Real Estate Press Releases

ERA International Real Estate Conference

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (March 15, 2010) – The ERA Franchise Systems LLC brokerage network gathered at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel & Convention Center in Nashville, Tenn., for three days of educational seminars and networking events focused on its “A Smarter Community” brand positioning at its 2010 International Business Conference (IBC) on March 14 -17. A global franchising leader in the residential real estate industry, ERA^® brought together approximately 2,000 brokers, sales associates and industry experts for intense training, exciting new interactive learning stations and innovative programs and tools to make it easier to meet consumer needs.

ERA associates from around the world participated in challenging training programs designed to foster what the company considers its greatest asset: ‘a smarter community’ of leading real estate agents and brokers. Under the direction of a new management team, ERA Real Estate is reengineering its brand to enhance and strengthen the value it brings to its franchisee broker/owners, sales associates and consumers in today’s constantly changing marketplace.

“Real estate is changing—it’s a new world for our industry,” says Charlie Young, president and chief executive officer, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Consumers are more knowledgeable, technology is delivering information that was previously inaccessible and the brokerage community is evolving in response to a new economic reality. At ERA, we are building ‘a smarter community’ of brokers and agents to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s consumers and real estate brokerage industry.”

IBC featured a variety of programs designed to enhance the learning experience and to help brokers and sales associates build meaningful connections that add value to their business. Specialized learning tracks featured education sessions, such as “Motivating Buyers to Buy,” “Make More Money with Social Networking” and “Seizing on the Recovery Market.” The sessions were hosted by industry experts and allowed ERA brokers to create a personalized plan to enhance their business.

Also making its debut at IBC was Innovation Alley, an interactive learning center that allowed ERA vendors to showcase industry-leading products and services. Attendees experienced displays such as the ERA Discovery Hub, which connected participants with an unprecedented array of informational, educational and interactive learning opportunities available at the conference.

Additionally, the Connection Centers allowed participants to learn about must-have tools and tips for rounding out an effective, targeted business strategy. These high-tech stations connected to each corner of the ERA Discovery Hub, educated and inspired attendees by exposing them to the latest industry trends and best practices.

Participants also took advantage of numerous Opportunity Stations to gain hands-on experience with some of the industry’s best available technology for attaining professional excellence including new social media platforms that drive business and leads. These specially designed learning stations featured interactive educational content, teaching participants how to make the most of products and services that were available at the show.

“The ERA brand is highly driven by the knowledge and experience of our brokers and agents,” said Anne Blumenstein, vice president of marketing, ERA Franchise Systems LLC. “Everything seen at IBC was designed with the universal goal of expanding that knowledge base through a series of innovative tools, programs and resources that will help deliver true value and make it easier for our leading network of brokers and agents to better serve today’s consumers. We are building a smarter community; we all achieve more when we share knowledge and work together.”

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC

ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global franchise leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 35 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. The ERA^® network includes more than 30,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,600 offices throughout the United States and 45 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Additional information about ERA Franchise Systems LLC and its broker-powered network of leading real estate agents is available at ERA.com.

Realty Company Doing Something Different

Philanthropy Realtors to give percentage of profits to charities

 

Miguel Gonzalez has started a new company called Philanthropy Realtors that gives 10% of their profits to the seller’s favorite charity or non-profit organization upon close of escrow. Some of the charities working with Philanthropy include Getavision, LAPD, LGBT Cancer Outreach and many more.

 

Gonzalez says, “We are not donating any money to ideologies. Our goal is to impact individuals by giving to select charities that we feel make a difference in the community.” Philanthropy will honor any organization of the seller’s choice but will only work with charities that impact the community directly. The money donated comes only from the realtor not the seller.

Philanthropy Realtors is gaining so much momentum that real estate agents are calling the office everyday asking questions. One realtor commented, “Gonzalez is magnanimous in order to increase his sales but ultimately hopes to better the community and set an example on how businesses can create a win-win environment that helps all of us.”

Licensed realtor Miguel Gonzalez started Philanthropy Realtors, in association with Keller Williams Los Feliz, after seeing his father die from cancer and battling the deadly disease himself. He uses a simple formula taught by his father of giving back to the community by giving a piece of the real estate profits to select charities. Miguel hopes other real estate companies will follow his example. Philanthropy Realtors is located in Los Angeles California. http://philanthropyrealtors.yourkwagent.com/

 

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HomeGain Survey Identifies Real Estate Agents’ Top 10 Marketing Preferences

HomeGain Survey Identifies Real Estate Agents’ Top 10 Marketing Preferences

Recent HomeGain survey reveals the top marketing choices of real estate professionals in 2010; Referrals ranked number one; MySpace ranked last; Realtors show continued interest in using postcards/mailings

Emeryville, CA (Vocus/PRWEB ) March 11, 2010 – HomeGain®, a leading website that connects real estate agents with home buyers and sellers, today announced survey results of Realtors®’ top marketing practices and preferences.

Based on responses from over 1,300 real estate agents and brokers nationwide who completed the HomeGain Realtor Marketing Survey, the results show that they think referrals are the most effective strategy to acquire new clients, with a cumulative overall score of 8.7 out of a possible 10 for effectiveness. Surveyed agents reported that they will continue to focus on referrals as their leading marketing strategy in 2010. Featured listings (4.8 score) and email campaigns (4.7 score) were considered the next most effective marketing strategies.

While Realtors are increasingly moving their marketing activities online, it’s interesting to see the continued strength and perceived effectiveness of print and mailer campaigns
The survey shows that Realtors rank banner ads, Twitter, pay per click advertising, YouTube and MySpace as the least effective marketing methods.

Although Realtors did not rank Facebook as a top five most effective marketing method (scored at 4.9), surveyed agents indicated that they will increase their use of it in their marketing plans in 2010.

The survey also shows that in 2010, real estate agents plan to continue to focus on referrals, email campaigns and featured listings. They are less likely to invest their marketing dollars and time on Twitter, banner ads, pay per click advertising, outdoor advertising and MySpace.

“While Realtors are increasingly moving their marketing activities online, it’s interesting to see the continued strength and perceived effectiveness of print and mailer campaigns,” stated Louis Cammarosano, General Manager at HomeGain.

Top 10 Effective Marketing Strategies for Realtors (Cumulative Average Scores, 1 = Least Effective / 10 = Most Effective):

     

    * Referrals (8.7)
    * Featured Listings (4.8)
    * Email Campaigns (4.7)
    * Postcards/Mailers (4.6)
    * Blogging (4.1)
    * Online Lead Generation Services (4.0)
    * Facebook (4.0)
    * LinkedIn (3.6)
    * Outdoor Ads (3.6)
    * Print Ads (3.6)


Top 10 Marketing Objectives for Realtors in 2010 (Cumulative Average Scores, 1 = Least Likely to Use / 10 = Most Likely to Use):

     

    * Referrals (8.9)
    * Email Campaigns (5.7)
    * Postcards/Mailers (5.4)
    * Featured Listings (5.2)
    * Facebook (4.9)
    * Print Ads (4.3)
    * Blogging (4.2)
    * LinkedIn (4.1)
    * Online Lead Generation Services (4.0)
    * YouTube (3.5)


Cumulative averages are based on two surveys conducted in December 2009 and February 2010.

HomeGain conducts regular surveys of Realtors, including the HomeGain Home Improvement Survey and the quarterly HomeGain Home Prices Survey. The 2010 first quarter HomeGain Home Prices Survey results will be announced in two weeks.

HomeGain’s AgentView online marketing program provides real estate agents with several of the top 10 most effective marketing practices for reaching potential new home buyers and sellers in an all-in-one, exclusive and ad-free platform.

About HomeGain:
HomeGain is a leading provider of online marketing programs that connect real estate agents and brokers with home buyers and sellers. HomeGain offers free services to find and compare real estate agents, research home values, and view homes for sale. REALTORS® use HomeGain's real estate marketing programs to connect with consumers, promote their services and grow their business. HomeGain.com has been a top visited real estate website since 1999. HomeGain is your real estate connection.

Most Landlords Willing to Discount Rent to Aid Cash-Strapped Tenants, Says The National Association of Independent Landlords

(LOS ANGELES, Oct. 28, 2009) -- More than two-thirds (69%) of smaller, independent landlords will reduce rents to help tenants remain in their homes, according to The National Association of Independent Landlords.

Nearly one-third of these landlords (32%) say they have lowered rents over the past 18 months, according to an informal survey of association members released today.  

Tracey Benson, president of The National Association of Independent Landlords, points out that in today's tough economy, renters absolutely should approach their landlords if they need help making ends meet.

“Just like everyone else in this recession, landlords are trying hard to pay their mortgage and cover their bills. As long as renters pay on time and take good care of where they’re living, landlords will work with them,” Benson said.

Of those landlords willing to negotiate, 61% said they would drop rents up to 5%, and another 29% said they would take off up to 10%; the handful of those remaining said they would consider even steeper discounts.

Benson said renters and landlords have much to gain by working together: “Often if renters can’t pay all of their rent, they don’t pay anything at all—hoping the problem will just go away—but that strategy of avoidance just compounds their troubles, hurts their credit rating and adds to their stress level. Landlords today understand what’s going on. They don’t want an empty home any more than a renter wants to be asked to leave.”

The National Association of Independent Landlords polled members from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10, 2009.  For this informal online survey, 496 landlords, almost all residential, across the country responded.

About The National Association of Independent Landlords The National Association of Independent Landlords is the country’s largest provider of services for small landlords. Services include credit reports, electronic rent collection and tenant screening as well as information about property management, rental laws in all 50 states and other issues critical to property owners.  

For further information, please visit www.landlordassociation.com.

Snap Tours

Real Estate Marketing Is A Snap With New Snap Tours Web Site 

LAKELAND, FL- Friday, September 4, 2009— A Lakeland businessman recently launched a company designed to assist real estate agents in marketing themselves and their listings.

Snap Tours is a real estate marketing tool for agents anywhere in the United States, said Michael G. Barrett, creative director of Snap Tours and the company’s founder.

Snap Tours is a Lakeland-based company offering a complete marketing package that is a step above traditional real estate virtual tours, Barrett said. Agents can use Snap Tours to create virtual tours, branded e-mails and brochures. With just one click, Snap Tours can convert photos, information and the agent’s personal brand into video.

“We’re the only service that does that,” Barrett said.

The site also makes it easy for real estate agents to share their listings via 39 social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  The listing information can even be posted on MLS.

The marketing information that real estate agents can generate from Snap Tours integrates with www.realtor.com, a site used widely by agents to list properties.

“This doesn’t require downloading any software,” Barrett said. “This is all Internet-based, which means you can do this from your office, your home or your laptop.”

Tracking and reports is another important feature on the site, he said. This feature provides statistical information on the tours that are viewed by visitors and enables agents to track their marketing efforts for every listed property.

Lakeland Realtor Gate Arty uses Snap Tours to market his listings and said the technology is “vastly superior” to other virtual tour Web sites.

“It’s just a better quality product overall,” Arty said. “I like the multi-functional aspects of it.”

Arty said he also is a fan of the complete real estate marketing package capabilities Snap Tours offers. 

“I’m very much into branding, he said. “I like the fact that you pay one fee and you get all those components. It’s like a one-stop shop.”

Snap Tours costs $39.95 per month and agents can post an unlimited number of real estate listings. No long-term contracts are required. Signing up for the services requires a one-time graphic set-up fee of $49.95, which covers the cost of creating the custom branding aspects for each agent. 

Snap Tours is more than a new business venture for Barrett. He created the site as a means of generating revenue to fund Trash Mountain Project, a non-profit organization he founded with Brett Durbin after a trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras in November 2008 to film a documentary about families living in the neighboring trash dump community.

Proceeds from Snap Tours will be used to build homes and provide necessities to children and families living in similar communities around the world, Barrett said.

For more information on Snap Tours, visit the company’s Web site: www.mysnaptours.com or call (888) 503-7627.

For more information on The Trash Mountain Project, visit www.trashmountain.com.

About Snap Tours

Snap Tours is a real estate marketing tool that enables agents to create virtual tours, branded e-mails and brochures. With just one click, Snap Tours can convert photos, information and the agent’s personal brand into video.

The site also makes it easy for real estate agents to share their listings via 39 social networking sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.  The listing information can even be posted on MLS and it integrates effortlessly with www.realtor.com.

For more information, visit the company’s Web site: www.mysnaptours.com.

SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SOLUTION

MARKETLINX OFFERS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING SOLUTION —Viral Marketing Tool Promotes Real Estate Listings Using Facebook™ and Twitter™— SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 4, 2009 – MarketLinx, Inc., a leading provider of information technology to the residential real estate industry and a member of The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF) family of companies, announced today that it has partnered with AnnounceMyMove, LLC to offer a new social media marketing tool to its MLXchange™, TEMPO™ and InnoVia™ customers. Called AnnounceMyListing™, the solution uses Web-based social media services to promote real estate listings and introduce agents to their clients’ social networks. The program pulls data and images from MarketLinx multiple listing service (MLS) systems to automatically create unique listing announcements. Visitors can then use these interactive announcements to easily share the listings with friends on popular social media services like Facebook™, MySpace™ and Twitter™. “With more than 200 million users, sites like Facebook represent a huge, untapped resource for real estate professionals,” said Bryan Foreman, president of MarketLinx MLS Solutions. “By adding social networking tools to our world-class MLS systems, we’ve created a marketing solution that has tremendous value for both agents and consumers. Agents can directly access their client’s sphere of influence to expand their referral network, while consumers benefit from highly targeted listing exposure. AnnounceMyMove is a pioneer in social media solutions for the real estate industry and we are very excited to bring their viral marketing technology to our customers.” For details on AnnounceMyListing, MarketLinx customers should contact their regional account manager or Janelle Odishoo, AnnounceMyMove co-founder and vice president of marketing and business development, at (888) 823-0919 ext. 151. For information on MarketLinx’s full suite of real estate information technology solutions and services, visit www.marketlinx.com. About MarketLinx® MarketLinx, Inc., a subsidiary of The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF), offers a full range of products and support services to address the information technology needs of the real estate brokerage and multiple listing service (MLS) market segments. The company’s full array of capabilities streamlines the real estate listing, financing and closing processes, resulting in increased efficiency and profitability. MarketLinx provides North America’s leading MLS and real estate software systems, including solutions for broker business management, agent productivity, front and back-office management, and MLS data aggregation and distribution. For more information, visit www.marketlinx.com. About First American The First American Corporation (NYSE: FAF) is a FORTUNE 500® company that traces its history to 1889. With revenues of approximately $6.2 billion in 2008, it is America’s largest provider of business information. First American combines advanced analytics with its vast data resources to supply businesses and consumers with valuable information products to support the major economic events of people’s lives, such as getting a job, renting an apartment, buying a car or house, securing a mortgage and opening or buying a business. The First American Family of Companies, many of which command leading market share positions in their respective industries, operate within five primary business segments, including: Title Insurance and Services, Specialty Insurance, Information and Outsourcing Solutions, Data and Analytic Solutions, and Risk Mitigation and Business Solutions. More information about the company and an archive of its press releases can be found at www.firstam.com. About AnnounceMyMove AnnounceMyMove, LLC is an industry pioneer in providing “social media” marketing tools to the real estate industry. Individual agents and offices, local and national real estate companies, and Multiple Listing Services have contracted with AnnounceMyMove to provide a unique relationship marketing tool to help them grow their business. AnnounceMyListing is the company’s newest product and uses the concept of Web 2.0 and shared APIs to provide REALTORS® with a viral marketing tool to promote their listings and build referrals. For more information, visit www.announcemymove.com.

PayYourRent.com Debuts World’s First Multi-Faceted Online Rental Payment Portal

 

 PayYourRent.com Debuts World’s First Multi-Faceted Online Rental Payment Portal

Los Angeles, CA PayYourRent.com has recently debuted the world’s first website to incorporate online rent payment, utilities management, lease applications, maintenance requests and many other features. The convenient paperless service is utilized by apartment buildings, commercial office spaces and college housing to pay rent online.

Kevin Eberly, a USC Marshall School of Business graduate, created PayYourRent.com to improve outdated methods of tenant management. Hailing from generations of successful real estate developers, Eberly has always been a keen observer of the industry. Leveraging his knowledge of the real estate industry, background in business and entrepreneurial spirit, Eberly worked tirelessly to launch PayYourRent.com.

“I have always enjoyed real estate development and have been surrounded by it as long as I can remember,” says Eberly. “Like most entrepreneurs, however, I was driven to create something new and different – a service that changes the way buildings manage tenants, and the way tenants interact with managers. After years of watching piles of checks and papers flying around the office, it finally hit me: there has to be a better way.”

PayYourRent.com’s primary function is to allow tenants to pay their rent online using an electronic check or credit card, a fairly simple concept. However, existing options were limited and expensive. One of the larger sites charges a processing fee of $19.95, compared to the $3.95 fee offered by PayYourRent.com; a massive margin considering the tough economic climate. 

Who benefits from PayYourRent.com?

-     Residents and Tenants:

o    Easily make one-time rent payments

o    Setup automatically recurring monthly rent payments

o    Submit maintenance requests

o    Complete electronic rental applications

o    Connect all utilities effortlessly online

-     Property Managers

o    Automatically receive rent payments electronically

o    Streamline the rent collection process

o    View and edit rent payment information for multiple tenants at once

o    Easily communicate with renters

o    Receive maintenance requests by email

o    Export all data to current software, and much more.

PayYourRent.com eliminates the need to send paper invoices, write paper checks and deliver paper notices by hand. The result: save time, money and the environment. With PayYourRent.com, time and money are just a few of the many things tenants and property managers can now ‘check’ off of their list.

About PayYourRent.com

Based in Los Angeles, California, PayYourRent.com is simplifying the way property managers collect rent for their residential and commercial properties.  As nearly 60 million American households are paying their monthly bills online, property managers are now finding it necessary to offer online payments in order to effectively compete in the changing property management industry.  PayYourRent.com, strives to make online rent payments as effortless, secure, and convenient as possible.

In addition to online payments, PayYourRent.com also allows managers to streamline their business through maintenance requests, rental applications, utility connections, email notifications, vacancy listings, property manager forms and much more.

For media inquiries and/or to arrange an interview, please contact Tyler Barnett at 323.937.1351 or tyler@tylerbarnettpr.com

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ONE IN FIVE AMERICANS PLAN TO BUY A HOME DESPITE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

First Time Buyers Optimistic, Homeowners Search for Solutions to Stay in Homes

 LOS ANGELES -- (March 23, 2009) – While half (52%) of all Americans are concerned they or someone they know will face foreclosure in the next six to 12 months, 23% of adults plan to purchase a home in the next five years, and more than half of them (53.5%) are first time homebuyers, according to a new survey commissioned by Move, Inc., the leader in online real estate and operator of Realtor.com®, the #1 homes for sale Web site.

 The Move survey also found nearly one out of five homeowners (18.9%) plan to take advantage of the administration’s new program to help prevent foreclosures.  While searching for answers in the past 12 months, 21% of all homeowners with a mortgage contacted a lender to restructure their loan.  Half (10.6%) of those homeowners that contacted their lender experienced success while 5% still await an answer.

 Unemployment is a driving factor causing many Americans to fear foreclosure, according to the survey.  More than a quarter (27.1%) of adults feel they or someone they know may default on their mortgage due to recent unemployment (27.1%), future unemployment (29.3%) or because they owe more on their home than it’s worth (25.6%).  One out of eight (15.4%) is having a hard time making mortgage payments because they’ve recently increased or because they have too much debt (18.8%).

 Determined to remain in their homes, nearly three-quarters (72%) of adults reduced spending in the past year in order to make monthly mortgage or rent payments, mostly by cutting discretionary spending such as vacations, entertainment and eating out (75%), personal items such as clothing, personal care and personal luxuries (72%) and energy costs such as gasoline and utilities (71.6%).  Regardless of age, most Americans are cutting spending back from some aspect of their life to pay housing costs.

 Despite today’s challenging market conditions, 18.1% of adults plan to buy a home this year in order to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit recently passed by Congress in the administration’s economic stimulus package.

 “It’s not all doom and gloom.  We found Americans are optimistic about homeownership despite concerns,” said Move, Inc., CEO Steve Berkowitz.  “They’re doing everything they can, from reducing discretionary spending to pay their mortgages, to planning to take advantage of the administration’s new program to stop foreclosures.  They’re also working with lenders to modify loans.  Even more impactful are numbers that show interest in home ownership is strong as nearly a quarter of all adults plan to buy a home in the next five years.”

 Pent-Up Demand Increasing

The Move survey found the housing downturn, now entering its third year, has created significant demand for homeownership especially among first-time homebuyers.  While 5.8% plan to purchase a home in the next 12 months, 12.8% of Americans say they plan to buy a home in the next two years and 11% plan to purchase a home in two to five years.

 Over half of those planning to buy in 2009 are first-time homebuyers (53.5%).  By comparison, 41% of homebuyers in 2008 were first-time homebuyers, according to the National Association of Realtors^[1] .

 While 18.1% of homebuyers do plan to buy this year to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, nearly half (47.6%) said they didn’t know about the credit and 29.3% said it wasn’t large enough for them to act right now. Potential homebuyers with higher incomes are more interested in the tax credit than those in lower income brackets, as 43.4% of first-time buyers earning $50,000 or more say they plan to use the tax credit.

 Potential buyers are watching real estate prices more closely today than 12 months ago.  Half of all Americans (49.6%) are paying more attention to home values today than they were a year ago, especially those aged 25 to 34 (61.9%).  The median age of first-time homebuyers is 30 years old^[1].

 “Having the wealth of information on home values available on Realtor.com makes it easy for potential buyers to research and plan their real estate purchase as they begin their search.  In fact, the average buyer researches properties online for 10 months^[1] before contacting a Realtor®.  So quick and convenient access to information is critical, especially in today’s highly competitive environment,” said Errol Samuelson, president of Realtor.com.

 "If you're basing a real estate decision on old or out-of-date information, you risk making a poor decision with potentially significant financial consequences," explains Samuelson. "Providing current and detailed information drawn directly from a local MLS, in conjunction with our 15-minute update program, educates buyers and sellers on market conditions and results in more productive conversations with Realtors.”  

 Changing Views of Homeownership

The Move survey uncovered changing attitudes towards owning a home.  About two-thirds (62.5%) now consider their home primarily a place to live as opposed to an investment.  Adults earning up to $20,000 and between $30,000 and $39,900 annually are significantly more likely to feel most strongly that a home is more of a place to live than an investment as compared to those earning $50,000 or more.

 In light of the fact that homes are more affordable today, Americans said that if they could purchase more home for their dollar, bigger is definitely better.  Survey results found today’s homeowners value more space by a slight margin (10%) over a list of other options, including, energy saving features (6.8%), bigger or nicer yard (6.1%), a better location (4.2%) or updated amenities (3.4%).

Taking Minds to the Zenith (TMTTZ), Real Estate Investor Reveals Secrets on Using the Internet as a tool for Marketing Real Estate

Peter Kolat, a renowned real estate marketing strategist has recently granted an exclusive interview to the online-based show, "Taking Minds to the Zenith" (TMTTZ). The interview, which covered over 60 minutes, is brimming with proven Internet marketing secrets that real estate professionals can use to market their businesses online and drive targeted traffic to their websites.

In this interview, Kolat outlines his tested strategies for marketing his business successfully on the Internet. The content-filled interview highlights generosity (the act of giving free information to clients) as one of the most potent elements of real estate marketing on the Internet. "You need to figure out exactly what your target market wants and then give it to them… They are hungry for information. They’re hungry for what they want," Kolat pointed out. By helping others out, one can seamlessly build friendships and connections online. Another recommendation was to find the websites investors meet and discuss. One can join these communities and build trust over time while making good connections with people, before eventually making them interested in one’s available properties.

The interview provides sound advice for beginners, as well. After conducting keyword research, a newbie to marketing on the web should choose long tail keywords such as "real estate Internet marketing" instead of main keywords, like "real estate marketing", which are too competitive. Keyword phrases that earn from a thousand to two thousand searches are ideal. Keyword strings that yield around a hundred thousand competing pages are preferable over those with a million results.

Competition is tough in the Internet, and for this, one can utilize websites such as Grader.com, Alexa.com, and Compete.com. These provide traffic details, rankings, and other competitive details of contending websites. To increase traffic, the interview reveals article marketing, video marketing, and web 2.0 social media marketing as all effective means of website promotion. A host of useful websites in these areas and what they can provide were discussed in the interview.

MARY HOLDER AGENCY JOINS BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE

....... AS THE NETWORK’S FIRST NEW JERSEY-BASED FRANCHISE

PARSIPPANY AND SPRING LAKE N.J. (Jan. 27, 2009) — Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC today announced the affiliation of its first New Jersey-based residential real estate brokerage, Mary Holder Agency, Inc., in Spring Lake, N.J. The 17-year-old firm has signed a long-term agreement with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and will operate under the name Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder. The company is a driving force in the first-time home buyer and vacation home markets, serving Monmouth and Ocean County communities in the Jersey Shore area.

“We are excited to welcome not only our first New Jersey brokerage, but also our first female broker to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate franchise family,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. “Mary Holder fits right in with our other entrepreneurs, with her ambition and dedication to excellent service and her clients.”

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder has 160 agents and seven offices, with headquarters in Spring Lake, N.J. The move will provide its sales associates with innovative tools, training and business leads to enhance their day-to-day transactions.

“What attracted us to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was the team of qualified professionals that stand behind it,” said Holder, broker/owner, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder. “We believe their expertise, particularly on mergers and acquisitions, will allow us to lower costs and operate more efficiently and effectively. We are committed to an exceptional degree of professionalism, market expertise and unparalleled customer service, and our affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate will allow us to enhance our commitment to excellence while taking the company to the next level.”

Most Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Mary Holder buyers are not from the Jersey shore area, and tend to use the Internet and social media to find summer homes.  In joining Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate,  the Mary Holder team will have a superior online presence that will be much more relevant to their buyers and sellers.

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate recently launched Premier Selection, the company’s newest brand extension designed to connect buyers, sellers and real estate sales professionals with properties in the upper-tier real estate market. “The area we serve has a bulk of high-end properties, and the beautiful Premier Selection brand extension will serve us well in setting these properties apart from the rest, using unique branding and marketing tools,” said Holder.

For more information, please go to www.maryholder.com.

About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is an international real estate brand that offers a full range of services to brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Using innovative technology, sophisticated business systems and the broad appeal of a lifestyle brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate embodies the future of the real estate industry while remaining grounded in the tradition of home. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. For more information, please visit www.bhgrealestate.com.

Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC.

Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Office is Independently Owned and Operated.