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How Real Estate Agents Can Improve Video and Images for Higher Ranking in Search Engines

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:00:46 -0400

Brad Andersohn constantly provides great content about how to imrove our social media marketing for us in the real estate industry. Here is his latest article about improving our SEO for the video and images we use in our social media marketing. I am going to post this on my Facebook page that focuses on social media marketing for real estate agents.

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

How To Improve your Video and Images for Higher Ranking in the Search Engines.

Acquiring SEO and traffic to your Blog or Website using great content, titles, descriptions, and keywords etc. has always been a subtle yet powerful strategy in the Blogging community. Many new businesses and individuals don't start off blogging or creating websites with the understanding of how SEO (Search Engine Optimization) works, or why it might be important to their success. In time... they learn. We all do.

In my travels around the country teaching SEO, Blogging, and Social Networking, the one thing that is least talked about or questioned is the power of video and images. You hear "Content is King" but you won't hear or learn that video and images are the most viewed and sought after items on the Internet. Could this be one of the reasons Google has links to them at the top of every search results page?

How do you get YOUR Video and Images to show at the Top of the Search Engine Results?

Matt Cutts from Google explains a few ways you can accomplish this. He shares some great ideas and tips on using and adding meta-data and user generated content. The idea of using captioning in Video is brilliant! You provide the transcripts and youtube will auto-align the text.

Creating captioning is easier than you may think, Matt and others do this on every video and I can show you how.

Matt also shares some great ideas on how to use flickr, he gives some great examples and says “it’s almost like crowd sourcing!” Flickr has great SEO but you need to understand how to use tags, descriptions and some of the tips in this video will assist you in knowing how and why.

If you create and use your own pictures, images, or video, and you want to get views, traffic, and ultimately generate leads and business, it's important to know a few key things including the SEO tips Matt shares in this video. It's also important to know that SEO isn't the only key ingredient that gets your material found on the web. Apply the concept that "Content Is King" to images and video, along with these tips and you've won 90% of the battle.

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San Francisco Ca-389 Baltimore Way~Open House Sunday 6/27/10 2-4 pm

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:26:58 -0500

San Francisco California, Welcome to 389 Baltimore Way, Price to sell, Warm and cozy home!

Price to sell, Warm and cozy San Francisco detached single family home . This well kept home offers two stories with 3 bedroom 1 bath upstairs including cozy fireplace, hardwood floors, nearly remodeled kitchen with oak cabinets, marble floor and granite countertops, updated bath. Complete 1 bedroom 1 bath with spacious full kitchen in-law unit downstairs with separate entrance (W/O PERMIT) Double pane windows crown moldings, 2-car garage. Call for a private showing today

Property Features • Single Family Property • Year Built: 1960 • 3 bedroom • 2 bath(s) • Approximately 1168 sq. ft. • Two story • Style: Traditional • Basement • Hardwood floors • Fireplace(s) •Fireplace features: Wood burning • 2 car garage • Attached parking • Heating features: Central Forced Air • Exterior construction: Stucco Exterior • Roofing: Shingle • Lot is 2944 sq. ft.

Mayra Espinosa
Foreclosure(REO)/Short Sale Certified specialist
Prudential California Realty-San Mateo
1116 S El Camino Real
San Mateo, CA 94044
Cell: 650-996-8961
Website: http://www.sanmateomlslistings.com

The Elements Of An Awesome Loan Package! Part 1 - The Application

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:34:11 -0400

In my opinion, the number one way to make a loan transaction fly through the process is by submitting an Awesome Loan Package! An Awesome Loan Package is actually very easy to put together. All it takes is a little attention to detail.

Let's start with the loan application. The key idea I want you to remember is to be accurate and complete. Some items are extremely important to be accurate with. Others are very important to be complete.

You want to be extremely accurate with:

The number of units
Occupancy (is it your primary residence, vacation home, or investment property)
Length of time at address (if any less than 2 years supply the former address(es) for a complete 2 year history
Time on job (any less than 2 years supply former employer(s) with accurate dates of employment. If you have any gaps in employment, prepare a letter explaining the reasons for the gap
Checking the Self Employed box if you owned 25% or more of a company

It is extremely important to be accurate with this information on the application because YOUR LENDER WILL FIND OUT IF IT IS NOT ACCURATE! They have extremely good quality control systems these days. If you are not accurate with this information, you will have some explaining to do! Explanations take time, and time is your enemy, especially on purchase transactions.

You want to be extremely complete with:

Sources of your down payment and/or settlement charges
All addresses where you have resided in the last two years
All employment in the last two years
All sources of income
Listing all of your accounts that hold liquid assets (don't forget about the cash value of life insurance)
List all real estate owned, even if there is no mortgage on a property

Being complete with these parts of the loan application is important not only because it speeds the process, but also because it can make the difference in qualifying for the loan. For example, your lender wants to know that your cash reserves are enough to make the payments if times get tough for you income-wise. Listing all of your liquid assets is a simple step to take that answers this question.

Once again, accuracy and completeness are the two key ideas to remember when completing your application. Part 2 of the Awesome Loan Package will focus on income documentation - stay tuned!

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

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Work at Google or other close-by companies? Take a look at this new listing!

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:30:57 -0400

New Listing - 1963 Rock Street, Unit #12, Mountain View, CA 94043
Open Sunday, June 6, 2010 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Just listed for sale and ready to make its debut at the Brokers' Tour on Friday, June 4, 2010 is this very spacious 2-story upstairs end unit condo. Close to the Google campus and other high-tech employers, you can say good-bye to tedious freeway commutes!

Living is easy, tucked amidst the treetops in a quiet spot away from the street, overlooking the pool and lush landscaping. Enjoy the in-unit laundry with full-size machines, loads of storage, a pellet stove for chilly evenings and room A/C and ceiling fans on the warm days. Life is good here, with 3 decks with 3 different exposures--spots to dine, entertain, garden and simply kick back and relax! Garage parking plus additional off-street parking is an added bonus.

More information and a floor plan available at: www.1963RockStreet.com

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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This house, 2448 Coronet in Belmont, CA 94002, is listed for sale at only $988,000

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:30:06 -0400

2448 Coronet Boulevard, Belmont, CA 94002
Open Saturday, June 5, 2010 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Priced at $988,000

On the market for only one month, 2448 Coronet Boulevard, Belmont, California, 94002 has just had a substantial price reduction. Close to the Oracle campus, with easy access to freeways leading to San Francisco and the Silicon Valley, this 4-bedroom home in the Belmont hills enjoys both a bay and city lights view and a usable back yard, right off the family room dining area.

This is an easy home to love, from its location within walking distance of Carlmont Shopping Center and the beautiful Belmont public library, to Belmont's highly desired schools. Living is easy here, with 1 bedroom and 1 full bath on the entry level, an upstairs master suite to answer your dreams, and 2 additional bedrooms upstairs. Huge patio off the dining/family room--spots to dine, entertain, garden and simply kick back and relax! A 2-car garage plus additional parking on the driveway is an added bonus, as is easy freeway access to 101, 280 and 92.

More information and a floor plan are available at: www.2448CoronetBlvd.com. Join us at the Open House on Saturday, June 5, 1:00 - 4:00 PM, or the brokers' tour on Tuesday, June 8, 9:30-12:30. Or--you or your agent can call for an easy-to-schedule appointment.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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Finding Unclaimed $$$$ Money $$$$ in California

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Tue, 25 May 2010 20:22:05 -0400

Finding unclaimed money in California has been made much easier than in years past.

And who wouldn't like to learn they have a forgotten stash, large or small, waiting for them?

California's Unclaimed Property Law requires corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions and insurance companies to report and deliver property to the California State Controller's Office. This must be done annually after there has been no activity on the account of contact with the owner for a period of time specified in the law, generally three years or more.

To start your search, simply go to the web site of the California State Controller's Office and follow the simple directions outlined there.

Best of luck!

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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Real Estate Dinosaurs Of San Mateo County: We Are Going To Drive You Into Extinction!

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 07:31:23 -0500

Dear Real Estate Dinosaurs Of San Mateo County,

I, a fellow real estate agent, am writing this letter to you as fair warning, you are soon going to be extinct!

You know who you are. You spend thousands of dollars on your advertising. In your advertising you tell us how you are in the top 1% in the universe in sales. There's a picture of you next to your fancy car. You have pictures of homes that you have sold with a red CLOSED banner draped across to impress us.

Your office is a testimony to yourself. Your top producer trophies are spread throughout your expansive office. Your certificates with alphabet soup designations are perfectly placed to impress us.

Who am I, you may ask? I'm that agent down the hall in that small cubicle. It may not be real impressive, but it is where I am implementing my plan to drive you and others like you into extinction!

It is here where I am sharpening my tools to begin the assault. Don't worry, it won't be bloody, but it will be painful!

I won't be conducting this operation alone. I have teamed up with Phil Caulfield. He is a social media assassin. He has been trained in the art of social media warfare. And to be quite honest, he does not like you! He has called you in the past to introduce himself, but you have not returned his call. He has a chip on his shoulder. He wants you extinct as much as I do.

We are going to fight fair, so I am going to tell you the tools we are going to use to see your demise.

First, we are going to strike you with our ActiveRain blog. We are going to post content that buyers and sellers are looking for. As a matter of fact, we are going to hit you with content from page one of Google!

Next, we are going to poison you with a viral infection. We are going to post our content on our Facebook Fan Page. Our Fans are going to share this with their friends to make sure your virus spreads.

We've knocked you down, and you are staggering! As you are convulsing with your last breaths, we are going to psychologically destroy you by Tweeting our valuable content right in your face! I told you it was going to be painful!

Your days are numbered, Real Estate Dinosaur - I'm coming to get you.

Sincerely,

That Agent Down The Hall In The Small Cubicle

Do you need help structuring a loan, or getting a rate quote? Call me at (650) 222-0386, or e-mail me

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A Feel-good San Carlos, California story for a Sunny Sunday

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Sun, 23 May 2010 15:22:57 -0400

San Carlos, California, 97070, is a real down-home kind of place, located on the Peninsula in San Mateo County, mid-way between San Francisco and San Jose. The motto of our town is "The City of Good Living."

Well, this story I came across today shows that is more than empty words--San Carlos really is the City of Good Living!

Last month a Good Samaritan found several $100 bills dancing along a downtown sidewalk, in the heart of our shopping area; looking further, he saw a whole stack of bills, totaling $2,000. He immediately took the money to the Police Department, where it was held for safekeeping.

Meanwhile, the woman who had withdrawn the cash from the local Wells Fargo Bank discovered a hole in her jacket pocket and the cash gone. After properly identifying herself, and with the assistance of the bank teller, the police were able to turn the money over to her. The thankful woman not only gave the finder some award, but made a donation to the police department's Juvenile Diversion Program. The police also acknowledged the Samaritan with their Citizen Appreciation Coin.

If you want to learn more about living on the Peninsula, log onto the Facebook page, Peninsula Living. San Carlos might just be the place you want to call home. Our real estate market is strong and active, and it's the people who help make it so great, not to mention the hiking, biking, trail running, schools, youth sports, rec center classes, concerts, farmers' markets, shops, libraries, etc.!

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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April statistics, Single Family Homes, San Carlos, CA 94070

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Sun, 16 May 2010 20:54:35 -0400

The market for single-family homes in San Carlos, Ca, 94070 remains attractive to buyers. During February, March and the first part of April, we were woefully short of inventory which resulted in multiple offers becoming common once again. During the past 30 or so days, more homes have been listed for sale, but activity remains good. There definitely are people looking to buy a 3- or 4- bedroom home, and when value is perceived (price and condition) they sell quickly and often with multiple offers.

Take a look at the ratio of sales price to list price--pretty amazing. And when the particular neighborhoods have such few sales, looking at the city-wide statistics might give you a better idea of the trends.

All in all, the market up and down the Peninsula is alive and well. If you're thinking about buying or selling in one of these or neighboring towns, give me a call or drop me a note. I'd be happy to let you know in greater detail what is happening in your town, your neighborhood, your street.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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The Real Estate Market in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, California

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Sun, 16 May 2010 01:20:40 -0400

Real Estate Market Report, selected towns in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties

The bayside Peninsula towns of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties continue to experience a robust real estate market. The April statistics for these selected towns are quite interesting to me, especially the percent of list price received, and the days on the market.

While the increased length of time on the market in Portola Valley isn't surprising (there is a smaller buyer pool at that price range--Palo Alto is a world unto itself!) at first glance one might wonder about Redwood City. However, I know that especially in the lower priced areas of town, there are a number of short sales, which increases the days on market substantially.

If you would like more detailed information about your town, your neighborhood, your street, give me a call or drop me a note. And if you're contemplating purchasing in one of these or neighboring towns, I'd be happy to discuss the unique qualities each community offers.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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2448 Coronet Blvd., Belmont, CA 94002 - Open House - May 16, 2010

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Fri, 14 May 2010 22:52:48 -0400

2448 Coronet Blvd., Belmont, CA 94002
Open House - Sunday, May 16, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

If you haven't had a chance to visit this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Belmont beauty -- or if you'd like to see it a second time - join us at the Open House this coming Sunday.

Today in Belmont, California, there are 20 4-bedroom homes currently listed on the multiple listing service. Of those, only 7 are listed at a lower price. Most of those are short-sales or in the flat lands, close to Highway 101. There is tremendous value at 2448 Coronet -- a view house with a relatively level back yard for barbecues, play and relaxation. Come by and see for yourself.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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FREE! Today! Retirement planning class in Redwood City, CA, May 12, 2010

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Wed, 12 May 2010 11:02:56 -0400

FREE is good! Here's a great opportunity for you--but you have to act now!

When: Today, May 12, and May 19, 6:30-9:30 PM (2 nights)
Where: Veterans Memorial Senior Center, 1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, CA 94061

This session of the Retirement Planning Today course taught by John D. Lee, Certified Financial Planner, did not fill up completely. John has very kindly offered FREE attendance to friends and colleagues of mine, waiving the $59.00 fee. He has space for 4 or 5 couples.

Just call John Lee's office, 650-227-0366 or email him at jlee@sgc-financial.com and he'll put you on the student roster free of charge.

This very valuable class will teach you how to:

Determine the amount of money you need to retire
Create your own goals for a "successful retirement"
Eliminate debt and improve cash flow
Properly convert your IRA to a Roth IRA
Select the retirement plan distribution choice that is right for you
Plan your retirement income to preserve a comfortable standard of living
Transfer the risk of potential financial losses before or during retirement
Reduce or eliminate taxes, expenses, delays and legal challenges with estate planning

My husband and I took the class last Fall, learned a ton, and are very impressed with Mr. Lee's knowledge, integrity and thoroughness.

Highly recommended at the regular price--super opportunity for FREE!

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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Peninsula Living: San Mateo County and Silicon Valley Real Estate

Stocks Tumble this week as predicted and send mortgage rates lower!

Michael Cantwell (Wells Fargo Home Mortgage) — Sun, 09 May 2010 09:22:44 -0400

I hate to say I told you so but this week was how I saw things happening by looking at the chart of IWM and TLT about a week ago in two of my previous blogs.

See here what I saw looking at the IWM chart.

Here is what it looks like one week later.

From here a bounce is likely but I don't think we will be seeing new highs any time soon.

Mike

Michael Cantwell

Sales Manager - Builder Renovation Branch - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

My website - www.MichaelCantwell.net

My cell 877-226-3517 or local in Palm Beach County at 561-262-5366

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Open House, 2448 Coronet Blvd., Belmont, CA 94002

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Sun, 09 May 2010 00:03:40 -0400

Open House, 2448 Coronet Boulevard, Belmont, CA 94002
Open Sunday, May 9, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Attractively priced at $1,025,000

Bring your mother to see a house sure to please. 4-bedrooms, 3-baths with a great floor plan. Large patio off the family room and spacious, sunny garden with fruit trees in bud, and space for those tomatoes, basil and other plants. Beautiful views of San Francisco Bay, the East Bay hills beyond, and city lights in the foreground.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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Peninsula Living: San Mateo County and Silicon Valley Real Estate

Do you remember Pat Tillman and his sacrifice?

Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (RE/MAX Today) — Sat, 08 May 2010 14:16:08 -0400

Does the name Pat Tillman ring a bell to you?

Pat Tillman was one of many Americans who acted selflessly in the aftermath of 9/11. He put his successful NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country.

In 2004, following his death while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan, his family and friends created the Pat Tillman Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to invest in veterans and their families through education, community and advocacy. They strive to increase the amount of funds awarded nationally each year to Tillman Military Scholars to $3.6 million, to represent the NFL contract Pat walked away from when he enlisted in the U.S. Army.

My son-in-law, Gary Merrill, went to high school with Pat, and was affected by Pat's sacrifice and death. He will be part of Team Tillman in the New York Marathon this year, and is raising the funds to do so. There is an easy way anyone can show support to our American volunteers; just click on Gary's pledge page and give whatever amount is right for you.

Thanks, my friends.

--- Just another benefit of living in San Mateo County and the Silicon Valley!

Lottie Kendall, RE/MAX Today, San Carlos, California, 94070

DRE#01215160; 650-598-8137-direct; Lottie@LottieKendall.com; www.LottieKendall.com

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Peninsula Living: San Mateo County and Silicon Valley Real Estate