Real Estate is crazy

Housing seems to be getting better,

920-691-6030

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/c7f27d

Twitter: @stevenstearns

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns

..Off to Madison for a presentation with @rebeccalev!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Unplugging for the weekend-Here are 300+ reasons to look forward to Monday: http://ping.fm/hY4aF
See you then!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Wisconsin:M&I Bank sells 800 non-performing residential mortgages, 2/3rds in AZ: http://ping.fm/HfHmI - PR Newswire

Saturday, August 8, 2009

RT @DansMobile: Recommended @stevenstearns to @MrTweet 'he's a genius when it comes to social media. He is al...' http://ping.fm/lbDpi

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

CULTURE WAR?:The Scobleizer Speaks: Friendship key scarcity in digital age: http://ping.fm/bATUi - Via telegraph.co.uk

Monday, August 3, 2009

Mobile Marketing-FREE 30 DAY TRIAL: http://qittle.com/

Monday, July 27, 2009

NOW what? Opportunity called-it's hiding in the chaos: http://ping.fm/QZDZw

NOW What?

NOW what?.....

(SHS photo)

or maybe better still,

Now, what NOW?:

we can enjoy a few more Doritos for the same price,

...and depending on how you look at them...

the major stock markets

are either up-to no good or double-down for the money.

Then there's that whole health insurance thing,

-along with the increase in minimum wage,

coupled with several hundred thousand people

still going out of work each month.

There has to be opportunity in all the chaos;

I have found some for myself, and will be working on it this week.

So now what now may point at where to, sooner or later.

Just so it's forward.

See you out here!

Steve

920-691-6030

Friday, July 24, 2009

80-yr-old Realtor in LaCrosse, WI NOT Retiring!: http://ping.fm/ElLKU - River Valley Biz Report

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wisconsin Realtors Assoc., others oppose new Do Not Call Bill:1k fine: http://ping.fm/o8IUF - MJS Blog

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Off to Madison for a meeting and then this afternoon, gotta get to Inbox Zero....

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Social Media is NOT for AUTOPILOTS: Twitter fail:
http://ping.fm/trbTi

Monday, July 20, 2009

Monday Madness!: 300+ FREE ideas for social media updates, blogs, photos: http://ping.fm/D0LB3

Thursday, July 9, 2009

448 Free Ideas for Blogs, Photos and Social Media Updates

Here you go!

448 Free Ideas for Blogs, Photos and Updates.

Just for you.

So take them, use them, pass them around, share them!

And thanks for sharing yours with me every now and then.

We all need a little tickling of our muse

every now and then,

and of course,

...collaboration is the cornerstone of social media.

Just click here

scroll down a bit, and smile.

Thanks!

Steve

920-691-6030

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Antiques Roadshow, here we come!

(SHS Photo)

Maybe furniture is just as crazy as real estate.

BFF Theresa -(seen smiling in this photo)-

stands in our living room behind

an 1820s-30s Philadelphia Empire chair.

A few weeks ago, she sent in some pics and a description to

Antiques Roadshow on PBS

and well, they are coming to get the piece right now for the show

in Madison, WI this weekend.

How did we get this chair?

From my Mom, who found it in a second-hand store in Grand Marais, MN

(years ago)

for like, between 30-50 bucks.

It had been retired from being the throne

for the Queen of the annual Fisherman's Picnic,

as she rode around in the back of a pick-up truck.

The very comfy chair has been around since I was a kid

and it has visited all my siblings.

Since then, Theresa found out as she researched it for a paper at UW-Madison

it has, well, an interesting-

and possible rarefied history.

This is going to be a highlight of Theresa's professional life as

a master upholsterer, antique/restoration shop owner,

furniture design and operations manager

and manager of a a high-end retail furnishings store.

Me?

I hope the Keno Brothers don't catch me napping in it

while we wait for the appraisal.

More later as we head to the show,

Steve

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Freedom. Shared. Gratitude.

Freedom.

Shared.

Gratitude.

(Flag from www.freefoto.com/)

Happy Freedom!

To all of us living everywhere.

U.S. citizens may be living on the most liberated

piece of real estate in the world.

We might not have always had the timing or words right;

we have always tried to share the idea and principles

of freedom

with whoever would listen.

So, today we go to a parade, a festival, a ball game, cook on the grill,

have a few friends over.

Look up into a dark sky and watch the rocket's glare,

grateful for the light, the noise and the joy.

Remembering all our loved ones who gave so much

so we could have more.

To share.

Steve

Friday, July 3, 2009

Thank You! :An early salute all those who work for all kinds of freedom everywhere, and those who support them.

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

...looking forward to and getting ready for a meeting on Thursday!

Friday, June 26, 2009

(another great meal at Scottie's)

...an empty plate does not always mean a full stomach,

and the times reflect that.

Politics, real estate, the economy .

An Iranian envoy says the CIA might have been involved in the shooting of Neda,

our government is investing $6 billion in foreclosed real estate,

and

Billionaire Warren Buffett says we may need a second stimulus package.

Hardly a need to super size what is going on now, is there?

History is driving through.

And everyone is probably, silently, to themselves

screaming for a break.

Let's all do that.

Take five, or an hour or some vacation-if you can.

Hone some old skills, learn some new ones, embrace disruption,
revive a tradition.

Spend your change on your favorite dessert,

...and don't forget to put your dishes in the sink.

Steve
shsworks@sbcglobal.net
920-691-6030

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

...getting ready for a client-a four-day project thru Sunday starting tomorrow!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

31 Twitter Ideas: http://ping.fm/gunJn

Monday, June 22, 2009

Obama Stimulus Works and Really Working in Wisconsin for Project Home: http://ping.fm/y3qYT Times on line

Friday, June 19, 2009

...Great time helping out a two clients yesterday afternoon...creating content and sharing ideas!

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Remembering the 2008 Flood: Ft. Atkinson, WI

Remembering the 2008 Flood:Ft. Atkinson, WI

Just about a year ago this week,

Michelle, in the photo, and Wendell, and lots of other folks in Ft. Atkinson, WI

(and all over parts of the country)

found out how much rain it takes to make a 500-year flood;

how many sandbags it takes to hold off the flood,

and how many friends and neighbors really cared:

...to leave their own homes, their families and their jobs

to help them save theirs.

Let's always remember how we all:

grabbed our boots,

lent a hand or a shovel,

and shared the hope.

And when it was all over,

were glad we were there.

Thanks, everyone.

Steve

shsworks@sbcglobal.net
920-691-6030

Wisconsin Commericial Loans Double Delinquency: http://ping.fm/cZj94 via JSOnline

Friday, June 12, 2009

$75M FOR WI For 2008 Floods!: http://ping.fm/eHcmb via channel3000.com

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

TOP 10 PLACES TO LIVE:USA: LA CROSSE, WI: is one of them!: http://ping.fm/hISeK via USN&WR

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TWITTER FAIL : 5 Reasons NOT to Follow On Twitter

Keepin' it short , sweet and simple for obvious reasons:

1.) Auto DM/Auto tweets: Figure it out. Duh.

2.) No website link on your twitter profile: Double duh.

3.) Website link = phishing site: Dull hook. No bait. Bad spammer.

Go lay by your dish.

4.) 0 Updates: Wow. That's real social of you.

5.) Any combination of the above four: ...if anyone can imagine that.

...'nuff said.

Steve

920-691-6030

"TICKING TIME BOMB":Commerical RE lending could cripple US economy: http://ping.fm/pStMg via DowJones news

Friday, June 5, 2009

Consumers are not monolithic. Marketing should not be monolithic: http://ping.fm/ce7e3

Try it-FREE Translation tool for your blog/webpage: OVER 30 languages-no ads!: http://ping.fm/ognkt -Thank you, Google!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

...Another great client meeting! Proposal time: if you aren't already doing this- http://ping.fm/kM3B2 -it's not too late to start!

Friday, May 29, 2009

FREE-Three tools to help you meet up, listen up and share the fun: http://ping.fm/SRqU9

THREE Free on Friday- cloud calendar, voice to text, video editor

(numeral from wikimedia commons)

Friday.

Finally!

Most of us will get our lives back for a day or two.

Well,whether you have the weekend off or not,

here are three free tools to help you:

organize your life, stay in touch with your world, and share and create memories:

1.) Airset
A great on-line calendar solution for literally everyone in your life.

2.) Jott
Voice mail to email. Your email.

3.)XP Movie Maker
Simple, elegant and easy-drag and drop format to create videos.

...did I mention these are all free?

See you here, there and everywhere!

Steve
shsworks@sbcglobal.net
920-691-6030

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Food for Thought as I work for a day or two on getting face to face and ear to ear with real live people!: http://ping.fm/4KfvG

Friday, May 15, 2009

Five Free Ways to Woo and Wow Your Clients

Five Free Ways

to Woo and Wow

Your Clients:

(Image from www.twodocs.com)

...there is a five in the circle-

if you can't see it, read on anyway.

Then go see your ophthalmologist.

And, for your clients:

1.) Show up.

2.) Shut up.

3.) Listen.

4.) Ask questions.

5.) Converse: don't worry about conversion.

...and see what happens.

Steve

Power up your XP-erience with these 19 FREE tools

920-691-6030

Friday, May 1, 2009

Free Friday: 19 FREE Windows XP PowerToys

It might be Google's universe,

...but it's Bill Gates' world,

and we just work in it !

for tabbing, re-sizing-and general tweaking

from the gang in Redmond, WA.

Free, as always, is good!

Steve

Thursday, April 23, 2009

FIVE free fabulous tools for website building, document sharing and photo editing!

(Image courtesy freefoto.com)

...No foolin'....

Just free, for you:

www.scribd.com
Free online document depository for storage, display and distribution of collateral material. Think community with document sharing: almost all common document formats supported for web use, download and email sharing via webmail and also sharing for social networks.

www.wix.com
Free Flash-based, search-engine friendly website builder. Hosting and design services available.

www.blinkweb.com
Free: Create any website type and create an unlimited number of websites: Blogs, Content Style, Salesletter Style! Subdomain/domain hosting available.

http://www.gimp.org/
Free, advanced digital photo editor: The GNU Image Manipulation Program.

www.butterscotch.com
Freeware, shareware tools and great video how-to tutorials, and for the geek in all of us. (Searching real estate at the site-over 300 hits and hints popped up!

(...don't forget: www.freefoto.com .)

Create. Have fun. Share. Sell. Smile.

...And grow!

Steve

920-691-6030

Monday, April 6, 2009

Living in Change

"Everything changes, nothing remains without change." -Gautama Buddha

Like anything else, there are different levels of change:

You can change your socks, what you have for breakfast and your address all in the same day.

Or are those choices, and not really change?

Maybe-just maybe-the difference between choice and change is if we actually do it.

(If is a funny word, too-but let's stick to change today and not sit too long under the Bhodi tree.)

So okay, there you have it: Change.

We are all past the point in our lives and work where changing is negotiable.

In fact, Change has taken on some Darwinistic flavor, and shoves us all back into considering the fear of the unknown.

We have to learn to live in change, not just change when circumstances dictate it for our economic, physical or emotional survival.

Living in change is always moving, always looking forward, watching the horizon come closer, fade-and become invisible at times.

We will sometimes lose our bearings and maybe get lost.

But look at what is happening all around you.

And be a part of it.

Start living in change.

Steve
shsworks@sbcglobal.net
920-691-6030

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

31 Ideas for Social Media Content or Updates

Ideas for Social Media Content or Updates

(...just a few thoughts to help things along for everyone-almost all of these can be either a photo, update item or a blog idea. Use common sense, get permissions and give credit when linking and have fun!)

1.) Your city parks and park board program schedules.
2.) Arts programs for kids!
3.) Recycling pick-up dates.
4.) Local prep high school scores of your favorite team.
5.) A local popular cafe-a great recipe from a great place.
6.) Got any street musicians out in the early spring weather?
7.) The dates property taxes are due.
8.) The owner of the pink or purple home.
9.) Oldest or historical home in the community.
10.) Volunteer efforts in your community.
11.) A local historical monument or location in your community.
12.) A listing.
13.) A market report.
14.) Bingo night schedule for seniors and everyone!
15.) The local notice of the blood drive.
16.) A local popular gift shop.
17.) A local popular coffee shop-different than a café…just work it.
18.) Community US Census information-population, ratio of men to women, household income, etc.
19.) Links to current or historical maps of the town or area.
20.) Community school news: kindergarten, elementary, middle, junior and high school reports:student population, number of teachers, number of graduates, those that went to college, etc.
21.) Dates/time/place of the local Farmer’s Market.
22.) There are 365 holidays in a year-which one is today?
23.) There are 52 weeks in a year-which one is this?
24.) Links to historical photos of the area or the county historical society.
25.) Housing trends and consumer RE news: first time buyer info, rehab programs, utility assistance programs, etc.
26.) Mortgage rates update.
27.) Schedule of local "dump day" or the hours of the community compost lot.
28.) Schedule of the local zoning commission meetings.
28.) Points in the fair housing law.
29.) Seasonal home maintenance tips.
30.) Home inspection and assessment tips and information.
31) Link to your favorite plumber, electrician, carpenter, mason or painter.

Steven Stearns

Social Network Builder

shsworks@sbcglobal.net
920-691-6030

Connect with me at:

Facebook:
http://tinyurl.com/c7f27d
Blog:
http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com
LinkedIn:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns
Twitter:
http://twitter.com/stevenstearns

Friday, March 27, 2009

it is absolutely, incredibly amazing to see someone step into social media and watch their smile become laughter!

We have a winner in Steves Social Media Free Lunch Hour :Stephanie M. Palmer
Realtor
Coldwell Banker - The Real Estate Group
Office contact: 920-993-7318
Cell contact: 920-205-0391

Wisconsin gets $26 million to aid housing: http://ping.fm/4ZLbG

Don't throw up on your market. Please. : http://ping.fm/bXHMX

Client, defined: Someone (a consumer!) asking you for information...

Twitter to Charge for Pro Accounts http://ping.fm/OPHvl Free Basic account-add ons will add up of course...?

Consumer, defined: the highest form of life on the planet.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Real estate is about LIVES, not just the market: http://ping.fm/Sb0S7 via agent Genius

Jerusalem luxury real estate market slipping: http://ping.fm/tupWF via CNN

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

54% of Adult Hispanics on line: http://tinyurl.com/cn3lq5 - via IAB

Midwest home sales fall 18%: AP-Re/Max report: http://tinyurl.com/dyqu9n

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Some quiet thoughts on home ownership....

A house.

A yard.

Family-Mom, Dad, Kids, Pets.

Neighbors.

Home sweet home.

9 million people slated to get help.

It's a start:

Special thanks to the gang at Trulia for going out,

talking to the public

and getting these quiet thoughts together for us-

in the midst of all the clamor.

Saving one home is a good start.

And Realtors are there to help:

with their knowledge of local markets

and other knowledge they can find and share,

they can help guide almost any homeowner

to what is practical and possible in their own unique situation.

Steve

twitter:

@stevenstearns

Friday, February 20, 2009

25 random things social media can do for your business

(graphic from mattbites.com)

1. Social media will help you face the consumer.

and it will help:

2. Protect your reputation.

3. Protect your products.

4. Protect your trademarks.

5. Protect your branding.

6. Create relationships.

7. Improve customer service.

8. Monitor direct consumer feedback.

9. Make you transparent to the consumer.

10. Recruit qualified employees.

11. Communicate in the quickest manner possible.

12. Keep an eye on the competition.

13. Find ideas to grow your market.

14. Find money. (Yes, it IS out there.)

15. Defuse potential unpleasant situations.

16. Share ideas-and incentives.

17. Attend events you couldn't afford to travel to.

18. Increase collaboration.

19. Decrease costs.

20. Create buzz for your company.

21. Listen to your market.

22. Make you nimble.

23. Identify loyal consumers and new consumers.

24. Increase your influence.

25. Embrace change.

Steve

Monday, February 9, 2009

Are you swimming in the dead pool?: http://ping.fm/RqGtH

Are you swimming in the Dead Pool?

(image from http://www.homeschoolstudentplanner.com/)

...or are you just holding your nose

and hoping you come up OK?

Better look around before you jump in:

15 major US business concerns were put in

a dead pool of sorts for 2009 over at

Seeking Alpha.

Reading a little like a review-Circuit City, Chrysler and Blockbuster-

there were some interesting candidates for the floater crew:

Krispy Kreme-come on, I thought I was throwing them a line

the last time I got on the scale;

Rite Aid-you can't make money selling Viagra

...AND overpriced SoBe energy drinks?

Station Casinos-where DID the money go here?

All of those and the rest on the list deserve the attention they are getting.

And then some.

One stands out: Realogy.

No big secret. The general opinion is they have had

a very, very hard time since last year.

Not to oversimplify, but the obvious question:

With their premier franchises and branding,

it makes you wonder what is going to happen

to those franchises, Brokers and Agents-

and one-in-four homes (or so) bought and sold

Realogy says involved/was touched by a branded affiliate of theirs.

Right now, no one is buying much of anything.

And it is getting harder for Realogy

and a whole lot of other businesses to buy time.

Many of them up to their noses in debt, interest payments

-and a lack of effective consumer engagement.

The ripples in the water have yet to turn into

the froth and confusion of a feeding frenzy.

So, are you treading water in the dead pool,

or are you growing your social networks?

Steve

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Don't throw up on your market...

...or on anyone else.

Really.

It's just good etiquette

to keep it down after you have cleared your plate.

Learn how to do it:

Now:

Take a deep, deep breath.

Exhale.

If you are still feeling queasy, uneasy and confused-

imagine how your consumer feels.

Face your market. Listen. Learn.

(And don't forget to pick up the tab once in a while-:)

Steve

facebook: http://tinyurl.com/c7f27d

twitter:@stevenstearns

blog: http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Milwaukee Connector mass transit open houses to begin next next week: http://ping.fm/wJXpd

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Preaching to a mute choir.....

You know you can hear...

...so why aren't you singing ?

The housing consumer is dying to hear your song:

"...95% of consumers between the ages of 18 and 44 who bought a home last year used social networking sites at least a few times a week, and a majority used them daily...."

"according to NAR...44% of all buyers use social networking every day."

-from matthewferrara.com

Your audience, your market, is standing in the front row.

They are filling up the seats in the auditorium.

They have their ticket and are standing in line waiting

for the next sold-out performance.

And they are bringing their friends, neighbors and yes-their kids!

So...

Are you going to the show?

Why aren't you on the way to the stage?

Why aren't you singing your lungs out?

...or at least tuning up.

The world is all ears.

And waiting to hear from YOU.

The neighborhood expert.

To sing the praises of the schools, parks, coffee shops, beauty salons,

restaurants, pubs, libraries,

-and that great listing you just grabbed.

Do it.

Don't wait for the fat lady.

Steve

920-691-6030

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Realtors. Brokers. All business owners. Watch this video. Please.

Realtors.

And brokers.

Business owners.

Watch this video.

Please:

Now, take a deep breath.

Act.

Get social!

Steven Stearns

Social Network Building

http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com/

920-691-6030

Join me at:
twitter:@stevenstearns

http://www.cluetrain.com/

facebook: Steven Stearns

Monday, January 19, 2009

activerain success stories

RE.net technology blog

www.trulia.com

http://www.zillowblog.com/

http://curbed.com/

I am not a lead

Truveo.com video search

WRA facebook press release

Realtors in the News!

http://www.condodomain.com/

Madison Real Estate Show

Steve

shsworks@sbcglobal.net

920-691-6030

Thursday, January 15, 2009

LET'S GET SOCIAL!

IT'S A HOUSEWARMING PARTY!

and THANKS FOR COMING-

Welcome, old and new friends, to my new digs on the web:

Steven Stearns

Anyone.Anywhere.Anything.

Social Network Building

Content Creation Consulting For Commerce, Creatives and Citizens

http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com

920-691-6030

Join me at:

twitter: @stevenstearns

Blog/Photos and Interviews on CNN National and CNN Headline News

(...and a new facebook page coming soon!)

Google Searches:

Steven Stearns

real estate is crazy

Obeoman

Featured CNN IReport Superstar: Midwest Flooding-June 2008

Let's get social!

Thanks,

Steve

Friday, January 9, 2009

REAL ESTATE BROKERS-ARE YOU LISTENING?

...it's really simple:

80 percent of all homebuyers are on line.

Nearly 60 percent of retailers are using facebook.

Myspace is coming to TV with the help of Intel and Yahoo.

ONLY 7-10 percent of all Realtors are engaged

in social media

and social networking.

...'nuff said.

Steven Stearns

Anyone.Anywhere.Anything.

Experienced Social Network Building/Content Creation Consulting

For Commerce, Creatives and Citizens

920-691-6030
Google Searches:

Steven Stearns

crazy real estate

Obeoman
http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com/

Blog/Photos and Interviews on CNN National and CNN Headline News

Featured CNN IReport Superstar: Midwest Flooding-June 2008

Saturday, January 3, 2009

A walk on the roof....

...is not something you would do in January.

Well, unless you had to. And were really, really careful.

(ss photo)

Again, I am NOT telling you to literally do this-

but imagine how far you could see-

and who could see you

if you could stand on the roof of all of your listings.

Simple enough idea.

And that is what social networking is all about.

Let's get a ladder!

Steven Stearns
http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns

Anyone. Anywhere. Anything.

Experienced Social Network Building/Content Creation Consulting

for Commerce, Creatives and Citizens

http://obeoman.blogspot.com

920-691-6030

Sunday, December 28, 2008

YOU FOUND ME!...(again)

(graphic from http://andrewmargolis.com/blog)

Well, thanks for stopping by!

Sorry about the confusion and the boxes, but what I can tell you is this:

I am still here.

Well, so is most everyone else!

Ready to listen. To create and share ideas. To market some of my own, hopefully, (and have something to share with the wolf...)

But most of all, to keep it real and keep it crazy.

And of course, it will be great to see some new scenery.

So-

How can I help you? Just wire me!

Steven
shsworks@sbcglobal.net
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Hey Gang-HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON!

...and don't hate me-I am in FLORIDA!

Our Holiday Sale is still on through the end of the month-scroll down

and check it out!

And right down there, too, is great news-

you can place your listings in over 40 social networks

with our Obeo HomeSite!

...have a great holiday!

I will be out of the office and out of Wisconsin on vacation from December 20, 2008 through January 1, 2009,

returning to work January 2nd, 2009 in the a.m.

I will be returning urgent emails and phone calls as necessary.If you need any other assistance with Obeo, like immediate help to set up your account, order a tour or need technical/email support, please call Obeo at 1-800-729-6236.Also,

Obeo is having a holiday sale on Obeo services!

Get your promotion info for Wisconsin at:

For information on the Obeo Holiday Sale outside of Wisconsin, please call our toll-free number.At Obeo, we know Realtors ROCK!- and we want to keep you rolling.Follow this link to our Microsite for info and to demo our products:

HomeSite, StyleDesigner, SpaceDesigner and ObeoConnect:

http://clients.obeo.com/Microsite/

...and this link to great videos about how Obeo works for you-http://tinyurl.com/3vgzed

Have a great holiday season!

Steven Stearns

Obeoman

http://www.obeo.com/

262-325-8687

Obeo Sales-Tech Support: 800-729-6236

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

THE Incredible Embeddable Tour for Your Social Networks

Hey!

I have a new address on the web-just click and bookmark below!

Steve Stearns

Anyone. Anywhere. Anything.

Experienced Social Network Building

Content Creation for Commerce, Creatives and Citizens

http://realestateisreallycrazy.blogspot.com

920-691-6030

See you there!

Steven

(Click on the pic to see it in action at Activerain!)

Obeo Adds Social Media Feature to HomeSite Product Toolbox Users can share, embed, link and e-mail HomeSite virtual tours with others

(SALT LAKE CITY, Utah) – Obeo, a leading provider of full-service residential real estate online marketing products in North America, has added a new social media feature for users of its HomeSite product.
Obeo HomeSite is a unique online marketing tool created with the customer in mind. Potential buyers can view the home through photos and panoramas, click and drag furniture onto an interactive floor plan and "virtually" customize the home, creating an engaging, personalized experience.
The new social media feature added to the HomeSite Tools section allows users to add their HomeSite virtual tour to dozens of social media Web sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn or MySpace. They can also share and bookmark it through StumbleUpon, Digg or Delicious, some of the latest social media bookmarking Web sites.
"This new social media feature allows Obeo clients to promote their listings like never before," said Andy Evans, Founder and Director of Product Strategy. "With just a few clicks, our client's listings are instantly promoted to friends, family and thousands of potential buyers on the Web who are looking for a new home."
Users also have the ability to send their HomeSite virtual tour via e-mail as well as link to the tour from their personal/company Web site or MLS system, customizing the settings to have the link appear and function in whatever way desired.
Embedding the HomeSite tour right into a Web page or blog is also offered, making it appear as if the tour is running right on the Web site rather than linking out to another site or launching in a pop-up window. Most people are familiar with this concept because of YouTube videos. The HomeSite tour can be set to automatically play as a slide show and adjusted to fit into the user screen space available directly within the blog or website it is posted within.
The new social media feature is another additional tool to engage consumers and real estate professionals alike. As a part of Obeo's included services, when a home is listed on Obeo HomeSite, the listing is automatically syndicated to many of the top listing services, including Yahoo! Real Estate, Zillow, Trulia and Google Base Real Estate, giving the listing maximum exposure.
With offerings such as the social media feature, along with virtual tours, customized printing and professional photography, Obeo is paving the way in customizing the world of real estate for its consumers.

About Obeo:

Since its inception in 1999 and its evolution from 360 House to Obeo in 2004, the Salt Lake City, Utah-based company has become the largest preferred supplier of full-service residential real estate online marketing products in the United States and Canada. The Latin word for "to go to" or "to encompass," Obeo provides REALTORS®, homebuilders, land developers and property managers with customized online marketing solutions and offline sales tools. To find out more, go to www.Obeo.com.

Have fun and grow your business with it, gang!

Steve

Obeoman

262-325-8687

Obeo National: 800-729-6236

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Dodging bullets, blizzards and the blues...

First, I just wanna say

I am SO glad

my blog did not wind up on this list,

and out of gratitude, we are offering discounts

on all Obeo marketing packages- the promo code is below!

(...dodged that one...!)

(...if you would like to nominate me next time,

well, that is up to you.)

Huge obvious update:

The market is a little chilly.

That kind of chill can make you blue.

Obeo says so what-let's turn up the heat:

Promotion Dates: Dec. 8th - 31st, 2008

To order your Obeo tour,

please call our toll-free number (1-800-729-6236)

to take advantage of the extra discount on multiple tours.

Simply mention the 'Obeo Christmas Gift' to your Obeo customer service representative to receive your discount.

Agents!: President of RE/MAX Preferred Dennis Midthun approved this offer!

Even though Winter may be back-

(and my back is out-a little...)

snowy mornings are beautiful,

as long as the snowblower starts when you want it to!

(Old Faithful-Thanks, Dad for moving to a condo!)

Let's all dig out!

Steve

Obeoman

262-325-8687

Obeo National:800-729-6236

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Clients for life...why not?

Are you a client for life?

Think about it-you probably have a favorite brand or two;

some boots, clothing, apparel, auto or an appliance you just will not do without.

Now-what about YOUR clients-

Think about them.

How are you making them yours?:

It's easy.

Give them a reason-a good one-and they will stick with you.

Sounds like a win-win!

Thanks for stopping by,

(by the way, you can play with the StyleDesigner here!)

Steve

Obeoman

262-325-8687

This nifty widget lets you redecorate a home on line!

Obeo National:800-729-6236

Thursday, November 20, 2008

GIVING THANKS WITH:FREE OBEO STYLEDESIGNERS!

How about this:

We are giving thanks to
all of our friends and associates with a

FREE Obeo StyleDesigner ($40 value)

on any new Obeo photography package.

To redeem, use promo code 'PC955689'

Ends Nov. 30th, 2008. Call us: 800-729-6236

And it is great to see you here!-
thanks for the thoughts and comments

-keep 'em coming!

Now, wanna grow your social network?

Let's link up on twitter:

http://twitter.com/obeoman

facebook:
http://tinyurl.com/5tt3hw

and LinkedIn!:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenstearns

See you there!

Steve Stearns

Obeoman

http://obeoman.blogspot.com

262-325-8687

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Voices from the Flood: Wendell, Michelle, the Flood Survivors and Volunteers Party!

This party was given by

my friends:
Ft. Atkinson flood victims
living along Milwaukee St.
to thank those who helped them
during the Rock River Flood of 2008.

The pictures,

the words and thoughts in the videos linked in this blog

of those who were there in the bad times and the good

are a powerful reminder of what we all value-

Community, family, friends, neighbors and gratitude.

Home.

Wendell (finally) looks rested.

Michelle and volunteer/coordinator Vicki Sherman
were enjoying the well-deserved day.

And at this party, everyone was your friend!

Plenty of dancing...

And of course, you have to stay hydrated...

...Don't let all those beans scare you...

(...Who really wants these shovels back-but the loan of the tools were appreciated!)

Ultimately,

Sharing is part of what brings us closer together.

And what a perfect day to share!

...And of course, relax on a sandbag sofa!

The day wasn't nearly long enough

to recount the memories from the flood, let alone make room to remember the celebration!

Not that all the memories are good ones-

But Wendell and Michelle look forward to working on their lawn-

and their near-normal lives.

And that is great for now-I was glad I could help in any way.

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo WI 262-325-8687

Obeo National:800-729-6236

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

WRA 2008 FALL CONVENTION:Survived!But now-Golf for CHARITY?

The WRA convention was great.

The mood was realistic, but not down.

There was plenty of talk about

staying safe on the job,

what to do with expired listings,

and how to keep sellers thinking logically.

I just recovered!

And now....

(http://www.webweaver.nu/clipart/sports-golf.shtml)

I am going golfing tomorrow.

I don't golf, but my RE/MAX

clients do.

Thank Heavens it's for the

Childrens Miracle Network!

In the meantime, you better back up a bit...(!)

I will be at a RE/MAX GOLF event through Thursday evening, September 11th.

If you need immediate help to set up your account, order a tour or need technical/email support, please call Obeo at 1-800-729-6236.

I will be returning emails and phone calls on Friday, September 12th.

At Obeo, we know Realtors ROCK!- and we want to keep you rolling-

Follow this link to our Microsite for info and to demo our products:

Homesite, StyleDesigner, SpaceDesigner and ObeoConnect.

...and this link to great videos about how Obeo works for you!

FORE!

(...details later tomorrow.)

Steve

Obeoman

2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award!

262-325-8687

Obeo in your area:800-729-6236

www.obeo.com.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

WRA FALL 2008 CONVENTION:View from the booth

I love my clients.

Realtors.

...and I mean it.

Aside from keeping the roof up

(and making sure I am fed and watered)

they provide me with an endless stream

suggestions for continuous improvement.

And in these times, who does not need to

keep moving, keep changing, keep up

-just keep on keeping on.

I have yet to see a Realtor in the past three days-

or just about as long as I can remember-

that did not smile when they talked about their profession.

Oh sure,there were some sad smiles.

Exasperated smiles.

Toothy grins.

(Some, topped with a wink!)

Thanks, gang-the view from the booth is great.

And I am glad I do not have to wish you were here!

Come by and say:

"Have a nice day."

and get a free Obeo Homesite-I have two today.

Better still, if you buy an Obeo Homsite, we will

give you a free Obeo StyleDesigner!

And the best news: Verl Workman is here

to help you get your geek on with Free RE tech seminars all day!

Stop by!

Steve
Obeoman
steven.stearns@obeo.com
262-325-8687
Obeo National:800-729-6236

Monday, September 8, 2008

WOW-WRA! What a day and a night and a morning......

Speaking easy comes naturally to Realtors, I think.

There sure were some fancy dancers!

...and all that leads to WOW!

Off the golf course and outta the classes.

Get a thousand Realtors together and stand back!

You might even do (a little) business while you have fun.

There was no prohibition on either at the Roaring 20s Icebreaker.

A lot of people dressed to the nines or better,

getting reacquainted, introduced,

hugged, laughed at and with.

A whole lot of joy.

Add some good food and drink...

...for some people this morning it was a little more like

.0w

Present party included.

If you would like a free tour,

come see me in booth 65,

and say:

"Ow."

It won't hurt.

I promise!

Thanks for stopping by,

Steve
steven.stearns@obeo.com
Obeoman
Obeo WI:262-325-8687
Obeo National:800-729-6236

Saturday, September 6, 2008

WELCOME TO THE WRA FALL 2008 CONVENTION!

REALTORS ROCK!

Welcome to your YOUR convention!

Your time to get some CE done,
get reacquainted with your friends from across the state,

stay up a little too late,
(get up WAY too early;)

and celebrate another trip around the sun.

The past year?

Incredible:

-nearly a third of the state is a FEMA disaster area touched by flooding and storms,

-nationally, 500,000 Realtors made no money last year-

and the market is being eaten by the Bear(s)(!)

But you are still here.

Celebrate it-

REAL ESTATE IS CRAZY, BUT YOU'RE NOT!

(Check back here every day during the convention.)

To help out the celebration,

Obeo will be giving away free Obeo tours and StyleDesigners

EVERY DAY-STARTING SUNDAY, SEPT. 7th

Just find the magic words at this blog, come see me at our booth,

-and they are for the first two Realtors there-first come, first serve:
one free Obeo Bronze HomeSite and one free Obeo Styledesigner!

(I'll be at the booth 4 p.m.on Sunday.)

...Oh, the magic words for Sunday are:
REALTORS ROCK!

And Obeo wants to keep you rolling-

Follow this link to our Microsite for info and to demo our products:
Homesite, StyleDesigner, SpaceDesigner and ObeoConnect.

...and this link to great videos about how Obeo works for you!

See you at my booth at 4 p.m. on the 7th!

Steve
Obeoman
steven.stearns@obeo.com
262-325-8687
www.obeo.com.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

OBEO WINS GOLD AT INMAN RE TRENDS GROUP!-2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award

WE ARE GOLDEN!

Obeo won first place at the Inman Real Estate Olympics

The contest at the Inman community was sponsored by Stefan Swanepoel.

Obeo is the Gold Medal Winner of the 2008 Real Estate Pacesetter Award, as voted by the Inman Real Estate Trends Group:

The

Over 40 competitors were narrowed down

to a slate of eight RE trend leaders.

Stefan set up the criteria:

1. Innovative Web 2.0 company or user of Web 2.0 technology.

2. The size, need and demand for the companies/services.

3. The quality or uniqueness of their services.

4. The potential impact of their services on the industry.

Obeo extends congratulations to:

SILVER Medal : CondoDomain (www.condodomain.com)

and
BRONZE Medal : Roost (www.roost.com)

The winning votes came from our clients and Inman Community members.

ONE MORE TIME!: THANKS TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS AND INMAN COMMUNITY MEMBERS!

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo. The experts in buyer behavior.

Obeo Wisconsin:262-325-8687

Obeo for YOU:800-729-6236

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Green. Fresh. Open. Recycled. Now: The Wisconsin Trend Home-Take a look INSIDE!

...and besides saving all that water and energy,

the Wisconsin Trend Home features

universal design with lower light switches,a walk-in shower
and
a digital control system.

...affordable? Yes.

Take a look inside!

Special thanks to Aaron Haug of Exit Realty Horizons,

who thought of us to show off the home!

And hats off to the

Wisconsin Builders Association Foundation and the Metropolitan Builders Association

for paying it forward-money from the sale of the home will be used to provide a grant to La Casa De Esperenza, to help train low-income workers in the construction industry and some funds gifted to the WBA foundation placed in a scholarship fund for trades careers.

And over 100 other sponsors pitched in, too!

Community. Wow.

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo WI: 262-325-8687-Obeo For You: 800-729-6236

http://www.witrendhome.com/

Monday, August 11, 2008

Lather, Rinse, Repeat!: New RE Marketing Basics

Eight out of ten buyers are on line.
Buyers are looking for 4-6 months before they buy.
Buyers will tend to work with the first Realtor that is on line in their area and KNOWS the area.
More photos in your virtual tour on line means fewer DOM.

The rest is in the video-lather, rinse-repeat!

THANKS to the crew at http://www.realestatewebmarketing101.com/ for the nice tutorial!

...I am STILL making phone calls-where are you people?

Steve

Obeoman

Get a taste of our non-fat, no-cal pixels!

Call Obeo at 800-729-6236.

Monday, August 4, 2008

O-B-E-O-Oreo with a B, okay?

My boss, Obeo CEO Glade Jones,

gets part of his fifteen minutes at Inman

from the guys at broker IP TV.com. He also

gives them a spelling lesson more than once on our name:

Glade Jones at the NYC Inman Connect 2008 - The best free videos are right here

...geeze...No Oreos?

They don't bite!
I gotta go make some MORE phone calls!

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo WI: 262-325-8687
Obeo Nationwide: 800-729-6236

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

We interrupt this blog to bring you...

Hi!

I will be out of the office July 17-20th returning Monday, July 21st,

in the morning.

If you need to place an order, have a question about your account, email or technical support, please call Obeo directly at 800-729-6236.

Our Obeo demo site is located at:

http://www.obeo.com/Public/Solutions/ProductIndex.aspx

There, you can see and experience all our great products:

Obeo HomeSite-an interactive wesbite with your listing and great statistical reporting.

Obeo StyleDesigner-redecorate a listing online-fun and buyers love it!

Obeo SpaceDesigner-interactive floor plan-move furniture without the backache.

ObeoConnect-bilingual lead capture tool-connect direct with your buyers.

I will be returning emails and phone calls on July 21st.

Thanks,

Steve

www.obeo.com

The rest of the story is here-a long week in the flood!

262-325-8687

Obeo Customer Service: 800-729-6236

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Charles Richey, Las Vegas Realtor, Needs Our Help

Charles Richey

My friends over at WannaNetwork are asking we get the word out:

Charles Ritchey, Las Vegas Realtor, needs our help.

He is currently hospitalized with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and

is getting treatment in the ICU at the University Medical Center (UMC)

in Las Vegas.

Like so man, many adults-and children-these days,

Charles and his wife Jacqui do not have medical insurance.

You can help by donating at the link below.

Donate to the Charles Richey Fund

Friend, husband and fellow REALTOR® was unexpectedly hospitalized read more

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo in WI: 262-325-86587

Obeo in your area: 800-729-62367

Friday, June 20, 2008

Voices from the Wisconsin Flood

Wendell and Michelle fight for their home along the flooding Rock River in Ft. Atkinson, WI.

Thanks,

Steve

Obeoman

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Pump it out, clean it up, cry a lot....

...it's not over yet.

It's just moved a bit downstream.

Everyone is going to need help.

Last week I went out to check out where

the sandbags and sand were-this is the sign I saw:

I got out and did what I could.

Let's all pull together.

...It's not over yet.

Steve

Obeoman

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Welcome to the flood...I mean blog...STAY SAFE!

(Sign from http://www.transit.govt.nz/)

Obeo and I extend our thoughts to all of those who

are injured or hurt, have lost a home, are suffering property damage,

or loss of work because of the flooding catastrophe in Wisconsin,

and other parts of the country.

Gov. Jim Doyle has declared a state of emergency in 30 Wisconsin counties,

and the list is growing.

He has also requested assistance from FEMA.

What began late last week as hard rain will not end soon.

More rain is coming today, Wednesday,

and many rivers have not yet crested.

It will be at least seven to ten days before waters begin to recede.

May all the volunteers and emergency workers stay safe!

Steve

Obeoman

Thursday, June 5, 2008

KICKING MARKETING BUTT WITH REALTOR LANE BAILEY!!!

Meet Lane Bailey:

-blogger:

social media user, activerain member,

all-around good guy...

...and kick-A$$ marketing dude!

This mild-mannered Realtor from Duluth, GA,

is determined to shake up his market,

and tells us how he is doing it with:

blogs, social marketing and traditional techniques:

He is just getting started:

....And I'm not done, because it isn't sold, but it will go north of $2000 on marketing. Before the listing went live on the MLSs, I had spent $1000. Of course, the marketing also may drive sellers to me, so it isn't just about the property. That said, I'm not advertising to people on the basis of marketing me, it is about the property. Let me boil it down to car terms... Dodge doesn't make the Viper for the pleasure of people that get passed by one on the highway. They make them for the owners. However, there are a lot of buyers of other Dodge cars that see the Viper and go to the dealership. Many of them walk out with Caravans and Magnums and Chargers... insert Corvette and GM, or GT and Ford instead if you wish. The concept is the same. I build the marketing for the benefit of the house I am selling. Everything else is a bonus.I'm not doing anything that most agents can't do, but I am working at making it all tie together. I don't want to send someone 10 pages of info about a house. I want to send them one link. I can send them everything they need to know in one text message... and they can know more about that property than someone living next door.

So, do you have a life outside of blogging?

My wife and I like to watch a lot of TV, and I will spend a couple hours each evening writing blog posts, updating websites and working on other projects.

If I didn't multi-task, I wouldn't have time to sleep.

I guess the answer would be yes. I am the President of a 4wd club, and helped put on a fairly large blood drive. I like to work on my Jeepster... and it needs it. My wife and I love to travel. I take my kid to the ice skating rink twice a week. Of course, a lot of blog posts come out of those things.

What do you want to tell all the Realtors that are reading this about social media marketing?

Look elsewhere for the silver bullet. Just like you can't join the Bridge club or the Country club and expect that everyone is going to gather around to hand you business, you shouldn't expect the internet to act like that either. Instead, give. Give advice. Give experiences. Give feedback. Teach. Share. Join the conversation. Those are the same things you would do with any "real-life" group you would join. And the result is the same. There are some folks that join and get business or accolades immediately, but they are the exception.One of the great side benefits of that is that you get to learn and be shared with.

Short story:

...I was reading one of my regular blogs, Bloodhound Blog, which is targeted at agents and brokers. Greg Swann had a post about this cool product, SpaceDesigner, and another about StyleDesigner. I followed the link and thought it was cool, too. Soon after, I wrote a post on AR (link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/372175/Obeo-Looks-like-a) about the company that was offering these things, Obeo. Steve "Obeoman" (our host) commented on my post. He knew where his product was being mentioned, and dropped in to say thanks. Not pushy, just supportive. Later, when I joined Twitter, he started following me... no, it isn't creepy, that just means he was subscribed... and when I had an appropriate listing, I shot him a tweet and he answered my questions. When we finally got around to talking, I had been interacting with him for months. I have been on the other end of that with consumers. Even though they weren't talking to me, I was talking to them. They knew about my son learning to skate... and had seen the videos. They knew about the new baby. They knew about my opinions on real estate. They were comfortable with me because I was already interacting with them.

Can I get a Lane Bailey T-Shirt?

What size? As soon as I do a run of them. I've been thinking about it for GarageHomesUSA.com. I love my new logo, and have been thinking about shirts... I just hate to spend the money and have 500 shirts in boxes in the sunroom... I keep thinking about those chip clips.

Thanks, Lane-make the t-shirt an extra large!-just like your plan for success!

Lane keeps the ideas flowing here,

...and you can plug into what he has going on at the links below!

Thanks, Lane!

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo Wisconsin-262-325-8687

Obeo in your area:800-729-6236

Lanes' Links:

http://9010brixhamcourt.com/

http://www.lanebailey.com/

http://activerain.com/blogsview/527851/Cool-Tool-for-Buyers

http://www.garagehomesusa.com/

http://activerain.com/blogsview/529426/SpaceDesigner-Is-that-the

http://activerain.com/blogs/lanebailey

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Winning is Good! - And here are the RE/MAX-OBEO INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS!

Here are the winners of the OBEO-RE/MAX INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT!!!:

Each of these lucky people will get an Obeo Silver Marketing Package-

APRIL HAYDEN-RE/MAX 100, BROOKFIELD ,WI

Luis Carus-RE/MAX TOWNE SQUARE, MONROE, WI

ALLISON MAIDA-RE/MAX PREFERRED, MADISON-WEST, WI
...and Allison will get an Obeo StyleDesginer

for going the extra mile!

A special thanks to all those who participated!

and....

Keep an eye out for the NEXT Obeo internet scavenger hunt!

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo Wisconsin-262-325-8687

Obeo In Your Area-800-729-6236

Sell Well!

Friday, May 16, 2008

THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS:RE/MAX SCAVENGER HUNT WINNERS ARE:

...being tallied and will be reported here Monday!

Everybody who hunted-YOU ARE THE BEST!

Stay tuned, because I am gonna try to open the

NEXT SCAVENGER HUNT

to a lot more people!

Thanks-See you soon!

Steve

Obeoman

Obeo WI - 262-325-8687

Obeo in your area - 800-729-6236

Friday, May 9, 2008

HEY REMAX-THE HUNT IS ON!

(art from clickshunt.com)

Welcome to the REMAX-WI INTERNET SCAVENGER HUNT!

(The Hunt starts Friday, May 9th.)

It's going to be easy as landing a listing

and

almost as much fun as closing!

(...you might learn something , too...)

The prizes?

To the first three hunters who are successful,

...a FREE OBEO SILVER TOUR!

The rules:

1.) READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLy!

2.) Three hunters will win three tours.

3.) Have fun!

4.) There are bonus prizes to find along the way-

Three Obeo StyleDesigners!

__________________________________________________

This is your first stop on the Scavenger Hunt!

Here is what you are looking for-it is all here at this blog.

-A photo of a dog in a sink-when you find it, post a reply to the blog-say something nice about the dog, include your name, phone number and name of your brokerage in the body of the comment.

-A place to call Obeoman from this blog. When you find it, call me and leave a message with your name, day and time and return number.

-then follow this link to the next clue!

See you on the hunt!

Obeoman