With the holidays taking over most of our free time, we are holding a limited schedule of workshops in December. As always, you can go to http://www.mytitleguypaul.com/ for our complete schedule.
Here is December's schedule:
December 1st - Facebook Workshop (No credit) Bring you laptop
10am-noon Keller Williams Sonoran Living
4621 E Chandler Blvd Ste 160 Phoenix AZ 85048
December 4th - Build a Blog Workshop (No Credit) Bring your laptop
10am-noon Chicago Title Gilbert Branch
1959 S. Val Vista Dr Ste 115 (NE corner Baseline and Val Vista)
December 15th - LinkedIn Workshop (No Credit) Bring Your Laptop
10am-noon Keller Williams Sonoran Living
4621 E Chandler Blvd Ste 160 Phoenix AZ 85048
We have multiple workshop series either scheduled or in the process of being scheduled for the new year, so check back frequently to http://www.mytitleguypaul.com/ or here. Make it your New Year's Resolution to get to learn how Social Media can help your real estate business, and let Chicago Title help you keep that resolution!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Muppets take on Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody
Having grown up on The Muppet Show and the Muppet Movies, I couldn't resist the following video posted by Barb Dybwad of Mashable.com when it popped up in my Reader...
Thanks Barb for a big smile today!!
I wonder if there's a Muppet Stairway to Heaven out there?
Thanks Barb for a big smile today!!
I wonder if there's a Muppet Stairway to Heaven out there?
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Long Term Benefits of Blog Posts
Are you aware of the long term benefits your blog posts provide?
I attended the ActiveRain presentation with Bob Stewart and Brad Andersohn in Phoenix in September. I took away many ideas to work on, but one stood head and shoulders above the rest for me. The idea was courtesy of Brad Andersohn (Sorry Bob, you had great content as well, but Brad's idea was stellar). When trying to show doubters that they do have time to blog, Brad created that "Eureka!" moment for me.
One effective way to use a blog is as a database for answers to many of the commonly asked questions we face every day in our work. And to grow that database, why not begin with those very same questions? It
I've also done the same recently for Google Docs. This application makes document sharing a snap for team members, and I wrote a post about Google Docs, which has already been shared via a link twice! Now I've got a notepad filled with post ideas to stock my Q&A directory!
I try to develop relationships with agents and lenders by being a resource. If I can answer a question, or solve a problem, then the relationship only becomes stronger. Answering questions and solving problems using my blog? That's a homerun!
Can you think of a couple questions you answer all the time? Why not post the answer in your blog, and drive traffic there while helping a client or prospect? Why not let our blog posts work for us long after they are published?
I attended the ActiveRain presentation with Bob Stewart and Brad Andersohn in Phoenix in September. I took away many ideas to work on, but one stood head and shoulders above the rest for me. The idea was courtesy of Brad Andersohn (Sorry Bob, you had great content as well, but Brad's idea was stellar). When trying to show doubters that they do have time to blog, Brad created that "Eureka!" moment for me.
One effective way to use a blog is as a database for answers to many of the commonly asked questions we face every day in our work. And to grow that database, why not begin with those very same questions? It has immediately paid dividends for me. When I was asked for an easy way to edit HTML for blog posts on AR, I wrote a post on Kompozer.net. I've already e-mailed the link to that post to 6 agents looking for help.
I've also done the same recently for Google Docs. This application makes document sharing a snap for team members, and I wrote a post about Google Docs, which has already been shared via a link twice! Now I've got a notepad filled with post ideas to stock my Q&A directory!I try to develop relationships with agents and lenders by being a resource. If I can answer a question, or solve a problem, then the relationship only becomes stronger. Answering questions and solving problems using my blog? That's a homerun!
Can you think of a couple questions you answer all the time? Why not post the answer in your blog, and drive traffic there while helping a client or prospect? Why not let our blog posts work for us long after they are published?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Google Wave Enclave
OK, the title Google Wave Enclave is a bit pretentious, but I hope it caught your attention.
I'm putting a call out to anyone lucky enough to have received an invite to Google Wave. Nick Bastian (@raillife) and Paul Guenther (@mytitleguypaul) and myself are getting together next Monday, Nov 2nd at 10am in Tempe to experiment, play, and hopefully learn some of the finer points of the Wave.
Nick was lucky enough to receive an invite, and he's agreed to let us use his account for our workshop. If you have a Wave account, and would like to join us, simply leave a comment or contact me at billrisser@gmail.com. The more Wave accounts the better. This will enable us to see just how real time some of the Wave features really are and develop some user strategies.
Click here to see the video of the Google Wave Developers Conference. It's at the bottom of the linked post.
I'm putting a call out to anyone lucky enough to have received an invite to Google Wave. Nick Bastian (@raillife) and Paul Guenther (@mytitleguypaul) and myself are getting together next Monday, Nov 2nd at 10am in Tempe to experiment, play, and hopefully learn some of the finer points of the Wave.
Nick was lucky enough to receive an invite, and he's agreed to let us use his account for our workshop. If you have a Wave account, and would like to join us, simply leave a comment or contact me at billrisser@gmail.com. The more Wave accounts the better. This will enable us to see just how real time some of the Wave features really are and develop some user strategies.
Click here to see the video of the Google Wave Developers Conference. It's at the bottom of the linked post.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Where Were All The Title Companies At REBlogWorld 2009? Part 1
It was a whirlwind 24 hours, but well worth it. I left my office for the REBlogWorld 2009 track of the BlogWorld & New Media Expo at noon on Wednesday the 14th, arrived in Las Vegas at 5:30, attended my first Tweetup at 6:15 in the Tempo Lounge at the Las Vegas Hilton, and at 7:30 was at the Better Homes and Garden Real Estate party at the Blue Martini Lounge (by the way, I highly recommend the White Chocolate Martini if you like chocolate). At 9:15 pm I was in my seat at the MGM Grand for the Cirque du Soleil show KA. Wow!
Thursday morning arrived quickly, and so did the fantastic information I would be privy to for the next 8 hours. Laura Fitton, better know as @pistachio on Twitter, was the morning Keynote Speaker. She is amazing and convinced me to strive to be awesome! Laura's awesome Social Media Cheat Sheet is simple... Listen, Learn, Care, Service. I highly recommend following her on Twitter today!
The first panel discussion I attended (picture above shows Brad Inman, Rhonda Porter, and Jay Thompson. Also on panel were Derek Overbey and Jeff Turner) was How to use Social Media in Real Estate. Great speakers and each approached the topic from a different angle. Rhonda (@mortgageporter) mentioned replying to e-mails with blog posts for a great source of content. Jay (@phxreguy) promoted LinkedIn's groups and discussion questions as a new way to make connections. Derek (@doverbey) said to develop friendships first, then build business relationships. Jeff told us to listen with intent and find patterns in the conversations happening online. Then we can create "packets of people" we trust and that trust us. A powerhouse panel with great insights for newbies and veterans of the social media scene...
A special thanks to Nick and Lori Bastian (@raillife and @mrsraillife) for showing me around and introducing me to the VIP's at my first social media conference. You two are the best!!
Three more panels to discuss, so stay tuned for Part 2 soon...
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My Worst Nightmare - Calling the Buyer for Additional Closing Funds (After Signing)
There is nothing worse for escrow than calling a buyer and asking them to bring in additional funds in order to close. Here's a quick success story we had last month that prevented this from happening...
Last week, Theresa and I had an interesting situation pop up on one of our relocation account transactions. As you may know, when the seller is a relocation company (we'll call them relo for short), there are a few extra hoops to jump through. Relo insists on seeing the back-up for every single seller charge on the HUD-1. Home Warranty, HOA fees, county taxes, and fees paid by listing agent. Most of the time, this involves tracking down any invoices the listing agent may have paid during the listing period. These are things like gas and electric, water, landscaping, etc. This is all pretty standard, and Theresa has been working with some of the same managers at the relo companies for years now, so she knows the drill.
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The escrow in question, invoved a problem with county taxes. In Maricopa County, property taxes are paid in arrears, twice a year. First half late Nov 1, Second half late May 1. This is usually confusing to most buyers and sellers, and I've developed a quick little calendar I use at the closing that makes it very clear how tax proprations and payments are handled (but that's another post)
So on our problem child, an escrow closing in September, Theresa had shown as paid the 1st 1/2 2009 taxes in escrow, and prorated the 2nd 1/2 taxes between the seller (relo) and the buyer. Relo approved the audit we sent them, and we signed the buyer and collected their closing funds. One day later, relo called to say our HUD-1 was incorrect, and that they had paid the entire 2009 tax bill 3 days ago. To avoid getting too technical or teach a math class, the net effect of relo making that payment meant the buyer would have to come in with an additional $1700, and they would not get any of that back until one year later when their lender did an escrow analysis of their tax and insurance impound account, dicovered the overage, and refunded it to buyer. Not good!
I personally know some escrow officers that would simply say it is not their problem, call the buyer and tell them to bring in the additional $1700.00. I don't know about you, but to me, that just ain't right!
Theresa and I kicked around a couple ideas and then remembered we have a friend of a friend at the assessor's office. We contacted her, explained our problem, and she was able to flag the tax parcel so the 2009 tax payment from relo would not be processed. We then called relo and asked them to stop payment on the tax check. Bottom line was we DID NOT call the buyer with the request for the $1700. In fact, the buyer didn't even know that any of this occurred.
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Isn't that what an agent is looking for in a title company and escrow officer? We can't avoid every nightmare, but Theresa and I do promise to look for any and every possible solution before making that dreaded call...
Do you have any questions on Title or Escrow for us? You can e-mail us at risserb@ctt.com, or simply leave a comment below....
Last week, Theresa and I had an interesting situation pop up on one of our relocation account transactions. As you may know, when the seller is a relocation company (we'll call them relo for short), there are a few extra hoops to jump through. Relo insists on seeing the back-up for every single seller charge on the HUD-1. Home Warranty, HOA fees, county taxes, and fees paid by listing agent. Most of the time, this involves tracking down any invoices the listing agent may have paid during the listing period. These are things like gas and electric, water, landscaping, etc. This is all pretty standard, and Theresa has been working with some of the same managers at the relo companies for years now, so she knows the drill.
The escrow in question, invoved a problem with county taxes. In Maricopa County, property taxes are paid in arrears, twice a year. First half late Nov 1, Second half late May 1. This is usually confusing to most buyers and sellers, and I've developed a quick little calendar I use at the closing that makes it very clear how tax proprations and payments are handled (but that's another post)
So on our problem child, an escrow closing in September, Theresa had shown as paid the 1st 1/2 2009 taxes in escrow, and prorated the 2nd 1/2 taxes between the seller (relo) and the buyer. Relo approved the audit we sent them, and we signed the buyer and collected their closing funds. One day later, relo called to say our HUD-1 was incorrect, and that they had paid the entire 2009 tax bill 3 days ago. To avoid getting too technical or teach a math class, the net effect of relo making that payment meant the buyer would have to come in with an additional $1700, and they would not get any of that back until one year later when their lender did an escrow analysis of their tax and insurance impound account, dicovered the overage, and refunded it to buyer. Not good!
I personally know some escrow officers that would simply say it is not their problem, call the buyer and tell them to bring in the additional $1700.00. I don't know about you, but to me, that just ain't right!
Theresa and I kicked around a couple ideas and then remembered we have a friend of a friend at the assessor's office. We contacted her, explained our problem, and she was able to flag the tax parcel so the 2009 tax payment from relo would not be processed. We then called relo and asked them to stop payment on the tax check. Bottom line was we DID NOT call the buyer with the request for the $1700. In fact, the buyer didn't even know that any of this occurred.
Isn't that what an agent is looking for in a title company and escrow officer? We can't avoid every nightmare, but Theresa and I do promise to look for any and every possible solution before making that dreaded call...
Do you have any questions on Title or Escrow for us? You can e-mail us at risserb@ctt.com, or simply leave a comment below....
Chicago Title - Gilbert
Monday, October 5, 2009
The Top Ten Reasons Why I Should Win a Ticket to REBlogWorld
I originally posted this over at BillRisser.com. It is definitely one of my success stories, so I thought I would share it over here... The following post was an entry into a contest. It had to be exactly 300 words, be creative, and be entertaining. Somehow, I managed to be one of the two winners selected, so I'm off to REBlogWorld in Las Vegas Oct 14-15th! I'll post about the conference, so stay tuned!
I like entering contests. Not as much as my wife, but darn close. That’s why I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to enter The Real Estate Tomato’s contest for REBlogWorld 2009 in Las Vegas. From October 15th to October 17th, top blogger’s from around the country will attend. What better place to learn the importance of blogging and today’s social media impact on my profession than from the experts already having success!?
Now, I could try and kiss up to the folks at the The Real Estate Tomato, by adding umpteen links to The Real Estate Tomato, but I am sure the The Real Estate Tomato would sniff that out in a second, so instead, I present:
The top ten reasons I should win a ticket to REBlogWorld:
10. I never win anything.
9. I can finally tell the agents I help with social media workshops that I have a verifiable return on my engagement!
8. I have a few thousand “buddies” I’ve left in Las Vegas and I miss them!
7. Fortunately, I have a guest appearance in Cirque De Soleil’s Mystere that night!
6. Never know when an escrow might break out between Realtors and I would come in very handy!
5. Siegfried and Roy have requested a notary for some important immigration documents
4. I must see @phxreguy’s presentation or I will just die!
3. After reading other posts in my blog, the judges will realize I need a lot of help, and REBlogWorld can provide it.
2. How about giving something to the title guy instead of the other way around?
1. I’ve got to see if @nik_nik will do a live happy birthday dance for the blogging world!
If I don’t see you there, enjoy REBlogWorld 2009. I’ll be following all the fun on Twitter!
I like entering contests. Not as much as my wife, but darn close. That’s why I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to enter The Real Estate Tomato’s contest for REBlogWorld 2009 in Las Vegas. From October 15th to October 17th, top blogger’s from around the country will attend. What better place to learn the importance of blogging and today’s social media impact on my profession than from the experts already having success!?
Now, I could try and kiss up to the folks at the The Real Estate Tomato, by adding umpteen links to The Real Estate Tomato, but I am sure the The Real Estate Tomato would sniff that out in a second, so instead, I present:
The top ten reasons I should win a ticket to REBlogWorld:
10. I never win anything.
9. I can finally tell the agents I help with social media workshops that I have a verifiable return on my engagement!
8. I have a few thousand “buddies” I’ve left in Las Vegas and I miss them!
7. Fortunately, I have a guest appearance in Cirque De Soleil’s Mystere that night!
6. Never know when an escrow might break out between Realtors and I would come in very handy!
5. Siegfried and Roy have requested a notary for some important immigration documents
4. I must see @phxreguy’s presentation or I will just die!
3. After reading other posts in my blog, the judges will realize I need a lot of help, and REBlogWorld can provide it.
2. How about giving something to the title guy instead of the other way around?
1. I’ve got to see if @nik_nik will do a live happy birthday dance for the blogging world!
If I don’t see you there, enjoy REBlogWorld 2009. I’ll be following all the fun on Twitter!
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