Tuesday, August 5, 2008

LakeFront Pros is adding new members regularly now

Lakefront Pros is ON FIRE... We are adding members regularly to our one of a kind Network on the WEB. The recession is nearing an end in many places and people are putting advertising BACK into their budget!

Check out our most recent members noted in our BLOG. We have some fantastic, impressive businesses in our Network of Lakefront Pros.

Don't miss out on the networking possibilities with these businesses and of course the exposure for your own Lakefront or Lake Related business.

So join today and get the chance to spotlighted on the Lakefront Radio Show, also getting GREAT exposure. Check out the write up in our local paper about the show.
http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/news/archive/7440/

Lakefront Pros is a sponsor of Lakefront Radio and is noted during the show as a sponsor, so this mean even more exposure for YOU!

Lakefront Pros Welcomes Pete Edwards-Remax Realtor

We are happy to announce the addition to our Network of Pete Edwards with Remax Real Estate in Georgia.

Pete and his team specialize in Lake Lanier Real Estate. Lake Lanier Real Estate can be tricky, especially with the drought that we are experiencing. Peter knows Lake Lanier well and has all the stats on sales, listings, etc. on the Lake in his annual marketing reports on Lake Lanier

http://www.lakelanier.bz/ Check him out here at his website. His banner ad can be seen on our website at: http://lakefrontappraiser.com/georgia_lanier.php

Again, we welcome Pete Edwards to our Network, Where all Lakefront Pros converge and network. http://www.lakefrontpros.com/

LakeFront Pros Welcomes Teresa Smith to Our Network

We are very happy to announce our newest member, Teresa Smith of Keller Williams Realty on Lake Lanier in Georgia. http://www.livingonlakelanier.com/

Teresa specializes in Lakefront property on Lake Lanier and now more than ever, in this market, you need someone who knows the lake.

Lake Lanier is experiencing the worst drought ever and you need the expertise of a Lake Realtor to navigate through these rough waters....PUN intended.

Check out her ad on our site http://lakefrontappraiser.com/georgia_lanier.php

Again, we welcome Teresa Smith to our Network, Where all Lakefront Professionals converge and network.

http://www.lakefrontpros.com/

LakeFront Pros Welcomes Marge Beaver -Aerial Photographer

We welcome Marge Beaver to our network. Her story is quite interesting. She is a 73 year old Aerial Pilot in Muskegon, Michigan. She covers the Great Lakes Region in the Midwest and the photos she takes are stunning.

Check her story and interview out at http://marytt.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=353656

Her website is http://www.photography-plus.com/

If you need any kind of aerial photo, be it real estate, piers, harbors, commercial projects, etc. Marge is your "Gal".

Her banner ad can be found here: http://lakefrontappraiser.com/illinois_michigan.php

Again, we welcome Marge to our Network, Where all Lakefront Pros converge and network!
http://www.lakefrontpros.com/

LakeFront Pros Welcomes Navy Pier to our Network

We are very pleased and honored to Welcome Navy Pier to our LakeFront Pros Network. http://www.navypier.com/

Check out their banner ad on our site. http://lakefrontappraiser.com/illinois_michigan.php

If you live in the Chicago, IL area or are thinking of visiting this great City in the Midwest, you cannot miss visiting Navy Pier. Free Admission and they have everything you could want for the entire family. Shops, entertainment, Ferris Wheel, restaurants, IMAX theatre, etc.

Click on this link to hear Navy Pier being interviewed by LakeFront Radio and the very cool story that unfolded about the Pier, A 25 year wedding anniversary and a Clipper Ship.

http://marytt.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=362518

Once again we welcome Navy Pier to our Network, Where all LakeFront Pros converge and Network! http://www.lakefrontpros.com/

LakeFront Pros Welcomes SunKiss Ballooning to our Network

We are very happy to welcome Todd Monahan, Owner and Pilot with Sunkiss Ballooning http://www.sunkissballooning.com/ to our network of Lakefront Pros.

He flies his hot air balloons over Lake George, in New York.

http://lakefrontappraiser.com/newyork_george.php

Please check out his banner ad above. If you want the experience of a lifetime flying high over Lake George and the surrounding area, you need to call Todd and you will add to your lifetime experiences in a very special way.

Click here to listen to his interview on the LakeFront Radio Show http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ to hear about his fun and exciting flying adventures.

http://marytt.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=357969

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Lake Lanier Stats for the First Half of 2008

I have the news on Lake Lanier Listings and Sales (of existing homes on Lake Lanier) for the first half of 2008.

These are based upon FMLS stats for homes that were coded as being Lake Lanier or Lakefront property with at least a single slip boat dock or permit for a single slip dock in place. Figures will not be exact, but they are a good representation of activity on Lake Lanier.

General Stats:

1. There are 368 CURRENT Listings with an Average Listing Price of $829,000.2. There are 12 pending properties with an Average Listing Price of $803,000, with average Days on Market at 102.

2. From 1/1/08-6/30/08 there have been 104 properties out of the 368 placed on the market with an average list price of $870,000.

Listings:

3. 1/1/07-6/30/07 Listed properties averaged $721,000 Total Listed in this time period = 16

4. 7/1/07-12/31/07 Listed properties averaged $976,000 Total Listed in this time period= 41

Sales:

5. 1/1/08 to 6/30/08 there have been 18 sales with 5 pending sales. The average sales price is $526,000 with average Days on Market at 109 (Low of $239,000 to a high of $800,000). The average list to sales price ratio was 8%

Please Note: There are many homes that have been on the market much longer than this. The days on the market number is skewed if the home was listed for many months and then relisted after the first listing expired, with a new FMLS number and date. The days on market is only calculated from the last time the home was placed on the market with a new listing number and date.

Many homes fall into this situation, so in reality days on market is likely much higher. **This has been our experience when appraising lake property and checking to see how many times the home was listed with new dates and FMLS numbers.

6. 1/1/07-6/30/07 there were 30 sales. The average sales price of $623,000 with average Days on Market at 90 (low of 219,000 to a high of $1,384,605). The average list to sales price ratio was 5%

Expired Listings:

In 2007, there were 333 homes that had expired listings with average list price of $741,000. Many have been relisted and currently back on the market

In 2008 first half, there have been 52 expired listings. Average list price of $860,500. Again many have been relisted.

Days on market not available as an average, but most listings are for a period of 90-120 days to start and many have been relisted as a new listing after it expires, so the days on market can be significantly higher, than they appear to be on the current listing.

What does all of this mean?

The bad news is there are loads of listings for more competition between properties and the amount of sales has dropped from same period last year to this year by 40%, with an average of 19 more days on the market.

The average sales price dropped by 15.5% from the first half of 2007.Also, the average list to sales price ratio has increased by 3%. Sellers are accepting lower offers off the list price than they have in the past.

The good news is that from the 1/1/07-6/20/07 period to the same period this year 1/1/08-6/30/8 the average listing price has gone up from $721,000 to $870,000. The average of all the listings is $829,000. So unless prices continue to drop or there are no buyers in this price range and higher, the average sales price from this point forward will be considerably higher than the first half of 2008.

**The pending sales average list price seems to confirm this premise**

Also for buyers there is NO better time than NOW to buy Lake Lanier property. Never again will there be such a selection of homes with highly motivated sellers. The prices have dropped overall however, based upon the stats provided here, this will not be the case much longer.

So get out there and check the inventory and start thinking about purchasing your lake home. Because once the water starts to return and it WILL...Always has.... always will....it is our opinion that prices will rise quickly and if that occurs you will lose out on getting some great deals on this Lake.

Now more than ever you need an Appraisal on any Lake Lanier home you are thinking of buying or selling. You need current, real values. So call today for your Lake Lanier Home Appraisal. We specialize in this kind of property and you need this experience, especially now or it could be a real disaster! http://www.marytappraisals.com/

We hope this information was helpful, please comment if you so desire.Have a safe summer and remember.....Be Safe on the Lake!

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Lakefront Pros Welcomes Nicole Watkins to our Network

We proudly welcome Nicole Watkins with CENTURY 21 Lakes Region Realty in New Hampshire to our special Lakefront Pros Network.

Nicole specialize in Lake Winnipesaukee Property and her Company is number one in Moultonborough waterfront sales. They sold over 60% of the Moultonborough Winnipesaukee waterfront sales volume in 2007.

Welcome aboard Nicole!

If you are looking for someone who knows the Lake, contact Nicole today.

Here is the direct link to her banner ad on our site. http://lakefrontappraiser.com/newhampshire_winnipesaukee.php

Nicole's Website: http://www.nicolewatkins.com/

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Lakefront Pros Welcomes Jerry Collins and Phyllis Henderson-Keller Williams Realty to our Network

We proudly welcome Jerry Collins and Phyllis Henderson with Keller Williams Realty to our special Lakefront Pros Network. They specialize in Lake Lanier Property and the North Metro Atlanta, GA area.

Click on the Banner Ad link below which will take you to their ad and then make sure to click on their banner ad as it will take you to their recent INTERVIEW on Lakefront Radio out of Atlanta, GA.

They discuss Lake Lanier Real Estate-Past, Present and Future. You do NOT want to miss this show.

Keller Williams Banner Ad

Welcome aboard Jerry & Phyllis, you are among the best in the Lake Business!
http://www.lakelanierhomesandmore.com/

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Lakefront Radio IS the NEWS

Our Lakefront Radio show is officially considered THE NEWS!

Check out Luxury Real Estate.com's Blog link below.

LakeFront Radio Big Success with CEO John Brain Losh

They announced our interview with their CEO John Brian Losh and they will be posting a link to our show with him today on their site as well as a mention in their PRESS ROOM. This site is visited by MILLIONS every month, therefore more exposure not only for the radio sh0w but for THIS site http://www.lakefrontpros.com/ as we cross promote this site on our radio show site.

Here are the mind boggling facts on the hits and visitors this site receive!

Key Statistics* on LuxuryRealEstate.com in May 2008:
Hits (monthly)……62,000,000 (daily)……2,100,000
Page Views (monthly)……3,200,000 (daily)……110,000
Visitor Sessions (monthly)……215,000 (daily)……7,400
Total Visiting Countries……92Active
Listings on LuxuryRealEstate.com……58,523
Average Listing Price……$2,508,707
Number of Countries with Active Listings……100
Total Dollars on LuxuryRealEstate.com……$139,076,459,429

*Actual numbers provided by Urchin Web Analytics v.5.7 from Google. Last four weeks.

Total LuxuryRealEstate.com Membership, as of May 31, 2008:
Agents……120,998
Offices……5,815
Members……1,813
Countries……65

We have had such a great time with this show, meeting some really fascinating professional business owners. Listen in to some of the shows when you get a chance. http://www.lakefrontradio.com/

We are always looking for guests, sponsors and donations so we can keep this great service alive and well for our listeners to enjoy! So if you know of someone who fits the bill, please pass along our information to them!

We hope to see your business spotlighted soon on our National Directory!

Lakefront Pros Welcomes Rivers Web Strategies to our Membership

We are very happy to welcome Amy Rivers to our site under Lake Bonito and Elephant Butte Reservoir under New Mexico. Click on the link below to see her banner ad on our site.

Amy Rivers of Rivers Web Strategies http://www.amyrivers.com/ offers customized search engine optimization, internet marketing plans and other web marketing services. They work closely with http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/ members and ALL business owners across the USA who want increased targeted website traffic and improved lead conversions generated online. To achieve your online goals contact Amy or visit her website today.

http://lakefrontappraiser.com/newmexico_bonito.php

Welcome aboard Amy, we are happy to have you as a member of our exclusive group!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Lakefront Radio Interviews Luxury Real Estate & Discover Boating

Lakefront radio had 2 very interesting interviews in the past 2 weeks. On June 13th they interviewed Keith Ammons, the Boating Guy with www.discoverboating.com and on June 20th, they interviewed CEO, John Brian Losh with www.luxuryrealestate.com

If you are thinking of purchasing a BOAT or a LUXURY HOME, you need to listen to both of these interviews. Even if you are not in the market for either, they make for interesting listening.

So go to www.lakefrontradio.com and click on the POD links for each show. Enjoy!

If you want to become a member of the only National Directory of Lakefront Pros and get the exposure your business deserves, check out our site at www.lakefrontpros.com

Have a great weekend everyone, the first weekend of spring otherwise known as the Summer Solstice (When the sun stands still).

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tim Russert Dies at age 58

We were very sorry to hear that Tim Russert, Meet the Press Moderator died suddenly today 6/13/08 of a heart attack while working.

He was not your typical news reporter. He had a real integrity about him and you trusted what he said. He got to the truth like no other reporter and he had such a great personality!

We pray for his family, Tim Russert will be sorely missed! He cannot be replaced....

Thursday, June 12, 2008

National Photo Contest

Lakefront Pros is thinking about having a National Photo Contest.

Who can take the most awesome Lakefront photo across the USA.Some of the basic rules we are considering:

1. Must be a an individual or company that does business around any lake in the USA

2. Cannot be a professional photographer

3. Must be a current photo, so the photo would have to have to be date stamped4. Must be a digital photo.

4. Photo to be downloaded in JPG format, no Gifs or animations, etc.

5. No aerial photos.

That is about it. We want your input! What do you think and what would you like to see out of this contest.

Yes, there will be some sort of reward for 1st thru 3rd place. We will also post the photos, who took them and their website on our site and give you all the accolades you deserve!

We think this will be fun with summer in full swing, the photos I am sure will be AWESOME. So let us know what you think, just contact us via our contact page and enter YES if you like the idea and would participate or NO if you do not like the idea.

Any other rules you think should be applied, just let us know www.lakefrontpros.com

We want to start this contest before the 4th of July. Thanks for your time! Be safe on YOUR Lake!

Lakefront Radio Goes Global

Lakefront Radio interviewed Felix Lin -CEO of http://www.pickpackgo.com/ a global vacation home rental website.

They have also linked back to our http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ site which also gives us great exposure for THIS site and its advertisers. http://www.pickpackgo.com/about/newsandevents

Listen to our interview with FELIX at http://marytt.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=347164

If you are going on vacation this summer and want to find your vacation rental home in minutes rather than hours, you need to go to http://www.pickpackgo.com/ as they have all the rentals across the nation one one site and a very easy to use search engine within their site to find just the right home for your needs.

Have a great summer everyone....and if you have a vacation rental home that you want to list..... http://www.pickpackgo.com/ lets you do this for FREE, whether you are an individual OR a property manager or company who manages many vacation rental homes.

Just remember to Tell FELIX that you found their site via LakeFront Radio, as he is offering a discount on upgraded listing features on their site!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Lakefront Radio Getting Good Press

Lakefront Radio is in the news, please check out the link below. We market www.lakefrontpros.com on our radio show, to provide the advertisers on THIS site with more exposure.

Lakefront Radio in the NEWS

So hurry and come on board, fees are very reasonable and we go to work for you under your chosen lake, where you conduct business.

Be Safe on your Lake!

Get listed, Get Noticed and Get Clients!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Founder of LakefrontPros in Top 25 on Active Rain

Check out link below. Mary Thompson, founder of http://www.lakefrontpros.com/ is in the Top 25 of Appraisers nationwide on the very popular active rain website http://www.activerain.com/

Mary is an active blogger on this site and is up to date on the latest appraisal news. Therefore if you are a Lakefront Appraiser or Professional, you will want to join this exclusive directory as Mary is cross promoting this site on Active Rain....more exposure for you and your business.

http://www.activerain.com/search?cx=016483636732923014967%3Ajjjq9jpey6w&cof=FORID%3A11&q=hall+county%2C+ga+appraiser&sa=Search#1087

Have a great week everybody and be safe on the Lake!

How to Thank Our Troops

You have to click on this short movie. Have you ever seen service men or women walking by and you wanted to thank them, but felt strange or odd about it and then when they passed you by, you wish you had said or done something. Well here it is! Pass this along to everyone on your mailing list, it is so worth your time in doing so.

Lakefrontpros wants to thank our troops and supports their mission!!! THANK YOU!!!

http://www.gratitudecampaign.org/shortmovie.php

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Lakefront Radio Interviews Lake Lanier Sailing Club

If you are an avid sailor, thinking of sailing or want to save gas, but still be on the water boating, this may be the sport for you! Very entertaining and information show about sailing, sailing stories, races and the Lake Lanier Sailing club.

Enjoy!

Interview with Lake Lanier Sailing Club Commodore-Jim Chinik

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Lakefront Radio Kicks it up a Notch-More exposure for Lakefront Pros!

If you are landing on this BLOG page, Congrats to you! As you may or may not know, Lakefront Pros founders also Host a Lakefront Radio Show out of Atlanta, GA, which is getting great exposure and reviews. What does this mean for THIS SITE and YOU? We are cross advertising Lakefront Pros on our radio show and many are stopping by this site because of the show. http://www.lakefrontradio.com/

So I wanted to let you know what our line up is in JUNE because you need to consider being in front of this huge audience as a direct result of our radio show.

June 6th, we are interviewing the CEO, Felix Lin of http://www.pickpackgo.com/ a national luxury vacation rental company.

June 13th we are interviewing "The Boat Guy"-Keith Ammons with http://www.discoverboating.com/

June 20th we are interviewing John Brian Losh, founder of http://www.luxuryrealestate.com/, where multi million dollar homes are listed and sold! This site has 150,000 unique visitors per month and 35 million hits per month.

June 27th: we are talking with Navy Pier in Chicago, Il for an interview on this date. http://www.navypier.com/

All of these guests will be adding our interviews with them on their own sites, thereby linking back to our radio show site.

Since Lakefront Pros is showcased and linked to our radio show site, this site will be seen by potentially MILLIONS of people across the country!

Plus LAKEFRONT PROS will be sponsoring these big shows, so our website and description will be announced during these shows....This relates to even more exposure for YOU on this site.....but only if you are listed as a Lakefront Pro! www.lakefrontpros.com

So get listed, GET NOTICED and get clients Today! There is no better way to assure that people will find you and just think, you may get the opportunity to List, Appraise, Furnish or otherwise sell your product to multi million dollar buyers across the Nation!

Have a great and safe Memorial Day Weekend. God Bless Those who gave their lives for our Freedom! We Support our Troops!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Lakefront Radio Interviews Aqualand Marina

Aqualand Marina, the largest inland marina in the world was interviewed by Lakefront Radio on May 16th, 2008.

www.lakefrontradio.com

They have great plans to deal with the Lake Lanier drought that we are experiencing.

If you know of a high profile business which revolves around the Lake, contact us at info@lakefrontradio.com

Be Safe on the Lake, wherever you live!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Lake Fenton Appraiser, Lake of the Pines Appraiser, Smith Mountain Lake Realtor

Welcome aboard, most recent members of this exclusive Lakefront Website, where lakefront professionals converge.

This is the only place on the web where experienced lakefront professionals can be found and network with each other.

So come on board with the rest of us and reap the rewards of more lakefront business.

Spread the good word....

www.lakefrontpros.com

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Lakefront Appraiser Advertises in REV MAG online

Lakefront Appraiser, also known as Lakefront Pros is serious about our commitment to you as an advertiser. We are advertising this website in appraiser, realtor and lake related business websites, publications and online forums and blogs, such as Activerain, etc. Click the link below to see our ad in the spring online edition of the well respected and read REV MAG.

http://www.revmag.com/spring2008/12.html

We can also be seen on the Ask Henry Harrison Website. http://www.askhenryharrison.com/

We of course also have our lakefront radio show, which links to and markets this site. Our show is all about lakefront living, recreation and real estate. http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ and is getting great exposure, downloads and reviews.

So come on board and enjoy the exposure you deserve for your Lakefront expertise!

Aqualand Marina, Largest Inland Marina in the World will be interviewed

We will be interviewing Len Jernigan, General Manager for Aqualand Marina on Lake Lanier. It is the largest inland marina in the world.

So check out the live interview on Friday May 16th at www.lakefrontradio.com
or download the episode anytime after the 16th right from our website.

If you need a place to house your sail boat or house boat, Aqualand is the place for you!

Be safe on the lake everyone!

Lakefront Radio Interviews the DNR

We had a fantastic and life saving show with the DNR, all about boating and PWC (jet skis, etc) safety. Click on link below.

Listen in or download on your Ipod or Mp3 player and please BE safe this year on YOUR lake.

We already had one tragic fatality on Lake Lanier, a man on a Jet ski, who was not wearing a life jacket. So take the time to listen in and have your kids listen too!

Have a fantastic summer and Be Safe on the Lake.

Interview with Pamela Garrison -DNR Ranger

Monday, May 5, 2008

Welcome Barry Bridges -Smith Mountain Lake Realtor

We are very pleased to welcome Barry Bridges, with Weichert Realtors in Virginia to our site. He specializes in Smith Mountain Lake properties. His company is affiliated with the well known Weichert Relocation company, that helps people relocate across the nation smoothly.

Here is a direct link to his page on our site. http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/virginia_smith.php

So give Barry a call if you have any Real Estate Needs in his area and especially on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

http://www.lakefrontpros.com/

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Lakefront Radio -Great Reviews

We are getting rave reviews on our new Lakefront radio show! Guests are lining up to be interviewed and we are providing a great service to the millions of lakefront fans across the nation!

Along with our show, we promote this site... www.lakefrontpros.com so you will get the exposure you are looking for to increase your Lakefront Business!

This Friday, May 2nd, we are interviewing the DNR on Lake Lanier. We will be discussing boating and PWC safety, rules and education. This will be a good refresher for those who are avid boaters and a life saving show for those who are new boaters or PWC navigators. So before you get out on the waters, whether it is here on Lake Lanier or any water body, listen in to this show or you can download the pod cast on your MP3 or Ipod player.

In order for us to continue bringing great radio to the masses we need SPONSORS! Sponsorship is very reasonable and promotes your business to the masses right along with those who we interview. Your generosity is appreciated. Just check out our site at http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ and email us with any questions or if you know of someone we should be spotlighting in one of our shows. info@lakefrontradio.com

Remember to be Safe on the Lake!

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Interview with Army Corps of Engineers Michael Lapina-Chief Park Ranger

We had a fantastic interview on our lakefront radio show with Michael Lapina, Chief Ranger here on Lake Lanier with the Army Corps of Engineers.

Click this link below and listen in, the show was packed full of informative and interesting information. If you live, work, play or do business on a Corps of Engineers Lake, much of this information will apply to your Lake.

Interview with Michael Lapina-Corps of Engineers Head Park Ranger

We thank the Corps for their service and commitment to protecting our lakes across the country. They work tirelessly to protect these resources so that all who live, work and play on these lakes can enjoy them and prosper for many, many generations to come.

If you know of someone who is a Lakefront Professional, please let us know so we can spotlight them on a future show.

If you ARE a lakefront pro, you may want to be a call in guest once we get to your lake. In the meantime, check out our National Directory.... http://www.lakefrontpros.com/ as you may want to spotlight your business on this exclusive site...where lakefront professionals converge.

Have a great weekend and remember......Be Safe on YOUR lake.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

We NEED You!

Sounds like the old Uncle Sam Slogan-we need you for the Army! Not to worry, it is just my way of asking for your business-plain and simple.

A wonderful mentor of mine...my Real Estate Broker when I was selling real estate told me: "You do not G E T unless you A S K....the words I have lived by for many years.

So here is the deal....We are getting loads of visitors to our site looking for PROS like you and loads of great comments about the looks, usefulness and ease of use of this site....but if you are not listed, they move onto to other sites to find their lakefront appraisers, Realtors, businesses, etc. When they do that....they may never find YOU!

We know people are very aware of our site, due to its high ranking on the search engines, but unless you are listed here, it does not serve them or you well.

Our advertising fees are a fraction of what the other targeted lake sites want for this kind of exposure, but we WANT your business, because a site like this provides clients with a "one stop shop" for Lakefront Professionals, which does NOT exist on the web.

Once this site gets loaded with lakefront PROS, this will be the place they will go to FIRST....WHY? Because it is quick and easy, just what people want when searching the internet.

So if you think this site is worthwhile....then contact us and we will work out ANY reasonable fee for you to be listed on this site and once you are, we go to work marketing YOUR business and LAKE.

So check it out, see what we are doing via this BLOG and our site to promote you and your business and get in touch with us.

We would love to hear your comments on the site.

Remember.....Be Safe on the Lake!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Army Corps of Engineers to be Interviewed by LakeFront Radio 4/25/08

We are pleased to inform our listeners that we are having a special guest on our radio show http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ this Friday at Noon - 4/25/08. We will be interviewing Michael Lapina-Spokesperson for the Army Corps of Engineers.

We will be learning about the History of the Corps of Engineers, what their purpose is on Lake Lanier and other Lakes across the country. We will talk about the History of the Corps' involvement on Lake Lanier.

We will also discuss lake levels, what they mean and how the Corps defines these levels.
Other topics will include boat dock permits, rip rap shorelines, when the corps becomes involved if someone is interested in purchasing a lake home on Lake Lanier or conducting business on the shores of Lake Lanier.

So tune in Friday at Noon on the 25th. It will be a very informative show.

You can also download the show after we broadcast it on Friday. Add our site to your favorites and check back to listen to the show at your leisure along with our other shows. All about lakefront living.

Lake Front Radio-Where we "Bring together Lakefront Professionals from across the Nation".

If you want to sponsor this show, which will be hugely popular and downloaded by many....please contact us at: info@lakefrontradio.com

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Lakefront Pros will be spotlighted in REVMAG spring issue.

Lakefront Pros will be spotlighted in the upcoming Real Estate Valuation Magazine Online in April. We can also be seen on Ask Henry Harrison's informative question and answer website in the next few weeks.

We are committed to getting the exposure for this site that our advertisers deserve. Soon the web surfing world will know that a national lake front directory is out there for them to easily find YOU. This is the one and only "one stop shop" that brings lakefront professionals together on one site.

http://www.revmag.com/

http://www.askhenryharrison.com/

Check out our lakefront radio show, which also promotes this national directory. It is a show all about lakefront living, business, recreation and real estate across the nation. We will be interviewing high profile lake professionals on our show and provide the general public with some interesting, informative and fun information about lakefront living.

People love the water, spring is here and the time is now to enjoy the lake/s in your area.

So remember: Lakefrontpros.com where Lakefront professionals Converge and Network!

Be Safe on the lake, wherever you are.

Lakefront Radio Interviews Fishing Tour Guide on Lake Lanier

The radio show is going great and yesterday we had our 2nd interview with Harold Nash, veteran fishing tour guide on Lake Lanier here in Georgia. His specialty is Striper and Bass, sports fishing. If you want the best in fishing guide services, Harold Nash is your man.

check out the interview: http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ for more details.

Harold's website is: http://www.lanierfishingguide.com/ He has gift certificates too for the angler in your life.

Add http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ to your favorites. We are all about lakefront living, recreation, business and real estate news.

Next friday we will be interviewing the Army Corps of Engineers..you will not want to miss this very educational, informative show.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Lakefront Website New Direction

Welcome to Lakefront Pros.com. We have expanded our direction on this national directory to all Lakefront Professionals across the nation. As you know my background is as a lakefront appraiser. I developed a site to find lakefront appraisers across the nation, with affiliate membership involving lake and waterfront Realtors, builders, lenders and lake related retailers.

Based upon review of the site by many and our marketing consultant, we have decided to broaden the scope of this site to focus on all lakefront professionals. Therefore you will see a new name on our header: Lakefront Pros, rather than Lakefront Appraiser and we will be changing several of the pages to reflect this new direction.

This site will of course continue as a resource for those looking for experienced lakefront appraisers, but it will appeal to the general masses as a site that is a ONE STOP SHOP for finding all lakefront professionals.

This site dovetails perfectly into our new Lakefront Radio show http://www.lakefrontradio.com/
where we interview top lakefront businesses and professionals across the nation. We will start right here in Georgia with Lake Lanier, where we appraise and continue around the country with all the major lakes and water bodies.

Soon when someone Google's lakefront professional directory or certain lakes across the county in search of Realtors, appraisers, lenders, builders, retailers like boat dealers, etc. our site will come to the top, as there is nothing like it on the web. No other site focuses on the sole purpose of finding lakefront professionals in the US. There is also no other lakefront radio show in pod-cast form on the web.

We will be cross marketing both sites so that they recieve maximum exposure.

So get in on the ground floor and enjoy the benefits these 2 site will bring to YOUR business.

If you know of any lakefront professionals that wish to sponsor our radio show, we want to hear from you! info@lakefrontradio.com

Thank you and may you all be safe on the Lake in 2008!

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Lakefront Radio Show Premier in Atlanta, GA

We had our first lakefront radio show Friday, April 4th, 2008. What a great show it was! We had some fantastic guests.

Please click on this link http://www.lakefrontradio.com/ and then click on the pod cast button just to the left of the header about the show and listen in. Then save it to your favorites or sign up to have it downloaded to your MP3 or Ipod player.

We will be broadcasting 3-4 times every month about Lakefront Living, Real Estate, Appraising, Business & Recreation across the nation.

This is a hugely popular topic, as everyone loves the lake and water! This site will get the exposure everyone is looking for as we continue our show (which by the way our marketing expert in Atlanta) said was a home run for a radio show since nothing like it exists out there on the web.

So come on board and take the ride of your life with us, we plan to get media coverage on this site as well!

Be safe on the Lake and may 2008 be your best yet!

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Lakefront Radio Show

Tomorrow is the BIG Day! We broadcast the PREMIER lakefront radio show in Atlanta. We have fantastic guests, including Nikki Taylor with Lake Lanier Islands, Darren Matthews with JOA Marine and Ty Ginac-Lake Lanier Realtor with Ben Ray & Associates.

We will talk about their businesses and what their plans are for 2008. We will discuss the drought and what negative and positive aspects have come out of this situation for their business.

The good news is that the water has come up almost 6 feet since December, just in time for springs, so things are looking up on Lake Lanier.

Every week we will discuss Lakefront living, business, recreation and real estate across the Nation and for the next several shows we will focus on Lake Lanier. So add our radio show website to your favorites and in the next week you will be able hear the recording of our PREMIER show and pass along to all those who would be interested in the content.

www.LakefrontRadio.com,

Monday, March 24, 2008

Lake Fenton Appraiser

We welcome Eric Dean Morse to our website, he is an appraiser that specializes in Lake Fenton property in Michigan. Here is a link to his full page ad. http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/Lake Fenton Appraiser

Eric Dean Morse, RAA has been working with Allied for over 21 years. As Vice President of Allied he is in charge of Technology, Public relations, Advertising and Web site development and maintenance. He is a Residential Appraiser and specializes in Government FHA, ERC Relocation, REO distressed properties and Lake Front homes. He resides on Lake Fenton.

If you are thinking of buying or selling Lake Fenton real estate you need an experienced lake appraiser to provide the true value of the property, so contact Eric today at: value@charter.net

Again, we are happy to add Eric Dean Morse to our TEAM of Lakefront Specialists!

If you are a Realtor, Lender, Builder, Investor or Lake Related Retailer who serves the Lake Fenton area, please check out our site and consider becoming an Affiliate Member under Lake Fenton, Michigan.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

Friday, March 21, 2008

Appraisal Buzz Interview


Our site was officially introduced to thousands of appraisers across the nation and the reception to our site was fantastic!

Please check out the actual interview copy below!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

"Declining Market - Market Your Niche"


With an uncertain future on where your business will be coming from, now is the perfect time to capitalize on a niche where you control the course of your business and from where it will come. We are here today with Mary Thompson, A fellow Certified Appraiser and Developer of an Appraiser Directory with a twist that we find interesting and refreshing.


BUZZ: Mary, with so many directories out there, what makes this one worth checking out?

MARY: Well Joan, First let me say, I promise this is going to be an interesting READ!

Exclusivity, Exposure & Networking. Our site spotlights only experienced Lake and Waterfront Appraisers nationwide. There is no other site like this on the web. We are already coming up number 1 for Lakefront and Waterfront Appraiser searches on Google & Yahoo. Only 5 Appraisers per Lake are allowed to list. Appraisers can even “Corner the Market” and be the only one listed under their chosen Lake.

BUZZ: You really are different! Do you feel there is enough Lake business and why should appraisers market this niche?

Lakefront Appraiser: Lakefront is BIG business and getting bigger. This targeted exposure serves to ADD to your existing business, by marketing your niche as a Lakefront Appraiser. Our Lake business represents 25% of our income and a big part of this comes from marketing ourselves as Lake Lanier Specialists. If you set yourself apart as a Lake specialist, there is no question more people will find you and more work will result.

There are thousands of lakes and tens of thousands of lake homes for sale across the nation, they fare better in declining markets and no AVM, ZAIO or Drive-by Appraisal can replace a 1004 report for these properties.

BUZZ: What kind of exposure do you expect from this site?

LakeFrontAppraiser: Significant, due to its appealing, exclusive nature. The best thing about this niche market is that this work is more personal and referral based. Our Lake Lanier business is over 50% referral and personal based! The best of the best in this business! Lake clients are also long term. Once they find you, they stick with you and refer you, because lakefront appraisers are hard to find on the internet.

I do have fantastic news on the lender front… I have contacted the President of a large lender who has recently decided to offer Lake home mortgages nationwide. How perfect is this?

They agreed to use appraisers listed on our site. Why? Because they need your expertise (underwriters are starting to reject appraisals performed by those who do not have the proper experience for the assignment) and they will be dealing with independent, unbiased appraisers who have no financial or ownership interest in their Company. This independence between lender and appraiser is fast becoming law and they adhere to this policy.

P.S. We discussed fees and they have no problems with higher fees for Lakefront appraisals. You decide your own fees based upon the assignment.

I admit to you, there is one catch: You must be listed on the site in order for Wes & Dan to use YOUR services. Simply put, if you are not listed, they will not find you and you will not get these orders.

BUZZ: Why are Lake Appraisals more personal and referral based, rather than lender based?

LakeFrontAppraiser: Because buyers, sellers and realtors are taking control of the appraisal process upfront due to the size of the investment. They are requesting appraisals prior to listing, purchasing and selling Lake and Waterfront homes. Also, many people pay cash for lake homes and no lenders are involved, yet they still want an appraisal to make sure their investment is solid.

BUZZ: How do you plan to market this site?

MARY: Heavily! Aside from marketing this site, we will immediately start to market YOUR Lake as soon as you come on board. Sample Lake Page. We will also spotlight every single member in our BLOG, with a direct link back to their full page ad. Sample Ad. In a short time you will come on top for searches under your Lake. We did it for our Lake; we can do it for yours. We employ several SEO techniques to make this happen.

Exciting News..LakeFrontAppraiser is going to be hosting a Radio Talk show based out of Atlanta, which broadcasts live on the web and is saved as a pod-cast for all to hear 24/7.
Our shows will center around Lakefront Living across the USA, a hugely popular topic. Out of this venture, huge exposure will result for this site and for YOU.

Special Offer: When you list on our site you will have an opportunity to be a call in guest on our show. You will have several minutes to spotlight your business, why you are the expert on your Lake and provide some interesting facts about your Lake. Great exposure and you essentially become the expert on your Lake. You also get a copy of the pod-cast to place on your own personal website. Do not miss the chance to be a featured guest on our exclusive and targeted radio show. Your company can also become a sponsor of our show/s.

BUZZ: What are some of the other features of your site?

LakeFrontAppraiser: Well Joan, there are 4 essential features.

Guaranteed Results: If you do not receive an order in the first year, your membership will be extended for 6 months, no questions asked. We however are confident that you WILL receive orders. For a limited time, the first quarter is free with your annual membership. *The cost to be marketed will be MORE than covered by only one Lakefront appraisal assignment and of course you WILL write this expense off on your taxes. We are NOT the lowest cost site, if we were; we would not have the resources to market you. We will market you and that is what you are paying for, not just to be listed, but to be marketed; huge difference between the two.

Networking: This site goes way beyond a directory format; it is the only site that brings together other related Lake and Waterfront Professionals Nationwide. Realtors, Lenders, Lake Related Retailers & Builders, will be spotlighted. They will see you and networking will result, this is a huge advantage over the other sites.*Important Point: When anyone advertises on our site, we will automatically cross-market you to those listed in and around your lake/s. Very powerful marketing tool, not found on any other appraiser website.

Call to Action: When someone is looking for an appraiser, it is likely that an impending purchase, sale or refi of Lake Property exists. Timing is everything where buying and selling decisions are involved. Advertisers will “want in” on this site because they know people are ready to act. More advertisers equal more exposure for YOU.

You know who you are dealing with: With the exception of one appraiser directory, I found no others that actually tell you WHO they are on their site. When you review their About Us page, they only talk about the site and its purpose not the individuals involved. I want to know who I am paying my hard earned money to….don’t you?

BUZZ: What do you want Appraisers to do at this point?

LakeFrontAppraiser: We want them to come on board and get more quality and personal business. But at the very least, please check our site out.

Do searches for lakefront, lake and waterfront appraisers and lakefront directories, check out our BLOG, FAQ, Appraiser and Affiliate Pages and let us know what you think of the site. We value your opinions!

If you have any comments or questions, please contact Mary at info@lakefrontappraiser.com or via the website.

We wish you the best in 2008 and we look forward to spotlighting YOU very soon on our site! Thank you for your time, I hope it was a good READ!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Welcome Lakefront and Waterfront Appraisers

Hello! LakefrontAppraiser.com welcomes experienced Lake and Waterfront Appraisers to our site. If you just read our Appraisal Buzz interview, we thank you for taking the time to review our site.

March 20th, 2008 (First Day of Spring) is our official launch of this site to thousands of appraisers across the nation. We are doing many exciting things to get this site and our members into the spotlight across the internet and beyond. We are confident that those who come on board with us, will reap the rewards of more business soon.

Check out our previous BLOG post, we are starting our own Lakefront Radio talk show in April. This site will be getting huge exposure in the next few months and if you join now, you will be along for a great ride, this we promise you!

In addition to your membership, we will be providing you with marketing ideas, tips, news, etc. Anything that will help you to achieve your goals of getting more lake and waterfront appraisal business.So please check out the rest of our site, sign up and let us get to work marketing YOU and your Appraisal Company.

**Realtors across the nation market their lakefront expertise with great success...Now it is time for Appraisers to do the same thing!

Thanks again for stopping by and if you have any questions, just contact us via our contact pages.

May your appraisal business prosper in 2008!

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Lakefront Appraiser Hosts Its Own Radio Show

Lakefront Appraiser.com is very excited to announce that we have contracted with a radio studio in Atlanta, to host our own Lakefront Radio show. We are developing a sister website that will host all of our pod-cast shows. The site www.LakefrontRadio.com, of course. Site is under construction as we speak.

Our shows will revolve around Lakefront Living across the USA. We will have Lakefront business professionals as guests on our show to discuss the latest news involving their lake business as well as current Lakefront Real Estate News.

Our first show will air April 4th, 2008 and will spotlight Lake Lanier in Georgia. We are very excited to have Lake Lanier Islands, an 1,100 acre premier Lakefront resort, JOA Marine, a top boat dealer in Georgia and Lake Lanier Realtors, Ty & Sue Ginac on our first show. We will place that show on our website noted above for all to hear 24/7.

http://www.lakefrontpros.com/ ...where all lakefront experts converge and network.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Lake Lanier is Back, Big Jump in Pending Sales in February

Lake Lanier is back in swing...We are now at 16.64 feet below full pool, 3 feet up in the last few months, marinas are starting to get boats back in the water, Georgia is working on building more reservoirs, we may be able to tap into the Tennessee River and .........

Lake pending and closed sales up significantly in February to 15 opposed to a low of only 4 in December to the 2nd highest of 11 in January. The most popular price range for these pending sales fell into the upper $500,000's with the next popular range, over 1 million. There were a handful of $700,000 sales and several in the $300,000 and $400,000 range, although many of these involved swim docks or low to no water at the docks.

Spring is just around the corner, the lake is rising and people are thinking Lake Lanier investments again. 5 words of advise: BUY LAKE LANIER PROPERTY NOW!

I am convinced, as are many others, that lake values will rebound and when they do, they will rebound quickly. Once the permits are gone, the lake continues to rise and the market settles down, this lake will see increases like it did in the past of 15-20% annually and it could be more!

Jumbo loan limits have increased for 2008, so more people may qualify to purchase lake homes that could not in the past. Consult your local jumbo loan expert.

So get out there as the weather gets nicer and take a 2nd look at Lake Lanier property before you are priced out of the market for good!

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Mortgage Underwriters Want Experienced Appraisers

Lakefront Appraiser could not be happier about one of the outcomes from the entire mortgage lending crack down. Mortgage Underwriters are taking seriously one portion of USPAP (uniform standards of professional appraisal practice) which requires that appraisers must be competent in their FIELD or Location, in order to complete the appraisal assignment (or they must obtain the assistance of someone who is competent). Hallelujah! I want to congratulate that underwriter publically! More of this kind of underwriting WILL occur it is a certainty.

I just received a call today from an Appraiser in South Georgia who referred me to a lender who's underwriter rejected an appraisal because the appraiser did not have the experience in that area. The Appraisal Company's owner, unfortunately just signed off on it after the fact and said, okay now you have the experience you need! Well that Appraisal Company has now been YANKED from that lenders approved appraiser list. Live and Learn!

Proper experience is the backbone or foundation of this site. We wanted to put together a site where lenders, buyers, sellers and Realtors can readily find appraisers that have lake and waterfront experience! This is a huge investment for all concerned, so it is crucial that you utilize the services of a Lake Appraiser.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Cracking down on Appraisal Process

Several States are cracking down on lender and client pressures on the real estate appraiser to "Hit" a number in their appraisal reports to make the deal work.

New York's Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has been investigating mortgage fraud.

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have agreed that they will no longer buy loans that are originated by lenders who do not follow a strict code of ethics and procedures when it comes to ordering appraisals.

It starts at misdemeanor level and rises to a Felony conviction if Lenders, Mortgage Brokers, Realtors and other clients, meaning buyers and sellers try to pressure appraisers to make the numbers work by appraising their properties over their true market value.

Appraisers have been under lender pressure since day one and unfortunately in order to keep their jobs, many appraisers had to buckle to the pressure. Unfortunate, but reality. Many others stuck to their guns and went out of business. A real tragedy.

Appraisers are hired by lenders and other clients to give them their professional opinion of value, however this process was turned on its head and the lenders and others were telling the appraisers what the value should be!

We are there to protect the lenders from bad loans by providing them with the real value on the properties that they use as collateral for the loans they make, however the lenders took control of the process and were not concerned about protecting themselves, they were concerned about making the deal work. Thus the foreclosure mess we are in today.

That being said Appraisers have a tough line to tow. Do they chance losing good lender business, the bread and butter of many appraisal companies or do they look the other way and push values as far as they can without getting into real trouble?

I have to say that many appraisers at one time or another have buckled to lender and client pressure, especially when business was slow. But we are looking forward to the day when we gain control back and we will be able to really do the jobs we were trained and hired for....to provide a true opinion of value for the property in question. Only time will tell how all of this will shake out.

So stay tuned as this issue will be a HOT button for a long time to come.

Monday, March 3, 2008

Appraisal Buzz Interview-Don't Miss it. 3/20/08

We are being interviewed by Appraisal Buzz, which reaches over 45,000 Appraisers, on March 20th, 2008.

Please check your email that day for this special interview. If you have not signed up to get these newsletters in your email in box, do so before March 20, 2008 so you do not miss out on a fantastic opportunity!

We will show you how we are different than any other website out there and how we plan to market this site, to get real results for all of our advertisers.

http://www.lakefrontapprasier.com/


So watch your inbox all appraisers for the March 20th, 2008 edition of Appraisal Buzz! See you there.

Coming soon....LakefrontAppraiser's announcement about a National Internet radio show, that will mean fantastic exposure for all who become members of this lakefront web site, where all Lakefront Professionals Converge!

Very exciting opportunity which will involve selected call in lakefront professionals across the nation!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Buyers and Sellers Taking Control of Appraisal Process!

When it comes to Lake and Waterfront property, buyers and sellers are taking control of the appraisal process! This is a wise move in our opinion. Since buyers and sellers are making huge investments in luxury properties like lake and waterfront real estate, they do not want to make a financial miscalculation!

Buyers and sellers no longer have to let the lender control the appraisal process, they can and are hiring these professionals to give them the information they need...the TRUE value of the property in question. This information goes a long way to help buy or sell the home and negotiate a sale in process. They realize the appraisal is worth its weight in gold, because the cost of the report is a fraction of what their loses could be without one!

Over 50% of the Lake Lanier appraisals we completed in 2007 and more than 60% in 2008, were requested by individuals who were contemplating listing their Lake Lanier home or buying one. While anyone can enlist the services of a real estate agent to determine the proper asking price or advise if a lake home is a good buy, they also want the opinion of an objective professional. Realtors are worth their salt when it comes to helping you thru the buying and selling maize, however they do have a vested interest in the property.....IE: a commission.

Real estate appraisers on the other hand have no vested interest in the property they appraise and therefore they are totally objective in their assessment. As a matter of fact, if they do have an interest in the property, they are obligated by what we call USPAP (uniform standards of professional appraisal practice) to decline the assignment or disclose their interest in the property. If they do not they could lose their license!

Since lenders are really cracking down on the lending process and the appraisers they will use, you do not want to be at the mercy of their selection. Chances are good that they do not have an experienced lakefront or waterfront appraiser on hand. This is the primary goal of our website to have a place where only experienced lake and waterfront appraisers are listed so that lenders, buyers, sellers and Realtors will find them easily and use their services. http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

If you are buying or selling a lake home and have not had an appraisal on your home, make sure you advise your realtor or lender that you insist on an experienced lake appraiser for the job and they can find them on our website. If you hire just any appraiser, it could significantly impact the appraised value of your home, most of the time, it is under valued when an inexperienced lake or waterfront appraiser is involved.

So we are glad buyers and sellers are taking control of the appraisal process and protecting their investments!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Lake of the Pines Appraiser

We welcome Len Fishman to our website, he is an appraiser that specializes in Lake of the Pines waterfront property in California.

He has over 20 years of appraisal experience and will be a welcome asset to this site. If you are thinking of buying or selling Lake of the Pines real estate you need an experienced lake appraiser to provide the true value of the home, so give Len Fishman a call today.

Here is a direct link to his advertisement on our site.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/california_pines.php

Again, we are happy to add Len Fishman to our TEAM of Lake and Waterfront Specialists!

If you are a Realtor, Lender, Builder, Investor or Lake Related Retailer who serves Lake of the Pines area, please check out our site and consider becoming an Affiliate Member of our site.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

Sunday, February 24, 2008

How to Increase Your Appraisal Business? Set Yourself Apart!

Marketing or Advertising? There is a difference! LakeFrontApprasier.com differentiates itself from the appraisal directory pack! We target market you, we do not just advertise you!

"Perception is Reality. The key is to think of the old adage: “perception is reality.” Marketing focuses on that concept alone. How your clients perceive you, the profession as a whole and the function of an appraisal in the process, all dramatically affect how they deal with you. And it directly affects your profit, whether you advertise or not. That’s because marketing isn’t the same as advertising, nor is it “selling.” Marketing is the process of understanding client perceptions, and where needed, shaping them; creating a fertile field for the crop which can be harvested later by specific advertising. Marketing is long term; advertising is short term. Marketing lingers; advertising dissipates. Marketing affects behaviors. Advertising exploits existing ones. "

You have got to read this article out by Alamode. Many of us have their software in the appraisal business. If you do nothing else, take some of these tips to heart about marketing your niche! We could not have stated it better and this is what has set us apart in our own appraisal business on the lake:

http://www.alamode.com/news/appraiser_marketing.aspx

Here are just a few segments that drive home exactly why we developed this site. As appraisers you MUST set yourself apart from the crowd especially in these tough times. When the going gets tough, the tough start to market!

And what better speciality to do this in than lake property as it is more referral and personal based, you command higher fees due to your expertise and complexity and people will seek you out for your expertise!

"Key to Success? Ask your Clients Start at the beginning. Does turn time really matter most to your clients? Does the fee matter as much as good communication and responsiveness? Do AVMs appeal to your clients because they’re fast and cheap or because they don’t argue or “go dark” until the appraisal is delivered? Do your clients crave constant feedback and accessibility, leading them to a management company, and if so, what will you do about it? Will you compete and differentiate by being the market’s largest player, with a staff capable of handling everything thrown at them? Or will you be a one-man shop with particular expertise in high-end properties, waterfront properties, or REOs? You won’t find the answers to these questions through contemplation. Ask your clients! If you aren’t, someone else is. And that someone is shaping the opinions and preferences of your clients already.

You can’t over-reach, either. Don’t pick ten things on which to differentiate. Pick a few, maybe even one. If you can’t describe your business and its differentiation in one easily digested sentence – almost a tagline – then it’s not of much use. If your description is too broad or too weak, it’s a waste. Focus. It’s like an army penetrating an enemy’s defenses: You mass your strength in one or two locations, penetrate the outer defenses, and then exploit it with follow-through troops. Once you determine what differentiators you’ll focus on, make sure that every aspect of your business reinforces them. Follow a simple mantra: “Do what you say and say what you do.” Live by it. It’s the essence of marketing."

Amen to all of the above....So Get Listed.....Get Noticed....Get Clients.....
so we can start to market you Today! We are with you for the long haul!

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

How to Succeed in the Appraisal Business: Set Yourself Apart!

Marketing or Advertising? There is a difference and that is where LakeFrontApprasier.com differentiates itself from the appraisal directory pack! We target market you, we do not just advertise you!

"Perception is Reality. The key is to think of the old adage: “perception is reality.” Marketing focuses on that concept alone. How your clients perceive you, the profession as a whole and the function of an appraisal in the process, all dramatically affect how they deal with you. And it directly affects your profit, whether you advertise or not. That’s because marketing isn’t the same as advertising, nor is it “selling.” Marketing is the process of understanding client perceptions, and where needed, shaping them; creating a fertile field for the crop which can be harvested later by specific advertising. Marketing is long term; advertising is short term. Marketing lingers; advertising dissipates. Marketing affects behaviors. Advertising exploits existing ones. "

You have got to check this article out by Alamode. Many of us have their software in the appraisal business. If you do nothing else, check this out about marketing because we could not have stated it better and it is what has set us apart in our own appraisal business on the lake:

http://www.alamode.com/news/appraiser_marketing.aspx

Here are just a few segments that drive home exactly why we developed this site. As appraisers you MUST set yourself apart from the crowd especially in these tough times. When the going gets tough, the tough start to market! And what better speciality to do this in than lake property as it is more referral and personal based, you command higher fees due to your expertise and complexity and people will seek you out for your expertise!

"Key to Success? Ask your Clients Start at the beginning. Does turn time really matter most to your clients? Does the fee matter as much as good communication and responsiveness? Do AVMs appeal to your clients because they’re fast and cheap or because they don’t argue or “go dark” until the appraisal is delivered? Do your clients crave constant feedback and accessibility, leading them to a management company, and if so, what will you do about it? Will you compete and differentiate by being the market’s largest player, with a staff capable of handling everything thrown at them? Or will you be a one-man shop with particular expertise in high-end properties, waterfront properties, or REOs?

You won’t find the answers to these questions through contemplation. Ask your clients! If you aren’t, someone else is. And that someone is shaping the opinions and preferences of your clients already.


You can’t over-reach, either. Don’t pick ten things on which to differentiate. Pick a few, maybe even one. If you can’t describe your business and its differentiation in one easily digested sentence – almost a tagline – then it’s not of much use. If your description is too broad or too weak, it’s a waste. Focus. It’s like an army penetrating an enemy’s defenses: You mass your strength in one or two locations, penetrate the outer defenses, and then exploit it with follow-through troops.

Once you determine what differentiators you’ll focus on, make sure that every aspect of your business reinforces them. Follow a simple mantra: “Do what you say and say what you do.” Live by it. It’s the essence of marketing."

Amen to all of the above....So Get Listed.....Get Noticed....Get Clients..... so we can start to Market you Today! We are with you for the long haul.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Lake Lanier Lenders - Pat & Perry Darsey

We wish a warm welcome to Pat & Perry Darsey, the newest members of our web site. They specialize in loans on Lake Lanier. If you are even thinking of buying a home on Lake Lanier, you need to talk to Pat & Perry first. They live on Lake Lanier, so they know this Lake!

You may feel that all you really need is a lender who can give you the lowest interest rates and closing costs. But it is really much more involved than that. When it comes to lakefront property, you need a lender that understands the lake because the loan programs can be quite different from the typical off lake single family home loans.

You also need a lender who has access to underwriters and appraisers equally informed about the lake OR your loan could fall apart and you do not want that to happen!

Pat & Perry can assure you that their rates will be competitive for the service and counsel they will provide. So give them a call today to discuss your financing options for your new dream home. Here is a direct link to their banner ad on our web site.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/georgia_lanier.php

Again, we welcome you Pat & Perry and we wish for you a prosperous 2008.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com

Friday, February 22, 2008

Lake Lanier Realtors - Ty & Susan Ginac

We proudly welcome Lake Lanier Realtors - Ty & Susan Ginac, with Ben Ray Associates here in Georgia.

They specialize in Lakefront Properties on Lake Lanier. If you are thinking of buying or selling lake lanier property you need an experienced professional in your corner. Do NOT make this huge investment without consulting someone who knows all the facets of lakefront property.

Since lake property is a large investment, you need to make sure that you have a realtor that knows this lake and knows it well. Too many horror stories out there, when people relied upon realtors who did not specialize in Lake Lanier and have no clue about this lake and all of its nuances.

Here is a direct link to their banner ad on our site: http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/georgia_lanier.php

So again, we welcome Ty & Sue Ginac and wish them much success in 2008 on Lake Lanier.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com

New National Appraiser Directory Launch

Welcome to Lakefrontappraiser.com... We are getting very excited because our first launch date for this national appraiser directory is March 20, 2008 on Appraiser Buzz. In April, 2008 we will be spotlighted in Real Estate Valuation Magazine and on Ask Henry Harrison-Appraiser web site. In May, 2008 we will be showcased on Working RE, special edition. Once Appraisers begin to list themselves under their lake/s, we will go to work and start advertising their lake, so that they start coming up on top in the search engines in record time.

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/

We just got off the phone with a large national lakehome mortgage company out of Minnesota and we are working with that lender to use the appraisers listed here on this site for their lake loans. They already understand the importance of using lakefront experts both on the lending side and the appraiser side. So jump on board and reep the new business that is coming your way soon!

We are already coming up on top of Google searches for lakefront appraiser directory, waterfront appraiser directory, lake appraiser, waterfront appraiser, lake lender, lake realtor, and we have been on the intenet for less than 2 months! So we know how to optimize our site to get top placement on google.

All lake and waterfront professionals will be spotlighted on this site and they can network with each other and refer each other business.

Lake real estate has picked up considerably in January and February here on Lake Lanier and I expect this will be the case across the nation as springs arrives.

Thanks for stopping by, we will keep you posted on the progress of this site.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Lake Front and Water Front Property-Recession Proof!

MSN Money article addressing what makes a home recession proof....Answer: Waterfront property. Of course there are areas on the water that are declining, Michigan, Florida, California, etc. However Waterfront will fare much better than the inland properties across the board.

"Take Punta Gorda, Fla., where, at this very moment, house prices are sliding so fast you can almost hear them sink.

"Everything is depreciating," says Cady Rowe, an agent with Coldwell Banker Morris Realty in Punta Gorda. However, Rowe adds, how deeply your price depreciates depends on where "your dirt" is.

"If your dirt is sitting in Punta Gorda Isles on the waterfront, it's going to be worth a lot more than dirt somewhere else with a thousand lots just like it," Rowe points out"

This is one of the many reasons why http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com/ was established. Even in our worst drought on Lake Lanier, the Lake homes are holding their own on values. Buyers and sellers realize even more, the importance of finding an Appraiser who understands the value of the Lake or Waterfront sites or "DIRT" with and without water!!

So "come on board", be the expert on your Lake and take advantage of this niche market. It is so much more interesting to appraise a Lake or Waterfront property than what we call in the business.... "cookie cutter" homes!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Recession Proof your Appraisal Business

After spending many hours surfing the top appraisal forums on the web, there is one thing which is quite clear, in this rocky market, many appraisers are looking for ways to increase business. Most appraisers will agree referal and personal business is the absolute best because there are no lender pressures and the client already has a good opinion of you, due to the referral or because their research convinced them you are the right person for the job.

Appraisers would also love a scenario where there is less appraiser competition in their given geographical area, they also want the respect that has been so lacking with this profession and they want to be compensated appropriately for the service they provide. Their liabilty for each and every assignment is considerable and the payment appraisers receive for their work is truly not reflective of the end product. Many appraisers have to work with appraisal managment companies who further discount their fees, making it more frustrating for many appraisers.

If you are an appraiser who specializes in lakefront property and you want to take advantage of this niche market, visit this web site and see how you can increase your business in 2008

http://www.lakefrontappraiser.com

Friday, February 8, 2008

What to Look For in an Online Appraiser Directory

As I was doing research on marketing this web site, I came across an article in the Real Estate Valuation Online Magazine. It had an interesting article on Appraiser Directories.

They had several very important tips and facts on choosing directories and I thought I would quote right from this well resepected publication on this issue.

First Point: Internet search for appraisal services. "Since 1999 when appraiser directories first appeared, the internet has taken off. Appraisal orders are commonly sent to the appraiser via email and those who hire appraisers, such as lenders, attorneys, consumers, more and more often search the internet to find an appraiser."

Second Point: Options with directories: " The online directories range from free to fee-based....when it comes to free vs. fee the answer is probably that you cannot afford to parktake of this particular FREE LUNCH. You do in fact get what you pay for...."The number of appraisers allowed per county is still a key issue. The rule of thumb is that any listings beyond 30 for a given area have minimal value"

You already know how Lakefront Appraiser feels about getting what you pay for.....and we feel 30 appraisers listed in a given area, or in our case, under a given lake is way too many...we want you to have a very good chance of getting more business and exclusivity is the only way to make that happen!

Third Point: Marketing: "It takes alot of time and money to adequately market and promote an appraiser directory. A free service will typically take in some side advertising revenue, which is not nearly enough to adequately market a national directory service". "A fee based service on the other hand is able to generate sufficient revenue to make it feasible for the developers to spend on marketing"...

LakefrontAppraiser.com could not agree more! The more listings we have, the more we can work diligently to spotlight your service and increase your business. So this really is a partnership, you list with us and our responsibility is that we get you noticed and get you clients! That is how it should be in any business and that is our promise to YOU.

Fourth Point: Paying more: "If you pay nothing odds are you will get nothing..."The mechanism for finding an appraiser should be easy to use"..."Without marketing support it wouldn't matter if an appraiser was number 1 on the list for their coverage area or number 100..because it is unlikely anyone will come to the website to find them"...
LakefrontAppraiser.com is already coming up on the top in google and yahoo searches for lakefront appraiser directory searches, state searches for lakefront appraisers, etc. It is also an extremely easy to use site and navigates smoothly, so anyone can find the appraiser they need in a matter of seconds!

Last but MOST important Point: Slow Down Strategy: "The appraisal industry has slowed and there are fewer appraisal orders to be had....during the busy times appraisers don't need to market too much if they are getting plenty of work. During the slower times however, it is necessary to market more, which is typical of any industry in a down cycle. Internet appraiser directories are a cost effective way to reach potential clients throughout the country for all types of appraisals including lending puposes, estate, divorce partnership split, pre listings, etc."

Look as what we say in our FAQ section of our site.... under who is your end user....we are in total agreement here. However, we also believe that advertising your business should be an integral part of your business model and whether it is slow or booming, marketing your business is key to keeping it successful and running smoothly at all times.

"The new saying is "when the going gets tough, the tough start marketing"..."Now is the time to expand your marketing efforts to maximize your position in an increaseingly difficult marketplace".

AMEN to that and we further feel that marketing a particular Niche...like Lake property is the way you can really increase your business!