. <br /><br /><strong>My suggestion is to gather a group of people that you know and trust and set up your own Halloween extravaganza!</strong> This is totally new to me but the research truly makes sense not only for the rural neighborhoods but ALL children could be safer. And, parents and grandparents can too! <br /><br /><strong>Here are a few of my personal tips for decorating your trunks.</strong><br /><br /><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/6/6/4/8/ar131888802984667.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /><strong>Always remember the dry ice!</strong> It's easy to manage and will give an extra eerie punch to your trunk!</span></big></big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Be sure to dress the part!</strong> Vampires are the kids favorites this year!<br /><br /><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/4/5/9/0/ar131888808309541.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Set up a few small games around your trunk.</span> My favorite is to boil up a lot of pasta in different sizes. Dump them in a large container with a water and oil mix. Decorate the container only allowing little hands to get in. Name it Goblin Guts or something of the sort and mix small plastic <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/2/2/0/ar131888812902272.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" />party favors in with the pasta and water. Use spider rings, eyeballs, lips and inexpensive goodies. It freaks the kids out yet they love pulling out the goodies to keep! Don't forget the paper towels!<br /></span></big></big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/9/5/0/ar131888817605938.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" />Get the kids together before Halloween and allow them to help you <span style="text-decoration: underline;">record a scary sound track</span> to run while the Trick or Treating is going on. Screams are great, a little spooky music, footsteps and gurgling and so much more. Play it on a loop while the kids help hand out the candy. <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/1/0/4/8/ar131888822284016.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" />It will make them a part of their own "giving experience" and keep them scared from their own recordings!<br /><br /></span></big></big><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Get a clapper!</span> You know, the kind that makes the witch cackle or the montster growl with clapping. After candy is <img src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/6/4/3/7/ar1318888273461.JPG" height="75" alt="" width="75" style="margin: 10px; float: left;" />given out tell the kids to clap! That'll get them running back to their parents!<br /><br /></span></big></big></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><big style="color: #ce7b00;"><big><span style="font-size: large;">Remember Halloween isn't just for children. Get in there and have some fun! <img title="My bunch" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/9/8/3/ar131889067638944.jpg" height="387" alt="My bunch" width="604" style="margin: 10px; vertical-align: middle;" /></span></big></big></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Real Estate and the Question of Courtesy Listings...Get Over Your Phobia!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2558940/real-estate-and-the-question-of-courtesy-listings---get-over-your-phobia-
2011-10-16T15:53:56Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big><big style="color: #1d7700;"><big><big><img title="My listing, no my listing" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/5/7/8/7/ar131881984578759.JPG" height="325" alt="My listing, no my listing" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" />Thinking back a few years ago I remember the attitude of..."It's my listing...don't touch it!" I had progressed into the new </big>millennium like a comet hitting earth for an old fart like me. It all seems to me to be a normal understandable thing to do! Zillow, Realtor.com and so many others scrape our listings anyway. Why not allow a competitor to show your listing on their web sites? </big></big></big></p>
<p><big><big style="color: #1d7700;"><big>Why not?<br /><br />Our standard rules are to show the listing company and simply place your name and contact information for the showings and "BUYER'S REPRESENTATIVE". We should all have the simple "DO IT RIGHT AND HAVE AT IT!" attitude. It is our Fiduciary responsibility to do everything we can to represent the seller when we take a listing. Placing that very listing on other sites is also a responsibility to give the listing as much exposure as possible!<br /><br />Get over the "it's mine" phobia.<br /><br />How nice would it be to be able to say to your potential client, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>"don't worry, with us you get everyone!</strong></span> I will take good care of you and make sure everyone has the opportunity to sell your property!"<br /><br />If you were selling your home isn't that what you would want?<br /></big></big><br /></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Making money on a referral is one thing, but a vendor? I don't think so!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2546528/making-money-on-a-referral-is-one-thing--but-a-vendor--i-don-t-think-so-
2011-10-07T20:48:22Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; color: #854200;"><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lately I have been receiving ads from different vendors that want to pay me referral fees for standard maintenance on my client's homes.</span> I got a call and an <span style="font-weight: bold;">email from a roofer today.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">I get these calls from my presence on AR and I love it.</span> This just made me nervous. Have maintenance companies been offering you money for referrals? This is a practice I have never taken part in and I do not plan to do so in the future. It seems to me as if they will simply charge the client a bit higher price to give me the fee. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nope. Not going to do it.</span> Recently we had a terrible hail storm in Huntsville Texas and Elkins Lake where I do have a listing. <img title="Don't want your money" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/4/1/2/7/ar131805982872143.jpg" height="325" alt="Don't want your money" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 20px;" /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A man called me today and explained he had been on the roof of my client and with the right insurance they would be able to have their roof replaced</span>. They definitely had hail damage. Their insurance company would pay for the replacement and I should convince them to have it replaced. Cool I thought. This always will help the home to sell and this is one in the flood plain that is really giving me a tough time. I told him I would visit with them over the weekend and see if they will go for it. They will have no out of pocket and a new roof. This is hard to pass up.<br /><br />But, then I went to my email and <span style="font-weight: bold;">he offered me a $200.00 referral fee for helping to get him set up for the replacement.</span> My stomach turned upside down. I have never and I will never take a fee such as this one! It just does not feel right or legal. <big><span style="font-weight: bold;">In fact, a thank you fee to REALTORS is a maximum of $50.00 by TAR and NAR AND RESPA.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; color: #854200;"><big> I have held to that requirement in all my years of Real Estate and I will continue to do so. <br /><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;">I was going to recommend my client to look at having their roof replaced anyway. I think what I will do is to set it up with him thinking I will take the referral and in the end I will have him deduct this from my client's bill.</span><br style="text-decoration: underline;" /><br /><big><span style="font-weight: bold;">Think I should? </span></big><br /><br /><big style="font-weight: bold;">I don't want the money. I am just doing my job the best I know how.</big> I am not a money monger. <br /><br /></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe Waterfront Home~161 Newport Way, Huntsville TX, 77320
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2544872/lake-livingston-and-lake-conroe-waterfront-home-161-newport-way--huntsville-tx--77320
2011-10-06T20:01:49Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #004c00;"><big><big><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.brooksprimeproperties.com" title="Lake Livingston Real Estate and the Trinity River" target="_blank"><img title="161 Newport Way, Huntsville TX. 77320 Lake Livingston" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/4/9/2/5/ar131796988452944.jpg" height="415" alt="161 Newport Way, Huntsville TX. 77320 Lake Livingston" width="600" style="margin: 20px; vertical-align: middle;" /></a>Lake Livingston and Lake Conroe Waterfront Homes just do not come better than this. Have you been thinking of building on the perfect waterfront lot? Looking for a Lake Livingston getaway to call home? This incredible home is located on the bank of the Trinity River a short boat ride into Lake Livingston. Have the best of both worlds. </span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">The price of Waterfront land in this day and age is high. This gorgeous acreage of 3/4+/- acre is located on the end of a private home subdivision by the name of Emerald Bay. With over 200 feet of steel bulkhead and custom built boat house Emerald Bay is on an unpopulated part of the Trinity River entrance to Lake Livingston. Wildlife is abundant and trees are lush with lightly cleared homesites. <a href="http://www.lakeconroeprime.com" title="Lake Conroe Real Estate" target="_blank"><img title="Lake Conroe Real Estate and Homes" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/4/3/9/ar131797021093412.jpg" height="415" alt="Lake Conroe Real Estate and Homes" width="600" style="margin: 20px; vertical-align: middle;" /></a></span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">All utilities are underground for no distractions of the beauty of the views. </span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">This is a relatively young property built in 2004 with decorator touches and top of the line finish out. The square foot price is truly mind boggling at $162.10 per square foot. With 5 bedrooms and 4 baths and 4929 square feet of running room there is room for a large family! All of this for just $799,000! </span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Please enjoy the slideshow that allows you to peak at the INSIDE AND THE OUTSIDE WILDLIFE. Imagine waking up to this view each morning, having coffee on the veranda and hopping into the boat for a sunrise ride.</span><br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <br style="font-weight: bold;" /> <span style="font-weight: bold;">We ask for a 24 hour showing notice and all potential buyers must be pre-approved! Thank you for showing and let's get this sold!</span></big></big></big></p>
<div><object height="450" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="600"><param name="_cx" value="15875" /><param name="_cy" value="11906" /><param name="FlashVars" value="" /><param name="Movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" /><param name="Src" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" /><param name="WMode" value="Transparent" /><param name="Play" value="0" /><param name="Loop" value="-1" /><param name="Quality" value="High" /><param name="SAlign" value="LT" /><param name="Menu" value="-1" /><param name="Base" value="" /><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="Scale" value="NoScale" /><param name="DeviceFont" value="0" /><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0" /><param name="BGColor" value="" /><param name="SWRemote" value="" /><param name="MovieData" value="" /><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1" /><param name="Profile" value="0" /><param name="ProfileAddress" value="" /><param name="ProfilePort" value="0" /><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="_cx" value="15875" /><param name="_cy" value="11906" /><param name="FlashVars" value="" /><param name="Movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" /><param name="Src" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" /><param name="WMode" value="Transparent" /><param name="Play" value="0" /><param name="Loop" value="-1" /><param name="Quality" value="High" /><param name="SAlign" value="LT" /><param name="Menu" value="-1" /><param name="Base" value="" /><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="Scale" value="NoScale" /><param name="DeviceFont" value="0" /><param name="EmbedMovie" value="0" /><param name="BGColor" value="" /><param name="SWRemote" value="" /><param name="MovieData" value="" /><param name="SeamlessTabbing" value="1" /><param name="Profile" value="0" /><param name="ProfileAddress" value="" /><param name="ProfilePort" value="0" /><param name="AllowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="AllowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="FlashVars" value="galleryid=16701594600_nQdSS" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" /><embed src="http://www.picnik.com/slide/slide.swf" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="galleryid=16701594600_nQdSS" height="450" width="600" /></object>
<div style="float: left;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/show/id/16701594600_nQdSS/t/picnik-show">"<strong>Picnik Show</strong>"</a></div>
<div style="float: right;"><a href="http://www.picnik.com" target="_blank">Create a free slideshow with Picnik!</a></div>
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<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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I Made 400.000 Points? Wowser...
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2543178/i-made-400-000-points--wowser---
2011-10-05T17:38:24Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; color: #006800;"><big><big><img title="Active Rain Rocks" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/7/3/1/ar13178757113733.JPG" height="325" alt="Active Rain Rocks" width="325" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />Oh my, I just thought this would be a mountain that I couldn't climb. I remember my first 50,000 points that seemed like it was never going to happen. I quit worrying about the points and simply began voicing my thoughts, business views, listings and other important communications for my business and "voila" here I am! I am so grateful to Active Rain and the forum they have provided us. I am found in so many places on Google and I never dreamt I could actually get there. Anyone can. Each and every one of you can get to whatever goal you set. This is one of the best things of AR. We have no quotas or expectations or judgments. We are all just friends and are supporting each other in the best manner that we can. I am no one but a simple Realtor® working to develop my Market the best way I know how and yet, here I am at 400,000 points! <br /><br />You know...whoever came up with the competitive goal of points sure earned a bundle. They earned a bundle of points and dollars I hope. Let's give everyone the credit they deserve! <br /><br />Thank you all for reading and for the comments and feelings and opinions you are free to express here.</big></big></big></p>
<p><big style="font-family: Comic Sans MS; color: #006800;"><big><big>I JUST FOUND OUT THAT <a href="http://activerain.com/pthakkar" title="PRAFUL HITS 400,000!">PRAFUL THAKKAR</a> IS ALSO ABOUT TO MAKE THIS MILESTONE! CONGRATS PRAFUL! YOU ROCK! EVERYONE WHO IS THERE SIGN IN! EVERYONE DESERVES A LITTLE KUDO!</big></big></big></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
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<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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Dear Kodak, If only I had Your 6.1 All In One Printer!
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2542961/dear-kodak--if-only-i-had-your-6-1-all-in-one-printer-
2011-10-05T16:31:14Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><big style="color: #005a00;"><big><big><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold;">Dear Kodak,</span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/5/6/8/ar131786579986576.JPG" height="225" alt="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" width="225" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />You have been a part of my life for many years now.</span> I have photos of my children taken from your cameras and vacations and old photos of myself taken from one of your very old cameras with a huge flash! <span style="font-weight: bold;">I still have it and it is now considered an antique just like me!</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I love the fact that I am dealing with a company that is much older than I.</span> Because of this very fact and your tried and true experience, you will have my respect and preferred business for all time. </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I would like to share a story with you of a time that I really needed you. But alas, you were not there for me.</span> This is not really a grievance as I have discovered that you could have been there for me had I been a bit more on the ball. I was sadly in the dark instead of having my head in the clouds where it should have been. </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><img title="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/7/1/6/9/ar13178659096176.JPG" height="125" alt="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" width="125" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" />Once upon a time I worked with a client named Mr. Forgetful. (names in my letter to you are changed to protect the guilty)</span> I listed Mr. Forgetful's house from a referral of a wonderful client and friend. This is not one of the listings I would have chosen yet I did this for my friend. Mr. Forgetful was an older gentleman and I did everything humanly possible to sell his house including hiring and paying for a cleaning crew that whipped the house back in shape.</span></big></big></big></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><br /></span></p>
<p><big style="color: #005a00;"><big><big><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> Low and behold I received two, count them....TWO....offers on his house within a 24 hour period. Mr. Forgetful lived far, far away from me. A round trip for me was approximately 90 miles. </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">I sat down with Mr. Forgetful to review the two offers. They were both signed by the buyers and had been emailed to me. I printed them out at my office and made the drive to see him. One of the offers was higher than the other but the buyers credit was not very strong. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Being the diligent Seller's Representative I am, I recommended the other offer even though a bit less due to the strength of their credit. Mr. Forgetful said, "great!" and he signed the paperwork.</span> </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">After signing</span> I told him I could either make a copy with his acceptance signature and bring it back to him or he could pick it up at my office. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He said, "no problem! I have to drive by there in a couple of days and I will stop by to pick it up".</span> The plan couldn't have been more perfect. At least so it seemed...but then came Inspections. He evidently did not take my advice since he forgot and he attended the inspection against my advice and the people changed their minds! (who would've thunk it?)<img title="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/0/8/1/5/ar131786606251802.JPG" height="125" alt="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" width="125" style="float: left; margin: 10px;" /></span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I had to tell Mr. Forgetful that the deal failed.</span> I contacted the other folks that made the offer and they were already in contract with another house. He was livid and quite confused as h<strong>e "yelled at the top of his lungs at me for not doing a good job". He wanted to see the paperwork that I had so delinquently not provided him!</strong> I attempted to explain that he said he would come by and pick it up. Not a chance in ... well, you know...would he believe me. <strong>It was all my fault</strong>.</span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next day I received a call from TAR...yep. Texas Association of Realtors.</span> Seems a man named Mr. Forgetful had a complaint. It seems I had mishandled an offer and he had never received any paperwork! </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">Deep Breath here. I explained that Mr. Forgetful had told me he would come by to get it and explained about him following the entire inspection while "babbling" and the lady from TAR giggled. She did! She giggled. <span style="font-weight: bold;">She said thank you very much and have a great day!</span> </span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dearest Kodak,</span> oh Dearest one...I work in the depths of rural America and I need you! I could have simply copied off the paperwork for him right at his table! <span style="font-weight: bold;">Had I been able to whip out my trusty </span></span></big></big></big><span class="opDefaultContent"><span class="title2"><big style="color: #005a00;"><big><big><a href="http://www.google.com/cloudprint/learn/" title="Kodak Office Hero 6.1 All in one Printer"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;">KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer</span></span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold;"> YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN MY HERO!</span></big></big></big></span></span><span class="opDefaultContent"><span class="title2"><big style="color: #005a00;"><big><big><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN MY HERO!</span> <img title="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/7/1/6/ar131786631261732.JPG" height="325" alt="Kodak Contest KODAK OFFICE HERO 6.1 All-in-One Printer" width="325" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" /></span><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><big><big><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">YOU are the HERO for many Realtors in this amazingly difficult industry! <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Always be mine!</span></span> </span></big></big><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><br style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;" /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif; text-decoration: underline;">I understand that you were not there for me because it was my fault. I was the responsible one.</span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: Times New Roman,Times,serif;"> <br /><br /><big>I am a very responsible person...lol...whatever happens I'm responsible!</big> </span></big></big></big><br /></span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>
<p><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2537921/kodak-and-activerain-printing-on-the-go-challenge" title="Kodak and Active Rain All in One Printing on the Go Challenge"><span class="opDefaultContent"><span class="title2">***This blog post is for the Kodak and ActiveRain 'Printing on the Go' Challenge.</span></span></a></p>
<p><span class="opDefaultContent"><span class="title2">This blog post is for the Kodak and ActiveRain 'Printing on the Go' Challenge. You have a chance to win some great prizes from Kodak</span></span></p>
<p><span class="opDefaultContent"><span class="title2"><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2537921/kodak-and-activerain-printing-on-the-go-challenge" title="Kodak and Active Rain All in One Printing on the Go Challenge"> ***You have a chance to win some great prizes from Kodak!</a><br /></span></span></p><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>
Create a Killer Elevator Speech That WINS Business Contest
https://activerain.com/blogsview/2542231/create-a-killer-elevator-speech-that-wins-business-contest-
2011-10-05T07:53:37Z
Deb Brooks (Brooks Prime Properties Wichita Falls Texas)
<p><p>Rebekah has given us yet another challenge! Woo! Everyone should consider this as what you will end up with is a fantastic marketing tool. Thanks Rebekah for coming up with this contest as I can plainly see that you are juggling many balls! I love it. Thank you so much and I will see just what I can do!</p>
<p>Thank you Rebekah Radice and all the judges!</p></p><div id="reblogging_tag"><blockquote><p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Do you know what differentiates you from the rest of your peers and can you effectively relay that to anyone, anytime, anywhere? Creating a <strong>killer elevator speech</strong> will allow you to quickly and succinctly relay to a prospective client what the benefit to working with you is. An <strong>elevator speech,</strong> also known as your <strong>30 second speech, elevator pitch or video business card</strong> is a quick way to convey your value proposition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">So why 30 seconds? In our rush, rush “gotta have it now” world we have a very short amount of time to capture someone’s attention. A great <strong>elevator speech</strong> includes our why, our what, our how, our when and our where. Basically it’s <strong>who we are</strong> in a nice, clean, tight package. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>The idea behind the elevator speech is this:</em></strong> What if you were locked in an elevator with your perfect potential client and only had 30 seconds to hook them?<em><strong> How would you do this before they walked out of the elevator and out of your business forever?</strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">The maximum amount of time for your <strong>elevator speech</strong> submission is 60 seconds. While 30 seconds is a suggestion, it hardly seems realistic for everyone. <strong>Video is NOT a requirement</strong><strong></strong>, only your written elevator speech is required for submission into the contest. However, additional points will be awarded for taking that extra step and preparing a video. While mine is a bit longer than 60 seconds, the most important component is that it gets the point across.</span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9Gf94pTzRGo" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366; font-size: large;"><strong>How to Create Your Elevator Speech</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Grab a pen and paper and ask yourself the following questions:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What do you have to offer that puts you above the pack? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What will you do for your clients that others don’t? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What makes you special?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What is your best quality?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What is your key objective?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">How will you make your story memorable? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What anecdote or analogy can you use that humanizes you?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What pain are you trying to solve?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">How will you solve that pain?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">How will that make your customer feel?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">How can you clearly and concisely express your how, what and why?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">What about your offer will grab their attention?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">How can you convey your excitement, passion and energy for what you do?</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Now <strong>take that passion and turn it into profit</strong> by communicating your value effectively no matter where you are or who you are talking to! </span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366; font-size: large;"><strong>The Challenge:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Create your <strong>30 second elevator speech</strong> that best defines who you are, why someone should work with you, where you are located, how you will assist them in meeting their needs and what value you offer above your competition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Each entrant must draft their <strong>30 second elevator speech</strong> containing a minimum of 100 words. While it’s called a 30 second elevator pitch, the time of 30 seconds is only a suggestion. The most important part is that it gets your message across in an effective and concise way.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366; font-size: large;"><strong>How the Judging Will Work:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Our illustrious panel of judges will choose from the <strong>most creative, influential and effective elevator pitch</strong>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">A BIG Thank You to <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/raleighhomesonline" title="Pamela St. Peter Raleigh Homes Online" target="_blank"><strong>Pamela St. Peter</strong></a> and <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/mimifoster" title="Mimi Foster Colorado Springs Realtor" target="_blank"><strong>Mimi Foster</strong></a> for giving of their time and expertise in judging this contest. There is no way I could do it without you two ladies!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><img title="Pamela St. Peter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/3/6/0/8/ar131783476680632.PNG" height="212" alt="Pamela St. Peter" style="margin: 10px;" width="176" /><img title="Mimi Foster" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/6/0/0/ar131783482300698.PNG" height="215" alt="Mimi Foster" style="margin: 10px;" width="176" /><img title="Rebekah Radice Loan Officer" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/7/7/7/2/ar131783561127775.PNG" height="219" alt="Rebekah Radice Loan Officer" style="margin: 10px;" width="182" /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Points, Points and More Points!</strong><br /></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">Each entrant will automatically receive 500 points. For those over achievers that need a little added incentive, there will be 500 additional points given if you take your elevator speech and turn it into a 30-60 second <strong>video business card</strong>. This is an area where you can really get creative. I’ve included an additional example from one of my colleagues below.</span></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PWWTz7bozjs" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">1<sup>st</sup> Place – 2000 points plus 500 entry points and 500 bonus points for video</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">2<sup>nd</sup> Place – 1500 points plus 500 entry points and 500 bonus points for video</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">3<sup>rd</sup> Place – 1000 points plus 500 entry points and 500 bonus points for video</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">4<sup>th</sup> Place – 500 points plus 500 entry points and 500 bonus points for video</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #003366; font-size: large;"><strong>Additional Information:</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">*All entrants receive 500 points at end of contest</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">**500 additional points awarded on top of the 500 points given to all entrants for their video entry. See the point’s summary above for all of the details.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">***Contest runs from October 5 – October 31, 2011. All entries must be received by midnight ET October 31, 2011.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">****Must add a link to your completed post in the comments section of this post in order to enter your elevator speech into the contest.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">*****Limit one entry per person</span></p>
<p><span style="color: #ff0000; font-size: large;"><strong>What You Receive in the End</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;">This <strong>Active Rain contest</strong> will not only leave you with your completed <strong>elevator speech</strong>, but a<strong> video business card</strong> as well! Think of the marketing opportunities!</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Place it on your website</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Use it in an email campaign</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Blog about it</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Use it as your “About” website page for new and visiting potential customers</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Use it as a Facebook Landing Page and anywhere else you connect with potential clients!</span></li>
</ul><div class="agent_signature"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/subscribe?subscribed_agent_id=98734" title="Subscribe to Rebekah's Rockstar Blog!" target="_blank"><img title="Subscribe to Rebekah's Rockstar Blog!" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/1/7/6/6/ar131030506866713.PNG" height="183" alt="Subscribe to Rebekah's Rockstar Blog!" width="509" /></a><br /></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><strong><strong><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Want to know more about me? Just </span></span><a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Rebekah+Radice+Colorado+Springs" title="Google Rebekah Radice" target="_blank"><span><span style="font-size: medium;">Google Me</span></span></a><span><span style="font-size: medium;">!</span></span></strong></strong></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span><span><span><span><strong>T:</strong> 719.387.1368 <strong><span>|</span> Email:</strong> </span></span></span><a href="mailto:rebekah@rebekahradice.com"><span>rebekah@rebekahradice.com</span></a><span><span> <strong>| </strong><span><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://rebekahradice.com">http://rebekahradice.com</a> <span><strong>|</strong></span><span><strong>CO & NMLS Licensee:</strong> LMB100010938 & 288596 <strong>| </strong></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span>Benchmark Mortgage dba Ark-La-Tek Financial Services, LLC | 12 E. Kiowa |</span><span>Colorado Springs, CO 80903</span></span></span></span> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><strong><span><span style="color: black;">FREE Marketing, Sales & Success Strategies </span></span></strong></span><span><strong><span><span style="color: black;">for Colorado Real Estate Agents: </span></span></strong></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><span><a href="http://facebook.com/freehelprealestate" title="Free Help for Colorado Real Estate" target="_blank"><img title="Free Help for Colorado Real Estate Agents" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/1/7/3/8/ar129823061883719.jpg" height="57" alt="Free Help for Colorado Real Estate Agents" width="215" /></a></span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><strong><strong>Find Me Online!</strong></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://facebook.com/rebekahradice" title="Rebekah Radice Facebook" target="_blank"><img title="Rebekah Radice Facebook" class="size-full wp-image-2302 aligncenter" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Chrome-Facebook-48.png" height="48" alt="Rebekah Radice Facebook" width="48" style="margin: 5px;" /></a><a href="http://twitter.com/rebekahradice" title="Rebekah Radice Twitter" target="_blank"><img title="Rebekah Radice Twitter" class="size-full wp-image-2303 aligncenter" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Chrome-Twitter-48.png" height="48" alt="Rebekah Radice Twitter" width="48" style="margin: 5px;" /></a><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekahradice" title="Rebekah Radice LinkedIn" target="_blank"><img title="Rebekah Radice Linkedin" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2304" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Chrome-Linkedin-48.png" height="48" alt="Rebekah Radice Linkedin" width="48" style="margin: 5px;" /></a><a href="http://rebekahradice.com/feed" title="Rebekzh Radice Blog" target="_blank"><img title="Rebekah Radice Blog" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-2305" src="http://rebekahradice.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Chrome-Rss-48.png" height="48" alt="Rebekah Radice Blog" width="48" style="margin: 5px;" /></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva; font-size: medium;">Recent Articles from Rebekah's Blog</span></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2388694/you-can-be-a-referral-magnet-" title="You Can Be a Referral Magnet" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">You Can Be a Referral Magnet</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2283515/6-ways-to-drive-traffic-to-your-website-or-blog" title="6 Ways to Drive Traffice to Your Website or Blog" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">6 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website or Blog</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="../../blogsview/2360742/how-to-use-linkedin-to-generate-real-estate-business-" rel="bookmark">How to Use LinkedIn to Generate Real Estate Business </a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2351051/what-happened-to-my-loan-approval"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What Happened to My Loan Approval</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2347362/top-5-reasons-you-should-blog-on-active-rain"><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Top 5 Reasons You Should Blog on Active Rain</span></a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="../../blogsview/2491882/3-easy-ways-to-customize-your-active-rain-blog" rel="bookmark">3 Easy Ways to Customize Your Active Rain Blog</a></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><strong>Get the Itemized List of Posts!</strong><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/2415423/rebekah-s-blog-post-roundup" title="Rebekah Radice Blog Post Catalog"><img title="Rebekah Radice Blog Post Catalog" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/1/3/6/3/ar13115120636311.png" height="44" alt="Rebekah Radice Blog Post Catalog" width="250" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p></div></blockquote></div><div class='agent_signature'><p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/197/9DE24B2E8AFECD60C6DA8EBBA34BDC8F.png"></a></p>
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<img style="float: right; margin: 5px;" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/0/0/4/ar130791582840058.gif" width="110" height="85"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Follow Me on Twitter" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/2/4/0/9/ar130578141590423.png" alt="Follow Me on Twitter" width="85" height="135"></span></em></strong><span style="font-size: x-large;"><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a title="wichita falls real estate, homes, property for sale" href="http://www.debs-realestate.com" target="_self">Wichita Falls Real Estate and Home Sales by Deb "Alayne" Brooks!</a> </span></em></span>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Free-Texas-home-search-by-Brooks-Prime-Properties/113601182038195" target="_blank"><img style="margin: 10px; float: left;" title="Lake Conroe, Lake Livingston Home Search on FaceBook" src="https://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/5/0/8/ar130577891380572.png" alt="Texas Home Search on FaceBook" width="112" height="112"></a></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Check out my website at: <a href="http://www.debs-realestate.com">www.debs-realestate.com</a></span>. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a title="FreeFoto.com" href="http://www.freefoto.com/index.jsp" target="_blank"> Some photos attributed </a></span></span> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p></div>