3 Things You Should Be Tracking On Facebook   1. Track ”People Talking About This” People Talking About Thisis one of the new metrics for Facebook Pages. Unlike other metrics on your Insights dashboard, it’s also the only one visible to the public. This number represents the total number of people who, over the past seven days, have engaged with your Page in any way — by Liking it, commenting on or sharing a post, answering a question, tagging your Page, or responding to an event. In your Insights dashboard, you’ll also see a percentage increase or decrease next to the current number, so you can compare this week’s engagement against last week’s stats. If you want to build a thriving community on Facebook — or if you want to turn existing fans into raving super fans — engagement is ... 02/24/2012

Social Media should be becoming a very large part of your marketing efforts.  This is whee your customers are, and you should be too.   Social Media Partners can assist you with building your social media presence with custom platforms that brand your image throughout all of the various social networks.    With 15 years of real estate experience, I can customize a strategy for your social media marketing.   http://www.youtube.com/user/SocialMediaPartners     02/24/2012

http://fbinfluence.com 02/04/2012

2011 Traverse City Real Estate Statistics Despite the gloom and doom we all hear daily from the news media Traverse City area real estate is moving in a positive direction. A year to year comparison from 2010 to 2011 shows that our local area ( mostly Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, Kalkaska counties) is showing increases in average sales price with less inventory on the market than 1 year ago (2010 - 11,323 listings taken, 2011-9731 listings taken) and less listings expiring (2010- 44.72% all , 36.06% single family 2011 42.18% all, 34.23% single family), meaning a larger % of homes / listings on the market are selling! For all listings ( single family, multi-family, commerical & vacant land) the number of listings on the market was down -14.10% (showing positive growth in th... 01/24/2012

Our almost new log cabin on Lake Superior was up for sale for 3 years. We were relying on the local Realtors to market it for us. We hardly had any showings by them. This past year we decided to try another agency in the area and they did not even show it once!! We were so frustrated because we knew what a beautiful place it was, in a quiet serene area and knew with the right agent it would probably sell. I had been watching Jon Becker's performance with his agency on facebook and voiced my frustration to him, telling him that I wished he was up in our area so he could sell our cabin. He showed an interest in co-listing with a realtor in our general area so that he could market it in his area and help us out. Jon took the initiative to contact select Realtors in our general area and int... 12/16/2011

Peninsula Township, Grand Traverse County - SUNSET WEST BAY VIEWS from almost every room in this custom designed 1 owner 3600+ sq. ft. home set in peaceful wooded setting at end of cul-de-sac. Boasts NEW KITCHEN (Nov. 2011) w/ granite counters, energy star stainless appliances, hardwood floors, fresh interior paint, library/office area, formal foyer, formal dining + eat in kitchen area, 4 season sun room leading to back patio & deck landings to beach, large laundry/mud room with 1/2 bath for easy access coming in from outdoors, private main floor master suite w/ his & hers closets, jacuzzi tub,shower & double vanity, 20+ ft. ceilings in living area, solid oak doors, wainscoating & trim, 2 woodstoves,Low-E argon thermal payne windows,central air, full basement with wine storage room, ins... 11/21/2011

I really enjoy working with my Military families.  They have such a short time to make housing decisions and then they are leaving the rest up to their Realtor.  I have decided to focus my business around Police, Fire and Military personnel.  Being an Affiliate with Homes for Heroes allows me to give back to these Heroes who give so much to our Country and our Communities protecting and serving us.   http://www.youtube.com/user/TraverseCityRealty?feature=mhee 11/09/2011

This week saw activity slow to 50 sales. Historically the market slows beginning in November through mid February and this would be considered a typical seasonal decline in activity. There seems to be allot of uneasy feelings in the market. While interest rates should be heading higher in a free market they are declining with the Fed manipulating the market by purchasing 70% of the treasury bonds being issued in the market and selling put options to reduce the risk of the bonds. We are very busy with refi appraisal work at the moment, however the slightest change in rates will cause the appraisal business to fall between 50-70% which is a very uneasy feeling. While inflation is being reported at 3.9% the statistic does not include food or energy, including those items puts inflation ove... 10/31/2011

Weekly Market Statistics   10/17/11 thru 10/23/2011 from the TAAR MLS   114        New Listings   59           Sold Listings    Sales By Classification   46 Residential $6,250 to $965,000 Median $124,950 Mean $1184,204   8   Vacant Land $18,000 to $200,000 Median $67,750 Mean $98,437   5   Commercial $1,950 Lease to $400,000    Sales by Location   11 Antrim County   8   Benzie County                  24 Grand Traverse County   4   Kalkaska County   10 Leelanau County   0   Wexford County   2   Outside Areas     Expired Listings              66   Year over Year Comparison for Grand Traverse County on & off water homes   Off Water Homes All Values   Current Listings                             803   Sales                                    10/09-10/10   893    10/10-10/11  777   Average D... 10/24/2011

My name is Christine Stalsonburg and I am a Director with Homes for Heroes®. Homes for Heroes is a community minded company whose purpose is to provide real rebates and real discounts for heroes who are buying or selling a home. We are the largest Hero rebate program in the nation; with over 450 Realtor and Lender affiliates across the U.S. Homes for Heroes was organized shortly following the tragic events of 9/11/2001, by a small group of seasoned Realtors®, in Minnesota, who wanted a way to say “Thank You” to the brave men and women who serve our nation and its communities. We currently serve Firefighters, Police Officers, Military Personnel (Active, Retired, Veteran) First Responders, Healthcare providers, Teachers. We specifically seek Brokers, Realtors and Lenders who are looking ... 10/23/2011

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10/21/2011

The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012 These cities will meet your retirement lifestyle needs and suit your budget By Emily Brandon October 17, 2011 RSS Feed Print Comment (16) Tweet Related Articles In Pictures: The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012 10 Places to Retire on Social Security Alone Find Your Best Place to Retire In Pictures: The 10 Best Places to Retire in 2012 Better weather, affordable housing, and plenty of interesting things to do are just a few reasons people move to a new place when they retire. Whether you want to spend your golden years watching the sun set over the water or taking on a second career, we've identified an ideal place. Using data from Onboard Informatics, U.S. News selected 10 key attributes that many people look for ... 10/19/2011

• 1,968 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story-MLS®$249,900 - Near Skiing, Bay, TART Tr East Bay Township, Grand Traverse County - Wonderful neighborhood w/newer quality homes w/pvt. wooded lots, manicured lawns, low traffic streets & wonderful neighbors...complete w/neighborhood discounts on most home services ( trash, lawn maint., snow plowing, irrigation, baby / house sitters & more) & minutes to TART trail, beaches, downtown & walking distance to Mt.Holiday. Home features cathedral ceiling height stone fireplace, island kitchen w/solid surface counters & pull out cabinet drawers,breakfast nook + formal dining, hardwood floors, pvt. master suite w/jacuzzi tub+ shower, double vanity,&walkin closet, seperate laundry room, mud area/coat closets in from garage, den/loft,central air,invisible pe... 10/13/2011

If you are looking for a way to pur a smile on a soldiers face for just one day during the holidays this year, then you might want to participate in this program.   09/25/2011

  As summer ends we enter the fall selling season. Historically late September and October have generated some of the highest numbers for closed sales and this year should be a good one with the low rates. The market continues to struggle with up and down swings, however the overall trend is clearly improving. There is a strong possibility of inflation taking hold next year putting upward pressure on values making now an ideal time to consider a purchase. Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!     219        New Listings 61           Sold Listings    Sales By Classification   51 Residential $14,900 to $1,237,656 Median $133,500 Mean $202,972 9   Vacant Land $17,000 to $265,000 Median $43,000 Mean $82,666 1   Commercial $1,000 (Lease)    Sales by Location   5   Antrim County 4   Benzie County... 08/29/2011

Find more videos like this on Coast Guard Channel Community 08/28/2011

Well the market is getting very interesting, activity trends are clearly on the rise. Last week there were 88 sales reported compared to only 54 the prior week. The reasons however get very interesting. It seems that every time the market gets to its lowest point the Fed finds a way to stimulate the market. There is a flood of foreclosures headed into the market, which could create significant downward pressure on market values without increasing market demand to absorb the inventory. The way the Fed has chosen to stimulate market activity is to drive down long term interest rates. While this is contrary to every economic principle with rising inflation and reduced credit rating, it’s the Federal Reserve. They are accomplishing this by selling Puts on debt instruments in the market to r... 08/22/2011

  http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/best_places_USA/sleeping-bear-dunes-michigan-voted-good-morning-americas/story?id=14319616 The accolades keep growing for this little corner of heaven known as Traverse City, MI.  The Sleeping Bear Dunes has been voted the Most Beautiful Place in America by ABC News and Good Morning America.   Nestled along the coast of Lake Michigan, about 15 miles northwest of Traverse City, this huge sand dune offers panoramic vistas of Lake Michigan's shimmering blue waters.  Enjoy scenic overlooks by car, hiking and biking trails, and a rugged Dune Climb from Glen Arbor to Lake Michigan.  Afterwards, relax at Boone Dock's restaurant, or Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor.  Visit Cherry Republic, the king of all things cherry.  Or drive the scenic roads of Leelanau County, an ... 08/17/2011

  Market activity was down from last week with 52 sales reported vs 66 the week before. The market remains somewhat of a roller coaster, demand seems to be rising with values in many segments starting to stabilize. Inventory levels have remained stable, while over supplied at least they are not growing. The mortgage business has definitely picked up with more refi activity on falling interest rates and will likely help spur buyers who are on the fence.  Have a great week, perfect weather 80 during the day and 60’s at night. Weekly Market Statistics   08/08/11 thru 08/14/2011 from the TAAR MLS    224        New Listings   54           Sold Listings   Sales By Classification   46 Residential $16,000 to $1,250,000 Median $172,850 Mean $228,162   6   Vacant Land $18,900 to $285,000 Median $... 08/14/2011