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6 Effective Ways to Make Your Web Site Sell

Introduction

Whatever your web site is about you are in the business of selling. If you have a shop you are obviously selling your products. If you have an information site then you are selling content or ideas. If you have a club web site then you are selling joining your club.

Most of us don’t like the idea that we are selling something. We associate selling with cheesy salespeople who badger you at your door or on the phone. Selling should be about helping people get what they want. Most of us want to buy. When you are selling you are helping people.

Here I have highlighted six simple things you can do to help people who want to buy from your web site. They are simple but most web sites seem to ignore them. If you start to put these ideas into place you will be moving your site above your competition – or at least the majority of your competition.

1. Know your customers

Any book on marketing you read will tell you this one basic truth – that you need to know your customer. What kinds of things does your customer do? What do they do at the weekend? What newspapers do they read? What do they dream about? What do they complain about?

The better you know your customer the better you can help them on your site. The better you can help people the greater your sales. The greater your sales the stronger your business will be. The stronger your business the happier you will be.

If you don’t yet have any customers (I know what that feels like because I’ve been there myself) then you need to invent your customers. You can do some research on the kind of people who buy what you sell. You can imagine what kinds of things they like and do.

2. Don’t overdo the information

One of the big mistakes that web sites often make is that they overload people with information. Don’t get me wrong here because I’m an information junky but I also know what it’s like when you are trying to find something out and the information is buried deep in a block of web text.

Think about the problem your customer is trying to solve and then provide clean, simple text that answers that problem. Use as few words as you can. There should be no words on your site that are not doing a job. Words that are pointless need to be removed.

If your product requires a lot of information then make the information easy to get at and to understand. See my next point below.

3. Arrange the information so it is easy to understand

There are many tools available for web sites to arrange information in a user friendly kind of way.

Start with the essential information in just a couple of sentences. Think of the information in the same way a news paper reporter does. The first paragraph on a page is the most important. If you overdo it here then you have lost the sale.

You can then use things like: bullet lists, numbered lists, headings, etc. to lay out the information in a meaningful way.

Always remember that information on a web site needs presenting in a different way to any other information.

If someone is looking through brochures they may have three or four to get through. If they are looking through a book they may have just a couple to choose from. If they are using the Internet the choice is measured in millions. If you don’t give people the information they want then they will go somewhere else.

4. Provide easy ways to purchase

It never ceases to amaze me that web sites make the process of buying so complicated. I have been on several major web sites (no names to save embarrassment) where I just couldn’t find a button for purchasing a product.

Come on people! Have several buttons if you must but make them as obvious as you can.

What’s the point of getting people to your web site and then not making it as easy as you can to buy from you?

If your site is all about information then help people to buy your information. Think about what you want people to do with the information you provide and then help them do it.

5. Use simple words

I’ve read stuff written by professional copywriters that is very hard to understand. They use words that I know but might only use twice in a lifetime. Make sure your words are ones that people understand easily. When you glance through a web site looking for information you don’t want to have to get your dictionary out to look up a word.

You are trying to help people with the text you provide on a web site. It is not there to demonstrate how clever you are or how technical your subject is. Use words that your customer will understand.

Of course if you are providing technical information for technical people then feel free to use the technical words but make sure you don’t use jargon.

Always remember that a significant number of people who read your information might not have English as a first language. Use simple words.

6. Make the content king

Here is a basic truth that many designers struggle with: words on a website do the selling not the design or the images.

I’ll just take a moment to put the shutters up over my windows and barricade my door. Please don’t send any death threats by email!

That’s better.

Design can help raise your credibility and make people think how wonderful your business is but it is the words on a site that do the actual work of selling. Even the pictures on your site only encourage people to buy – it is the words that do the work. Pictures will get attention and help make your business look better but it is the words that will sell people on buying from you.

Don’t put all your effort into the design and neglect the words.

Conclusion

Know who wants what is on your website, keep things simple, use as few words as possible, make the site easy to use, don’t neglect the words. Thank you for reading.

Chris Brown has been in web site production for over 10 years. First as a web site designer, then as a web site developer and now as a website copywriter. He knows the business intimately and has a profound grasp of the many issues involved.

You can visit his web site at: http://www.browncow.co.uk

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Get the Look – Kate Hudson’s Palm Tree Necklace!

If you saw the 2008 romantic comedy, Fool’s Gold, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, you probably felt compelled to immediately hop a plane to some remote island and go scuba diving. Or, you probably wanted to run out to a store and immediately purchase Kate Hudson’s Palm Tree Necklace! This cute little palm tree pendant was seen dangling around her neck throughout the entire movie. Read on to find out where you can get an identical one, at 1/3 the price!

Kate Hudson cherished her palm tree necklace so much, she was even seen wearing it off the set around town. Sometimes by itself, sometimes mixed with several other colorful necklaces, to complete the trendy layered look. Either way, this breezy pendant is a lovely addition to your accessory bin.

The only problem is, if you did your research you must have found out that Kate Hudson’s Palm Tree Necklace is made at Tiffany & Co. and sells for a steamy $1,900! For those of you who have slightly more reasonable price standards, this is not an acceptable purchase, no matter how hard you try to justify it.

But don’t fret, because you can purchase a nearly-identical looking palm tree necklace for under $40! Not only that but they make a great gift for the surf-board riding, island dwelling diva in your life. This price-healthy alternative is made of the exact same high-quality .925 sterling silver that Tiffany’s boasts, but instead has diamond color cubic zirconias embedded in its design. I mean sure we would all love to have the real diamond version, but the replica just makes better price sense.

Alexandra is the Head of Marketing and Sales for Mademoiselle Jewelry – a company that was founded on the principal that jewelry is art. Mademoiselle Jewelry specializes in unique jewelry
sterling silver jewelry and designer jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is hand selected for quality, uniqueness, and creativity. Mademoiselle Jewelry also carries jewelry lines specifically designed for men and children.

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Where to File Complaints Against Predatory Lenders and Other Foreclosure Scams

Sometimes, despite the fact that homeowners have done nearly everything in their power to avoid losing a home to foreclosure, the bank simply outspends them and breaks down their resistances. Lenders are aggressive when defending against claims of predatory lending or otherwise taking advantage of borrowers, and courts have typically been willing to rule against the owners and in favor of banks. But when homeowners have run out of options on their own home, the best action may just be to alert others that the mortgage company may be running a scam.

Federal and state regulatory agencies rarely go after the largest banks or mortgage companies, unless there is an economy-wide scandal or especially egregious acts of preying upon consumers. But even then, it is more likely that banks and large lenders will not be targeted directly. The consequences for regulators in going after these giant corporations are far too great, as the largest financial institutions in the country bankroll the state and federal governments.

Take the cases of Countrywide and the governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich. Countrywide had been making subprime loans for years to borrowers who could never hope to pay them back. But few states ever looked into the bank’s lending practices until the subprime mortgage market collapsed and the foreclosure crisis began to create a drag on the national economy. Then states began investigations and lawsuits against the company, but it was already almost too late, as the company had sold itself to Bank of America. Why did the states wait so long to address obvious predatory lending?

And the governor of Illinois was just recently arrested for attempting to sell the US Senate seat left vacant by president-elect Barack Obama. Curiously, the arrest came less than 24 hours after Blagojevich ordered state agencies not to do business with Bank of America any longer. Of course, this may answer the question of why other states waited so long to investigate Countrywide until after it had collapsed and been eaten up by a larger lender.

Thus, it may be wishful thinking to expect that homeowners who have lost a home to foreclosure can find any real justice with regulatory agencies. The most they can probably hope for is that the agencies allow other potential customers of these companies to search for previous complaints and determine which lenders to stay away from. In any case, however, homeowners who believe they were unfairly taken advantage of should pursue filing complaints in order to warn regulators of predatory activity and alert other borrowers to problems with mortgage companies.

Homeowners also need to know which regulatory agencies they should contact for particular types of banks. The following list should be referred to as a rough guide and will cover most, if not all, of the types of lending institutions the typical borrower will have any kind of mortgage transaction with, as well as which agency to submit a complaint to, if the need arises.

National Bank: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Federally Insured Savings and Loan: Office of Thrift Supervision

Federal Savings Bank: Office of Thrift Supervision

State-Chartered Savings Institution, Federally Insured: Office of Thrift Supervision

Federal Credit Union: National Credit Union Administration

State-Chartered Credit Union, Federally Insured: State Credit Union Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Credit Union, not Federally Insured: State Credit Union Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Bank or Savings Institution, Not Federally Insured: State Banking Agency, Federal Trade Commission

State-Chartered Bank, Not Member of Federal Reserve System, Federally Insured: State Banking Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Commission

State-Charted Bank, Member of Federal Reserve System: State Banking Agency, Federal Reserve Board

Any type of lender that is not on the above list and that homeowners want to submit a complaint about should contact the appropriate state agency. If one is not available, the state attorney general or state banking department should be contacted. In fact, the state attorney general can be sent a copy of the complaint for any of the above-listed lending institutions, as the states do have the right to investigate banks or mortgage companies doing business in their territories.

Again, homeowners who have lost a house to foreclosure may be disappointed if they believe any regulatory agency will come to their rescue, put the lender out of business, and give them their home back. This will not happen. But borrowers who feel they were taken advantage of may wish to keep a record of their complaint with the appropriate agency; after all, when enough people complain about a company, there will be no other option than to investigate it and shut it down.

Nick writes articles to educate homeowners on various methods of stopping foreclosure and defending a home against a bank’s lawsuit. His site describes numerous options borrowers may qualify for, from loan modification and foreclosure refinancing to deed in lieu and short sales. Visit the site to read more about the home mortgage foreclosure process and what you can do to end it before it is too late: http://www.foreclosurefish.com/

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Can You Speak Tradiboomxer? You Better Learn How!

Selling is communicating and influencing buyers. Tradiboomxer is a word I’ve coined and it might catch on as the important triple business language. You should think of it as a way to communicate and influence three different generations. I’m referring to the Traditionalist, Baby Boomers and GenXers which make up these three generations.

In 2009, you will be one year older, so will everyone else. No big deal right. Right, one year is a small thing. However, the impact of baby boomers leaving the workforce and younger people replacing them is one trend and challenge businesses must adjust to. You must also learn how to communicate with and sell to different generations. Here are a few considerations.

Traditionalists – expect respect and don’t embrace technology as the right way to communicate using email and text messages doesn’t work. This group has gone through a depression and knows how to handle one. Save, be thrifty and work hard.

Personal letters, telephone calls and personal visits is the way to reach this group.

Baby Boomers – want respect and have mixed feelings about technology. This group was in mid-career when the Internet blossomed, so some do and some don’t accept technology and email as a form of communication. Social networking acceptance is low.

Emails will achieve mixed results; personal letters and sales calls are good approaches for this group.

GenXers – want freedom and grew up with computers and technology. This group accepts text messaging, emails, telephone calls and all the above.

Sending emails, text messages, telephone calls, letters and social networking is a strong way of reaching and staying connected to this group of buyers.

There are other areas that will impact the future of selling and marketing in business. Generational communication differences is just one to contend with. When you are evaluating your sales and marketing plan, consider the challenge or advantage your current sales team will encounter when they meet someone NOT of their generation. Adjustments in the sales communications are critical to achieve success in your business.

What generational communication adjustments are you making in your sales plan? Do you have a different approach to reach and influence each type of client?

When you are challenged with how to increase sales, sign-up for your free sales tips by Steve Martinez, a TOP SALES EXPERT, at http://www.sellingmagic.com

You can also get daily tips at the Selling Magic blog at http://www.sellingmagic.com/sales_journal

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Writing Tips For Real Estate Agents

How do you make thousands of dollars in real estate income for the next decades?

Many Real Estate agents focus on many aspects that go into running a great Real Estate Agency. However, many ignore the most important aspect, which can guarantee to give them an edge over their competitors. What is that one secret weapon that can drastically increase their revenue streams? Simply put, writing well is one way that will guarantee success. In this article, I will outline a few writing tips, which could considerably improve Real Estates incomes.

Writing Doesn’t Have To Be Manual Labor

Writing does not have to be a manual job. Writing a few hundred words a day, can guarantee to take stress off you in the end. Promise yourself, that you will write two hundred words a day and I can guarantee, you will improve your sales and your writing skills.

Working Out Outlines

When I write, having an outline is important, because it helps me put my ideas in one area, instead of searching for them later on. This helps me focus on my writing, instead of wasting time on unnecessary research. Most people ignore the importance of having an outline. It can take stress off you. Think for one second, about how simple and easy it is, to write an outline. There is no real format, when writing an outline. Choose one idea, and expand it.

Practice Makes Perfect

Writing for some can be a job and for some it is a hobby, but for me it is a passion, which continues to get stronger each day. However, without writing everyday I would not have written three books, hundreds of articles and hundreds of Blog posts. A calendar helps me stay motivated with my writing. One huge calendar and a red marker is all you need, in order to keep yourself consistent and motivated. Draw a big red X each day, you write. Once the week is through, look at the calendar. How many red X marks do you have? If you have a row of red X marks, that is great, continue writing and marking your calendar. Try not to break the chain of red X’s.

Conclusion

Sure, these tips are simple and most of you know about these tips. However, many ignore to put this into practice. Staying consistent is half the battle. Remember it is important to write well and staying consistent can add a big boost towards your business.

http://www.leonbasin.net

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Company Brochures

At some point, every small business creates a brochure. but it is often an exercise in futility. Whether you are creating the brochure yourself, or hiring someone to do it for you, be sure to ask the following questions before you get started!

Get to the Point!

How will the brochure be used?

Is it sent as a follow-up to phone inquiries, left behind after a sales call or delivered with a formal proposal?

Are you trying to get more repeat business from customers who already know you? Or is your goal to attract the attention of a new client? Define your objective up front, and then write your copy with that in mind.

Good creative begins with a plan ….

How will you grab your reader’s attention?

One of the most common mistakes companies make is leading with their name. If you haven’t caught the reader’s attention by speaking to their needs, problems or desires, they won’t care about your name.

Consider starting with a provocative question or declaration; an appeal to the emotions, needs and wants of your customer; or a benefit-laden statement.

Learn more about creating powerful headlines

For whom is the brochure created?

This is not a trick question. Your answer should roll off your lips instantly: the client! That seems simple, but many companies make a serious error by focusing on the company instead of the needs of potential customers.

Here’s a quick way to check your brochure for the correct focus: Circle every “you” with a red pen and circle every “we” or “I” or mention of your company’s name with a blue pen. There should be a lot more red than blue on your brochure. If not, it is time to revise, revise, revise

Discover money saving production tips

Free Feedback

Interested in a second opinion? Send me a coy of your brochure and I will give you a few tips on how it can be change or improved.

Send your brochure via fax to 317-879-0876 or via email to lorraine@roundpeg.biz

A twenty-year veteran of corporate America, Lorraine is an accomplished marketing professional, who has won regional and national communication awards. She is a certified teacher, facilitator and college instructor. Lorraine Ball is a frequent guest panelist featured on “Sound Advice,” the popular online audio program from What’s Working in Biz.

Her articles on marketing, team building, and business development have been featured in Contracting Business, The New York Forum and The ACH&R News. In addition, her books: “The Entrepreneur’s Notebook” and “The Confessions of a Networking Junkie” are quickly becoming “MUST READS” for new business owners.

Today, her company, Roundpeg http://www.roundpeg.biz helps small business owners discover the secrets to big company marketing!

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9 Reasons Every Solo Professional Needs a Virtual Assistant

In case you have not heard, the virtual assistance industry is exploding, growing by leaps and bounds. Virtual assistants (VAs) are partnering with solo attorneys, solo entrepreneurs, and small business owners to assist with virtual paralegal, administrative, internet marketing, social media marketing, and blog design services.

Virtual assistants can write and submit press releases, develop and manage article marketing campaigns, monitor your social media profiles, write SEO-friendly content, design and maintain your blog, “scrub the internet” for you, and complete other tasks that seem to swallow up the solo professional’s time.

Virtual assistants with legal experience provide on-demand paralegal services and legal administrative assistance exclusively to solo attorneys and small law firms.

Here are 9 good reasons every solo professional needs a virtual assistant:

1. A virtual assistant can develop and manage an effective article marketing campaign.

What is the benefit of writing an article or press release no one gets to read? Writing a great article is just the first step in delivering your message. The next step is publishing your content for your target audience to find.

One of the most effective ways to get your articles syndicated is through effective article marketing. There are several websites and article directories in constant search of relevant, well-written and informative content.

Let your virtual assistant research your target audience, develop your article marketing campaign, write your article content, manually submit your articles to the top directories, and market your articles using social media tools and resources.

2. A virtual assistant can develop, update and monitor your social media profiles.

In recent years, the internet has expanded exponentially, and the same is true for online marketing tools and resources. There has been an influx of social media web sites. Among the most popular are LinkedIn, Digg, Twitter, Facebook, StumbleUpon, YouTube and Plaxo.

If you cannot find time to manage your social media profiles along with everything else on your plate, let your virtual assistant manage them for you. Your VA can develop and update your social media profiles, upload your photos, stream your video and audio, manage your RSS feeds, update your content, repair broken links, and monitor your accounts.

3. A virtual assistant can professionally design your newsletter or ezine, and distribute it as needed.

Do you have a newsletter or ezine that you love to publish but have a difficult time staying on top of? Maybe you are someone that has an interest in publishing a newsletter or ezine but just cannot find time to get it out there. Well, you are not alone.

Delegate the entire ezine project to a virtual assistant. A VA can design your ezine, help you brainstorm ideas for new content, update your ezine as frequently as you’d like, distribute the ezine, and promote your ezine through online directories and social media websites.

4. A virtual blog assistant can design, update, and optimize your personal and professional blogs.

Yes, you heard me correctly. Some virtual assistants are master bloggers with experience dating back to the days of GeoCities. Whether your blog is hosted by Typepad, Blogger, Wordpress.com, or self-hosted on your server, a skilled virtual assistant can manage your personal and professional blogs.

If you cannot find time to write content for your blog, hire a virtual assistant to write the content for you. If you are ready to take your blog to the next level, hire a virtual blog assistant to convert your blog into a content management system, and host it on your own server.

If you are looking to enhance your blog and online presence, hire a virtual assistant that provides search engine optimization services.

5. A VA can help you get the most out of your email marketing.

A VA can set-up your autoresponders, upload your email lists, manipulate images, run tests, finalize and schedule you email blasts for distribution to your mailing lista.

6. A skilled VA can design HTML gift guides and announcements for you and your clients.

Many virtual assistants are experienced and certified in HTML, CSS, PHP and MySQL. A VA can design HTML gift guides or other marketing materials, and distribute them for you.

7. A virtual assistant can proofread and edit your writings to prevent embarrassing grammatical mistakes.

It’s quite simple…”two pair of eyes are always better than one.” Draft your marketing or sales plan and let your virtual assistant proofread it for you. Draft an important email, and forward a copy to your VA to review before sending it out. If you prefer, dictate your press release, article or correspondence with your digital recorder, and email the audio file to your virtual assistant for transcription.

8. A virtual assistant can handle the tasks you simply do not enjoy.

I am sure there are tasks essential to your business that you have absolutely no interest in completing. You cannot afford to ignore these tasks, but you would rather not dive into them yourself. Those are the tasks you should delegate to a virtual assistant.

Time tracking is arguably one of the least-preferred tasks, but one of the most important when it comes to generating revenue for your business. Virtual assistants are familiar with several on and offline applications that can make managing your time a breeze. With your VA tracking your time, you will witness an increase in billable hours and revenue.

9. Partnering with a virtual assistant will cost significantly less than hiring an in-house assistant.

The affordability aspect is last on this list, but first on the mind of the average solo professional. VAs are more affordable than your typical in-house assistant. Aside from the fact you do not pay taxes or provide benefits to your VA, you will also save on the cost of providing office space, furniture, equipment and training. Over the years, the virtual assistance industry has evolved. Virtual assistants continue to develop their skill sets, and are catering to a wide range of solo professionals and small business owners. If you are ready to stop handling everything on your own, and you are not thrilled about the idea of hiring in-house staff, consult a virtual assistant so you can begin to take your business to the next level.

About the Author: Vickie Perry Barker, aka the Full Service VA, is founder and CEO of Full Service Virtual Support, an Atlanta-based virtual assistance firm. Whether you are in need of article marketing, blog marketing, social media or SEO services, we are your one-stop-virtual-shop. If you are a solo professional that has finally realized that going solo did not require doing everything on your own, contact Full Service Virtual Support.

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Nintendo Wii – What Wii Stands For

The Wii got its name through the way it’s controlled: Wireless Inter-Interface. The inter-interface (meaning other hardware i.e. the Nunchuck) can connect to the main interface (the Wiimote).

The original concept design for the Wii was thought up by Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo’s legendary game designer, in 2001, right after the Gamecube’s release. The whole idea revolved around a simple motive: create a system that the player can interact with; not just hold a controller and move a character around, but physically interact with the game- through movement and speech. Garnering the code-name Revolution, the console was a well-kept secret promising to change the way we play games.

By the time of its release in 2006, the Wii was on everybody’s mind. The whole idea of controlling the game though your hand movements had infinite potential. The hype was lived up to, seen by staggeringly high worldwide sales; nearly 35 million units sold. The gaming revolution was just beginning. The Wii stood for what gamers always wanted: true interaction with their favorite games. Now, players were able to aim Samus’s arm, or pull back Links bow as if they were the characters themselves.

This immersion attracted many, from all walk of life. One of of the most advertised aspects of the Wii was that it’s fun for the whole family- anyone can join. It stands for bringing the family together, no matter how old the player was. The Wii also stands for the casual player. While other consoles rely on a certain fan base and titles geared towards a specific age, the Wii meant to be a casual platform which could appeal to anyone who was just looking for a diversion.

This is why the Wii was king in the console wars- because it stood for what a gaming console should really be like: Fun for the whole family, and easy to get into to. The Wii’s implementation of a motion controller helped revolutionize the gaming industry. No longer were players restricted to sitting in a prone position, only moving their thumbs. Now, they were able to physically interact with the game on screen. This presented a whole new way of playing games, a radical change from the traditional controller.

This was one of the Wii’s finest selling points: it stood for innovation. Not only did it bring in new ideas, but it also brought back old ones too. The Wii is a prime platform too experience old classic gems such as Street Fighter, Mario 64, Mutant Ninja Turtles IV, and various other games considered classics, all of which can be bought online through the Wii shop channel at low prices. Perhaps the most exiting aspect to gamers is Wii’s revitalization of classic franchises, bringing them into the interactive 3D universe: Zelda and Mario could now be experienced in an innovative new way. The most appealing aspect of these games is the immense fun they are to play with the Wiimote, which is the most important thing the Wii stands for: Fun.

One thing only few Wii owners are aware of is the fact that you can play homebrew games on your Wii and also play absolutely every game from N64, SNES, and Sega Genesis. It is also possible to download ISO`s, DVDs, and Music. Unlocking your Wii for maximum entertainment is easy! For more information go to Wii Homebrew Installer

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Beneath the “Dirt” of a Foreclosed Property

I was sitting in a local restaurant by myself for lunch this week when I overheard two gentlemen talking about foreclosure properties. Both of these men had their own opinions regarding the market and where to find the best deals. It was interesting listening to the men’s opinions and interesting enough, both of them were wrong. It is amazing how many people claim to be subject matter experts but have no formalized training or accreditation to support their hypotheses.

According to national statistics there are approximately 2,203,295 foreclosure filings and about 1,285,873 foreclosed properties on the market today. The substantial increase in foreclosures has flooded the supply of available properties which then forces home values to decrease. We all learned about supply and demand in high school economics class and many home owners are feeling the effects today.

Finding that deal may not be as easy as it may seem. You need to look beneath the dirt. Understanding the value of a home, cost of repairs and legalities of submitting an offer is critical and you need the help of a licensed Real Estate Expert to navigate you through the foreclosure maze. Get with a Realtor team that has the resources and connections to help you with every step of the purchase transaction.

Great Realtors, or as I call them the top 1%, will have a “Dream Team” that will be able to work with the client. They will have a solid mortgage broker, a reputable property appraiser, a reliable insurance agent, a mold consultant, a conscientious property inspector, an esteemed general contractor and a renowned ASP certified staging professional. Being able to go to one Realtor and obtain all the necessary professionals to complete a transaction is critical.

Having a team of these professionals will reduce your exposure to making a mistake and buying a home that is not of value or has too many substantial repairs to make it worth the investment. It is important to use a professional Realtor who is experienced, trustworthy and a true professional.

Here are some essential tips you need to know when you start your foreclosure prospecting.

1. Pick out a geographical area that you would be okay with living in, even if this is a property you plan on using as an investment. It is easier to rent a property with outstanding schools, shopping and amenities. Understanding and qualifying the benefits of a surrounding area will ensure you are picking a good location. A Realtor can provide you with any additional information you may need to pick the area.

2. Understand and research the average dollar per square foot for homes in the area you are looking. If you are looking at foreclosure properties that are $ 39 per square foot and the average home price is currently selling for $ 52 per square foot, are you getting a great deal? The truth in the matter is that if the property you are looking at is a 3 bedroom, 2 baths, and 2 car garage property and is 1700 square feet, your deal is only $ 22,100 less than the average home price. Now add into that your repair cost then ask yourself again is this a good deal? If your repair cost in this example exceeds 50% of the difference, you are probably better off not purchasing a foreclosure and going with a turn key property.

3. Understand the foreclosure law in your own state. You can research this easily enough on the web. You should know the difference between Foreclosure by Judicial Sale and Foreclosure by Power of Sale.

4. You will need to pick a 1% Realtor to assist you in selecting properties. They will listen to what you are looking for and search for homes that exceed your criteria, but still are within your price range. They will be able to conduct a market analysis on the area to provide you with sales data of homes that sold in that area. They will also arrange for all the showings and provide you with listing flyers that give you pertinent information. And as stated earlier, a 1% Realtor will give you access to their Dream Team of real estate professionals.

5. Once you narrow your search down, you will need to determine an offer. How much should you pay is a question that your Realtor should be able to help with. Extremely inexpensive homes that are substantially lower in price than the market average may be the best buy depending on the repair cost. The only other advice I can give on making an offer or bid is you need to be decisive and take action. I have had several clients second guess the market and like the two men from lunch determine that the market has not hit bottom yet and that there are better deals out there only to have the right property sold from right under their noses. The great deals don’t stay on the market long so you need to be able to act fast. Most banks require proof of funds or for you to be pre-qualified before you bid or make an offer on these foreclosed properties.

The bottom line is there are great deals beneath the dirt of a foreclosure. Having a vision of what that looks like for you as the buyer is important. Understanding what you are looking for in a property a year from now is the perspective that you need to have. Many clients that buy homes spend money on remodeling, changing out carpets or cabinets, or putting in new floors. If you are going to go through and spend money on a property improving it to your taste why not get that property at a bargain-basement price.

Jason M. Jakus
http://www.fortmyers-naples-realestate.com

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Recycle Vintage Furs

Vintage is all the rage in fashion from sparkling costume jewellery to those old fashion stoles grandma used to wear. The influence of fur is being seen in fashion and home décor. Here are a few things you’ll need about buying vintage fur.

Styles

There is lots of choice out there — stoles, cape, capelets, jackets, full length. Mink stoles from the 1950s to the shoulder pad 1980 full length fox coats are all available.

Good news

Vintage furs are very affordable. Prices range can start at under $50 for a hat, collar or cape. So, adding some vintage flair won’t break the bank.

Where To Find Great Vintage Furs

Search local resale shops, antique shops, flea markets, garage sales and Ebay. They are all good sources for vintage furs.

Labels

Canadian labels to look for are Oglivy’s, Eatons and Holt Renfrew.

Cold Care

Any fur, old or new, should be kept in cold storage during the hot humid summer months.

Avoid Ciggie Smell

If the fur you love is holding the smell of cigarettes, put it back on the rack. No amount of airing it will remove the smell.

Fit

When you try on your vintage fur, move around and swing your arms. If it feels fragile, it probably is and may rip on you in the future.

Avoid discoloration

Steer clear of a vintage fur with discoloration around the collar or armpits. No amount of cleaning can fix it.

Good Buys

Some furs have a longer life than others. Raccoon and mink are studier than muskrat and rabbit that do not stand up so well over time.

Recycling

If you love the fur but the style doesn’t work for you consider recycling it into something else. Use fur to line a jean jacket, create cuffs or a collar for a sweater or make it into a scarf. Cut down a full length to a jacket. The possibilities are endless.

Home Décor

Lots of faux fur is seen in the home décor scene in throws and pillows. Enlist a furrier to give new life to an affordable vintage fur to give your home a cozy feel.

Martin Swinton owns Take-A-Boo Emporium, an antique shop located in Toronto, Canada. He does furniture restoration, caning and rushing repairs, custom reproductions, upholstery, teaches courses on antiques and does appraisals for estates and community events. He can be reached at 416-785-4555 or by visiting http://www.takeaboo.com

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