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

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…

I don’t know if its just me but I fall into routines with where I shop, eat and frequent.  I guess I’m so busy that I don’t take the time to jump outside of my box.  I’ve decided to change for 2010…I’m going LOCAL and I’m on the hunt to find some new favorites.  Its important that we all do our part to support local businesses.  Let’s rally together, help spead the word and it will benefit the people we care about.

Raleigh NC is known for having some great food so I’m going to give you my…

Favorite Five Flavors: Raving Raleigh Restaurant Reviews

1. The Sake House is great for sushi!  http://www.thesakehouse.com/   They also have a Buy one, Get one Monday-Thursday nights.  Save $$$ and eat some great sushi rolls.  I personally like the Raleigh Roll and the Rock-n-Roll.  They are located in the Falls River Shopping Center off Durant Rd.

2.  Casalinga is some of the BEST Italian food I’ve had since moving from NY.  It’s super yummy and the lunch buffet rocks.  It’s also a great spot for pizza take out.  They have NY thin crust of thick Sicilian style.  Casalinga is located off Capital Blvd near Millbrook in the Mini-City Shopping Center.

3.  Savoy is a great date night or wonderful for a business lunch.  The food is fresh, homemade and local items control the menu.  It’s seasonal, which I love.  They always have some favorites like French Onion soup, NC trout or creme brulee.  They even give you muffins to take after dinner and enjoy the next day…It is well worth a visit if you enjoy an influence of French mixed with darn good cooking!  Restaurant Savoy is in N. Raleigh off Leadmine and Sawmill Rds.  Oh yes, I convinced Mama Jo to give everyone a free soup if you mention social media.  Score!

4.  Las Margaritas on Six Forks and Sawmill.  Now, Mexican food is ALL OVER Raleigh…there are tons of choices but this is my personal favorite.  The Chimichanga’s are amazing and I love their Chiles Relleno add a Dos Equis and I’m a happy, happy lady!

5.  Ben’s Place is a great spot to hang out, enjoy a drink and appetizer and watch a game.  It’s cozy but has some fun things to do too.  They have cornhole outdoors with a patio.  They’re located on Glenwood and Ebenezer Church right near the CarMax. 

So tell me, where is your favorite local spot in the Raleigh, Wake County NC area.  I want to dig up some hidden gems!

I was published in Broker Banker Magazine today and I’m very excited about it!  I see the power of the Internet and all the social tools that are forming our society today.  Some are resistant to the change but I embrace it!  It’s a great way to share information.  The Raleigh, NC area is still selling and I know lenders and Realtors are trying to find ways to network and educated home buyers, home sellers and possible clients for refinances.  We can all work as a team to cover all the needs of consumers.  It’s not about SALES, its about SERVICE!  Mortgage Lenders Learn How to Earn New Realtor Partners for FREE