Attached vs. Detached Properties

by | Jul 13, 2012

We sometimes get reports of homes being entered into RMLSweb as detached homes, when they are in fact, attached (or vice versa). We realize this can be confusing at times, so let’s briefly review the attached vs. detached question.

Both attached and detached are property types that are available for listings in the Residential Property Category of Listing Load.

Here’s how RMLS™ defines each one:

Attached (ATTACHD): An element of the residence’s construction (such as a wall, ceiling, or floor) is shared with another property. Condominiums excluded.

Detached (DETACHD): A stand-alone residence, excluding manufactured homes, for which the sale includes the land on which the residence is located.

Also, here the definitions for Condos and manufactured homes:

Condominiums (CONDO) have their own property category and are defined as: An attached or stand-alone residence for which the owner has title to the space inside the unit and shares common spaces with other unit owners in accordance with specified legal guidelines.

Manufactured homes (RES-MFG) are defined as: A manufactured home for which the sale includes the land on which the residence is located.

Another type of manufactured home sale is (In-Park) which does not include the land.

If you aren’t sure which residential property type to use just take a moment and refer to these definitions or call our Help Desk. We’re here to help you succeed.

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What’s Your Brand?

by | Jul 6, 2012

When it comes to promoting your business you’ve probably heard a lot about creating a Facebook profile, tweeting or posting photos to Pinterest. It can be easy to jump on to one of these social networks and hope it will help market your work to potential clients. Any one of these platforms can be a great tool if you have a marketing plan in place and understand your brand.

It’s important to think about your image or brand because it’s actually the first step in figuring out how to effectively promote yourself. If you haven’t already, or if it’s been a while, set aside some time to define your brand.

What is a brand?

Seth Godin defines it as:

The set of expectations, memories, stories and relationships that, taken together, account for a consumer’s decision to choose one product or service over another. If the consumer (whether it’s a business, a buyer, a voter or a donor) doesn’t pay a premium, make a selection or spread the word, then no brand value exists for that consumer. 

Defining your brand can feel a little overwhelming so here are a couple of steps to help you get started.

What do you offer?

Think about the services you offer and what makes you unique. Do you focus on a particular area or community? Do you target a certain demographic? Are you an expert in a particular area of your field? What do you offer a client that’s different than your competitors? What kind of positive comments do you get from your clients? Take some time to write down a list of your services and think about what makes you different or unique.

Your 30-second Bio

Develop a 15-30 second “elevator pitch.” You’re in an elevator with someone and they ask you what you do for a living. You have 30 seconds to answer and pique their interest. So, it would be great if you had an answer beyond, “I’m a realtor” or “I’m in real estate.” Use the list you’ve put together about your services and what makes you different to come up with a concise, interesting pitch.

Here are a couple of sample elevator pitches:

“You know how stressful buying a home can be? I manage that stress for my clients by being at their side every step of the way. I love to make the process as easy as possible. My goal is to create a fantastic experience for every one of my clients.”

“I love the Northeast area. I’m really involved with the neighborhood associations and I’m a market expert in five different neighborhoods. Anything you want to know about real estate in a Northeast neighborhood I can tell you.”

Once you’ve honed in on your strengths and expertise you will be in a much better position to figure out who your potential clients are and how to reach them.

Next up: How defining your brand helps you develop a marketing plan.

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Supra Lockbox Activity: Updated Through the Week of June 25 – July 1

Corbett, Oregon — Residents Love It There

by | Jun 29, 2012

Corbett, Oregon is located between the Sandy River and Crown Point on the Columbia River Historic Highway. It is at the mouth of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge twenty miles east of Portland on the way to Hood River. The town website proudly proclaims, “Corbett Oregon – We love it here.”

This community was named for Senator Henry Winslow Corbett, one of Oregon’s prominent pioneer citizens. In 1885, Mr. Corbett purchased a nearby farm from Ervine J. Taylor, who had moved down to the Columbia River about the time the railroad was built in 1882.

One of Corbett’s biggest annual events happens this week – A Hometown Fourth of July Fun Fest. This is an all-day East County celebration. The day starts with a Pancake Breakfast and includes events like an old fashioned parade, talent show, auction and ends with the only fireworks show in East County. It also happens to be the third largest in in the Portland Metro area.

This lively tight-knit community of approximately 3,000 people is also known by many Twilighters as one of the locations for the first movie in the Twilight franchise. If you’d like to get a sense of just who lives in Corbett you can visit the Corbett Connector. The blog is run by RMLS™ subscriber Michelle Smith who interviews different residents for each post.