For the past several years I've been using narrated video tours to post online.  Consumers love them, and so do sellers!  It costs a little more but I find our homes always sell, and I can track behind the scenes how many times it is view and emailed!  I also have access to the comments of the viewers to their senders!  It is incredible!  Here is a link to view the Video tour.  It is called a "Glide Tour ,"  because a special video camera is used that absorbs the shocks of walking while filming.To get better results you have to do different things!  This works big time!Jim Crawford - http://www.atlantabesthomes.com/ 02/01/2007

I ofter receive calls from brokers wanting a seminar on beefing up the listing presentations.  I always ask them first, "What type of real estate market are you in?  A buyer's market or a seller's market?"  The brokers balk at answering first... and ask why am I asking the question!  The question is vital to agent survival.  In a buyer's market you need BUYERS!  Why?  You'll walk away from the closing table with more money.  A good negotiator will always reap their rewards by taking a full commission, perhaps even an increased commission and a bonus.  Any buyers agent worth their salt will never have to give up any of their commission.  Unlike the buyer's agent, the listing agent in a "Buyer's Market"  has to deal with a seller that is financially up against it.  The sellers need consta... 01/30/2007

I guess the biggest question that home sellers ask us is "What is the best time to put a home on the market?"  The answer may be different in each case, but the response should be made on fact rather than making up an answer.  It has been our experience that most people think like others.  The timing for selling a home or relocating is to come on the market in early spring to coincide with the children getting out of school, and the purchase of their new home and closing is to be before school starts. I call this the Lemming mentality!  Everyone does the same thing, but believes they will have better results than their neighbors. But this is not the case all the time. More often than not earlier in the year there is less inventory so prices tend to be higher if buyers have fewer product... 01/23/2007

It doesn't take any skill whatsoever to give away business for little or no fee.  In fact there is no skill at all in running a business like that.  Discounts, rebates, do-it-yourself realty companies catering to For Sale By Owners / FSBOS...are the buzz word!  Since real estate right now is having a moment of reckoning in many markets, perspective is needed to take it all in so we can develope survival strategies.  Some agents that believe menu pricing, low fees will make them survivors.  I'd don't.  The markets have changed.  Agents that believe otherwise still believe they are in a market that existed a few years ago, and are about to meet the same fate as the dinosaurs! They've failed to learn the most important thing about real estate...Discounting will not pay the bills! Discounti... 01/20/2007

When speaking at a real estate seminars, or answering questions that I receive from my teaching and real estate coaching site - more often than not, someone will ask how to get a major price reduction from a seller.  My response is that you don't take overpriced listings, and then ask the seller to start reducing price.  That is unethical!  It is about providing the seller with the truth and correct facts on the original listing appointment.  If real estate was all about medicine, it would be wrong not to tell a cancer patient that he/she has cancer!  That would just be the cruelest thing that anyone could do!  So why is it done everyday in real estate?  In real estate it is called "Buying a listing!"  Tell the seller anything they want to hear...just so you can take the listing without... 01/15/2007

A lot of agents and brokers that do not understand the dynamics of Internet marketing will bash it all the time.  Why?  It is simply because they do not understand it, nor are they in a position to use that which they are not prepared to do so.  The Internet has been the best thing that has ever happened to the real estate industry.  Buyers can find homes more quickly, and make more informed purchase decisions.  Sellers can market their home to more potential buyers than ever before, but only if their agent is web savvy.  The ability to find a home online is only as good as the agent you list to sell your home.  If they do not have a web site that is easily found, or participate in http://www.realtor.com/ or add extra photos, and virtual tours then post them to take full advantage of Br... 01/14/2007

If you are looking for homes for sale in Alpharetta, you are looking in the right place! Alpharetta is one of the most sought after home addresses in the Atlanta area. If you are thinking of buying a home in Alpharetta, and living in Alpharetta, you'll not be disappointed. Alpharetta has some of the states' finest schools, both public and private. In Alpharetta Georgia, you'll find great Alpharetta neighborhoods, and Alpharetta homes for sale that cannot be beat!  The great thing about Alpharetta is that there is something for everyone. In Alpharetta, you can find a  home or a condo in the low 100's to a gated private multi million dollar plus mansion or estate!  You'll just love Alpharetta homes for sale, and Alpharetta real estate. You can even search for Apharetta homes for sale by A... 01/07/2007

In all my travels in real estate, it simply amazes me how much luxury home you can get for the money in the Atlanta area.   Atlanta abounds in fine Atlanta country club communities.  They are so fine; that the Atlanta country club communities are worth bragging about! These Atlanta luxury homes have no point of comparison for the price across the country or around the world.  Nor can they compare with community amenities such as swim, tennis, golf, and recreation facilities. The typical Atlanta country club homeis 4 sided brick, with wood or stacked stone accents, 4 sided stucco and stone, and has a three car side load garage, a finished daylight terrace level complete with media room bedroom, full bath and recreation room and perhaps even an exercise room!  Upstairs you will find a gou... 01/06/2007

Wills Park Equestrian Center is located on 50 rolling acres of fields and woods. There are eight shed row type barns with covered aisle ways, nestled in amongst the trees with a total of 298 stalls. The covered ring is 150 by 350 feet housing its own show office, announcers booth, viewing room, rest rooms, raised bleacher seating and picnic area. There are two uncovered rings with all weather footing, each measuring 125 by 225 feet. They share a show office and announcer's tower, which also offers a meeting room for civic clubs and other organizations. In addition to the three show rings there are two separate schooling rings. A concession stand with restrooms is centrally located and a bathhouse, complete with showers, is located in the stable area. Wills Park Equestrian Center offers ... 01/03/2007

1. Locating suitable properties. 2. Previewing properties. 3. Verifying the properties' condition. 4. Suggesting necessary inspections by experts. 5. Helping buyers determine what they can afford.6. Verifying property taxes and utilities.7. Verifying the value of the property. 8. Advising clients on structuring an offer.9. Presenting the offer to the sellers' representative. 10. Negotiating favorable contract terms for the buyer.11. Explaining legal documents needed for closing and helping secure them.12. Assisting in securing financing.13. Assisting buyers and their attorney in clarifying title, zoning, building codes, and access easements.14. Referring them to qualified vendors. 15. Analyzing the future salability of the property. The specialty of buyer's representation not only requi... 12/28/2006

Make the Most of that First ImpressionA well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted - or at least freshly scrubbed - front door. If it's autumn, rake the leaves. If it's winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better. Invest a Few Hours for Future DividendsHere's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom, the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks t... 12/27/2006

Hire "me" as your real estate professional.The first step is for me to help you find your dream home and fine-tune your financial expectations. Working with a buyer's agent is worth consideration since I am legally responsible for representing the buyer's interest in a real estate transaction. I can guide you through every step to buying a home. Shop for mortgage rates and terms.A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a $100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years, that's $12,600. Prequalify for a loan.Your third step should be to get prequalified, which determines how much you can afford. It allows you to move swiftly... 12/27/2006

Hi and welcome to  my Blog.  Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Dagmar Sands, Broker/Owner/President and CEO of Real Estate International, Inc.  I want to share with you the latest vision that my partner and I see.  It is combining Healthy Lifestyle and Real Estate together - THUS - the birth of www.HeartSmartProperties.com a website where you can come and list your property as an owner, agents can list their listings, buyers and sellers and search for properties that will fit their certain criteria.  We think that in today's world everyone is searching for homes that offer exercise rooms, homes that are either smoke free or pet free if they have allergies, homes that have walking trails, sidewalks, feature lap pools, hot tubs, etc. etc.  This website is user friendly and you can... 12/27/2006

Hi, Allow me to introduce myself to you!  My name is Dagmar Sands.  I am the owner/broker of my own company called Real Estate International, Inc. which I opened in 1985 in Atlanta, GA, USA.  I like to think that my company is UNIQUE and that my team of agents go that EXTRA mile for all of our clients. We strive to give each client (BUYERS and SELLERS) individual, personal service, communicate with them and share with them checklists, our knowledge and allow them to benefit from the professional TEAM we've assembled over the many years being in business.  MY PROMISE to YOU if you chose to work with us that we will give you the service YOU Deserve!  We hope that after we help you find your investment or sell your property you are trying to sell you will recommend us to all of your friend... 12/27/2006

 Trophy Club of Atlanta, Trophy Club Course 15135 Hopewell RdAlpharetta, GA 30004-3140(770) 343-9700 2 miles from center of Alpharetta. Crooked Creek Golf Club, Crooked Creek Course 3430 Highway 9 NAlpharetta, GA 30004-4328(770) 475-2300 2 miles from center of Alpharetta.Alpharetta Country Club, Alpharetta Course 1785 Dinsmore RdAlpharetta, GA 30004-2726(770) 410-9360 2 miles from center of Alpharetta.White Columns Golf Club, White Columns Course  300 Clubhouse DrAlpharetta, GA 30004-3063(770) 343-9025 3 miles from center of Alpharetta.Atlanta National Golf Club, Atlanta National Course 350 Tournament Players DrAlpharetta, GA 30004-3440(770) 442-8801 3 miles from center of Alpharetta.Manor Golf and Country Club, Manor 2 Course 15891 Manor Club DrAlpharetta, GA 30004(678) 366-3975 3 mile... 12/27/2006

It's Christmas Eve...soon to be the year 2007. My first year in Real Estate has been interesting to say the least. My "career" in Real Estate could have been just as I had just wrote it: a "career" in quotation marks because my first attempt at working for a name brand broker soon after I was licensed was unsuccessful. I was with the firm for 6 months and accomplished zilch. I retreated back to my advertising sales experience and worked for a small company selling ads in a local yellow page directory. It was a paycheck, 100% more money than I was making at my first brokerage. Very soon after I was with the yellow page company I got that sinking feeling of "been here, done this"...So I quit...To mine, my wife, even my parents dismay I quit and I broke the cardinal rule of quitting any jo... 12/24/2006

Welcome to Alpharetta City Center; a vibrant and exciting new destination for unique dining, shopping, entertainment and residential experiences . . . all located in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta. Construction begins in 2007...For the latest news on this exciting project, click here.Alpharetta Georgia Real Estate 12/23/2006

The City of Alpharetta Resource site for the City of Alpharetta, news, resident information, downloads, special events.The Alpharetta Historical Society Organization responsible for the collection, preservation, and dissemination of accurate historical information related to Alpharetta and old Milton County.Alpharetta Revue & NewsNews for the cities of Alpharetta, Roswell, and Fulton County government, opinions, community events, sports and religion.Atlanta Journal Constitution The online version of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the largest daily newspaper in the Southeast and a trusted source for local news. The Atlanta Metro Travel Association (AMTA)Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce A community development organization designed to encourage the retention and growth of exist... 12/22/2006

February 9, 20077:00pmFather/Daughter Valentine's Day DanceFebruary 14, 200710:00amBe My Valentine Drop-in CraftMarch 4, 20077:00amAlpharetta Marathon & Half MarathonMarch 31, 200710:30amChildren's Easter Egg HuntApril 14, 200710:00am5th Annual Alpharetta Children's FestivalApril 21, 200710:00am9th Annual Touch A Truck10:00amAlpharetta Arts StreetFestApril 22, 200710:00amAlpharetta Arts StreetFestApril 27, 20075:30pmNational Dance Week CelebrationMay 5, 200710:00amSpring Student & Staff Art Show & SaleMay 12, 200711:00amMother/Daughter/Granddaughter LuncheonMay 17, 20075:00pm17th Annual Taste of AlpharettaMay 19, 20077:15am11th Annual Mayor's Challenge Road Race10:00amSenior Center Open HouseMay 23, 20078:00amOlder Americans Month Tennis Fun DayJune 2, 20076:00pmMexican Fiesta Pool Part... 12/22/2006

Greetings AR Bloggers!...And a happy Monday to ya'll...Allow me, if I may, to make a very important distinction between the (2) primary types of alternative real estate companies in today's business environment.-Discount brokers charge up-front, for thier "a-la-carte" type services-Fee For Service Brokers such as Help-U-Sell North Metro, sell homes for a low set fee payable only if the property closes. No charges are ever asked for up-front.-James 10/23/2006