February is fast approaching and it is recognized as Black History Month.  This month means many things to many people, to me, it is a celebration of culture, diversity and creativity. What arose from struggles gave us freedom of speech, determination for survival and success, and an appreciation for those who gave their lives for those freedoms.

North Florida is filled with rich centers and sites that honor African American history.  We all owe it to each other to understand what came before us, so we can move forward with a deeper resolve to make our world a better place. Here are a few great resources that I enjoy sharing with others:

The North Florida  Black  Heritage Trail is filled with sites that provide significant African American history for visitors. Most sites on this Trail are open during regular business hours.  Click here for printable Map and Brochure of the Black Heritage Trail.

The Timeline of Black History is helpful for all ages and a great review of events.

There are many reasons to celebrate our history. If you are a music history lover, like me, you will enjoy this great video on the Harlem Renaissance: an Artistic Explosion.

My favorite African American Musicians of all time are:

Johnny Coltrane
He played this in Berlin.. 1961, the year I was born!

Louis Armstrong:

Billie Holiday:

There were so many others that I loved.. Nat King Cole, Stan Getz, Duke Ellington, Charlie “Bird” Parker and Sam Cooke.  Are you a blues lover? Have you been to our local Bradfordville Blues Club?  If not, it is a treat for all ages. check out the venue..and as a local where to go to hear the greatest blues and jazz on any Thursday, Friday or Saturday night in Tallahassee!

Above all.. let us remember our history, black history is a part of my American history.

In a market where there is a large supply of homes, what sets your home apart from the others? What will make your home more appealing, and what will bring a higher sales price?  Today’s buyers are shopping for three things: The best priced home, the most affordable monthly payment and financing, and the home in the best condition. Few buyers have money to make changes or repairs. Consult a REALTOR for the best pricing strategy..and don’t fudge by “testing” the market..you will waste valuable time. Few loan programs allow hold-backs for repairs, so having your home in great shape is key in selling quickly.

Here are 8 budget-minded projects to consider when preparing your home for sale:

1. Organize and clean your kitchen cabinets. Having space makes people feel there is room for their “stuff.”

2. Add or replace tile. Adding a backsplash looks expensive, but tile can be found for bargains.

3. Install granite or marble tile instead of slab granite. You can save thousands this way!

4. Freshen your Bathroom. Scrape nasty tile grout and re-grout. Change medicine cabinets, faucets, and lighting to match and update.

5. Paint Dark paneling and trim. Unless your home is a farmhouse… a splash of tinted color makes white trim “pop” and a room feel instantly clean. Note: Don’t’ paint unless you are good at it! Hire a professional.

6. Look Up! Change and clean return air ducts, ceiling fans and light fixtures. If it’s dirty, it is an immediate turn-off to buyers.

7. Address your Front Door. Does it need paint, hardware, replacement? The front door and entry sets the mood for the house. Check your lighting here too!

8. Make your Garage look like a garage. Do you use it for storage, or is it a home for your vehicles? Nothing is better than driving into a garage on a rainy day!

Small investments like these can make the difference in your home selling or sitting on the market. Immaculate SELLS! Roll your sleeves up for profits!

I received this information via Rep. Al Lawson via e-mail on Facebook. I hope it is helpful as we are all turning towards this tragedy with a desire to help.

Photos RedCross

It is horrible, and we must give, if only $5.00.  Here is how you can help:

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This home in Walden Place, a Gated community in Tallahassee, FL is at an unbelievable price! All brick on .75 acres.. Stunning interior with 12 ft. ceilings..really folks..it is a steal at this price. The View… magnificent and private. It is a find for the location and convenience!
Find details under “Featured Listings” at

http://www.HomeSalesofTallahassee.com

or
Call Debbie today to see this great home for yourself!

Did you know that a Realtor is bound to continue their education according to the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics?  Ethics training is paramount and after this comes all that goes into maintaining knowledge of every aspect of an industry that changes more than just about any other industry. Changes in market conditions, real estate law, financing and underwriting, zoning regulations and even building codes to name a few. Few customers realize the amount of education required of Realtors, not just for continuing education, but in achieving designations and certificates of study.

If that is not enough, learning how to effectively market properties, utilizing the latest technology and tools available keeps one not only ahead of competition, but enhances all listings by giving them greater visibility in todays marketplace.   We are moving toward technology in every aspect of our lives, who knew Realtors would need an understanding of technology to be effective marketers?  It is mind boggling considering most Realtors, when they began their careers had virtually no marketing experience. Many veteran agents have time under their belt, but do they use current marketing tools? It is a question customers must ask of their agents prior to listing with a Realtor.

Todays agents must be masters at listings, sales, and marketing.  All of these things are imperative to success. All of these change often, and all are changing with advent of social media avenues. Avenues for finding buyers and sellers and investors have changed.  Marketing methodology has morphed. A good Realtor will know what is working and what is time-worn and ineffective.

Over the past two years my marketing strategies have changed. I’m an avid reader and have been watching trends move from print advertising to the tools that today’s buyer and sellers use on a daily basis. I have attended seminars online and in person on marketing strategies, employed these in my new website, and expanded my visibility into social network environments by providing information about Tallahassee in hopes of attracting residents to our area and in obtaining buyers while establishing credibility with local sellers.

Learning about social media and marketing has helped grow my business, establish my brand, and has given me inspiration to help others learn what I have over the past few years. I have held technology seminars and continue on this path. tomorrow I will be hosting a Virtual REBarcamp webinar education seminar at my office where area agents will learn from some of the best in the business. Together we will learn, discuss and implement new marketing strategies for the upcoming year. The schedule below is what we will follow during this Virtual REBarCamp.

Keep in mind all that goes into your Realtors business and how they utilize the tools of technology along with their knowledge of all that is imperative to know in our industry. Give your Realtor a pat on the back for all that they put into your listings, your home search and your investment analysis!

Virtual REBarCamp Schedule for January 4, 2010.