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Raleigh, North Carolina is quite a tech savvy area but the general public and business owner is still lagging behind.  I’ve recently learned how BASIC social media tools need to be for the everyday user.  My parents were visiting for the Christmas Holiday and my Mom has recently started using Facebook, not correctly I might add!  However, she knew she needed to learn but she isn’t the type to search out the “How To…” on the Internet.

So, I took on the task of walking her through the Facebook basics:  Inbox, notifications, writing on a wall, sending a message so no one else can see it, etc…then 2 hours later I realized, NOT EVERYONE KNOWS THIS STUFF!

Monkey Proof!

“KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID”  kept running through my head.  I’d guess that 20% of the public evens knows how to properly use the tools that are wiggling our way into everyday activities.  

My team uses Facebook personal profiles and Business/Fan pages to keep up with home buyers, sellers or new people looking for homes for sale in Raleigh.  It’s a great tool but I’ve got to keep it simple too.

So to all the software developers out there…Dummy it down for the everyday person.  Only a few of the users know the power behind their finger tips.

If you’d like to keep in touch stop by and give me a tip at http://www.facebook.com/raleighhomesforsale

If you’ve been looking for a Million dollar home with hundred’s of thousands in possible equity, look no further!  Great deal in the Wakefield Estate section just north of Raleigh NC.

http://trianglemls.mlxtempo.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=795622893&s=TRA&t=TRA

If you’d like access to Million Dollar Foreclosures in North Carolina give Erica McClenny with eRealty a call.  My team specializes in finding homes in Wake County and Raleigh NC with equity and value.

HUGE Estate home in Wake Forest, NC

Each year the Christmas season represents a different feeling to me.  Joy, Excitment, Giving, Growth or plain old Fun! 

This year,  I’m feeling a little lonely and I’m not sure why.  2009 was an interesting year for me personally and professionally.  Major changes in my life have impacted who I am as a person and a Realtor in Raleigh.

I got divorced and moved on my own for the first time in my life.  I’d gone from my parents, to college with a roommate, then into marriage for 10 years…Lets just say, I’m not used to a quiet house.  This time and uncomfortable growth has provided me a new insight into what my home buyers think.  Especially, single women and divorced parents.

My marriage gave me a wonderful daughter who I’m so thankful for but it also meant I had to share and co-parent under two roofs.  My daughter goes to her fathers for most weekends.  This makes selling homes and helping home buyers really easy when I don’t have to struggle with weekend childcare but…it also means when the holidays are here, people stop looking and I’m home trying to fill my time.  Today is quiet…

I know that moving on is a wonderful step in my life.  I have solid support from my parents and brother.  It’s just tough when you live in a city without family nearby.  It really makes you cherish your friends.

Christmas 2009 is teaching me Inner Peace.  I need to be comfortable with Erica before I can reach out to others.  Living alone doesn’t equal lonely living.

My goal to your this holiday season is reach out to someone who you know has had MAJOR changes in their lives in 2009.  Take the time to find out how you can support their growth.  Maybe your gift this season will be a fresh perspective.

Is it possible in today’s technical and Internet savvy world that a Realtor or real estate agent who’s trying to sell a home can do it from their couch?  Here in Raleigh real estate is viewed by home buyers over 90% of the time before they ever contact a Realtor.  If an agent has great pictures, proper information and multiple sources for home buyers to find that home for sale online…I suppose you COULD sell a home from the couch!

selling homes from your couch

Why not?!  Marketing is done via computer, Internet, eFax and networking.  Social media has opened the door for agents to network in their pajama’s.  Now, I’m not advocating this a practice but it is possible.  After all, tech savvy home buyers have been known to buy a home based on pictures and video when relocating to a new city!

There is a really cool tool I’ve found if you do work from home.  Check out this “desk” for your laptop…pretty cool and keeps you from back pain!  They’ve sold out but are working on a next generation now, according to their website.

http://www.dexiadesign.com/dexia_rack_details.html

Now, if I could only figure out how my car can drive clients to check out homes while I type their paperwork up.  I can email with digital signatures but I can’t drive and type…yet.  I’m sure I could dig up some voice activated software here in Raleigh to dictate too!

Happy house hunting on line and in person…