Rose Robinson

There's been a lot of hype on video being the new trend in realty circles. I decided to give it a try. Went to Wal-Mart and bought myself a Flip Video; inexpensive and tiny (so easy to slip into a purse and go!).

Armed with my new Flip Video, I went looking for adventure! My first few attempts were shaky and a bit blurry, but once you get the hang of it, it is so EASY!!!!! I've got videos of scenic bridges, beautiful riverbeds, old stately homes, flowers on grassy meadows, butterflies on our front garden, anything you can think of, will video quickly and easily...just make a slow gradual sweep and voila, you are a videographer!!! Want audio or music? No problem. The Flip video is simple to use, very few buttons to master.

Once you've taken the video, to input into your computer simply plug in the USB gizmo that pops out of the side of the video camera....a child can do it! I now have videos on a couple of my listings. It seems to be creating more hits on realtor.com and on our company websites. One of the videos that I did of Pequawket Pond is shown here! It was my first video.

Across the country, there are more and more foreclosures occurring in every state. The casualties of foreclosure are many and deep. Families are sometimes broken apart by foreclosure, marriages snapped due to the unbearable pain of being left homeless. Coping is different for everyone.

Unfortunately, the forgotten casualties of foreclosure are the family pets. With the collapse of the housing market, these pets are left behind by their owners as they abandon homes they have lost to foreclosure. A rising number of pets are being left in shelters. Some are found by neighbors or the realtors hired by the foreclosing bank.

It's so sad; it's beyond comprehension. How can people leave their animals behind, without food or water, knowing that they will certainly die if left unattended? This is my hope and prayer for people facing foreclosure:

"Please take your pets with you when you vacate your home; they deserve your care. They will not survive if abandoned in a home. You took responsibility for them when you took them into your home---they have always loved you unconditionally. In many cases, the companionship of pets provide you and your family with therapy and benefits as you ease into a new life. Do the right thing and take the pet with you. If you can't do that, ask family, friends or co-workers if they will care for your pets until your situation changes. As a last resort, surrender your pets to the local animal shelter."

In our area, the website for the Conway Area Humane Society is: www.conwayselter.org

I was astounded at how wonderful the new Localism is! Compared to the previous version, which was milk-toast (sorry authors!) this one is an eye-popper! I love the new format, it's easier to use, crisper and more engagig! Also, if we as realtors are using this medium to communicate to our prospective clients about our local area, we needed a place that would do that. If you haven't yet checked out Localism, do it. It's worth it.

And if you happen to live in God's Paradise (like I do) what better way to share that with others???

This is the Swift River in North Conway, New Hampshire

I can help! In addition to selling real estate for many years, I am also married to a builder...I admit, he is somewhat picky about his projects, but it has been his trademark to build quality homes. Therefore, I have studied with the best!

The first step is (of course) to have a piece of land to build upon. There are many wonderful parcels to pick from up here in the North Conway, New Hampshire area. The Mt. Washington Valley has many distinct sections to choose from. If you like waterfront lots, there is the Conway Lake area; if your preference is mountainside living, possibly with awesome views, there is Bartlett- a town just north of the Conways. Or maybe a new subdivision up on Davis Hill in Conway, with superb views of Chocorua, the Presidentials and Conway Lake! Want to be trail side? There are ski lots close to Cranmore Mountain or at Bear Peak.

Secondly, you must choose a builder who is reputable, honest and knowledgeable. Then book appointments with 2 to 3 builders and interview them. Ask questions such as: How long have you been building? Can I preview some of your building projects? Do you have a sample contract that I can review? These are some of the things that will be good to know.