Mesa, Arizona Real Estate - Teri Ellis - Homes Arizona Real Estate

Are we really "saving time" with all of our "ic" or "instant communication" via Twitter, Facebook and other social networking options? How about our mobile phones, faxes, or???

I've been giving a lot of thought lately as I've been trying to wean myself from spending literally HOURS each day on the computer with social networking and/or blogging. Granted, in my opinion, it's a "good thing" to become acquainted with other Realtors, to learn all of the amazing technology inventions, and get "in the know" with what's happening in real estate.

I know it benefits me in many ways to blog and keep myself "out in front" of the public eye; however when reflecting upon where my buyers/sellers are coming from - I don't think any have arrived via my social networking.

Some buyers/sellers HAVE come through as a direct result of my blogging on Active Rain, however, and I feel being "present" on this worthwhile platform is well worth any time I can devote to posting and commenting.

I do think, in MY case, being as active on the myriad social networks might not be what I want to continue to do. Of course tweeting and posting on Facebook is entertaining and a good way to "connect" with those NOT on Active Rain and may be of some value, but I plan to be more reasonable in time spent on any of these networks. My profile is evident on many, and for whatever that is worth, that's one more place I can plant my business card.

It seems that everyday - though I probably already have a presence in 20-30 social networking venues, I am invited or learn about joining join yet another group or "fan."

How are all of my friends on the Rain handling this GROWING phenomena?

With real estate and "life," it seems as if I need WANT to find time to read more books, play more golf, and spend time with my husband. AND, of course, spend a reasonable time blogging and sharing here on Active Rain!!! I'm just sayin.....

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, ServingMesaArizona, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

How valuable do other Realtors find continuing education? I, for one, LOVE the education that these designations/certifications offer.  While I do recognize we, as real estate professionals, get much of our education in the trenches of real estate, I appreciate that "extra" effort it takes to achieve and pay for and maintain a designation.

Let me share a quick personal story:

Though I had achieved the CRS designation and taken the 204 class previously, I decided to take it again when it was offered in our area with a different instructor. The instructor was Chris Bird, formerly with the IRS.  I LEARNED so much!!! I was actually able to save $$$ on my tax return because of what I learned in his class. My CPA had already prepared my taxes, but I called him, told him what I had learned, he researched it, and voila.. he redid our taxes and saved us lots of $$$.

Even though I had achieved my GRI in 2001, I took another class in 2005 which helped me learn so much about new technology, including the Tablet, specific website info, etc. from Joeann Fossland, instructor.  Fabulous teacher and class. I also continue to get my continuing education in new and updated GRI classes.

In Arizona, the Arizona Association of Realtors acknowledge those Realtors who double their education hours plus 10 every two years and award the Masters of Real Estate (MRE) certification specific to Arizona. May I brag a little? I was the first/only one in the first year they offered that certification in my South East Valley Association. I have continued to maintain the required education hours since 2001 - my first year of earning the MRE. In 2007, I attended school and received my Broker's license.

My bottom line? All of these designations and/or certifications have been invaluable to me. When I refer out business, unless I know the individual personally, I look at the education accomplishments of the Realtors. Many of my leads come along because of all of those acronymns after my name. Buyers and sellers are curious, and ask me what they mean, and I receive more referrals because of the education. I've even thought about going back to college to get a degree - that's how much I love learning. I proudly share my designations; however, you will never see anything such as "top salesperson of the year", a "billion dollar salesperson", etc. I don't brag, but I am proud of the education that I have sought and earned.

I know that some feel these acronyms aren't all that important nor do people know what they mean. "I" know, and so do most Realtors.  I am a HUGE fan of continuing education, and it has been of great benefit to me.

Recently I've taken classes in Short Sales, and today a class on our new FlexMLS. In my opinion, there is always a benefit to more education. It's always about learning and gaining knowledge. 

For me, it's not about being smarter than someone else - it's about learning more and being more self-assured. You all KNOW what a fanatic I am about learning...I'm always sharing what I've learned HERE!!!

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

When I fell off the Active Rain wagon awhile back, I noticed some interesting side effects:

First, my ideas dried up....yep, hard to believe.  Unless I'm posting regularly, my brain takes a vacation from thinking about what to share.  BUT if I am communicating consistently, more and more ideas flood into my brain/fingers. AND no one - or very few - would be reading or commenting on my past posts.

Second, I am a fan of and subscribe to and pay annually for The Blog Log which helps me know what people are looking for and finding on my posts. Of particular interest to me, I am able to view the statistics when searchers land on my post, and then how many actually click on any of the links in my post. Cool, huh? I've provided a link which leads to mine, but since this became featured, I thought I'd make it easier to see what I mean by clicking on the link above.

Now that I’m back posting and commenting regularly, I’ve become more visible, and posts from a year or more ago are being found. I like to know that. It helps me figure out what to write….after all, isn’t the reason we’re blogging is for business?

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

I wanted to reblog this post.....'cause it'll be an EXCELLENT event! Sometimes there are so many blog posts that come into view that we don't get to all of the good ones. There are a TON of people that will be there....be sure to sign on and let Candace know whether you will be there or not. This is my first reblog...so I hope it gets good reviews. ;-)

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: Active Rain; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog.

For those of you who like cute and fun distractions, here's a good one I just "stumbled upon."  It's called Twitterkeys. Twitterkeys allows little icons to be placed on your tweets, which is sort of fun and frivilous. I've googled the information for you, and have pasted the info below. I, for one love stuff like this, and since we always share our good stuff with each other, here's another eazzzeee tool to use when you are twittering, or not! Just simply double click on the symbol you like, control+C and then control+V to your page or tweet. I've even added them above. ☝

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

As some of you know, I recently posted a blog about the Arizona monsoon with spectacular photos of cloud formations. I now include an article from ASU about monsoons for your further information. 

Well, tonight, one came rolling in - LOVE IT! - and I rushed outside to take some lightening shots. Nothing shows up on my camera, or rather, it will not click 'cause there's not enough light.

Please, someone help. Our monsoons are beautiful, and I can catch the rain, the clouds, the dust - but so far, not the lightening.

It is thundering as I speak.....and our monsoons will soon go away until next year. All of you shutterbugs out there? Can you share? Wait, could I do the flip video of the lightening? Anyone know?

I did capture some photos of the sky lit up but, alas, no lightening...yet! ;-)

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

I was listening to the news the other day when something was mentioned about a new search engine. I've wanted to share the news 'cause after checking it out......especially Cuil.com, I was fascinated. My daughter had told me about another one, SearchMe.com so I checked that one out as well.  Since I am using Firefox, one of the options at the top of the search page is which search engine to use. I'll cut and paste the "look," here for all to see. What else would I search for...., but - you got it, Teri Ellis, Realtor. See what turned up - 488 results! I can only show you a snippet, but you get the idea. Let me know what you think!

SearchMe.com results - a photo of my newly designed website!

One of the things that is interesting to me on Cuil.com is the idea that it picks up comments made by me as well as others, and all sorts of information from my stand-alone blog, my websites, obviously posts on Active Rain, and more.

SearchMe is like a book...it opens pages which are kinda cool. Very graphically appealing.

WARNING, be SURE to spell CUIL.com right....; otherwise, an adult site pops up. Oops....

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

I have joined so many social networking venues, that I have now decided to "get with it" and utilize what they offer in terms of back links and SEO, or just getting my name out there. If you will notice on the right side of my blog, I have a "partial" list. Yep, I said partial. It seems almost daily - or maybe weekly - I am invited, or I read on a post here, of a new "must have" social networking group to join. So - just in case - I do. I guess I'm what you would refer to as a "joiner." ;-)

I think that many buyers and sellers of real estate will be able to find us easier, and perhaps google will decide that we're a good source of information by updating our profiles and information on not only Active Rain, but the other social networks as well.

But now, today, I've decided to get some of them updated so there is real content. I'll share some of them that I'm working on - that are not listed on the side of my blog page.

1. Home Perks - I believe Bill Gassett started me on this one. In fact, I think he's responsible for a few of them. There will definitely be some recognizable people on this one. I was able to upload my listings! More exposure for my sellers! I just saw that this social network is sponsored by Active Rain. Check it out!
   
2. LookUpPage - Can't remember where I heard about this one. (Probably another one of Bill's)
3. Cre8Buzz - another good site that I need to work on...
4. BrightKite - This one you will need an "invite." There are tons of familiar faces here, so ask any of us and we'll send you an invite.
5. MyDwelling - this is another good one, with lots of familiar faces here as well.;-)

Okay, I "think" that is it for now, but that'll give some of you a good idea of what is out there and where you can share your photos, your personal information, or???

Enjoy, and let me know if there's anything else I need to "join." ;-)

OH, and I have a cute joke that I'm sharing too.....just 'cause it's really funny!

What goes around...comes around:

One night, a man was sitting at home and heard a knock at the door. When he opened it, he saw a snail perched on his porch. Irritated, the man booted the snail away as far as he could see.

Three years passed. Then one night the man heard a knock on his door. He opened it to see that same snail perched on his porch.

"What the heck was that all about?" asked the snail.

Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona or the Phoenix Valley? Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. OR visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com.

I've had several people let me know they were having a challenge reading and/or commenting on my blog posts. It dawned on me recently that I've pretty much switched over entirely to FireFox for posting on Active Rain, or else it doesn't work right.

I received a note from someone just today that triggered my need for writing this post. What is everyone else experiencing? Are you using FireFox or Internet Explorer on Active Rain? What are your thoughts as to each? I personally LOVE FireFox now that I've been using it regularly, but don't want my posts to be unabled to be read.

I've included a couple of links for ease of use and information.

          Firefox vs. IE

            Free Download for Firefox

Mesa, Arizona Real Estate. Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. Feel free to visit one of my websites: HomesAzRE.com, MoveToMesaAz.com or MoveToSunnyAz.com. Or stop by my blogs at: MesaAzRealEstateVoice; or Phoenix Valley Real Estate Blog

A year ago, I shared on the Rain one thing I had learned in one of my CRS classes. I ordered it, and I am here to tell you: it is worth every cent!!! I've listed some of the information below, but speaking as a user - it is absolutely awesome. 

I use it regularly to scan in receipts and place them in a computer file, scan and email documents to clients, and scan in rental applications for tenants. All I have to do is go to the file, email it to the prospective tenant, and voila, it's on it's way. No ink, no mess, and my copies come out as clear as when I print them from the computer. For those who have the ability to scan back, everything is emailed to everyone for signatures, etc. It is such a necessary asset for my business.

The ScanSnap comes with the full standard version of Adobe Acrobat. That, alone is worth the price you pay for this cool tool.

Okay, it sits on my desk not taking up any more room than a sheet of 8-1/2x11" - not even that big. It scans both sides of the paper at one time and places it into a file on your computer. Then you can rename it and save it in a file in the folder.

I've added the information from the website for ScanSnap for further enlightenment. 

"The ScanSnap S500 is a true one-touch solution, which enables you to scan directly to PDF, email or file with the touch of a button. This compact scanner encompasses exceptional functionality and is the perfect alternative to faxing.

If you need more information, I can share photos of mine, but I think the website should help you see what it does. Meanwhile, check it out. You'll be glad you did!!

Thinking about relocating to Mesa, Arizona?  Call me at: 480.216-3334 for information on purchasing or selling a home in Mesa, Arizona or surrounding towns. OR email me: Teri@TeriEllis.com. OR visit one of my websites: www.MoveToSunnyAz.com, www.TeriEllis.com, or www.AzLadyInRed.com for photos of models, floorplans, new construction, resale and more.