Danger Will Robinson! Think Before You Pin!
Pinterest Safe Pinning rules can help you from making BIG mistakes with copyright violations.
So many social media sites and so little time!
Learning yet another social media platform is almost too much for anyone today. It seems like we just get comfortable with how things run on facebook, twitter or Google+ and they change the format along the rules so it's like a never ending journey of new information. I am sorry to say this is the norm and in the 21st century as the Cosmic Shift Happens™ this is just the way things are going to run, constant change.
We are living in a beta test world and the destination is yet to be determine so strap in, learn the rules, buckle up and hang on.
Read this post on how 11 huge brands are using Pinterest. I have a breaking story about Kate Spade and her team pinning a Martha Stewart St. Patrick's Day straw and forgetting to give her credit or link back to her blog post. Now this could be a SERIOUS copyright issue which you should be aware of. It might be gone on Pinterest by the time I publish this post however, it was there at publishing and you can see the screen shots below.
This is the first in a series of posts on Pinterest, both the good and the bad. Take the time to read about different venues and decide after doing your own research if a platform works for you or not.
In the blogosphere there are many types of bloggers with individual styles who have similar messages however, their information is presented in a different way some you will like this and some of you won't. Pinterest has taken on a love/hate position with many involved in social media so this post is to share the WARNINGS and DANGERS involved at Pinterest taking place right now with HUGE players possibly not understanding the rules. Therefore .. please take some time to read the links for more powerful information and learn for yourself how you might be able to use this platform to share your message. Don't let FEAR take away something that could possibly be fun and profitable if you KNOW and USE the rules found in all copyright situations.
Pinterest appears to be the latest greatest new fad taking off faster than facebook or google+ during the same initial beta releases. Inman Next has done several webinars showing how real estate agents can use Pinterest in their business to connect with people. Follow the Inman link to see the webinar and what they are sharing about Pinterest. If you create your own blog posts, you take your own pictures and know your community and what it has to offer this is the perfect place for you to share that information that YOU create yourself. You can link to your community websites and pin activities to help the consumer find out more about your neighborhood through Pinterest.
Pinterest is VISUAL, it's fun and you can spend hours clicking on the photos (whien linked to correctly posted) websites where you can learn all about something you are interested in. The graphics are what stimulate the desire to find out more about the picture and what it represents. Your mission, should you accept it, is to provide beautiful photos of your area and homes so that people will want to click through the picture and see what you are selling, contact you and a relationship has been established. Important note: Check with your Broker about your company listing agreements and how they are handling marketing in social media and if photos of their home will be allowed on the Internet. The TOS or Terms Of Service of different platforms might be shared with the seller but checking with your Broker for you company policy is a MUST before posting or pinning anywhere on the Internet.
If you are taking your own photos to market a home then use the pictures to SELL the property. Think about not getting so concerned with FEAR that someone is going to take your picture. Your job is to SELL the house not worry about the picture. Thiefs are going to be thiefs, if they want your photo they are just going to find a way to get it. Put your name on the photos or watermark them and it will keep honest people honest just like a lock on a door. If someone wants to get in they will figure out a way to do it.
The GOOD news is learning is less than an hour investment in time to figure out how Pinterest works and how fun it is.
The BAD news is you can get in real copyright trouble if you are pinning photos and images that are not yours and have not been approved for pinning... so learning the rules of "proper pinning" is of up most importance.
Advertising Lawyer Brian Heidelberger Shares How Brands Can Use Pinterest Without Breaking the Law. He says:
"We're not going to kid you, this risk reduction strategy will significantly limit your ability to pin and re-pin content
found on Pinterest to your company's brand page. But unfortunately the way consumers are currently using Pinterest just isn't the same way that your brand will likely be able to use it, given that a brand's commercial use will be much more attractive to potential plaintiffs. Pinterest attempts to limit its own legal liability by providing in its terms that users are only supposed to post or pin content that they own or that they have the right to post. From a practical matter, this may give Pinterest some legal protection, but the same legal protections will not likely protect your brand page since you are directly pinning the images"
Another helpful article shared by American Express talks about how a small business can be damaged by Pinterest so reading it is all part of the learning curve which will help you determine whether you want to participate or not based on your own investigations.
The rest of the Kate Spade pinterest board story..... I read the post on how 11 big brands were using Pinterest and saw them talk about Kate Spade and her boards. I went to the boards and found a cute St.Patrick's Day Straw in an orange soda. I did pin it and saw the message from Martha Stewart's team letting her know that the pin should link back to their website. The link went to a tumblr site with Martha's Straws. I deleted my re-pin from the Kate Spade board and went to Martha's site to pin where she had the "pin it" link for anyone to pin and link back to her page. This could possibly be a genuine copyright violation because they took the graphic without the link back to the original post. If the big guys are doing this and it certainly could have been an unfortunate mistake, it is a red flag that others could be doing it in ignorance. PLEASE be careful as there is DANGER Will Robinson. The same photo had been re-blogged on Tumbler 158 times and each person was linking the Martha Stewart graphic to their own websites. THAT is a NO NO.
Bottom line is to be careful with what you are re-pinning and making sure it links back to the source and you have the right to re-pin.
If you want to share you content install a "Pin it" button and people can pin away. Martha Stewart had the pin it button right on her site and it would have been so easy for the Kate Spade team to just use that button. Maybe a team member saw the shamrock straws on Tumbler and had no clue they were Martha's straws...... you see how convoluted this can get. Just be careful and look for the "pin it" buttons when pinning content that is not yours.
More articles on the "Everything Pinterest" board with both the good and the bad of what is going on today with Pinterest.
Connecting The Mortgage Dots is something that all buyers and sellers need to do in a real estate transaction.
If you are selling a home, you need to know how the mortgage process works and how you fit into the plan. Appraisals and inspections are something that is part of almost every transaction and you need to be prepared for the journey ahead if you are in the market to sell.
If you are a looking to buy a home, you need to know where to start and how the dots all connect to get to closing. Guaranteed there will be many cow pies you need to navigate to get to complete your transaction.
Gene Mundt, Senior VP with Chicago Bancorp will be my guest on blogtalkradio Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 9:00 a.m.
Mountain Time. Call in at (347) 994-1903 or set a reminder to listen on your computer and join the chat room.
Gene has 30+ years in the mortgage industry plus he has people skills that will make you feel so comfortable in the transaction you will think you have been friends forever.
His experience includes:
Questions we will be addressing a home buyer or seller would like to know about:
Connect with Gene Mundt, Senior VP Chicago Bancorp
Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331
Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com
Website: www.genemundt.com
Skype: 630.219.1316
Thinking about buying or selling a house?
Please listen to the show with Gene Mundt and start asking questions about the process so you can navigate all the cow pies that will come up during the process.
Sellers NEED to know the loan process because it will help when they get feedback from agents and the response has to do with financing, inspections or appraisals.
Buyers need to know about this as the journey will be much easier when they know what to expect along the way.
Remember the Cosmic Cow Pie Blogtalkradio show. Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Call in at (347) 994-1903 or set a reminder to listen on your computer and join the chat room.
This show will be the 2nd in a series to help buyers and sellers get through the home buying and selling process. We will be interviewing agents from around the world talking about specific markets and sharing how toady's agents are communicating.
Our first 2012 agent interview was with Rich Cederberg from Albuquerque, New Mexico. You can listen to the archive of the interview and hear some of the questions asked about the Albuquerque market.
Each area will have unique market traits so knowing the questions to ask to make a confident decision is an important part of the process of buying or selling a home.
Got more questions? Leave a comment or join us on Cosmic Cow Pie blogtalkradio as we talk with agents, lenders and inspectors from around the world.
Do you have a HOT list?
2012 is going to boil with business and a HOT list will fuel the steam engine that needs to get to 212 to move. It's all a function of having the right tools to run the machine.
This is the 4th Tip in a 30 day program of sharing ideas to help develop new strategies and habits to stay on track.
Each day there will be a post with one idea that might help with creating balance and reducing stress!
Creating your HOT list.
Do you have a sphere of influence list which should include:
The sphere of influence list should be a list of everyone that you know including teachers, club members, doctors, dentists, house keepers, lenders, service providers etc. Someone you know and could call if you needed something.
This list is beyond your holiday card list and should include anyone you would recognize and could talk to at the grocery store. This IS your sphere of influence list NOT your HOT list.
If you don't have one of these lists you NEED to create one. Make some forms that you can have with you in your purse or computer case. When you are talking with someone, ask yourself "Do I have all their current contact information?" If you do not, then have them fill out the form or take out your smart phone and add them to your contact management program.
Every day you should be adding at least 2 to 5 new people that you meet personally to the list. Yes, that should be an HVA (High Value Activity) daily if you have a business product or service you have to sell.
Don't forget about meeting new people in social media... another Cow Tip on adding new contacts to Google+, facebook, twitter, foursquare and linkedin.
Have a value added subscription program like a newsletter, video blog or tips on your business, product or service as a door opener to be able to get the new information from the contact. This concept will be discussed in another future Cow Tip.
The HOT List!
The HOT list is a sub category from your sphere of influence. These are people you have lunch with or do things socially. These are people that love you, support you, will help you unconditionally and you would do the same for them.
Go through your sphere of influence and select the people that should be on your HOT list. Create a letter that, you will hand address specifically to them letting them know they are on your HOT list and that you want to know what you can do to SUPPORT THEM. You might want to have a form in the letter for them to update social media connection links, websites and e-mail. Make it fun.
Send the letter in a colored envelope with a fun stamp. The post office has Love stamps, Celebrate Stamps and
all kinds of causes. Pick a stamp the friend will look at and think they are special. Maybe a cartoon stamp would work better for you. Decide what stamp works from you and your personality.
Use your home address as the return and again, HAND address this letter.
Think about the impact of getting a letter in a colored envelope with an interesting stamp hand addressed. What about including a $2.00 certificate to Dairy Queen or Mc Donalds for an ice cream.... they will laugh and should think you are a fun person. Be creative and be yourself. Come back and let us know if you think of something else to add.
In the letter encourage your HOT list friend, to call you and set a time for you to get together to have coffee or lunch to talk about supporting each other in 2012.
Personal referrals are the key to success in any business so to make 2012 the year that boils at 212 degrees you need to do something different. Creating your HOT list is going to work. Create your own specific dialog in print and think about what you will talk about when you get together. Each business, product or service is unique just like your networking style so develop conversation that you feel comfortable with.
Fishing in the pond of people who know you, love you and will refer you is the place you want to be. Your HOT list can be the source of new people to connect with and the job is much easier if someone has given a referral as an introduction.
Think about this concept. Take it and work it. I would be honored to give you individual ideas to help 2012 BOIL with your HOT list!
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Take the ideas then make them into something that sounds like you! I believe that copying is the highest form of flattery and I encourage you to copy any of my ideas to help you achieve success.
Get immediate access to the past 52 weeks of videos in the archive barn for many different ideas.
If you have something that will help others, please let us know and we might be able to feature you, what you do and your idea on a weekly video Cow Tip.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Take advantage of talking to Carra Riley for a 30 minute FREE consultation on any type of planning,
Also check out Carra's Cliff Notes (Social Media 101) Connecting the very BASIC Dots for those wanting to learn and integrate twitter, skype, linkedin, facebook, and google+ into their business.
New Year, New Day, New Thoughts
2011 was the best of times and the worst of times for my family and me.
We took a trip around the world for the best of times checking off many countries on our Goddard list (aka bucket list).
A near death experience with a young family member made it the worst of times. I won't go into the details at this point but in my 58 years I never had family issues that I could not put aside to do my work and be productive. This was a hard feeling to overcome and set back some productivity. The positive outcome from this "worst of times" 2011 experience gave me real empathy for the physical emotion which accompanies personal life issues. I am so grateful this is a new day, a new year and I can implement new thoughts and share with you. I feel even better equipped to help people through difficult times and stay on track with implementing a business plan. Having a routine to keep going is the key to staying on track during a time of emotional unrest.
Ten years ago our family went through financial difficulties where we even sold our furniture to eat so I know the pain of having no money and not knowing where your next meal was coming from. We were basically on numb getting through each day one moment at a time. Getting over the embarrassment and humiliation of this difficult financial life experience in 1992 helped me relate to buyers and sellers in similar situations. I could look them in the eye and say "I KNOW how you feel and this is what we did." I am happy to report we worked through it one step at a time never declaring bankruptcy and paying back every dime we owed through Consumer Credit Counseling.
This current family issue was a new "cow pie" for me to process. Everything had always been a pretty even keel in our lives. When we did get to some piles of "cow pies" we could usually get through them without being on numb and we would reach a resolution in a short amount of time. I am happy to say that with the end of 2011 I "kicked those old thoughts to the curb" and am ready to soar at a new altitude that was always there. It appears we all have some issues to deal with in balancing work and personal life and the 2011 lesson has been invaluable to me in helping others.
Controlling thoughts and emotions can be a challenge throughout life and this is the year.... 2012 where things are going to boil (212 degrees).
Pondering the concept of turning up the heat made me think of separating the silver and gold from the dross. Things have to get heated up to purify and refine the silver and gold to get to the pure substance. The dross or the imperfect materials have to be purged to get to the gold. To move a steam engine the heat has to be up to the 212 to make it run! Turning up the heat in 2012 to refine the gold and run the engine is going to be exciting.
As members of the human race we are all connected in one way or another. It is my humble opinion we are all one through the creator. We are in charge of our thoughts and have complete control of where they go. Life is about demonstrating the skill in exercising what we will and won't think. We can dwell on the positive or we can emerge ourselves in the negative. We do manifest what we believe. This concept became crystal clear to me in my real estate experience starting in 1979 when the agents in the office wanted to trade floor time with me as the phone always rang with someone to help when I was on floor. You see I believed I was there to help people with their real estate and it manifested in my experience. I was able to sell new homes in a project our office was working when the market was down and no one was buying because the interest rates were at 12%. It all boiled down to my beliefs. Getting to that altitude that changes how you process life will make all the difference in the outcome of personal and business productivity.
Our cup can be half empty or it can be half full. When you think about it... whether the cup is half full or have empty with liquid, it is ALWAYS overflowing with air. You see your cup runneth over no matter what, you just have to decide to accept that fact or not. You are in charge!
This year I am going to try each day to only listen to positive messages and know that my cup is running over being grateful for what I have and my ability to read, think and reason through any cow pie out there. I look forward to sharing with you on our 2012 journey.
A trip around the world was on our "Goddard List" (aka bucket list) and we saw the world for the best of times. We started to think global and act local.
On the voyage around the world I took lessons from the universe and completely listened as we embarked on foreign ground. A new book from the Cosmic Cow Pie series is emerging with the global lessons which should be launched in 2012 "Connecting The Dots Around The World." It will inculcate lessons from major land marks we visited. The book will have pictures from sites that have been photographed by thousands and I will share a message to help trigger a change of thought when experiencing a stress situation. The book will take global icons and the message should help the reader think about new "coping skills" to navigate the cow pies of life that continue to be in the way no matter what year it is. Check out the lessons from Brazil and India. Life really is about how we put our boots on and get through those piles. SSDD Same Stuff Different Day applies as nothing is constant but change. The Same Stuff IS the constant change.
One of my favorite quotes applies to everything happening today in a most timely manner:
"You can't change the wind you can only adjust your sails."
As the winds of change blow they bring new challenges and new ways of thinking. When trying to modify your thoughts to stay with the positive you have to build a bridge, walk on over it and never look back.
Taking control of your thoughts requires forgiveness. If you are trying to think only positive and good thoughts in 2012 so you can get that steam engine running you can't have negative energy coming in taking away from your ability to go forward. Whatever was in the past needs to be in the past and you need to forget it. Throw it over that bridge and don't think about it again. Forgiveness means that you forget it ever happened. If you keep bringing up the past you can't live in the present.
The present is here and now and will reflect the way you think.
Don't be thinking about old issues. If you can resolve a conflict just DO IT. If you can't, simply build that bridge and walk on over it.
Let's make 2012 the best of times together.
Join us on Google+ or facebook for 30 days of VALUABLE Cow Tips to reduce stress and create balance as we embark on 2012 together.
Paying It Forward To Seniors.
This time of year is the perfect time to start new behavior and pay it forward in some small way every single day! 
We hear a lot about children and how we can help which is a wonderful and very important activity.
Let's add our seniors to that list of people who would really appreciate some special treatment.
A holiday or New Years dinner, some cookies, a bouquet of flowers... something sweet to tell them they are important and valued.
It is my understanding from a long time ago, Tony Robbins tape that Shaquel O'Neil and his dad asked 3 questions every day which my family and I have enjoyed subscribing to.
The three questions they asked daily, were:
1. Who were you nice to today?
2. What did I learn today?
3. How was I better to day than yesterday?
A great way to keep track of progress is to actually keep a journal on each daily question.
When reviewing your week there is no better inspiration for the next week than reading about the good you have done, what you have learned and how you have improved.
This holiday season we took a turkey dinner to senior friends in Flagstaff, Arizona along with cookies and a floral arrangement. We made a Christmas dinner for some senior friends in Aurora, Colorado at their home with everything from the ham to cherry pie. The icing on the cake for us was making the pea soup from the ham bone which was their favorite soup and putting all the left overs in bags they could freeze.
The slide show below shows you just how easy it is to make someone's day special and make them feel important and valued.
There is still time to go to your favorite grocery store... get a roasted chicken, turkey breast, ham and the fixin's with a little sizzle to start the New Year out right!
As we roll into 2012 think about a daily good deed.
Consider the idea of sharing the three question program in your home, your school, your faith organization or philanthropic group.
By paying it forward, we all make the world a better place.
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Helping people Connect the Dots in the Cosmic Cow Pie of life is a good description of what I do. I consult for small business and real estate. I am also a writer & speaker out of Williams, AZ.
Jeri Evans, RE/MAX Agent
Don and Lois Aaro, Hawaii Owners
Karen Connell, Past Customer
Tracy Stice, President of Hawaii Association of Realtors®
Clare Leonard and Cindy Hannah
Marcia Fine, author of "Stressed in Scottsdale"
Pat Childers
Faith Barnard
Karen McDonald, Keller Williams Realty
Dear Reader,
You have found it!
A place where you can connect to someone who as been there and done what you are going through right now! With 30 years of Real Estate experience, I offer a different sort of Real Estate guidance to help you navigate through the Cosmic Cow Pies of the current Real Estate markets. New technology allows me to help people in every state make decisions on who they want to work with to buy or sell Real Estate and what might be a possible plan to follow with specific Real Estate goals.
Visit my Cosmic Cow Pie website now!
I am confident I can help with any Real Estate transaction or direct you in to a place you can receive the help you need for whatever issue you are facing. I am a problem solver and love helping make a difference in the world one person at a time. I can Read, Think and Reason. I always respond to communication as quickly as I possible and I follow through and do what I say I am going to do. I have worked at a grass roots level with Banks, Mortgage Companies, Title companies, Builders, Developers and even the US Marshalls office. I have lobbied to get laws changed to help sellers, taught for the Colorado Associaiton of Realtors, have been a convention speaker for both Colorado and New Mexico.
The Realtor Pledge talks about Golden Rule behavior in the first sentence and the pre-ambIe to the Realtor code of ethics also embraces Golden Rule behavior in our standards of practice. I sincerely value this moral practice of "treating others the way I would want to be treated" and will bring that principle to your transaction. I will help make sense of the Real Estate "Cosmic Cow Pie" and have fun doing it.
I bring my experience to the table to make the transaction smooth and easy for both the agent and the principle. Whether you are a first time home buyer, seasoned investor with 1031 needs, a homeowner behind on your payments or looking to invest for the first time, I can can assist you in selecting a Real Estate agent who will fit with your personal style.
Connecting the Dots on CosmicCowPie.com
I filter through hundreds of choices and create an "A "list of three agents. We communicate via, e-mail, social media, skype or webcam and phone. It does not matter what State you are in we will all be looking at the same digital information and will be able to commnicate with 21st century technology. I set up individual conference calls with all three agents.
You will be provided quesitons to ask each agent which we will go over with expectations for responses. I will be right there with you on the phone and will participate when needed. After the interviews have been completed YOU, the principle, will make the decision of who you liked the best and who you feel you could work with... then the proces begins to either buy or sell a property. Every transaciton has the same basic steps and after 30 years and thousands of transactions I can help you through the deal, including your specific, unique requirements and make it pleasant.
As a consultant I am an advocate for what works best for you. My position is as a peacmaker to help you get to the finish line and have fun doing it. I would like for you to hire me to help you navigate the Cosmic Cow Pie of the current Real Estate market.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Please read and verify my testimonials, check out my website and links and see what you think.
Warmest aloha,
Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI
CosmicCowPie.com
I'd love to connect on any of these networks!
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheCosmicCowPie 
Mission Statement:
To help people, one at a time, with heartfelt joy and humor.
Vision Statements:
My vision is to help mankind by sharing my experiences and possibly save or relieve individuals from unnecessary "pits" in the stomach. I will attempt to help stimulate behavior that makes the world a better place by understanding people are different and by walking in their shoes, expressing respect and love for who they are without being judgmental. The vision is for peace and balance within ourselves and then the world. It all starts one neighbor at a time.
Resume
Carra Lee Riley Born: July 4, 1953
Current Real Estate Consultant, Writer, Speaker
Real Estate Sales with Second Homes Arizona LLC
Golden Rule City web site concept developer 2008
Real Estate Entrepreneur & Sales: Lake Havasu City, Arizona 2002 to 2008
Owner/Broker Associate Prestige Real Estate Group LLC 1999 to 2003
Broker/Owner Colorado Real Estate Connections Inc. 1993 to 1999
Broker/Owner Maui Tropical Connections Inc. 1989 to 1993
Broker/Owner Metro Brokers Riley and Company 1984 to 1989
Premier Real Estate 1982 to 1984
Moore & Company 1979 to 1982
Senior Instructor Colorado Association of Realtors
Real Estate Convention Speaker: Colorado starting in 1980 and New Mexico
Life Time Achievement Award recipient: North Metro Denver Realtor Association 2000
Rookie of the Year:
Both, North Suburban Board of Realtors and Moore & Co.
Past Owner of Tahoe's Incredible Machine and Colorado's Incredible Machine
Buyers Macy's Kansas City & Adler's 1974 to 1976
Graduate: Colorado State University CSU 1974
Graduate: New York - French Fashion Academy 1971
Advisory Board: Colorado Department of Education for McKinney funds.
City of Westminster: Legacy Foundation member
Graduate: Broomfield High School 1970
4-H Grand Champion winner: Home furnishings and child care.
Make It With Wool State Winner
Kohl Elementary 1962: 4th grade Carra's Cinnamon Sucker Sales. Doubled money daily.
Realtor Testimonies
April 13, 2009
"Carra came to work with me for a short time at Paradise Found Properties in 1988. Never in my career of 30 years have I met a agent with the immediate impact that Carra and Tom ( her husband ) had on the Maui market. They moved in to a very established Maui neighborhood, where every 3rd house was owned by a realtor and in one year, they door knocked, networked and totally took over the neighborhood.
If you want an example of how systematic networking creates success, look at Carra.
She is the Queen !"
Tracy Stice
President, Paradise Found Properties, Inc.
Maui, Hawaii
June 10, 2009
"I am a Realtor in Lake Havasu City, AZ.
I had never worked with a Real Estate Consultant, prior to working with Carra Riley. I ended up working with her on 2 different transactions as a result of the good working relationship we developed.
I was pleasantly surprised at how it made my job much easier and for the clients they had additional Real Estate support to help them make their decisions about their home selling experience.
The first was a home where the seller interviewed 3 Realtors which Carra set up and told us all about. I actually priced the home a bit higher than the other Realtors but with this price told her she needed to paint, cleanup the landscaping and add new carpet. I am also an Accredited Staging Professional and also staged the home for sale. She spent about $4,500 and got back a return of $11,000 by getting her asking price. We had the home under contract within 14 days and closed in 30 days.
This was a great example of a client who listened, followed our advice and got the home sold quickly in a market filled with competition.
The second example was very similar in that the client needed to spend some money for the paint, carpet and landscaping but were not as flexible on price. They resisted the suggestions on price and chased the market and against our advice turned down the first offer only to end up selling $5,000 lower as the market continued to decline this year. We sold the home within 6 months but had the client taken our advice we would have sold at a higher dollar and quicker.
Working with Carra Riley was a pleasure as she helped the sellers understand what they needed to do and validated what I was telling them based on her past experience.
Brenda and Willie Gonzalez
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
G-Force 928-505-5478
Office 888-501-5478
928-846-6044 Brenda's Cell
July 26, 2009
"Carra Riley is one of those people that is successful in everything she does. She has so much energy, knowledge and skill, that she accomplishes about twice as much as most people do in half the time. She really cares about service with her clients and goes the extra mile to make sure they are well cared for.
Carra has been one of my few mentors in the real estate business as she is always on the cutting edge of new trends and technology.
I firmly believe that anyone that gets to work with her is very lucky!"
Heidi Stewart Schaffnit
Re/Max Alliance
Denver, Colorado
August 21, 2009
"Carra is a great lady to know! She is involved in more "stuff" than anyone you have ever met. She is fun, brilliant, and most of all-- game for anything!! Carra is lots of fun and always has a smile on her face. She is a probably the most natural-born salesperson I have ever had the pleasure of meeting!"
Mary Anne DeYoung
Owner Re/Max Elite
Parker, Colorado
Seller Testimony
September 20, 2008
"Carra,
I had no idea when I called to get your opinion about selling my home in Havasu that you would still be so connected to the business.
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you connecting me with the Realtorsin Havasu. I was so impressed with both of them that it was hard to make a decision.
Trying to find them on the phone would have been a night mare. I may have ended up with some one with no experience and no true idea of the time and place we are in with Real Estate. The fact that you were able to check comps and confirm pricing was key. I really needed that check point from this distance.
When the Realtor I chose actually went and coordinated the minor renovation the house needed and then did some staging to make it look inviting, I knew I had made the right decision to stay in Denver and leave the details to the professionals.
I really think it cost less in the long run to have her decide what to do rather than me come to town and labor over things I don't do every day. The fact that my home sold in one day may not be the norm but I am pleased as punch.
I know it has to do with the fact that you know the market and what works. I just took instruction. When we entered the Real Estate market in Havasu in 2002 I had no idea of the ride we had just jumped on. Buying the first three seemed monumental but you made the transactions smooth and easy even from a distance. You gave us guidance on renting and keeping the properties repaired from a distance. You always had a contact for us when we had a need. When it was time to sell and exchange into other properties you once again found the price range and made it work.
I can't tell you how grateful I am for the work you did in Bullhead after the market changed. The two homes we had in Laughlin Ranch and Talon Point would never have sold with out your help.
The fact that you went to Phoenix and fought to change the legislation about having signs on the re-sales in the area was what made it happen. It's been a learning experience for sure.
We have been through some turbulent Real Estate times since 2002. Being a lender in Colorado and as close to the market as I am, I still would not have known what path to take on many occasions from this distance.
Thanks for staying in touch in good times and really for hanging in there when things took a turn in the Real Estate market. You came through on all 14 of those transactions and I really appreciate it.
I wish you the best!
I will be happy to share my experiences with anyone.
Ellyn Meister
Arvada, Colorado
Buyer and Seller Testimony
July 20, 2009
"Dear Carra,
When a novice gets involved in a real estate deal, he expects to have an agent working on his behalf. He expects that there will be some give and take in the selling or buying process. He expects that the process will be pretty straight forward. What this person does not expect is a rel estate agent that might not know all the laws or procedures involved, or who will be working more for him/or/herself than for the person he or she is representing. That is why it was such a pleasure working with you.
It was obvious you were working for me and not yourself. As a real estate consultant, you had no "axe to grind" and were just out to make sure I received a fair deal.
Your care for me was obvious from the start when you were so very careful in helping me select an agent to represent me in selling my apartment building. Out of the three agents, you helped me find someone that proved to be honest, hard working and cautious in protecting my interests.
It was a pleasure working with him, and I thank you for doing such an excellent job in finding him and then keeping right in the loop with each step of the process. I know that you being there was an influence on him to make sure he was working in line with my desires.
You did a better job in finding real estate brokers for me than I didon my own when I decided to sell my house in Los Angeles and buy a house in Arizona. The agent you found to represent me as the buyer in Arizona was excellent. He did his homework, found a good number of homes for me to look at, all of which fit the description I had given him of what I wanted in a new home. He put himself out to accommodate my needs. Again, I was profoundly grateful to see how you were right on top of each detail, helping us both through the process.
I saw the difference between the way you selected agents and made sure they were representing my interests and the way I had picked my own agent in los Angeles based on a long time acquaintance but no real knowledge of the way she worked. I thank you again for stepping in and giving me such excellent support and consulting advice and guiding me through that whole process.
The concept of the contingency you suggested I look into was my great protection in this deal, and it is interesting how very important it was for my protection, and yet all the agents involved fought against the idea, tooth and nail. Greatly due to your watchful shepherding and confident guidance, the selling in Los Angeles and buying in Arizona went smoothly and fairly, and I was protected in every step along the way. If you ever need a reference, please feel free to use me, or to use this letter of thanks as proof of my endorsement.
Thank you again for all your help."
R. Dereck Swire
Flagstaff, Arizona
1031 Exchange Agent Testimony
April 8, 2009
"Carra's knowledge of 1031 exchanges, rental properties and great understanding of her client's needs is outstanding. She is great with explanning complicated real estate transactions and 1031 exchanges. It's a delight to work with a professional with such knowledge!"
Mary Lou Schwab
VP , Bankers Escrow Corp.
Denver, Colorado
Lender Testimonies
April 7, 2009
"I have known Carra since she started in real estate. She has amazing energy and enthusiasm. I really appreciate working with her because she is honest and knowledgeable. She was crafting Win-Win Solutions long before it became the catch phrase. You couldn't ask for a better advocate."
Peggy Pingle
Loan Officer, America's Mortgage, LLC
Broomfiled, Colorado
April 15, 2009
"Carra is an excellent real estate agent who goes above and beyond to help all of her clients. I have worked with Carra for several years and her customers adore her. She has a heart of gold and believes strongly in moral values and the golden rule "Treat others the way you would like to be treated."
Monica Hall
Construction Loan Manager ,
Mohave State Bank, Lake Havsu City, AZ
April 21, 2009
"Carra is truly a professional in the Real Estate Industry and more Realtors should be like her. She is hard working, loyal, and has high integrity. I recommend Carra because she gets the job done!"
Frank Giuliano
Branch Manager, Temple Inland
Westminster, Colorado
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