10 things you should avoid when using Social Media Millions of people are using Social Media and no matter what your intentions are (promote yourself, your brand or your business...) you cannot afford to not evaluate this trend! This blog is designed to help you to avoid a few of the top mistakes people make when engaging in Social Media. Take some ideas, pass them on, and leave a comment. Whatever you decide to do with it I hope reading this will be well worth your time! 1. Not having a clue If you do not have a clue (also known as a Social Media strategy or roadmap) you will get lost. You will become frustrated and you will likely have a hard time to define success. If nothing else sit down with your team before diving into the world of Social Media and figure out a) what tools do you... 11/04/2010

Check this out!!.. A simple way to search for propertiesNOW FOR COQUITLAM http://listingsincoquitlam.com   More area's being added soon   Looking for a home in Maple Ridge or the Lower Mainland of B.C.? CLICK HERE---->> MAPLE RIDGE LISTINGS CLICK HERE---->> PITT MEADOWS LISTINGS CLICK HERE---->> PORT COQUITLAM LISTINGS CLICK HERE---->> VANCOUVER AREA LISTINGS     Get THIS WEEKS local Market Conditions for YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD!       This listing is brought to you by... Darren Revell and Gord Moman REAL Pros Group Keller Williams Elite Realty 550- 20395 Lougheed Hwy Maple Ridge, BC  V2X 2P9 604-719-3805, 604-465-0016(fax) darren@darrenrevell.com     gord@topproducer.com Each office of Keller Williams is independently owned and operated.  This communication is not intended to cause or induc... 10/15/2010

Condo “For Sale” Signs are hung on what we in BC call "Trees". While hanging real estate signs on fences or patio posts is unacceptable in most instances, there are many strata corporations in British Columbia who are not allowing “for sale” signs to be hung on the real estate sign tree in front of buildings. This action is mainly in response to the abuse by a few irresponsible REALTORS®, who do not take down their signs on time, hang them when they don’t have a listing, don’t secure them properly, use oversize signs, etc. While I understand the reasons strata council’s want to do this they should have been advised by their management company that preventing someone from hanging a “for sale” sign is not legally enforceable according to the Strata Property Act of BC. (BTW, strata is what... 09/19/2010

A Workshop: Want some Help Saving Money on your Real Estate Purchase? Buying or selling real estate is a big decision and the more informed you are, the more successful the process. This interactive workshop gives you an opportunity to meet with a team of professionals to learn some helpful tips and to ask questions (…and get knowledgeable answers). By becoming more knowledgeable about real estate, you will feel more in control of your purchasing and selling decisions. You will learn about the different financing options available to you, the legal aspects of purchasing real estate (including documentation), as well as tax planning through real estate investing.  Other topics to be presented include the different types of joint ownership; when it makes sense to structure a purchase diff... 09/14/2010

This is another post in a series of value propositions I have been working on for future marketing material, which accounts for why it is presented in the third person. I’m wide open to suggestions for improvement. Results are often based on the competence of your real estate representative. A high level of formal training and specialized expertise is what you can expect from John, who has an insatiable appetite for learning and a fierce commitment to improving his capabilities as a REALTOR®. As a student and proponent of Kaizen in his operations management days, he embraced continuous improvement and adopts the philosophy in all his business processes, which is not something you’ll likely see elsewhere in the real estate industry. John has acquired enough “know-how”, which coupled with... 09/12/2010

This is one of a series of value propositions I have been working on for future marketing material, and why it is presented in the third person. I’m wide open to suggestions for improvement. Utilizing John’s extensive project management experience and training gives you a competitive advantage. John reviews your real estate priorities and makes sure they are clearly articulated in a personalized plan that recognizes everyone has different real estate needs requiring specialized attention. He also ensures that everything is conducted in writing as a part of the agreement. John believes that his clients should not be forced into anything that is not going to fit well with their real estate objectives and therefore ensures that your real estate plan will be reasonable and actively work tow... 09/11/2010

I’ve read many posts about branding and left many comments, including asking, “What makes AR members unique?” For instance, last week I commented: “What value does a logo or a gimmick or a tagline, add to a potential client?  These are the things which done properly can complement or supplement a brand, but aren't usually the brand itself!” As a result of this conundrum most REALTORS® (with a few exceptions) offer the same services that make our industry a commodity. What seems to evade a majority of REALTORS® is the ability to offer something unique that adds value to potential clients. This is what distinguishes the successfully branded REALTOR®. To have any credibility in this conversation I believe it is important for me to demonstrate the basis for some of my own branding. Okay; so... 09/10/2010

Before the Internet it was common for a real estate office to have a duty REALTOR® ready to help you when you walked in. This was called floor duty. Today this has all but disappeared although many offices are located in high traffic areas and continue to display homes for sale in a window.  Whether there is much walk-in business from this or not I’m uncertain. While my brokerage, Prudential Sterling Realty (PSR), is not on a high traffic course, it is located conveniently just one block from a multi modal transit hub and offers plenty of free parking, but we get very few walk-in’s. Instead PSR has a mall kiosk in a prime location close to a busy entrance/exit. This means that PSR REALTORS® can engage people on their way in if they are not in a hurry, or on their way out when they’ve fi... 09/06/2010

Today, professionally licensed REALTORS® are being taught that accepting an over-priced listing is not in the best interest of the Sellers. The implication here is that above all else we have an ethical obligation (fiduciary duty) to be working in the best interest of the Sellers. If the Sellers weren’t prepared to price properly as a part of an overall marketing strategy, why would we engage them in business? I’ve read numerous times on AR posts where REALTORS® have walked away from unrealistic Sellers; normally the Seller who won’t contractually agree to a pre-determined price reduction schedule if their home hasn’t sold after certain periods. Listings used to be the name of the game because the more listings you had the more successful you would appear to the public. So this would en... 09/05/2010

Coquitlam Council approved a development Permit for the rezoning of 500 block of Clarke Road. This is in anticipation of the Evergreen Line. Bosa Properties and Safeway have been working to make this project a reality. The Mixed use high density project will include Two High Rises , Six townhouses, Three retail units and Grocery store.         View Larger Map 07/22/2010

CLICK HERE if You Want to Look at homes in Maple Ridge, Coquitlam, Vancouver & the Fraser Valley area! This past Saturday was the big day for the 3rd Annual Gaby Davis Foundation Swap Meet Fundraiser and a perfect day it was.  Gaby must have pulled some strings for us up in heaven as the skies parted and the previous weeks worth of rain came to a halt. The residents of the Coquitlam neighborhood of River Springs came out in mass and supported the Gaby Davis foundation with their usual gusto.  The Coquitlam Fire Department did their yearly job of washing the fleet of cars rom the River Springs community and they were joined by mainy other businesses and volunteers who made this event the annual success that it has become and I am delighted to say that the Scott Leaf family was all there ... 06/14/2010

This popular free real estate seminar will provide you with insights to avoid pitfalls and ways to protect yourself as a buyer, whether first-time, up-sizing or down-sizing. “For anyone considering entering the real estate market we would highly recommend taking this seminar.”  - Jim and Anna R. - Coquitlam Next Seminar:                                    Saturday, June 5th. 10 until 12 noon. With all the responsibilities of buying and selling real estate, this need for risk management is crucial. The onus for property evaluation is always on the buyer whether pre-sale or resale. Registration:                                      604-937-4155 Location/map:                                   Coquitlam Public Library - Poirier Branch (map) Presented by:                                    “... 05/21/2010

Don't miss this great family event for a great cause!!   It's being held in the parking lot of Royal LePage Coronation West at 2185 Austin Avenue in Coquitlam (at Hillcrest). Other fun activities will include a hot dog BBQ, bake sale, balloons and popcorn for the kids, coloring contest and much more!!    An army of hard working, fun loving realtors will be out to help you treasure hunt through the tables - 100% of the proceeds will benefit the Tri Cities Womens Resource Society.   This organization helps women and their families transition out of violence and abusive situations through housing, education and support programs. Don't miss out - help us help others on this great day!    If you have any questions, or would like more information about how you can donate or support this event... 04/11/2010

A newly founded group of special Shelter Foundation ambassadors will help raise more funds and awareness for the Shelter Foundation.  By unifying our efforts and voice nationwide, we can make even more of a difference in the lives of Canadian women and children. I am pleased to announce the members of this new national 15 person group: British Columbia: Sharen Warde (RLP Coast Capital) in Victoria Angela Reeves (RLP Coronation West) in Coquitlam Alberta: Darlis Bachusky (RLP Network Realty) in Red Deer Jolene Ledene (RLP Community) in Brooks Saskatchewan: Mike Duggleby (RLP Regina) in Regina Deb Schmidt (RLP Premier) in Yorkton Manitoba: Becky Parkes (RLP Dynamic) in Winnipeg Ontario: Colette Lacoursiere (RLP ProAlliance) in Kingston Catherine DeVries (RLP Real Estate Services Ltd) in T... 02/23/2010

Beginning Monday, Feb. 8, King Edward Street in Coquitlam will be closed for construction between Lougheed Highway and Woolridge Street until the spring of 2011. Access in Coquitlam to United Boulevard is from Lougheed Highway at Woolridge (near Ikea). Access to Woolridge businesses in Coquitlam will now be via Lougheed at Schoolhouse Street or Lougheed at Woolridge. The city of Coquitlam has asked motorists to note that left turns will neither be possible from Woolridge to King Edward or from King Edward to Woolridge. If you have any questions on these closures in Coquitlam give us a call! Doug or Sean 604-726-1023 Thinking of buying or selling Real estate in Coquitlam? We are your Coquitlam Real Estate Experts!   Experts in Coquitlam Real Estate! Give us a call to find all homes for s... 02/09/2010

 The annual need to dispose of the Christmas Tree and have it recycled by chipping approaches as rapidly as does the New Year.  The option this season in the Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam & Port Moody are: Anmore    (604) 469-9877  Anmore Village Hall Top parking lot Chipping event: Jan 9 10am- 3pm * can be dropped off the week leading up to event By donation to the Sasamat Volunteer Fire Department. Belcarra    (604) 937-4100  Recycling Depot Bedwell Bay Road Trees accepted through Jan 11 during depot hours: M-Su 7:00am-8:00pm Free to drop off.   Coquitlam www.coquitlam.ca    (604) 927-3000  With curbside yard trimmings collection At the curb by 7:00 am on the scheduled collection day. Clean trees collected when cut into lengths of no more than 3' and bundled. Kinsmen Clu... 12/29/2009

Distributes food to people in need. Requires proof of local address, income information, and identification for all members of the household (carecard, driver's license, or passport). Food is available every two weeks. Serves residents of Anmore, Belcarra, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody. Operated by volunteers. Donations are welcome. Port Moody Food Bank hours are 12 noon to 2 pm Wednesdays. 2615 Clarke Street   Port Moody   BC         Port Coquitlam Food Bank hours are 12 noon to 2 pm Wednesdays; located at 2211 Prairie Avenue, and operated in partnership with Trinity United Church and Saint Catherine's Anglican Church. Coquitlam Food Bank hours are 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm Wednesdays; located at 535 Marmont Street, and operated in partnership with Como Lake United Church and Bea... 12/22/2009

11/29/2009

Coqutilam Real Estate, Homes For Sale...Receive Your Free Market Snapshot Report...           The Latest Technology To Help In Your Search For Your New HomeShort of helping you buy or sell a property, the best service I can provide, especially in today’s shifting economic climate, is a monthly snapshot on your investment! What are home values in your neighbourhood? What’s happening to home values in your neighbourhood? What have your neighbour’s homes sold for lately?     I have a new service to offer and I have set you up to receive a Market Snapshot that will arrive every 4 weeks via email.  If you want, I can follow up with a phone call to explain the details of the Snapshot but in advance I want to point out the following.  The map has several options; road, aerial and bird’s eye vi... 11/09/2009

When you are moving in Coquitlam...Send Change of Address to:         Post Office       Change accounts and credit card agencies       Friends and Relatives      Subscriptions, book clubs, record clubs (notice requires several weeks in advance)       Bank - transfer funds, arrange for check cashing in new city      Insurance - Notify regarding new location for coverage:  Life, Health, Fire, Auto      Automobile registration - Transfer of auto title is necessary: also driver's license, city windshield sticker and motor club membership      Utility Companies - Gas, electric, water, telephone, cable television, fuel: obtain refund of any deposit made:  arrange for immediate service in new location       Route Persons - Laundry, newspaper delivery, changeover of services       School Record... 11/02/2009