Gail MacMillan, Broker - Titusville, Brevard County FL

GREAT NEWS...in the FIGHT against e-MAIL SPAM...and it's FREE

2008-07-25T12:38:00Z

I hate it because I receive more than my share of the obnoxious stuff, it really hate it because it wastes too much valuable time. A little background before I continue might be helpful - my website is with Point2Agent and to make a long story short, I use their POP3 for my email. If I apply even the smallest filter against spam I end up not receiving important email which means nothing gets filtered. I receive several hundred spam emails a day, it's making me crazy!!! A year or so ago, while looking...(read more)

FelonSpy (.) com = PURE HOAX

2008-06-27T15:08:00Z

Heads-up! This website is making the rounds (via email) and not a word of it is true. It gets people all riled up thinking there's very bad people living around them. I have no idea what the creators of these menaces hope to gain, but I'm sure it's not good. I received it yesterday and, of course, plugged in my address (minus the street number). Lo and behold the bad guys were everywhere. I was talking with the friend who sent it and she had a felon living on the golf course(?) So we checked Snopes.com...(read more)

WARNING: Malware - Trogan.Renos

2008-06-17T22:57:00Z

This morning I had the unpleasant experience of this malware. I'll describe it's behavior so you'll recognize it if it lands on your computer. It operates as a series of pop-up screens which mimic the look of Windows Security Center. I ran a virus scan but nothing showed up. Still something just didn't feel right so I compared the logos which were close, but not the same. There were 6 or 7 warning screens which eventually all lead to the pop-up requiring registration for the latest updated Windows...(read more)

Prospect Email or Spam? - How do you Know?

2008-05-23T12:30:00Z

I get my share of these, but they are now so clever that they're hard to just blow off as spam. I ran this one through the international phone books and checked on www.snopes.com . Nothing came up on either the name or the number. The country code is confusing because of all the international mobile phone extensions. Did anyone else get this and how did you handle it? I'm sure many foreigners are interested in Florida investments; I'm equally sure the spammers could have a field day with a response....(read more)

New Scam - They're looking more realistic

2008-01-21T12:59:00Z

I received this in my spam folder this morning. Being curious I googled the name and location. It's a close match namewise, the place exists as written, it's in Nigeria...............oh Nigeria...........again. Of course I didn't respond, but I'd like to - heck I'd invite the whole tribe as we have lots and lots of homes available :-) ______________________________ Attn, Iam in need of a good family home in your area for immediate acquisition and relocation of my family.In the event you have available...(read more)

MARKET ABSORPTION RATE FORMULA - Made Easy!!!

2008-01-13T23:06:00Z

I know it's been done before but I want to share the formula I use because it seems easier than some others I've come across. INVENTORY The total number of houses for sale within a defined market area ABSORPTION RATE The rate at which homes will sell within a given period of time or unit sales per month EXAMPLE 48 sales in 6 months ~ divide the # sales by the # months = 8 sales per month MONTHS OF INVENTORY Time required to sell all existing homes ~ divide inventory by absorption rate (# sales per...(read more)

Fax to Email

2007-04-18T19:15:00Z

I'm sure many of you have tried various services for having faxes go directly to your email account. Who has the most reliable service? While price is not most important, it does rank up there. If you use an 800# is it worth the extra fee? Who would you absolutely stay away from? All comments appreciated as I want to get this set-up immediately. Thanks a bunch.

Gail

Going Wireless, Staying Connected, Anytime, Anywhere - IS IT POSSIBLE

2007-04-12T19:41:00Z

Can someone tell me if this scenario is possible? Tablet PC, Treo 700 acting as the modem to connect to the internet with the Tablet - anytime, anywhere. So far I think this all works. Now the kicker - I would REALLY like to have VOIP added to this package with a Bluetooth device to connect to the VOIP provider via the Treo. This would provide international long distance connectivity anytime, anywhere. Making the big question this: Is there a VOIP service that doesn't need cable or DSL, but can use whatever satellite our cell phone uses? If I'm dreaming wake me up, but it sure is a nice dream. Are any of you using some sort of variation of the above, is it working well for you, and what is it costing you per month? Thanks for your input.

Gail

Do You Charge Transaction Fees To Your Customer/Client

2007-04-05T23:57:00Z

In our office we have a transaction fee of $150-200. I have never passed this fee along to any of my buyers/sellers. My feeling is that we are compensated per our agreements and the transaction fee is just another junk fee. Obviously I have internal disagreement on this issue. I eat this fee and make it part of my presentation whenever I can, that I do not and will not charge you (my customer, ect). What do you do in your offices? What are your personal feelings on this topic? Is the DOJ ever going to rule on this and I wish they would. I spent 10 years in mortgage banking and saw many a-junk-fee passed along which really only added to the company's bottom line. As a nation I hope we're not irreparable in the fairness department. Just my 2¢

SKYPE - VOIP

2007-04-05T12:00:00Z

Are any of you using Skype? A couple days ago I downloaded their software and quickly discovered that my microphone headset was acting up. I could here the test message just fine but Skype could not hear me. I adjusted the volume settings, made sure the microphone was not on mute, etc. No luck. So I bought a Linksys phone for Skype. Before opening the box I cruised around and learned there are other options besides the phone. There is a special Motorola bluetooth over the ear piece with the USB part for $90 ($50 on Ebay), there is also a phone adaptor which, I guess, converts the regular cordless phone to work with Skype.

If you are using this service would you mind sharing your experience with it and what hardware you finally settled on. Are you really happy with Skype and have you found unique ways to use it in your marketing? Once again, thanks in advance for sharing. Looking forward to reading your comments.
Gail
http://www.HomeSweetHomeFlorida.com

Requesting a Brain-Storm on How to Effectively Handshake out of State

2007-03-16T20:25:00Z

COULD THIS WORK??? I'll start this way - if an agent has devoted the time and energy to get their PI over (say) 5000 would you agree this agent is serious about their job? Assuming the answer is yes, could we then harness the power of Handshake to display their listings State by State on our websites. If we get an inquiry on one of their listings could we work out a referral agreement? This would seem easier to manage than rooting through the thousands of requests that come to us per the current system. Do the benefits outweigh the effort? Is anyone doing this now? Through the Reliberation Blog and Message Boards I've come to feel like I know some of you well enough to say it would be my pleasure to display your listings on my website. I'm having a difficult time accepting Handshake in it's current incarnation and I'm seeking ideas to bring Handshake to a new level of usefulness. I would rather spend the time adding the selling areas of selected agents vs weeding through the pendings and new listings daily. So I'm tossing it out there for a good old-fashioned brainstorming.
I'm really hoping we can get together on this. Have a fun St. Patrick's Day.

Gail MacMillan - http://www.HomeSweetHomeFlorida.com

Seeking ADVICE from Sales Managers & Broker Managers

2007-03-10T12:59:00Z

Would some of you with experience managing associates be so kind as to pass along lessons you've learned over time that really made a difference in moving your sales people toward a rewarding career in real estate. As you might guess, I've recently accepted the challenge to move our production to the next level. We've several new associates that have a lot of potential and I'm humbled at the prospect of mentoring their success while increasing overall production. While I pilot this program forward I must also maintain my own production (no small time task here). I'm aware that burnout is to be avoided, and it's one of my greatest fears. SO, lessons you've learned, books which have helped you be a better leader, sources for successful sales meetings or anything else you care to share would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

Gail MacMillan - http://www.HomeSweetHomeFlorida.com

Outlook Express - Anyone else having this happen...

2007-03-05T20:33:00Z

In the past week or so I have had many emails come to my inbox empty. No from, No subject, no source info.
Just the closed envelope. I don't think it's any new type of virus, but I am curious how this would happen. Anyone else seen this or know about it?

p.s. call me weird using OE over Outlook. One of these days I'll check it out (it's on my computer)

Stupid Question #2 - Even though I don't believe in them!

2007-02-23T00:49:00Z

HANDSHAKES -- aaarrrgggg -- Are we busy people, uh, I think so. Do we mostly want to shake hands, uh, I think so. Do we have time to check "everybody" out, uh, I don't think so. I have another P2 website (another topic) and someone blocked me for content - YIKES!!!! blocked content on my Professional Website http://www.HomeSweetHomeFlorida.com. which is my pride and playful joy. Literally when I have time to play that is where I go. Someone in my area, who I happen to have great respect for, docked me once for content. I emailed and we spoke on the phone. The brochure I print from the P2 Brochure, had referenced "for pics and VT visit www.etc. When brought to my attention, It WAS removed. Stupid Question #2 is: how can I find out who blocked, for no reason I'm aware of, and try to come to an understanding?

Stupid Question #1 - Even though I don't believe in them!

2007-02-22T23:28:00Z

Feel free to run with this one. We could start the Stupid Question Club (Tee-Hee). OK - so I've got this great PI Score on P2 (1/2/4 as of 2/22/07). Don't we all look at that Executive Report? I see the same websites ALL THE TIME - however, I don't see them in the top rankings in the P2/PI World. WHY IS THAT??????? Are they too busy making money to play the P2/ PI game? Am I flattered to be #1 in Florida, #2 in the USA, #4 in the P2World - of course I am. Did I consiously plan this - heck no - didn't even tune in 'till a month ago. And have I come a long way Baby - yes, because it made me look at the tools that I was not utilizing. So how nice for me, I'm some kind of SuperStar that has 1/100th (or something) the traffic these Executive Report SuperStars have. My "stupid question" is can someone explain this to me?????
Signed: FeelingNotSoSpecial-InTitusville,Florida