Facebook Business Page   Many agents are making an impression with a Facebook Business Page. I recently came across an application from eListit that I thought I would share; it is called The Real Estate Plus Application. It is a facebook application for real estate agents and makes a perfect addition to your Facebook Business Page. If you are not currently signed up with them don’t worry you can still get the application by signing up for a free account with them.      Some of the benefits are that you can advertise your business, build your network with other agents, get referrals, get recommended by clients or friends, post your business profile, add listings and write blogs all on your Facebook Business Page.   Expand your real estate network on your facebook business page by opening... 02/08/2012

What to Do in Corpus Christi, TX This Weekend   There are a lot of exciting things to do in Corpus Christi, TX this weekend. Here are a few things you won’t want to miss.     What: Harlem Ambassadors vs. local officials basketball game When: 7 p.m. Friday Where:W.B. Ray High School Gym, 1002 Texan Trail Cost: $7; children younger than 3/free Information: Tickets are available at the Ronald McDonald House, 3402 Fort Worth St. Call 361-854-4073 or www.harlemambassadors.com, www.optimistcc.org   What: Pacifica Quartet and Wann-dar Tan Where: House of Rock, 511 Starr St. When: 7 p.m. Friday Cost: $10 Information: House of Rock, 882-7625   Saturday Show: What: Pacifica Quartet Where: Wolfe Recital Hall, Del Mar College East Campus, 101 Baldwin Blvd. When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Cost: General adm... 01/27/2012

Welcome to Part 4 of planning your business for 2012. Last blog we looked at your vital numbers as well as where your clients come from. This blog we are going to look at what areas of your business need improvement so that you can meet your goals for 2012.  Four areas of focus for 2012!    (I have included some examples for each area of focus) Improve Marketing -Website -Online marketing -Print Media -Blog -Social Media -Mailings   Improve Skills -Prospecting-Appointment setting -Prequalifying-Listing Presentation   -Closing/negotiating-Increase sales price -Accountability-Objection handling -Lead followup-Selling buyers -Pricing-Increasing commission -Referrals Focus on High Probability Lead Sources -Online advertising -Open Houses -Walk-ins or call-ins at your office -Expired listing... 01/20/2012

Homedale Estates Home for Sale - 2438 Handlin Drive - Homedale Estates Corpus Christi It has been over 20 years since I spoke to my buddy from the Air Force.  It seems he has a home for sale in Homedale Estates in Corpus Christi.  He called moe for a bit of advice to see if I could help him out.  It turns out, the home is in a great location, is in perfect condition and is priced below market.  It seems he just needs a little extra exposure and I want to shar his great home with you. Homedale Estates Home for Sale Please feel free to click any of the images or links for more information, maps and virtual tours of this wonderful home.     Here is the description of 2438 Handlin Drive - Homedale Estates Corpus Christi Meticulously maintained, beautifully landscaped 1744 sq/ft home less th... 07/03/2011

HOUSING OPPORTUNITY FAIR IN CORPUS CHRISTI Don't miss the Housing Opportunity Fair hosted by the CCAR Housing Opportunity Committee and sponsored by the City of Corpus Christi Saturday, April 2nd at Del Mar College Center for Economic Development at 3209 S. Staples (across from Ray High School).  The program begins at 10 a.m.  Several topics will be covered including the value of home ownership, the role of the Realtor®, preparing for home ownership, loan & assistance programs, credit issues, and searching online for the perfect home.    And when you are ready to either buy or sell a home in Corpus Christi or the surrounding area, please give me a call, I will be there to help.               04/01/2011

Peewee's Pet Adoption World & Sanctuary, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit shelter and adoption center located at 1307 Saratoga Boulevard that rescues, rehabilitates and cares for lost and abandoned animals, has been in operation since 1997, and currently houses over 300 animals.  This includes the usual dogs and cats but in addition you can also find pigs, goats, rabbits and other farm animals at Peewee's. Peewee's Pet Adoption World & Sanctuary, Inc. finds loving and caring new homes for those animals which are suitable for adoption and provides shelter and care for those animals not suitable for adoption for the duration of their natural lives.  Peewee's rescues, rehabilitates, and cares for lost and abandoned animals while promoting the humane and proper treatment of all animals. Peew... 03/31/2011

Input = Output I was participating at a first-time home buyer seminar today at Evans Elementary School in Corpus Christi.  As we were leaving and walking through the cafeteria, there was a speaker talking to the students.  The speaker was very animated and had the student's complete attention. The speaker told the students that the grade on the student's report cards, A, B, C, D, or even F did not tell how smart the students were.  That grade only told how much effort the students had put in.  What a great saying, the grade did not reflect the student's IQ, only the level of effort they spent working on the subject matter.  Sounds like something they can remember and use throughout their adult life....Input  =  Output   Please give me a call if I can help you with buying or selling a ho... 03/23/2011

La Iguana Mexican Restaurant is located at 3833 Saratoga Boulevard between Weber and Kostoryz Roads in Roxy Plaza. La Iguana is open from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. La Iguana has a wide variety of food at reasonable prices and a courteous staff.  You can order anything from breakfast to dinner at all hours of the day.  Lunch and dinner choices range from hamburgers and Mexican food all the way to fish and shrimp. Since I really enjoy eating breakfast after 11:00 a.m., I appreciate being able to order my breakfast plate whenever I arrive.  But whether you are hungry for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you will be able to satisfy your craving at La Iguana.    And when you are ready to buy or sell your home in Corpus Chri... 03/22/2011

This weekend is the start of the 3-day event from FamilyLife, Weekend to Remember Marriage Getaway. I am excited to see this come together again in Corpus Christi. We have over 150 people coming in from outside of Corpus Christi to experience our waterfront community. http://www.familylife.com/groups/corpuschristi 03/16/2011

Habitat for Humanity in Corpus Christi, Texas a non-profit organization and is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International.  Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity along with the partner family work to build affordable housing.  Habitat for Humanity requires the partner family to contribute 300 - 500 hours of work either in various areas such as construction or office work. During Spring Break this year twenty college students from the Catholic University of America are volunteering with Habitat for Humanity to provide labor for a humanity homes in Corpus Christi.  The funds and materials are donated by corporate and individual donations. What a great group of young people.  What an awesome way to spend their spring break, helping a deserving family with their soon to be home... 03/13/2011

When I list a property, I do several things in addition to taking and posting as many pictures as allowed on our local MLS.  I usually spend several hours looking through the pictures seeing which are the best representatives of the property.  I put together a virtual tour of each property and make sure it goes out to the various internet sites and send out postcards advertising the property.  I advertise the property in the local real estate book and try to put it in the local homes section of the newspaper several times. I also put a flier box in front of the property with color fliers for interested buyers and neighbors.  I put as much information on the flier as I can and several pictures of the inside of the property.  The one item I do not put on the fliers is the price of the pro... 03/06/2011

Make sure you wear your lucky green outfit or your lucky green charm on St. Patrick's Day, Thursday, March 17th and receive a chance to win a television at the 7 p.m. session and get your FREE hot dogs from the snack bar! All Saints Bingo is open seven days a week and offers two $750 games at both the 7 & 9 p.m. sessions on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays!  The Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 7 p.m. sessions have three early birds, a $750 game, and a $500 game. All Saints Bingo has separate smoking and non-smoking rooms with electronic smoke eaters in the smoking room.  You can pay for your bingo purchases with cash, check, or debit card. Celebrate your birthday with at All Saints Bingo.  We will have an exclusive computer pack for our players on their special day for 1¢ and a ... 02/27/2011

KidsPlace in Corpus Christi is located in Cole Park and is getting renovated after being utilized by children for 20 years.  The playground was built in 1991 through the efforts of the Junior League of Corpus Christi. The renovations to KidsPlace include installing rubber matting, six slides, three swing sets, and a rock climbing and physical fitness section.  The renovated KidsPlace should be able to serve 400 children at a time; the current playground is able to serve around 300 children.  The improved KidsPlace will also meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards allowing children with disabilities to be able to utilize the new and improved playground.  The renovation for KidsPlace was approved by voters in 2008 and expected to cost approximately $400,000.  The last day of operat... 02/27/2011

Corpus Christi Skate Park is located at 1526 Ocean Drive in Cole Park next to the Amphitheater and is a popular attraction which serves both skateboard beginners as well as expert skateboarders.  You will find both locals and visitors at Corpus Christi Skate Park. The Junior League of Corpus Christi began fundraising efforts for the Corpus Christi Skate Park in 2002.  The League oversaw the design and construction of the skate park which began in 2005.  The skate park was officially opened on February 17, 2007.  Corpus Christi Skate Park cost $300,000 to build and is 10,000 square feet of concrete fun for skateboarders of all ages. Corpus Christi Skate Park offers free admission and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to dark.  Grab your board, helmet (helmets are required), and hang ten ... 02/27/2011

My husband and I had the pleasure of attending Cirque Du Soleil Alegria tonight perforning in Corpus Christi, Texas.  What a treat.  If you have never attended one of these performances, plan to do so. The only way I can describe Cirque Du Soleil Alegria is that is was a musical circus production that would be suited to any stage or a venue such as Las Vegas.  There were no animals, but many acts, music, and singing and dazzling costumes. I know there was a story being told throughout Cirque Du Soleil Alegria, however, I was too taken with the acts to follow the story.  There were no animals, just performers.  The acts were some that I had never witnessed before at any circus show I have attended.  They were much more than acts, they were choreographed performances set to music.  Alegri... 02/20/2011

Driving down Shoreline Boulevard, I found a new water feature that had been installed in Corpus Christi, Texas.  I recall reading about a new reflection pool, or wading pool, but had not actually seen it for myself before that time.  What a pleasant surprise, I was not expecting anything that looked quite so nice.  The water sprays out in different patterns so it makes it very interesting to watch and have a great view of the Corpus Christi Bay at the same time. I imagine the children love to play in this spot on hot days.  I might even take off my shoes and indulge this summer.  If you live in Corpus Christi or plan a visit, make sure you take the time to indulge yourself.  See you there. 02/20/2011

When driving or walking along Shoreline Boulevard, next to Corpus Christi Bay, visitors and resident alike have to admire the eight gazebo-like structures called Miradors del Mar or "sea watchers".  The Devary Durrill Foundation installed the Miradors along the Corpus Christi seawall and they were dedicated in October 1991.  The structures are similar to those found in seaside resorts in Mexico, Morocco, and Spain.  Plan to take a break and find some shade in one of the Miradors.  They are a great place to meditate and let the soothing sounds of the water lull your troubles away. 02/20/2011

The Columbus Sailing Association is located in Corpus Christi, Texas and was given official approval by the City of Corpus Christi to raise funds on behalf of the ships in December 2009.  The Columbus Sailing Association is a non-profit organization founded to help preserve the Columbus Ship replicas - the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria - which arrived in Corpus Christi in 1993 and were given to the City of Corpus Christi by Spain to honor the 5ooth anniversary of Columbus' voyage.  The Columbus Sailing Association also works to comply with the agreement with Spain to promote and educate the public about the voyages which Columbus made to the New World and the cultural contributions Spain made in the Western Hemisphere. Unfortunately, the ships have fallen into disrepair and the C... 02/20/2011

The Texas State Aquarium is located in Corpus Christi, Texas and is a private non-profit organization that relies on admissions, sales, rentals, memberships, and donations to fund its operations.  The mission of the Texas State Aquarium is to inspire an appreciation and wise stewardship of the Gulf of Mexico.  Initially the aquarium was known as the Corpus Christi Aquarium Association however, in 1986 the Texas State Legislature designated it to the "Official Aquarium of Texas" and in 1995 it became accredited with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. There are over twelve separate exhibits currently located at the Texas State Aquarium.  Some of the most popular exhibits include the Amazon exhibit with poison dart frogs and piranhas; the 400,000 gallon saltwater Dolphin Bay exhibit fe... 02/19/2011

The USS Lexington is a World War II era aircraft carrier and is located in Corpus Christi Bay just across the ship channel from downtown Corpus Christi.  The USS Lexington was commissioned in 1943 and served the United States longer than any other aircraft carrier in our history.  Her planes were responsible for destroying 847 enemy aircraft and the ship's guns shot down fifteen planes and assisted in bringing down an additional five planes. The USS Lexington was given the nickname "The Blue Ghost" since the Japanese reported her sunk four times.  She was the oldest working carrier when decommissioned in 1991 and Corpus Christi was selected to be her permanent home. All tours aboard the USS Lexington are self-guided and allow you to show yourself through the carrier.  Since this will i... 02/19/2011