Monthly Archives: October 2010

The Monster Mash – Caught On In A Flash

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The Andersohn Family – Wishing You a Happy and Safe Halloween

Hope you all have an awesome Halloween Holiday and don’t forget to do as many tricks as you give out treats. My favorite trick of all is to Dress up as though you are the inanimate Halloween Decor for your lawn. Example: scarecrow, Frankenstein, etc. Be as still as you can. When someone walks by, jump out and scare the heck out of them. (not little children of course) It works every time! Another favorite of mine is to get dressed up, knock on a door. When the person answers, put candy into his/her bowl. ENJOY!!

A One-Stop Shop Toolbox – Real Estate in San Francisco, CA

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A One-Stop Shop Toolbox – Real Estate in San Francisco, CA

There are so many choices and decisions to be made when buying, selling, moving, or investing in Real Estate in San Francisco, or any City for that matter. Should you rent in the area before purchasing? What type of loans are available and “Do I Qualify?” Will my payments be affordable and are there other options? What are the prices of homes, and who should I use as my Agent or REALTOR®? What’s the neighborhood like and what’s my existing home worth? It’s questions like these and others that lead you here!

Welcome to Real Estate in San Francisco, CA – Your One Stop Shop!

You Could Be Home Now, But You’re Here… So Let’s Get To Work!

Homes You May Want To Know About In San Francisco, CA

Interested in Something A Little More Upper End?

Most Expensive Homes in San Francisco

Let’s Look at what’s recently SOLD…

Information On The Neighborhood / Maybe You’d Like To Search Another Area?

How About an Estimated Value on a Specific Property in the Area?

I’m always Busy, but NEVER TOO BUSY to leave you aLOAN!

Compare some Rates and Loan Programs Available.

Here are some additional tools for your use:

Are You Looking for Someone to Help You? Agents and REALTORS®
Do You Have Enough Cash or Do You Need a Loan? Mortgage Lenders & Brokers
Get a Custom Loan Quote: Mortgage Marketplace
Will You Need a Carpenter, a Painter, a Plumber etc? Home Improvement

Needing to Rent in the area first? Rentals Available
Interested in Foreclosure Property? Foreclosure Homes
For Sale By Owner Properties in San Francisco: FSBO’s

Need Some Buyer Advice or have questions? Home Buyers
Are you A Home Seller with Questions or needing Advice? Home Sellers

Let Me Know if you need assistance with ANY San Francisco, CA Real Estate.

This Could Be Your Post in Your Town Too! Try ANY or ALL these tools, then create your own “Toolbox!”

API – Making Your Site A Powerful Tool and RE-Source

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API Making Your Site A Powerful Tool & Source of Information

What is an API?  It’s the acronym for “Application Programming Interface” and it has great value once you understand what it is and how it works.  Many have seen the term (API) around for quite some time, but figured it’s just some techno-jargon that means nothing or adds no value to those of us on the RE Net. WRONG!  One thing I have learned over the years is that even if you don’t understand some things, you should still know of them or at least about them, right?  I see some of you shaking your head “yes” right now. 

To keep this post about API simple and easy to understand, I’ll just put it this way; adding an Application Programming Interface (API) to your site can add powerful and useful information to your traffic and visitors and it requires less work than you may think.  By incorporating an API into your site, you can deliver data and gather information all at the same time.  An API can benefit you and your readers by providing them with valuable inter-active data and information. You’ll get customers, not filled in forms, brand recognition and best of all, it’s FREE! 

Real Estate and Mortgage Data for Your Site

Why Integrate with Zillow’s Data using API, would likely be the first question you’re be asking yourself right now?  One thought is that if sites like Yahoo.com and Education.com Integrate our API, why wouldn’t you consider it as well?  Not everyone will be able to do this, but as for the Implementation and Requirements, everyone could do this if they wanted to. I had no idea how powerful an API could be until I researched it a bit, and that’s why I’m sharing this with you.

Take a few moments to understand what API is, how it works, why it could add value and growth to your site and business, then let me know if you’d like to take Zillow’s API to the next level on your site.  If you’re comfortable working with an API and incorporating into your site, that’s awesome. If not, I’ve seen what companies like Z57 and Diverse Solutions can do for Real Estate Business sites and would be happy to put you in contact with the individuals who can assist you if needed.

Some Great Samples of Sites with API

These took me a while to research and find so I hope you’ll take a moment to really look at these well known sites that use/deliver API to bring value to their clients and visitors. Those clients and visitors being YOU and I.  Last.fm , EBay, Facebook, Feedburner, (now @Google) Windows LIVE, DIGG, Delicious, Google Maps, Flickr, Twitter, Yahoo, and Zillow!  Here are some other samples of what an API looks like on a “LIVE” site and from the users perspective: Yahoo Real Estate, Manage My Life, Public School Review, and IDX Central.

To get started using a Zillow API, you’ll need to 1. create an account on Zillow, (only if you don’t have one already) 2. Get a (ZWSID) web services ID, then 3. Take a look at our Developers Guide to get instructions on which data API will best suit you and your sites needs.

As with most API’s and sites, there is a “Terms of Use” which is always funner than reading the obituaries, but I’d rather have to discuss terms of use with you than have to discuss some of the “use of terms” I’ve heard in this Industry. lol~  Go ahead, show me some samples of what you’ve created, and how your using Zillow’s API, I’d love to be able to share that with others both here and on my site. Enjoy!!

Related API Information and Tools:
Effective API Design By Joshua Bloch
(Principle Engineer at Google)
Full List of Google API’s
The API Finder

How To Install and Customize Widgets

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How To Install and Customize Widgets on Your Blogs, Posts, and Sites.

In a previous post about the power and value of Widgets and Gadgets, I promised to provide a training class walking you through the most important steps in creating, selecting, installing, and customizing these little gizmo’s into your Blogs and Websites.  While the plaster and paint are still drying, I’d like to invite you to be our first guests at the PRE-Grand Opening of the new ZILLOW® ACADEMY.

This class is only one hour, but will teach you everything you’ll need to know about using widgets and gadgets selectively and effectively.  We’ll share what works and what doesn’t, things to watch out for like pop up ads, java-scripts (which many don’t work on ActiveRain) broken widgets, and stuff that will crash your Blog or site.  I’ll also share which widgets can bring more value to your readers and add traffic to your site. 

“Can a co-branded widget on your site or Blog really generate leads or clients?” YES, I’ll show you why and how.

In exchange for this FREE training and information, all I’d ask is that you’d help me get the word out.  It’s such short notice, it would be great if you could Reblog this post, or use the like button below to help me promote it.  I’m not asking for any money, donations, or bonus points, only an hour of your time to show you some things about the almighty “Widget” that can make a huge difference in your Blogging and Social Media endeavors.

If you’re unable to attend, we’ll be hosting these classes on a regular basis. You’re welcome to join us anytime for future classes and trainings.  The Zillow® Academy Calendar will be out shortly, once the virtual desks are in.  We’ll also record many of the classes and webinars (with speakers permission and approval) and host them for later review at your convenience.  I’m excited to get this launched and looking forward to YOUR continued growth and success as a re”Z”ult of these efforts.



REZERVE YOUR “VIRTUAL” ZEAT

 

It's Halloween Time – "LIKE It" or Not

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It’s Halloween time in a couple weeks and I think you’ll “LIKE” what we’re doing over on Facebook.  It’s “scary” some of the things we’ll do in this business for fun!

It’s our Halloween Sweepstakes Contest and it’s never been easier to win up to $1000.00 in trick-or-treat essentials.  How many goblins and ghoul’s does it take to fill a “Haunted Mansion?”  If you want to find out, just “LIKE” our page over on Facebook, enter our contest and you could be the winner that finds out!?!?!  It ends on the 24th so you better get clickin… you’re only two clicks away, and they’re both on this page.

 

For those of you who are already fans of Zillow on Facebook, you can still enter too.  In order to win though, you must be a fan of Zillow on Facebook upon entering the contest and at the time of the drawing. Again, the deadline is the 24th of October.

Here’s the voting link, so be sure to share it with others: (unless of course you’re wanting all the winnings to yourself)  lol~  Zillow’s Halloween Sweepstakes. It couldn’t get any easier than this, all you have to do is “LIKE” Zillow on Facebook, then enter to WIN and that’s it.  Well, we hope you’ll also “LIKE” what we’re doing over there and what we have planned for our Facebook fans and friends in the future, but that’s another post.

So Outfit the Ultimate Halloween House by “LIKING” us on Facebook then enter the sweepstakes to WIN!

Here’s the Contest Rules

Just for fun, want to see the Top 10 Haunted Homes in the US? How about some scary “Celebrity” Haunted Homes?  Have a safe and fun Halloween Holiday and just remember what it was like when you were out there as a kid trick or treating.  Try to give the kids in your neighborhood something they’ll “LIKE” this year, and that they’ll remember for many years to come.  And not those little corn candies either,  you’re better off giving them a trick instead of those darn things~   lol~

Youtube Video Channels – There's More That Meets The Eye

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Introductions, Education, Information, Tools, Tips, News and Views are what many people on the Internet are still searching for and seeking out.  That’s exactly what we’re trying to provide for our Youtube “Video” visitors and guests, and you should be too. Youtube is STILL one of the top “most searched sites” on the Web.

Having just returned from the New York MLS Tech Fair in Long Island where I moderated a “Social Media & Video” panel of experts, I felt compelled to get this message out there to Real Estate Industry professionals who have not yet jumped onto the “YOU Tuber” or “Vlogging” video wagon. Experts also advised just “DO IT!”

Take a look at the videos in this Cooliris player: Our very own Michael at Inman’s Agent Reboot sharing some great information and tips about tools we offer, Spencer introducing himself, a Premier Agent giving their points and views and more. A great combination and variety of different people with unique and transparent personalities and opinions all delivered as a “visual” instead of in writing or text.

So are YOU using video and YOUR Youtube Channels to get found and deliver your message?

This multi-video player below is a great way to get numerous videos out to your readers in a single Blog post, page, or website. It’s made by Cooliris and as you can see is very user friendly.  You’re also less likely to lose your hard earned and sought after traffic to the competition, just be sure to always provide the very best content you can create, find, and offer on your video channels.

Take a moment to view some of these videos and then subscribe. You won’t want to miss some of the new stuff that’s coming up in the weeks and months ahead. If you want to embed a Youtube Channel Player like this Coolris player into your Blog or website, it’s easy.  Just let me know and I’ll hook you up.  I’m doing a “How-To-Widget” webinar on October 25th at 11:00am (PST) and I’ll make sure you’re invited to be one of our guests.

Youtube Video and Cooliris? Another Great “Visual” Way To Share.  Have a great weekend~

Real Estate and Mortgage Widgets

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Real Estate and Mortgage Widgets

OK, I’ve struck GOLD!  Yep, Pay Dirt!  Anyone who knows me, knows how I feel about Widgets, Gadgets, and Watchamacallits.  It’s true, I’m somewhat OBSESSED!!  I actually think I was the very first member to ever break ActiveRain with all my Blog sidebar widgets, at least that’s what TLW would have you think.  lol~ 

I really did crash my blog on ActiveRain with widgets….

One thing I have learned for sure is that widgets, as fun as they may be, MUST bring value to your readers, especially at the risk of slowing down or even locking up your Blog or website.  When the providers of these widgets have problems or issues with their sites, you’ll also have issues with yours.  I’ve recently discovered while settling into my new position here at Zillow that this is not the case with these Real Estate and Mortgage Widgets. 

The big question is which widgets are best for you, your blog, your websites, your readers and potential clients?  Well that choice is yours and believe me, you have quite a choice and many options available.  Real Estate, Mortgage, Maps, Loans, Polls etc. there’s tons and they’ll add value to your site and help generate new traffic plus keep existing readers coming back.

These are just a few I’ve found worth mentioning.  They’re really for those of you interested in adding a little spice and additional value for your readers and potential or existing clients.  I’ll be doing some training classes later this month showing you how to setup, select, and install or customize some of these Real Estate and Mortgage Widgets for your Blogs and websites.

When you add a Zillow Widget to your site or Blog sidebar, you’ll also get Co-Branding which translates to FREE advertising for you.  It’s nice to be able to provide you with some extra tools that should bring you some additional traffic to your business, your sites, and add some value to your online readers, subscribers, clients, and potential future customers. 

A Zwidget today keeps the competitors away!! (not sure that’s true but at least it rhymes)
I Love this particular widget below and the fact that it’s inter-active on your Blog post or page:

Psssst….You Could Be Home Here…

In the days ahead, I’ll also be sharing the value of an API, what it is, what it means to you, and what you could or should be doing to turn your Blog or site into a mini Real Estate Portal.  Offering fresh relevant and provocative Real Estate content to keep your visitors and traffic coming back is one of the “KEY Secrets” to your online success.

Industry Outreach Manager – A New Title, Role and Guy at Zillow

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My first week at Zillow is behind me now and I’m starting to feel a bit more settled in.  Thank you to everyone for all the personal cards, calls, emails and comments etc.  I am truly touched by all the support and well wishes I have received this past week.  I’d also like to thank the Zillow Team once again for bringing me on board for this awesome opportunity.  On a side note, I would like to clear up a couple things just for the record.  We all know how easy it is for rumors and false claims to get started out here on the web.

On August 10th my ActiveRain term was fulfilled and my position eliminated.  So now I am with Zillow, it’s a new day, and all is still well with my friends and the staff here at Activerain.  So what more could anyone ask for?  I guess the only thing I can ask is that it be “well” with YOU too?  🙂

Secondly, my ActiveBradZ Blog is here on ActiveRain so I will continue to write and stay here with my Blog.  Please do not say “Good-bye” or “We’ll Miss You Brad” because unless you’re going somewhere, there’s no reason to wave goodbye.  I’m not going anywhere either.  It’s kind of like this:  If you were with ABC Realty and ended up going to XYZ Realtors, should I miss you, or be sad that you moved?  Aren’t you still the same person and wouldn’t you still be around contributing?  I’m sure you get the picture.

Having said that, let me explain this new role “Outreach Manager” and tell you a bit about my career here at Zillow.com.  First of all, I know that in “word association” when it comes to the word Zillow, the first thought and word in your mind is probably Zestimates.  Yes, Zestimates is/was one of the first products ever introduced to consumers and the industry by Zillow, but I’m not at Zillow to change what others are already working on diligently to improve, enhance and perfect. 

Though I am here at Zillow to assist you with your concerns and issues, the real value I bring to you now is that I’ll be doing almost exactly what I’ve always done here.  Sharing the things I love and that I am very passionate about.  Providing you with training, information, education, new technologies, plus finding and sharing valuable tools, people, and products. 

My focus and goals have always been to share, support, and help others truly be successful in this business both on-line and off.   Learning about the Internet, Blogging, Social Media etc. and understanding many of the new services, tools, and products out there and how they can directly help grow your business and your bottom line have and always will be my priority and passion.  Nothing has changed!

Outreach Manager – “Reaching Out To Industry”

The first series of support and training classes/sessions will be starting toward the end of this month.  I’m currently putting together all the programs and platforms we’ll need to accomplish the best possible training environments and topics that are in demand.  These support and training courses will NOT be exclusive to one company, product or services either.  I’ll be exposing and supporting a wide variety of unique and exciting tools (Including Zillow’s) that can help you in your business.

There’s so much more coming ahead.  Get ready to roll up your sleeves with me…  If I can’t help you get to where it is you need or want to be with your business and especially your on-line efforts, then I have no business being here on AR and would probably have no “actual” business regardless of my efforts.   These are exciting times you guys and there are new and exciting things happening all around us and all around the world that we may be unaware of presently.. 

Be ready, be open minded, and be willing to grow and accept change!  I am~ Time and Change are the only things that none of us can control, and they’re the only things that are constant and consistent no matter what!

Active Brad haZ left the building, but IS COMING BACK…..

FREE File Convertor for Images, Docs, Sound Files and Videos

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Have you ever had a picture that was in the wrong format for uploading to a website or Blog?  Let’s say your camera takes photos in a .TIFF or .GIF format and the site you want to upload it to only uses .BMP or .JPG.  This can be frustrating and even time consuming if you’re trying to figure out how to convert it, or find a software application that you can purchase to convert it for you.

How about those documents that come to you in a .TXT or .DOC or .XLS format?  What in the heck are you suppose to do if all you have is a program that reads .PDF formats?  Maybe you have a music or video file that your specific computer and player aren’t compatible with, now what do you do?  Who you gonna call? Are there meds you take to reduce blood pressure and lower anxiety? :-O

So if you’ve ever wanted to convert a file without the need to download software…

Try taking it 2 Zamzar, then call me in the morning.  This is a FREE online site that will convert your photo/image files to 14 different formats, your Docs to over 22 different formats, your mp3 and sound files to more than 10 formats and your videos to just under 20 different formats.  You’ve got to love having options like this online and for free.  I just converted a .DOC to a .PDF, an .MOV to an .AVI, and a .WAV into an .MP3. 

It’s really easy, it’s FREE, and you can do it with nearly any file and in less than 4 steps!

Hopefully many of you will find this a useful tool in your search for a file conversion application that will work for pretty much any file format. Just wanted to share this with you because I know how frustrating it can be uploading these things and trying to share them with others only to get that infamous unwelcome RED “ERROR” message that pops up!!

Try it, this might save you some time, some money and maybe even some hair!  lol~


Image above courtesy of Bob Birkentall of Newsday Media Group at http://newsday.com/mediakit
Thanks Bob ~ I had to convert it from a .PNG to a .JPG for this post 🙂

It's Official – Going From "A" to "Z"

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Today it is official so I’m announcing my new role.  It really is going from “A” to “Z”. 

My thought was if I said from “A” to “Z” many of you might figure it out.  I’m sure some of you already have.  I’m excited to announce that I’m now the Industry Outreach Manager at Zillow.

Over these past few days I’ve spent a great deal of time with some really awesome people learning all about my new company, their culture, the products and services, but most importantly, their passion as a team for helping connect real estate professionals with consumers. 

“I’m 100% confident that I am in the right place and working with the right people and company.”

The relationships I’ve developed here in the rain mean more to me than anything.  I’m so thankful for all I’ve been blessed with here over the years, and I’m very enthusiastic and excited for what the future holds.  I’m also committed to bringing even more value and meaning to those relationships by sharing new and exciting ways/tools to help you get more business and maximize your efforts while spending less time and money to do it.

I’ll continue to work from the greater Bay Area in California, but I’ll still be mobile.  I’ll be doing many of the same types of things you are used to seeing me do here on ActiveRain.  Social media and marketing training, classes and seminars, webinars, speaking at national events, and providing education and support for the many tech tools, products, and services I can offer you.

Those of you who know me know that I have a passion for sharing real estate technology, widgets, and all that tech-y and useful kinda stuff.  I have written about so many different companies and tools that can help increase your business, save you time or money, or just simplify your life.  There really are lots of choices in real estate both for agents and consumers and I’m feeling positive and confident that I’ve found a single solution that will serve and bring great value to both sides.

So now it’s official, I’m on board, I’m part of the  Z-team and very excited!  As I continue to get adjusted, trained, and adapt to my new role, it will be difficult for me to resist the temptation to want to share everything I learn as I go along.  So I promise I won’t fight it, I WILL be sharing.  🙂  I’ll open some huge doors of opportunity for many of you, and create some great ways to contribute to your growth and success. 

Fasten your seat-belts, hang on tight because from the “” in Activerain, to the “” in Zillow, it’s going to be a fun and exciting ride!  Here’s a link to my profile when you need me.  As I’ve said in the past, and it still holds true today, my door is always open to you and I’m looking forward to our continued growth and successes together!  🙂