Real Estate BarCamp Seattle March 3rd

It's hard to keep up with all that is happening in social media, the latest tech tools, the largest real estate issues and where to focus our time. This one day FREE... note FREE... conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet with other agents in round table type discussions on the most current topics. The break out sessions are created by "YOU" the participant! You tell us at the beginning what sessions you would like and the conference is created by those requests! You might even end up leading a discussion on a topic you are passionate about.
Register today.. join the over 300 real estate agents already registered... a month before it starts.
http://rebarcamp.com/seattle/

See a video I made about the conference at my website!!!!
http://www.clockhours.com
I am among the few volunteers that make it happen and I am a sponsor!

The iPad is a remarkable tool!

Take a bite out of the Apple and get an iPad. When I hold this new sleek took I lusted after, I feel like I am touching the future of computing!!!

• It doesn't come with a book of instructions. A child can figure it out.
• There is virtually no time to load, power up, or search.
• The colors are vibrant
• Books are easy to read and bookmarked. Why would we need text books in the future?
• Movies play instantly and are clearer than life... they almost look 3D
• There are apps that let you do everything you can do on your laptop
• There are apps that let you do things you wish you could do with your laptop
• There isn't software to load, pay for, or register.
• It is fun to use!
• The keyboard on the touch screen is silent, reacts with touch as light as a feather
• It is so visual....
• There is no mouse... just touch and click...
• Can go from one app to another instantaneously
• Everyone around me at the Apple store was younger than 30, it seemed.
• It is hard to put it down.
• Some of the apps,... like Flipboard that makes Facebook like a magazine... are fascinating.

Oh I could go on...
But, why get one for your business?
Because you can browse for homes so easy. A listing presentation could be made so easily. Your contacts and emails open with just a click. With apps like Dropbox you can store anything like a contract or flyer or photo on one computer that is online and almost instantly it is accessible on the iPad. Because you can read books to learn more. Because you can blog anytime on it. Because it is easier to carry and lighter than your desktop (do you still have one) or your laptop. Because videos load so easily. Because apps are added every single day that will make it an even better tool.

Because the iPad is the future and that IS where your business is going.

Purge the "policy"

There is nothing that irritates me more than a company policy that makes it difficult to be a consumer. The other day I paid a bill early... in anticipation of receiving it... and the check was returned. It was their "policy" to not accept payment before due. What a stupid policy. There are just so many policies that feel like brick walls. Policies are just rules someone created to make it easier on the company and not for their own customers. Practically every policy I have come up against is just plain stupid and can be reversed with a nod from the "boss."
Have you hit up against a policy that irked you? Do you have your own policies that cause your customers to say "ugh?"

We assume the earth is always pointing north

Whenever we see a globe or photo of the planet earth, north is always on the top. Yes, in relationship to the sun, the earth spins on its own axis and we dance with the sun. But, in terms of the entire universe... we could actually be upside down. Or, is there an up and down in the universe. We are but a mere speck in the cosmos. Technically, couldn't the globe be upside down and be just as accurate. Do we assume north is "better" than south? hmmm...

Dipping your paws in ink for fingerprints

Most of us would remember if we were convicted of a crime... if we had the mug shot, the fingerprints, the court appearance. Now, I can't say ALL of us would remember... but I'm rather sure most of us!
The real estate Department of Licensing will be requiring all real estate agents current and new to be fingerprinted over the next six years.
This past month I had fingerprints taken as part of my application to get a Coast Guard Captains 50 ton Masters License. I had to get a TWIC card (transportation workers id card). I pressed my little paws onto the fingerprint pad over and over... took so many tries... evidently IO have weak prints. But, I can tel you, even though I am pretty sure I don't have a criminal record that the FBI might find... it still is a bit creepy. Kind of the "Big Brother" government tracking me thing.
And so I wait for ... how long?... to find out that I am cleared.
The fingerprints and FBI check for your real estate license might give you the same creepy feeling. But, you are required nonetheless to have them taken. It's like when you get your license tabs for your car... every so often you have to have an emissions test. The Department of Licensing will notify you on your renewal form if you have to go dip your paws in ink. N0 stress!

Carbon Monoxide Alarms... when required.

During the December 2006 storm in Western Washington over 1000 people were treated at emergency rooms and 8 people died because of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. It is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that is caused by all combustion. People did bring charcoal burners into properties. But, if your neighbor does that you could be poisoned by the gas seeping through walls.
The Washington State legislature passed a law in April 2009 requiring CO alarms. The statute requires building code council to adopt rules to require them in all new residential properties.
The statute also says that all owner occupied single family residences legally occupied before this act are exempt.
However, for any owner occupied single family residence that is sold on or after the effective date of this act (July 2009) the seller must equip the residence with CO alarms in accordance with the requirement of the state building code before a buyer can occupy the residence. RCW 19.27.530 (1)b.
In April 2010, there was a proposed change in the law as passed. The change as discussed in HB 2886 which is in committee "removes the statutory requirement for the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm when an owner-occupied, single family residence is sold."
The Bill also extends the date to January 2013 that all existing multi family residential occupancies must have a CO alarm.
It also requires the building council to adopt rules that are consistent with the smoke detectors, when applying for building permit.
But, the proposed change did NOT go through the legislature... maybe the CO alarm companies had a big lobby... because as the way the law is right now over 10,800 alarms will have to be installed per WEEK in Washington state to meet the deadline of July 2011!

So that is the latest on that issue.

Classes in Pierce County this week!

Get yourself into social marketing with classes this week in Pierce County.

Wednesday, Jan 20 at 10 am Get Connected on the Internet at
Home Team NW in Puyallup

Thursday Jan 21 at 9 am Blogging and 1 pm Twitter at
Keller Williams on Tacoma Mall Blvd..


Email Natalie or just show up for any of these classes! You are welcome to come! Get yourself online and connecting this new year! Don't wait.. NOW!
Natalie
clockhoursatgmail.com