I have been blogging for about 6 months now and would say I am definitely addicted to it. I am not so much addicted to the writing part as much as I am the results. This will be my 75th blog here on the rain! There are MANY reasons why I am thankful so I thought I would just name a few.
1. My website is actually getting traffic! When I first started, I don't think I was in the top 100 results of a Google search for much of anything. NOW, with certain keywords and phrases I am all over the top 3 pages! Most of the search phrases are fairly generic (which is a good thing). The proof is in the search. Give it a shot. Some of the key phrases I have been working on are "Franklin Homes for Sale" "Franklin MLS search" (This one has made it all the way to the top!!) "Nashville MLS search" etc.
2. I am learning more about Real Estate through blogging than I am through my continual education. Maybe blogging should be a mandatory class:)
3. I am also learning about SEO FOR FREE! The information that people post on here is priceless. A year ago I would have paid big bucks to get where I am today... instead, it costs me nothing.
4. Making new friends through blogging is key. Sure, some of them are in my SEO/Blogging class at work but now that I have made the connection they want to see me and my business succeed. Who else is going to call you and suggest better ways to capture leads! These same people are in competition for that number 1 spot. Thanks Larry Brewer and Mike Nastri
5. AR was just the beginning of my internet awareness. The information, the marketing, social networking, etc. is endless.... I am now discovering marketing ideas for my listings that I would never have thought of in the past. These listings are getting more leads and showings than they would have just being on the MLS.
SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Active Rain or it’s employees.
I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in Franklin TN. OF COURSE I use the MLS to list all homes for my sellers. The Nashville MLS is a GREAT tool and a no-brainer when it comes to giving a listing exposure. This exposure naturally targets other Realtors with buyers. In addition, buyers are learning more and more how to use the public MLS system for their particular area.
On the flip side, many buyers and renters are turning to Craigslist more and more. In fact, the last 2 rentals I had on the MLS were ALSO posted on Craigslist and BOTH rentals got their renters from Craigslist...NOT the MLS. To make it even sweet, I got ALL my calls from Craigslist. Not one of them came from
another Realtor on the MLS.
I have also found similar success with listing a home. I have gotten extra traffic and calls from Craigslist. This is a FREE service and that extra call or email could just be the one.
A few things you may want to remember:
1. Post weekly. The ads fall down the line and less likely to be seen by potential buyers/renters
2. Put as many pics as you can. I believe you are allowed only 4 BUT you can get creative and have a two pictures in one.
3. Be descriptive like you would your listing in the MLS. (Room dimensions and amenities would not hurt)
4. If you are an agent you MUST put all of your office contact information (I got in trouble for this once)
Obviously Craigslist does not replace the MLS but it is just one more avenue for potential buyers and renters to be looking. I literally place my listings on every site I can think of including Myspace, Twitter, Active Rain, and Facebook. You never know who is watching.
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Active Rain or it’s employees.
If you are wanting to search for homes in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, etc. and aren't wanting to call a Realtor to find it then try using a public MLS! It is easy for anyone to do an MLS search! Real Estate home searches are accessible to just about anyone now. They have similar search criteria that Realtors have access to.
Here are step by step directions on the search.
1. Go to the Nashville MLS Search page and click on "Home Search"
2. Choose the county and cities that you want to search within
3. Choose what "type" of Real Estate you are looking for. (ie. Single family, or condo)
4. Choose your price range (You can put in a minimum AND a maximum)
5. Choose your minimum bedrooms, bathrooms, and desired square footage (After your search results come back and you are not finding what you are looking for then go back to the search page and choose less square footage or bedrooms. If this is something that isn't a "MUST" then you may have more search results)
6. Type in the Minimum year age of your desired home. (Again, if your search results come back and you don't see what you are looking for then go back and type in an earlier year. This may give you more results)
7. Choose the minimum size yard you are looking for. (If applicable)
8. If a certain style home is important, (ie. log home ) then make that selection
9. If there are any amenities that are important then make that selection. If a fireplace, etc is not important then do not select any of these because you will get more search results.
These are just the basics! If you would like to search by County (ie. Williamson County or Davidson County) then you can do a whole search under the "area" tab and choose the county you want to live in and then add all of the other search criteria. Enjoy!!
Now, if you want to get tax information, search specifically by school (ie. Ravenwood High School), or even get an "auto-notify" of any NEW homes that show up within your search criteria on a daily basis then you may want to contact your local trusted Realtor!
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Active Rain or it’s employees.
I really enjoy sending people information about homes on the MLS. It helps my clients feel as if they "need" me for home searching. Of course they need me when it comes to setting up appointments, making negotiations, and allowing the entire buying process to be a breeze (on their part) BUT they by no means need me to find a home.
It is 2009 and the internet is #1 tool when it comes to searching for a home! Why wouldn't it? Every single home on the market is on the MLS. Of course there are a few FSBO's that are not and even the occasional pocket listing. (This of course is where a Realtor CAN help) 
Most of the websites that Realtors use have listings on them. Some have 10 or so. Others have maybe a few hundred. People don't have the patience anymore to look through 10 or even 100. Buyers are looking to narrow their search down to price, square foot, area, land, amenities, etc. We should all have the capabilities to add an IDX search to our websites so why the heck wouldn't we? Why wouldn't we use key search phrases such as "Nashville MLS search" or "Franklin MLS search" to focus on in our SEO ? Home buyers KNOW exactly what an "MLS Search" is. Most markets have a public MLS search but not everyone knows what it is so why wouldn't we want to be that search?
After enough searches they will more than likely leave contact info because they want to continue using the free MLS search! This has proven to help me get more clients and eventually help them in their search for that perfect home.
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Active Rain or it’s employees.
There are many exquisite neighborhoods in Williamson County TN. For starters, people tend to think about Concord Road and of course neighborhoods like the Governor’s Club. For those of you who are considering purchasing a high end home in Franklin, TN then consider Avalon. This neighborhood has some of the best views I have seen in all of Franklin! At some parts of the neighborhood you can see for almost 40 miles.
The feel at Avalon is as if you have stepped back in time with King Arthur. Even the street names like “Canterbury Rise” “Hamlets End Way” and even “King Arthur Circle” help set the atmosphere. The homes at the top have incredible views and the architecture is designed to give it that “castle” look.
The Principals Group are the masterminds behind this exclusive area. They have also done other projects like Brandon Park Downs, and of course The Governers Club. They specialize in areas where homes generally start at $1,000,000 and go from there.
Avalon Square will be a part of this community. This Old World style shopping community will feature shops, trendy upscale boutiques, condominiums, and great restaurants! Construction should start this year.
Overall, for great views, great location, and incredible architecture check out Avalon of Cool Springs Tennessee. You will not be disappointed.
Check out some of the pictures from this amazing neighborhood!
Stephen Strickhausen
Keller Williams Realty
Sstrickhausen@gmail.com
Disclaimer:
Franklin TN Homes for Sale, Nashville TN Real Estate for Sale, Property in Brentwood TN, Franklin TN Real Estate, Franklin TN Realtor, Franklin TN MLS search, Nashville TN MLS search, Green Hills TN Properties for sale, Spring Hill TN Homes for sale, Belle Meade, Middle Tennessee, Music City, Stephen Strickhausen, and Keller Williams do not necessarily reflect any of the views or beliefs held by Active Rain or it’s employees.
Specializing in Middle TN including Williamson County, Brentwood, Spring Hill, Franklin, and all of Nashville. We are here to help you buy or sell your house with little stress as possible. We have a
Use this section to write about your specific areas of expertise. Do you specialize in first time buyers - listing high end homes - etc. Are there specific market area's that you specialize in? The more you write about your area's of expertise the more knowledgeable you'll sound to a potential buyer or seller.
Dave and Isha G.
"Due to unfortunate circumstances, me and my husband decided not to purchase and follow through with our contract. We were two weeks into the process and Stephen gracefully backed us out of the contract and even got our earnest money back! We would recommend Stephen to anyone for his exceptional support and guidance. He strongly represented and reassured us throughout the process of purchasing a home and he will definitely represent us when we decide to purchase again!"
Wayne and Stephanie B.
"Working with Stephen Strickhausen was a totally delightful experience! Not only was he very knowledgable and effecient, but he was a joy to work with...amiable, friendly, and totally sensitive to our needs in a home...PLUS...Stephen helped us find our dream home!
We highly recommend him to anyone who desires to find the home of their dreams as well!
Happy Hunting!"
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