Meet Michael and Jackie Gerry, Walnut Creek Realtors
Meet Michael and Jackie Gerry of The Gerry Team. I met Michael for the first time in person today to talk about Active Rain and Social Networking. He's ready to jump right in, but he is still learning. His homework assignment is to learn about commenting on his own and other's blogs. If you've commented on him before and he hasn't responded, please don't be offended. He's new to all of this!
We had a great meeting, my daughter drew him a picture of his dog, Elvis, and we got some blogging tips in. Elvis is a very cute rescue dog. When asked what kind of dog Elvis is, Michael replied, "He's a small black dog." As many of you know about me - I LOVE people who rescue animals. I am a major advocate of animal rescue. Anyone who cares if their "pets" are happy is a friend of mine.
Elvis reminds me of my daughter's beloved dog, Emmy, who passed away. When we first rescued her we were told her heart was enlarged and she may not make it six months. Six years later she went into heart failure after never having acted as if she had a heart problem in those six years. I count that as a blessing.
I think these dog loving Realtors are a benefit and asset to our community and I welcome them.
Thank you! Chris
10 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 28 2009 11:50PMMulti-family yard sale fundraiser in Walnut Creek, California 8/1/09
The money raised from this multi-family yard sale will be used to rescue bunnies from local shelters, rescue abandoned bunnies, as well as for medical attention, fostering, and spay/neuters!
Come meet some of the rabbits and hear their stories!
You can shop, donate items, donate money, visit with the rabbits, and of course adopt a rabbit if you are ready for a wonderful new pet.
Where: 141 Murwood Court in Walnut Creek, 94596 (In the Walnut Knolls neighborhood, off San Miguel).
When: Saturday, August 1st, 2009 from 8am - 4pm.
Why: Why not? It's fun to shop, it's fun to pet rabbits, and it's a great cause!
Hope to see you there!
- offering website design, re-design, maintenance, hosting and virtual assistance
- and trying to help the bunnies. : )
12 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 23 2009 05:15PMInterview with Melissa Marro
My mother, Terrylynn Fisher, was able to sit down and talk to Melissa Marro about her business and expertise. I thought it would be nice to share the information here. I was lucky enough to finally meet Melissa (and her business partner, Bevin Googer) in person at our Orlando Expo. They are wonderful to talk to in person and have so much business knowledge to share.
Melissa founded First Impressions Home Staging & Interior Redesign in 2005 and helped it become one of the premier staging and training companies in the southeast. While still helping clients with their local staging needs, she also helps other stagers begin and grow their businesses. Melissa volunteers her time to help grow the Real Estate Home Staging Industry and holds several organizational leadership positions including IRIS South Carolina Chapter President and RESA/SIF Roundtable Moderator. In 2007/2008 she also held the RESA Southeast Regional Vice President Position and was nominated for the 2007 RESA Staging Innovator of the Year and 2007 RESA Staging Professional of the Year awards. Winner of 2009 RESA Professional Stager of the Year Award and nominee of 2009 RESA Staging Innovator of the Year.
Q: Melissa how many employees do you have?
A: Technically we don't have any employees, however there are five of us on our team. Everyone is an independent contractor for First Impressions Staging & Interior ReDesign.
Q: How large is your warehouse?
A: We have a 2,700 square foot warehouse with office and classroom space and enough inventory to stage approximately 40-45 homes simultaneously.
Q: How many houses do you think you've staged in your career?
A: Wow, tough question! I haven't tracked the actual number of units. We have staged over $90 million in homes actively on the market in the last 3 years. As a company, we average 30+ vacant staged homes at any given time.
Q:In this down economy what are three action items that you recommend a Stager do to ensure that they stay in business and actually continue to grow their business?
A: 1) Stay Focused. Have a written goal plan and daily plan of action. Stick to it.
2) Stay Positive.Nothing will get you further in this business than having a positive attitude. If you are having a bad day, who cares, when you are working this business you need to have your stuff together, a smile on your face and be ready to take on the world!
3) Remember that it's about the Client.Too many sales people (yes, we are in sales) worry about getting the deal. If things are slow, they get desperate and lose focus of the fact that we are providing something of value to the client - something that helps them. Don't worry about the sale. If you do what's best for the client, your business will grow and the money will follow.
Q: Why did you decide to take part in the StagerLIST Expo Series?
A:I think it's a great venue to help stagers. Many stagers haven't been given the tools to grow their business and don't know who to ask, or even what to ask much of the time. Gathering successful companies in the idustry to share their knowledge, answer questions and help offer opportunities is something we definitely felt we needed to be part of. Besides all of that, I'm looking forward to meeting others in the Real Estate Home Staging Industry who I've never me in person, but through online contact feel I'm already friends with.
Q: What workshops will you be teaching at the Indianapolis Expo and why do you think they will be of value to those attending?
A: I'll be teaching about Marketing and Portfolio Presentations. These are perhaps two of our strongest arenas as a company. They are also two components that can determine whether you'll be successful in this industry. In the marketing course, I'll be teaching the primary ways our company markets itself, why and how it works, ideas that work in any area of the country. After working as a manager in one of the largest real estate companies in Charleston, I learned how agents think. These ideas cut to the chase, providing stagers with clear cut timelines, guidelines and farming techniques that agents respond to.In the portfolio class, well discuss photography techniques and learn how to put all their skills together to make a compelling portfolio. This will help overcome objections, show off their staging skills and help make their statistics work for them.
Q: In your opinion what is the most important development in the Real Estate Home Staging Industry today?
A: Lately I've noticed a lot of opportunities for stagers to network with other stagers - StagersLIST Expos inlcuded. StagersLIST, RESA, Roundtables and online forums really help new stagers learn their craft, learn what is acceptable and what isn't and help answer burning questions in ways that weren't previously available. I think these are of tremendous value and stagers need to be taking advantage of them.
Thank you Terrylynn for arranging to interview this industry leader, and thank you Melissa for sharing your expertise with the rest of us!
10 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 22 2009 07:03PMAdopt or Foster Trix the Rabbit in Contra Costa County
Just as I posted my last blog about the new website I'm creating for Gary's Rabbit Rescue, I received an email from the founder, Suzi. One of the hardest things about running a rescue is when an animal you care for is in the shelter. For Trix, his time there is almost up. This means Trix needs to be adopted (or fostered) soon or he will be put to sleep.
Trix is a male NZ white rabbit described as fabulous, social and a bit of a trickster.
If you are able to help foster Trix, please email Suzi and let her know. She will be so relieved. An Adoption to a forever home would be even better for Trix. Please pass on this information if you know of anyone who may be able to help.
You can also click here to adopt Trix through the County Animal Shelter.
When I took my daughter to the shelter to pick out our rabbit, Snowball, she asked me what the dates on the cages meant. I didn't have the heart to tell her what happens after these dates pass. If you can help in any way, please do. Thank you so much!
8 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 20 2009 06:27PMAnother one of my bright ideas (bunny pictures)
Okay, so another one of my most brilliant ideas - I am creating a website for Gary's Rabbit Rescue. I'm already undeniably "the crazy cat lady", what is going to happen to me as I look at all of these rabbits?
This is Gary, the inspiration for the rescue group's name
I will share again when the site is finished. If you would like to make a donation, click here.
Here is a pair of bunnies bonding:
This is one of my favorite pictures, Gary with a baby on his head:
I have learned as a rabbit owner that rabbits are every bit as much of a commitment as a cat or dog. Rabbits can live 12+ years and are unique individuals. They can have an ego that rivals any cat's. They can be bossy, funny, sweet, playful, you name it. These are real pets who need real care.
If you are interested in an adoption day in Contra Costa County, email Suzi for the schedule. Suzi raised my adopted rabbit, Snowball, who was born in the shelter. She asked me to help with the website and I instantly agreed. It will be pink in honor of her mother, who lost her battle with breast cancer. I'm honored to be working on this project with Suzi, she does such a great job taking care of these rescued rabbits.
Kids & Rabbits at ARF's Adoption Day:
So, how many rabbits do you think will be living with me by the end of this project?
14 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 20 2009 06:04PMWhere do I begin? VIRAL REQUEST
This is very sad, if you can send your prayers or help in any way, it would be much appreciated.
Via Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett Realtor® RI-Ma CEBA Master e-Pro ABR ABRM GRI CRS ((FIRST Exclusive Buyer's Office Providence-RI) ):
Where do I begin?
Since it has been 23 weeks since my first post on January 30, 2009 I am getting very close to another milestone in the AR community, almost at reaching 50K I am excited,
however this blog I am now posting is to be a special blog that I want devoted to my daughter-in-law,Victoria Hann Corbett
Vicky, who celebrates her 38th birthday this coming August 4th is battling an autoimmune disease. She needs our help with an abundance of prayers. She needs a miracle, a donor to come forth and provide her with a new kidney.
She was diagnosed with Sjogren’s, an autoimmune disease, in 2004 after the birth of her first child, my first grandchild, Nolan Bryce, and is now suffering End Stage Renal Disease from complications of Sjogren’s.
Sjögren's syndrome often is undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome may overlap or "mimic" those of other diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. Because all symptoms are not always present at the same time and Sjögren's can involve several body systems, physicians and dentists sometimes treat each symptom individually and do not recognize that a systemic disease is present.
Vicky is the wife of my first born son, John Michael and lives in Anderson, SC. She is the mother of my two grandsons, Nolan Bryce (4 to be 5 August 6) and Braydon Pierce who turned 3 on April 20th. She has managed to enthusiastically care for them even while enduring daily fatigue and exhaustion along with her loving husband, John. She works full-time during her entire ordeal. As a Certified Lactation Educator, she helps women establish a successful and loving nursing relationship with
their babies. On top of all this, Vicky makes time to volunteer at community events such as cancer awareness days and the hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic.She started a blog, Sjogrens & Me, to help others who are suffering from this disease. Her blog is featured on
Wellsphere, a comprehensive health information website.Vicky is such a positive influence on the community and rarely even complains about her symptoms.
According to Victoria she tell"What does Sjogrens feel like to have?
She patiently is waiting for a kidney transplant and needs all the help we can provide. With a failure of a kidney, everyday life is most difficult for her and has been for the past 5 years. By having this kidney transpant it will allow her to have a real chance to lead a normal everyday life enjoying her 2 little ones and family.
Please, if you or somebody you know can help Victoria, here are kidney donor options:
* Compatible Living Donor* Incompatible Donor too often willing live donors do not meet the medical criteria. While it remains preferable (safer, easier, and less expensive) to receive a kidney from someone who is fully immunologically compatible, you can be an incompatible donor.
PLEASE, Help me use the power of the web and social media and viral spread this request to a world wide basis of networking. May we connect in this blogosphere to everyone who might know someone who can help.
Vicky as well as needing this kidney transpant, she and her family are in need of financial assistance to cover the extremely high costs of the transplant. A fundraising campaign has been established with the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF) to help offset their out-of-pocket expenses. To date, NTAF founded in 1983, is the largest financial assistance organization in the United States for transplants and is a nonprofit organization that has been assisting the transplant communityfor over twenty-six years.Dr. Jack Kolff and wife, Patricia, B.S.N., created the NHATF with the vision that all people should be able to receive life-saving organ transplants without regard to their financial situations.
tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. To support this cause:All contributions are administered by NTAF exclusively for uninsured transplant-related expenses. Donations are please visit their webpage for Victoria Hann Corbett
May the hearts of those who can help make a difference.I thank you, my AR community family. Feel free to spread this dire message on twitter, facebook, and on your blog.My friends, you have been with me for 49,788K and 122 blogs
Members Invited: 1 Blog Posts: 122 Rank in Rhode Island: 3 /519 Rank in Providence County: 2 /230 (Featured!) Rank in Providence: 1 /88 (Featured!) Featured Posts: 1 Comments Received: 1,375 Comments Left: 1,438 Blog Subscribers: 35 Blog Subscriptions: 418
You are the BEST OF THE BEST.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Copyright photo by Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced without the written permission of Kathleen Ann Pacheco-Corbett, The Buyer's Choice, Lincoln, RI. Permission granted with a link back to my website and/or blog providing site is appropriate for all ages. Thank you.
We want to be your "Personal Realtors for Life"
http://www.thebuyerschoice.com
KATHLEEN ANN PACHECO-CORBETT
Office 401-725-5608 Cell 401-556-6911 Fax 401-423-4377
12 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 12 2009 12:54PMDon't forget the Real Estate Home Staging Expo on July 15, 2009 in Dublin, California
We have all new topics this year and have added our very popular workshop series. Enjoy our industry expert speakers, networking, goodies from the sponsors, and much more. This year we will have Alyx Flannery presenting Build Your Business with a Strong Web Presence, including Social Networking, SEO, etc. Alyx is able to explain this often complicated (sometimes boring) information in a way that makes sense and is interesting.
Click here to learn more or register.
We also have Christine Rae, author of Home Staging for Dummies and International Staging Trainer presenting how to use Communication Styles to Overcome Objections.
Lunch is included, and our lunch workshop is about Feng Shui and the Laws of Attraction, specifically how Feng Shui relates to Real Estate Home Staging. Alexis Summerfield, who has been featured on HGTV's Sleep On It, will be presenting this workshop.
We then have afternoon workshops about Choosing Color, Green Marketing, and Blogging/Websites/SEO. The end of the day grand prize raffle is over $200 in cash and prizes. Come out for the full day or half day and network with local sponsors, Home Stagers, Designers and Realtors.
All designations, or no designations, welcome, this is for anyone thinking of joining the Real Estate Home Staging Industry and anyone currently involved, as well as Realtors and Design Professionals.
Click here to learn more or register.
This event is being held at the Welcome Home Furniture Warehouse and Design Center
6938 Sierra Court
Dublin, CA
925-828-3463
July 15, 2009 from 8:30am to 5:30pm. We look forwarad to seeing you there!
Call Terrylynn for more information, 925.876.0966
National sponsors include:
Certified Staging Professionals (CSP)
Real Estate Staging Association (RESA)
Bekins
The Interiority Complex
Local sponsors include:
Sphere Effect Printing and Promotional products
Athena Painting & Design
Thomas Lighting
Introducing EcoJoe!
Omni Virtual Tours
The Mirror Gallery Walnut Creek
California Custom Carpets
- offering website design, re-design, maintenance, hosting and virtual assistance.
5 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 11 2009 03:23PMPlease Help Senior Dog...ASAP! REBLOG
Via Kristin Johnston, Remax Realty Center, Realtor, Waukesha and Milwaukee Counties (Serving All Of SE Wisconsin!):
Please everyone....read and cross post!! Thanks Jackie Kyles for bringing this to our attention and for fighting for our fur babies!!!
Please cross post
People are truly amzing sometimes. I cannot even say what I am thinking. Please read this email I received. My home is slam full right now and I am still getting 6, 6 week old puppies next week and I still have to find time to sell RE.
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Jennifer Hearing. I have a paralyzed 7 year old Lhasa Apso male who uses a wheelchair to go for walks. He has been like this for four years, ever since I was in college. Now, my husband and I are expecting our first little boy within the next month, we're moving from Statesboro, Georgia to Ohio in June and my dog, Titus, has some special needs (such as having his bladder expressed) that are just going to be overwhelming once the baby gets here. I don't want to put him to sleep because he is healthy,happy and likes to eat and play with his toys. I was looking into other options that may be appropriate for Titus. I dont know if you take dogs like Titus, but I would like to talk about this option if it may be available. If not, can you possibly direct me to someone who may be able to help?
Thanks for your time,
Jennifer
PLEASE ASK ME ABOUT MY GIVE BACK PROGRAM, WHERE I MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO AN ANIMAL SHELTER IN YOUR NAME UPON CLOSING!!!
HSUS MySpace Page | Stop Puppy Mills Website
Listen to my blog at http://podcasts.odiogo.com/kristins-blog/podcasts-xml.php
Se Habla Espanol!
kjohnston@remax.net , kjjj1234@gmail.com , 414-254-6647 www.activerain.com/kristinjohnston www.LinkedIn.com www.kristinjohnston.com www.ecademy.com www.realtor.com , www.naymz.com www.zoominfo.com www.facebook.com www.plaxo.com www.trulia.com www.myspace.com www.postlets.com , www.perfectnetworker.com www.loopnet.com www.konnects.com www.twitter.com www.wordpress.com www.congoo.com www.xing.com corporate website , and more.
And, as always, if you need real estate assistance in Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, or anywhere in SE Wisconsin, please don't hesitate to contact me, Kristin Johnston , at kjohnston@remax.net . Please make sure to visit my personal website as well at http://www.kristinjohnston.com and find everything from online markets , Buyer and Seller information, property searches , testimonials , calculators , my blog and more.
I am proud to be a full time real estate professional and Waukesha County Realtor. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you in the purchase or sale of your next home! Contact me today!
Waukesha Realtor, Realtor in Waukesha, Waukesha County Realtor, Waukesha County Real Estate, Buy a Home, Sell a Home, Waukesha County, Waukesha, WI, Buyer Agency, ABR, Buyer Specialist
3 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 09 2009 07:28PMWe get a sneak peak at EcoJoe at the Expo in Dublin, ca! 7/15/09
What is EcoJoe? The original (and only) eco-friendly home selling kit!
About six months (or more) ago I had dinner with Cindy Lin of Staged4More.com. While talking about work and other things, she shared her newest project with me. EcoJoe. I had to keep quiet about it all this time. Any guesses how easy that was?!
Cindy’s Mission:
-Change the way real estate industry uses plastic
-Reduce plastic usage
-Reduce amount of plastic being buried into landfills or your backyard!
-Promote green practices
Cindy’s Description:
The practice of burying a St. Joseph statue dates back thousands of years, when he was first called upon to help sell real estate. Today, home sellers and real estate agents continue the tradition to enlist the saint’s assistance in finding a buyer. Sadly, most of the home selling kits on the market are made of plastic and other content that are harmful to the environment. As an eco-conscious real estate home staging professional, I saw this as an opportunity to create a greener alternative. Our sourcing, production, packaging, materials and distribution support green initiatives and social responsibility.
Cindy will be bringing EcoJoe with her to the StagersLIST Expo in Dublin, California on July 15, 2009. Please register and join us at the expo, we have some great sponsors and speakers this year, it is a completely different expo from last year.
I think EcoJoe is a great idea and I'm glad I can finally spread the word about this new product. Great job Cindy Lin!
- offering website design, re-design, maintenance, hosting and virtual assistance.
16 comments • Chris Fisher of StagersLISTWebsites.com • July 02 2009 03:49PM
