Stephanie's Blog

Adding video to Activerain blog

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:17:15 -0500

I have finally figured it out, but it took the right tools. Below are simple instructions for adding great video to your Activerain blog:

1. Taking a video using Flip Mino Camera is the simplest way I've found.

2. Create video using Flip's simple instructions, add music if desired, and save to Youtube using your strategically selected keywords for tags.

3. Write your blog on Activerain and save it to publish it.

4. Copy the code from Youtube on your video (this is an option you have while watching the video, either copying the code or the URL- for this purpose, take the code. Don't forget to share on Facebook and Twitter if you've created this wonderful video! Also send by email to friends right from Youtube!)

5. Return to your blog and edit it, going to the HTML tab you see at the top of the body (typically you are writing in WYSIWYG tab, but switch over to HTML tab.)

6. Paste the code between the paragraphs, where you want it.

7. SAVE!

8. Review the blog and enjoy!

"Social Media Revolution" Youtube Video, a Great One!

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:13:17 -0600

If you haven't already watched this video on the impact of Social Media on our world, it's one to watch. Having gone viral long ago, I heard about this video time and time again as it got posted onto Facebook, distributed on Twitter, and received tons of comments on Youtube.

The use of video like this one always intrigues me as I watch and wonder what it is about this one in particular that really gets my adrenaline rushing. I watch this one and get "hyper" about social media, was it the music, the speed of delivery, the numbers, or more likely the combination of all the above.

I can flip through Youtube looking for something that grabs me and usually within 5-10 seconds I've made my decision on whether or not I will continue to watch it or not. What is it in a video that grabs your attention? What videos have grabbed your attention the most?

(Remember to turn up the volume if you follow the link to the video.)

Keene, NH Area Open Houses, BHG The Masiello Group, November 7-8, 2009

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:23:00 -0600

11/7/2009

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 10:00-12:00

9 Prospect Street, Hinsdale 10:30-12:00

46 Arlington Ave, Keene 11:00-1:00

61 Hilltop Drive, Keene 1:00-3:00

206 Pako Avenue, Keene 12:30-2:00

26 Colby Street, Keene 11:00-12:30

3 Earl Avenue, Winchester 11:30-1:00

33 Richmond Rd, Troy 11:00-1:00

103 Rte 119 West, Fitzwilliam 10:00-11:30

34 Robbins Rd, Fitzwilliam 10:00-11:30

135 Number #4 Rd, Fitzwilliam 2:00-4:00- NEW PRICE!

84 Kendall Rd, Keene 3:00-4:30

19 Iceland Circle, Keene 1:00-2:30

39 Prescott St, Keene 11:00-12:30

11/8/2009

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 11:00-1:00 (also on Weds 4: 00-6:00- process starting at $147,000)

38 Skyline Drive, Keene 2:00-3:30

76 Howard Street, Keene 12:00-1:30

270 Wentworth Rd, Walpole 12:00-2:00

441 Rte 63, Westmoreland 10:30-12:30

51 Summit Ridge Drive, Keene 1:00-3:00

806 Rte 63, Westmoreland 2:30-4:00

NHAR Embraces Social Media

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:02:14 -0500

I just got off teleconference with the NHAR Social Media task force team: Shannon Aldrich, Ansel Crombleholme, Jay McGillicuddy (chair), Dan O'Halloran and myself, Stephanie Jacques. The task force was set up to help NHAR and it's members implement the use of social media tools for communication.

Because social media users are already aware of the power of being involved with social media (i.e., the speed and the amazing ability to tap into the knowledge of thousands in record time), we are discussing ways to help reach members who may be hesitant to reach out and try social media. For many of those members, it's:

1) a matter of being shown how to use it

2) explaining more about social media

3)addressing any fears that they have...before they adopt the practice.

For others, it may never be adopted (I still know many agents who do not use cell phones.)

The NHAR has already begun blogging (NHARPulse) and using Twitter (@NHAR). Soon we will be implementing podcasts and webinars and we'll be needing more agents on board.

How has social media crept into my workdays?

Going about my day without learning about the happenings in my industry is a day from the past. I'm in tune, through Twitter especially, with information about the tax credit rulings, health care reform, and breaking news. Social media, though intimidating and overwhelming until it is well disseminated, is an avenue for receiving this news and being engaged. Consumers are engaged. It would be embarrassing to be told something by a consumer about my industry that I haven't learned about.

5 Ways I'm going to Get Myself Through This Winter

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:04:52 -0500

#1. I'm boarding my horse indoors so I can ride all winter and keep my sanity. I'm putting all my cards on this one because riding is my passion. This winter I'm NOT going 6 months without it!

2. Social Media NETWORKING! You never know what's coming around the corner when you're embarked in the social media journey. Keeping ahead with social media and getting continuous training to advance my knowledge has become my mission- why? It's fun and it's opened new doors for me!

3. Staying away from any negative in office conversations. Everything's goin' all right, as far as I'm concerned as long as I've got my family and my health, complimented by an exciting career and surrounded by friends.

4. Go snowtubing at Granite Gorge with my daughter now that she's old enough! This I'm looking forward to.

5. I'm going on a VACATION this winter!

Kids just say the darndest things!

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:24:11 -0500

Every once in a while I revert back to my children in a blog because of something that's happened that's truly warmed my heart. This occassion is one of them!

Last night I was a bit harsh and snappy with my daughter whose chatterbox mouth was steering me away from my search for quiet (...and my need to complete a thought without constant interruption.) Because we've raised our children with very little TV, I have an automatic guilt trip for turning it on, but maybe I should have because Mommy wasn't being a good playmate!

I felt bad about being unfairly snappy and, in trying to teach a good lesson, I spoke to my daughter about it this morning as she was getting ready for school. "That's right, Mom, and I'm sorry too for being crabby when you didn't sing to me before bed." And so we continued with our morning and I added that this morning, I was going to let her get ready on her own without nagging about getting dressed, brushing teeth, and hurrying up to eat (something we go through daily and it wears on me as well as her I'm sure!)

After a successful morning without nagging and getting out the door ahead of time for once (which I still can't figure out how it happened without my nagging) she went on..."because I will be able to teach my children how to prepare themselves for school without all that 'do this, do that, blah blah blah' and they won't have to hear me nagging at them because my children won't like it when I nag." I wondered where she got off talking about having children of her own and thinking about how they would feel if she, as a mother, talked to them a certain way. SHE'S 5 and she's talking about how she'll teach her children!

Lesson learned from a 5 year old this morning is, they're brilliantly smart and incredibly capable and willing. Using the right approach and communicating a sense of trust in them is something I'll need to work on because my goal as a parent is to raise my children so that they are capable of being independent when they leave the nest. Treating my daughter as such will help their self esteem greatly as well as make my morning more stressfree!

The Masiello Group Open Houses October 20-November 1, 2009

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:52:44 -0500

10/31/2009

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 10:00-12:00

95 Plain rd, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00

620 West Street, Keene 12:00-2:00

11/1/2009

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 1:00-3:00 (also on Weds 4:00-6:00)

Thinking about an energy audit?

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:10:11 -0500

How energy efficient is my home? I've asked myself this for a long time but come to find out recently that my house is pretty energy efficient! (But there's always room for improvement.)

Check out this rating scale and see what incentives are offered. Maybe you are eligible for an energy audit at below market value. Traditionally I've seen the costs for energy audits at prices over $375. If you could qualify for an audit offered to you at a lower price, it would be well worth it.

Thinking of remodeling? Are there state or federal incentives for your home remodelling projects? Your contractor may not know yet, or be able to help you out, but you can find out for yourself online. This trend is only going to grow stronger, maybe not as quick as social media did because of the costs, but help yourself understand the incentives available and it may not seem so far fetched.

Good luck going green!

Decision made, my second blog will be with Blogger!

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:24:17 -0500

I've finally made the decision to begin my second blog. While continuing this blog on Activerain, I've begun to realize the benefits to being on Blogger as well. The primary focus of my blog on Blogger will be to focus on local real estate and social media related topics.

It was so simple to set up and the features are wonderful! The widgets available are all the top widgets I've ever wanted to use and it only took me 30 minutes to customize my entire blog page. I have to admit I've fancied it up with videos from Youtube that I had uploaded, and I already had a stat counter account to track stats.

After much research I'm going forth on my second blog. I think it will be a wonderful compliment to my social media profile.

Hello Trail Seekers!

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:10:17 -0500

This listing is ideal for those who love the great outdoors and are looking for affordable housing. Sitting on the outskirts of the Ash Swamp Brook Co-op in Hinsdale, NH and cornered by conservation land, the residents have back door access to the NH trail system offering thousands of miles of trails and land suitable for hunting.

This home is priced at $15,000 as is with a quick closing available to a qualified buyer. 2 bedrooms and a wide open, spacious layout and metal roof that will last for years and years. My favorite characteristic of this home is the covered porch and quiet, rural location.

Co-op approval a must, $375/month co-op fee.

www.stephaniejacques.com

Getting to know the co-op or mobile home park before buying

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:26:16 -0500

I recently listed a mobile home in a Hinsdale, NH co-op (Swamp Ask Brook Co-op). The home is located approximately 200 yards from the trail system, ideal for hunting on conservation land and for snowmobiling and riding quads for miles and miles. (See Video for 18 Park Drive Hinsdale, NH)

Something strange happened to me the other day as I was taking my video of this new listing, which will soon be placed on Youtube. I filmed the exterior and it's surroundings. Fall in New England is so beautiful so it's always important to get a shot of the home's landscaping. Then I went inside and photographed and video'd the interior.

When I finished I locked up and was surprised to see a hunter walking in full hunting gear down the quiet street. He stopped and we talked about the co-op a bit. He told me he'd once hunted a moose and has seen bears around and several deer. He knew the area quite well and shared some more information about the co-op before he went ahead with his hunt.

I'm quite happy to have gotten to know a neighbor who was able to help me draw a better picture for my buyers about the co-op. Sometimes it's helpful to talk with neighbors, just as it is helpful for buyers to visit a home during times when the neighbors are out for a quick conversation about the area. In my case, this warm welcome certainly made me feel comfortable with my surroundings and, maybe, as a buyer, I would have been more interested in living there as well.

Keene, NH Area Open Houses, BHG The Masiello Group, October 24-25, 2009

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:03:47 -0500

10/24/2009

103 Richmond Rd, Winchester 10:00-12:00

104 Merriam Rd, Walpole 1:00-3:00

100 Forestview Drive, Chesterfield 10:30-12:30

29K Windsor Court, Keene 12:00-2:00

185 River Street, Keene 12:00-1:30

65 Langley Rd, Keene 12:00-2:00

3 Leahy Rd, Keene 10:00-11:30

175 River Street, Keene 12:00-1:30

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 10:00-12:00 (Please note new Open House hours)

10/25/2009

76 Howard Street, Keene 10:00-11:30

61 Liberty Lane, Keene 2:00-3:30

38 Pine Street, Hinsdale 11:30-1:00

44 Pine Street, Hinsdale 11:30-1:00

17 Hillcrest Street, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00

46 Robbins Street, Hinsdale 1:00-3:00

143 Fish Hatchery Rd, Richmond 12:00-1:30

55 Windsor Court, Keene 11:00-12:30

19C 20 Gates Rd, Marlborough 1:00-2:30

37 Base Hill Rd, Keene 11:00-1:00

62 Timberlane Drive, Keene 2:00-3:30

38 Skyline Drive, Keene 12:00-1:30

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 11:00-1:00 & Weds 4:00-6:00

327 Old Homestead Hwy, Richmond 12:00-1:30

10 things first time buyers need to ask before closing

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:46:07 -0500

I recently read an article originally printed by the Associated Press and printed in the Keene Sentinel called "A home's new owner should ask seller for lowdown". Of all buyers, especially, first time buyers would benefit from this experience. It's easy to forget the newness of home ownership and what it was like that first year of owning your first home. Not knowing what new things you hadn't thought to ask about your home, what new challenges you faced in figuring out your home with each seasonal change. Getting to know your home is a 12 month process, and sometimes longer.

Here are somethings first time buyers should think to ask before or during the closing of their home:

Is anything under warrenty still? Where are the docs for this?
When was your last chimney and furnace cleaning? Who did it?
Are there any boundary disputes between your neighbors?
What do I do with trash, recycling, leaves?
What contractors have worked on the house in the past, who knows the home?
How do you care for the outdoor landscaping?
How do you operate all of the lights and what are some of the homes idiosyncracies?
If you left for a week, what would you need to tell your house sitter (that could be beneficial to us?)
Where are the children on the street?
How do the systems work (pool especially) and what annual mainenance tasks should be kept up?

These are the top questions on my list though any agent could add to this list. During times like this when sellers often have not lived at the property (bank owned) it becomes especially crucial to hire the right inspector and to take your time at the home inspection.

Have we become a "JCPenney's" country?

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:29:26 -0500

No one knows for sure what will become of the buyers who missed out on the tax credit offering. Will it be extended or modified to incorporate all buyers? Who knows but for one, I wonder if we will become a JCPenney's country where sales, discounts and incentives are expected for consumers to purchase anything? If I were a buyer right now, missing the tax credit, I'd certainly be waiting to see what next offering will come to "encourage me" to buy a home.

I feel we could see a bit of a lull if buyers do wait this winter for another incentive, but hope I am wrong!!

See what this article predicted after the 2008 tax incentive...

If you're a first time buyer hoping to tap into the tax credit this year, you already know you need to close on or before November 30, 2009. For many who require an FHA loan, it's just about the last week to make an offer on a home and get the process started. This is because of the length of time it will take to process the loan, oftentimes 45 days.

For those first time buyers who are fortunate enough to obtain conventional financing, there is still some time to shop, and SELLERS this is a great time to list at the RIGHT PRICE if you want a chance at selling before winter! The conventional loan process takes closer to 4 weeks and is a lot more flexible than FHA financing.

Appraisers, too, are feeling the pinch! They are forced to turn over their appraisals at record speed these days to help buyers meet the tax credit deadline. Everyone is working double time on behalf of the buyer and, in the end, the buyer receives their credit that will hopefully help stimulate the economy during the year's most challenging time- winter.

The Masiello Group Open Houses October 17-18, 2009

Stephanie Jacques (Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:23:33 -0500

10/17/2009

65 Broad Brook Rd, Winchester- 1:00-3:00

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey- 10:00-12:00 (please note new open house hours)

270 Wentworth Rd, Walpole- 2:00-4:00-New Price!

33 Richmond Rd, Troy- 10:00-12:00

51 Summit Ridge, #51, Keene- 3:00-4:30

81 Summit Ridge, Keene- 2:00-3:30

155 Roxbury Street, Keene- 12:00-1:30

26 Red Oak Drive, Keene- 10:00-11:30

18 Balsam Street, Keene- 12:30-2:00

10/18/2009

634 Rte 10, Gilsum- 12:00-1:30

28 Skyline Drive, Keene- 12:00-2:00

28 Owens Drive, Swanzey 11:00-1:00 & 10/21 (Weds) 4:00-6:00