Hot Springs, AR

What can I say, last night at the Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off was just one of those "feel good" moments that truly made me proud to be called a REALTOR®. The parking lot was full of the best professionals in town, and they were all there for one purpose and one purpose only and that was to raise funds to provide food for the underprivileged children in Garland County.

What started over 7 years ago as a lunch room conversation between my mother and I, has exploded in to one of the largest fundraising events in the history of the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS. Each year Trademark Real Estate host the Hot Springs Board of REALTORS Can's For Kids Chili Cook Off, and since its inception in 2002, it has been a tremendous success raising over $70,000. The best part of the whole program is the realization that EVERY penny of the money stays in the community and is spent on those that are in need.

This year the cook off featured over 30 chili and booth entries. There were REALTORS®, title companies, banks, mortgage companies, local retail businesses, and fitness gyms that participated. Each entry was judged not only on Chili but also on booth setup and costumes. There were booth theme's that ranged from Santa and Mrs. Clause to the Beverly Hillbillies. Not to mention a special appearance from Elvis and the Pink Ladies.

The Hot Springs Board of REALTORS® Cans For Kids Program was presented to the Board in 2002 by the incoming President at the time, Cris Salazar. From the beginning this program has provided food for the local school systems, and over the last several years it has provided weekly donations of food to the 7 local school districts. In 2007 this program branched out to also provide each of the 7 school districts with $500 a piece in school supplies at the beginning of each school year.

It is because of the REALTORS® of the Hot Springs Board, and what they offer to our community that I can honestly say that the mark of a TRUE professional is giving more than you get. My fellow REALTORS® came out in full force last night and did just that, they portrayed a TRUE REALTOR® spirit!

How many times do you hear this statement? Probably not nearly enough, but why? I tend to believe it is because we doubt it ourselves. But why should we doubt? Is it not true that we are the creators of our own future? What would happen if you told yourself everyday "My future is so bright, I gotta wear shades!"?

The answer to that question...A future so bright you BETTER wear shades!

You are what you see yourself being. If you see yourself with no money, no job and no future that is exactly what you will get. It it time to change your thinking pattern. Think of the things that you want to be, find a place to write it down, visit the list frequently, and don't forget to continue to add to the list. It is amazing how your mind will start to work to make your list a reality.

See you at the top..................

To Tweet or not to Tweet? That is THE question.

It seems that everyday, I have an agent come into my office and ask a question that has something to do with technology regarding the real estate profession. The majority are just being to look at the options that are available to become a part of, while others are even more far advanced than myself.

However, one of the ever rising question seems to be regarding the infamous "Twitter". Most want to know exactly what Twitter can do for them, and is it just another piece of technology that they have to maintain everyday.

What I can see there are some key reasons why REALTORS should be "tweeting":

• INSTANT- One of the key advantages of Twitter is that it provides instant information to a large audience. You could look at being on a loud speaker to the world. It is more effective than email, because it goes to all of your "followers" where as email will only be delivered to a selected group.
  
• MOBILE- You can use Twitter to broadcast messages to the world from your computer, your cell phone, or any internet devise.
  
• VIRAL- If you send out a message and someone likes what you have said, they can immediately send it to their followers. This is a method that information can go viral quickly.
  
• JOIN IN- When you see a conversation on Twitter that is of interest to you, you can chime in at anytime and no one is offended. So if you are one of those that like to interrupt in conversations, Twitter is the perfect spot for you to hang out!
  
• BREAKING NEWS- Twitter has tools that can help you search millions of conversations that are being said about certain topics. You can even automate searches to have updates sent to your regularly on topics that are of interest to you.

So with all the advantages, you should at least try it out. While you are out there follow me @TrademarkRE

Can't wait to see you "tweet"!

Trademark Real Estate is excited to announce a partnership with Fowler Auctioneers in Hot Springs. The goal of our partnership is to find the best and fastest possible way to market property for our Sellers. With the team work of the two organization, it is one of the best options that Hot Springs has seen for prime marketing of property.

Once the process of an auction property begins, it is just a few weeks until buyers will be standing outside your property. The auction process causes multiple buyers to compete at the same time and place to purchase property.

Keep in mind that with other selling methods, the buyers are in control of the process, starting with an asking price, negotiating down, and with no time pressure to close the deal. With almost every other method, competition exists only between sellers.

Auctioning is the exact opposite; competition exists between buyers. After the opening bid, negotiations only go up; buyers know that they have only a limited time to make their purchase. Bidders are caught up in the rush of a timed auction, and competitive bidding drives selling prices higher and higher.

There are two basic approaches to selling your property at auction:

In an absolute auction, the seller agrees to sell the property regardless of the price. Generally, absolute auctions tend to bring much larger crowds of buyers who have already researched the properties for sale, which gives the seller a definite edge. Also, bidders have the knowledge that the property will be sold no matter what, which leaves the highest bidder position infinitely open in the mind of potential buyers. This makes for more fast-paced, intense bidding which in turn tends to drive selling prices to their highest available amount at that time.

Reserve auctions, though not as intense as absolute auctions, provide a safety ledge for sellers. This is due to a reserve amount the seller requires to be met in bidding. Even though this type of auction is generally not quite as popular, if it is properly done with a realistic minimum set, it does share many benefits with absolute auctions: both types always bring the highest available sale price at the time and the buyers are competing with each other instead of sellers, constantly driving the sale price higher and higher.

Benefits of an Absolute Auction

• Absolute auction tells the public that the property will sell regardless of price.
• Brings serious buyers who know the property will be sold right then and there and have already done their homework concerning the property for sale.
• Buyers compete more urgently while constantly raising the sale price
  • Allows you to be confident of selling at the highest price available at that time.
• When selling your real estate, from the time you choose to have a Fowler Auction, your real estate can be SOLD in eight to ten weeks, or by whatever schedule you choose.

For more information on our newest service contact Trademark Real Estate today at 501-318-3200.

Just a shout to let everyone know about the 2 new restaurants that have just opened here. My top pick for our local #1- Central Park has officially dropped to #2. While it is a fantastic restaurant with a cool setting and nearly perfect food everytime, after just over 1 year they still don't quite cut the mustard for customer satisfaction. There is still a limited bar, a wine list clearly put together with little thought(and wine knowledge), & lighting that is better, but still wrong for a dining atmosphere. PLEASE understand this is still a top restaurant, and I frequent there, but little touches like this are the difference between a feature in Wine Spectator, and stellar reviews, verses a mention in a local rag and an occasional review. Matts daily specials keep me dealing with these easily corrected issues though!

So--- #1 in the Spa town NOW! Via Roma 1521 Malvern 501-620-6468 Ahh! This is what dining should be. The door is usually opened and one is warmly greeted by an attractive staff. Once inside the restaurant is appropriately lighted and very tastefully designed. Tables are set properly and staff is attentive in a learned fashion without interrupting your experience. I have only been in twice and everything I had was perfect. The menu is diverse and fairly priced. The bar is already stocked nicely and noticeably growing along with the wine list as it should. The place is very tidy and clean. It is cozy enough for a sweet date and relaxed enough for a daily grind! This will be a locals hang. I am very grateful! And to add to your dinners end, have an espresso. Get right in as I'm sure they will become and remain busy. If you don't arrive soon, I would advise calling ahead, although eating at the bar is no less of an eperiance. There is no doubt in my mind this will remain the top restaurant in Hot Springs as long as the owner is hands on.

Also, just opened is Picante's in Spencers Corner downtown on Central behind Subway. I must admit the name threw me and I passed it up a time or 2 before saying gotta try it. I was just expecting a less trendy name to be on a good restaurant! I have been here 5 or 6 times already. There are really only 2 choices for me as far as Mexican cusine is concerned, Picante's or Las Americas. The food is really good at both. While Picante's suits people with more of a Tex-Mex palate, Las Americas is authentic. I have had several things here including one of my favorites Seafood nachos. Everything is freshly prepared and nicely done. You are greeted with a metal bowl of chips, green salsa, and a lovely fire roasted salsa-neither spicy, but good. The staff here is also attractive. The margarita's are a bit over priced, but they actually shake the ingredients, which makes it sooo much better. All the dishes I have seen and tried have been attractive and tasteful. The prices-come on its Meican food-you can afford it. It is such a blessing to be moving away from this tragic truck stop approach to service that has just killed me! These new restaurants that are popping up are going to be the death of the tired norm that we have been stuck with so long for the simple reasons that the staff doesn't scare you away and you have confidence the kitchens are actually clean! The other reasons- all the restaurants I have mentioned today have great price points. They are top restaurants and do not turn you off by price gouging. Cheers and happy dining..