Bulletins - Hawaii Information Service

Cause for Celebration!

marketing — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:11:51 +0000

Amidst all of the action that has been happening around the office lately, we almost didn’t stop to share that HIS/REsearch enjoyed 100% uptime in the fiscal year ending 6/30/2009. Now if that’s not a great reason to celebrate I don’t know what is!

Wahoo!

Changes to HAR Forms Within REsearch

marketing — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:14:57 +0000

Just a quick note to let you know that the names of a couple of HAR forms will be changing.

They are:

“Agreement of Sale Addendum to the Purchase Contract” has been shortened to “Agreement of Sale Addendum”
“Existing “As Is” Condition Addendum” has been shortened to “”As Is” Condition Addendum”
Also, the “Purchase Contract” and the “Purchase Money Mortgage Addendum” both underwent revisions.

To find out what the specific changes were the best thing to do is contact HAR directly. Here is where you can find their contact information: http://www.hawaiirealtors.com/about_us/contact_us.asp

Have a great week and please let me know if you have any questions regarding these changes/revisions or anything else.

-Erin Shaw

November Online Training Schedule

marketing — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:53:55 +0000

Online Training Classes

*NEW! Orientation classes for New Agent Members have now been added to our class schedule starting this month. Sign up now to build a solid foundation of REsearch knowledge and skills!

* Learn our trainers tricks & tips for farming

* Brush up on your basics

* Discover ways to attract new customers

Below are the online classes scheduled for the month of November. To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below. Space is limited so please RSVP soon! If you are going to participate/watch as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts! Mahalo.

_________________________________________________________________________________

November 2 – 6

Orientation: Monday, November 2nd from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/641487603

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Monday, November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/122246562

Basics to Searching & Formats: Wednesday, November 4th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Wed Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/493873218

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Wednesday, November 4th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/448111714

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Friday, November 6th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/881237082

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, November 6th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/797872339

November 9 – 13

Maps: Tuesday, November 10th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/839208987

Basics to Searching & Formats: Tuesday, November 10th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/887491227

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Thursday, November 12th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/904316794

Orientation: Thursday, November 12th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/734911018

LIVE, In-Office Class on Oahu!
REsearch TMK: Friday, November 13th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM HST
Registration Web Link: http://www.hawaiiinformation.com/Research/idx/mlshawaii/TrainingCalander.asp

November 16 – 20

Basics to Searching & Formats: Monday, November 16th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/130293818

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Monday, November 16th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/272612770

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Wednesday, November 18th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/667958082

Maps: Wednesday, November 18th from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/729167658

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, November 20th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/935198347

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Friday, November 20th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/493748635

November 23 – 27

Orientation: Tuesday, November 24th from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/174421562

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Tuesday, November 24th from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/806466874

_________________________________________________________________________________

Instructions on how to register for the above webinars:

* To register, please click onto the applicable link located below the class. The link will then take you to the registration site.

* Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).

* Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.

* If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at (800) 628-3121, press # and then 457.

System Requirements

* PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista

* Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Questions? Comments? I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to e-mail me at erin@alohaliving.com or call directly at (808) 748-8759 or toll free 1-800-628-3121 ext. 159.

Sneak Peek: The New & Enhanced IDX – COMING SOON!

marketing — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:20:18 +0000

Our new and enhanced IDX is going live TOMORROW Oct. 28th, 2009, giving you 26 new features and functions at your fingertips! Although the new and enhanced IDX will be officially LIVE tomorrow, it will take us some time to implement these changes. A schedule will follow shortly explaining what the process will be to get your IDX up to date.

As a follow up to yesterday’s e-blast, here is a continued look at what you can expect, with a focus on the expanded features and functions that are only found in our Mid and FULL IDX Suites. (Click on the images to see a larger version of them)

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Better Saved Than Sorry…

Saving Search Parameters & Results*

One of the biggest advantages of having a FULL IDX is giving your customers the ability to save their searches, thus making their home buying search that much more easy and efficient. What do you, the agent, get out of it? Besides knowing that your customers are being taken care of, they will have to enter their contact information in return for being able to save their searches, giving you the ability to contact them and provide them with the educated help they need to take the next step.

Here’s how it works:

* Your customers can set the search parameters the way they want them and just click “Save This Search.” If they are not logged in they will be prompted to do so, and then will be able to name their search, choose how often they want to receive updates, and go back to it whenever they please.

* Love at first sight? Your customers can save their favorite properties to a ‘Hotlist’ and return to it at a glance.

* If your customers need more details or want more options they need not look any further than the Property Details Page. By simply clicking on the “More Details” button on the listing of their choice they’ll find a world of opportunity at their fingertips. From the property details page, they’ll be able to save or print the listing, contact you, the agent, or schedule a showing, or e-mail it to a friend.

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Tools Of The Trade

Our FULL IDX not only provides superior search capabilities for your customers, it also allows them to save specific listings of interest with the click of a button.

Here’s how it works:

* Getting There: After logging in to their ToolKit Account, your customers will notice a button bar will appear at the top of each screen giving them the option to go to their ToolKit Home as well as view their HotList, Saved Searches, and/or Details etc.

* The View from the Inside: Your customers ToolKit contains links to their HotList, Saved Search Parameters and Details. If they click on the “My HotList” button on the top menu bar or either one of the ones below they will be able to easily manage/add to their HotList.

* Your customers will be able to easily view property’s thumbnails in their HotList which they can also use to access the property details directly. If they have more than one they can scroll through them by using the previous and next buttons on the right hand side.

*Saved Search and other Call to Action features listed here are only available to FULL IDX customers.

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Details, Details, Details…

What Your Customers Can Expect To Find on A Property’s Details Page

Included In All IDX Suites:

* Print Page

* Display Days on Market

* Display ALL Photos

* Photo Captions

* Agent Photo and Contact Information

Included In The Mid IDX (All of the above +):

* Virtual Tours (if available)

* Map Details – view a single property on the Google map

Included In The FULL IDX (All of the above +):

* “Call to Action” buttons such Ask the Agent, E-Mail a Friend, Schedule Showings, Schedule an Open House etc. at the top of the details page.

* Save listing to HotList: Your consumers must provide their contact information to save their favorite listings.

* Access to Mortgage Calculator

__________________________________________________________________________________

Getting The Whole Picture…

At A Glance

For a quick reference guide, please see the table below which shows what you can expect from the new EZ, Mid and Full IDX packages.

Questions?

For questions pertaining to technical aspects of IDX please contact Michael Torres at Michael@alohaliving.com. For Sales related questions or inquiries please contact Colleen Yasuhara at Colleen@AlohaLiving.com. Have a great rest of your week and we’ll be in touch soon!

Sneak Peek: The New & Enhanced IDX – COMING SOON from HIS

marketing — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:51:16 +0000

Our new and enhanced IDX is coming your way in a matter of days, and as such, we wanted to give you a little sneak peek of the 26 new features and functions you will soon have access to. All of the features and functions detailed in this e-blast are included in all three of our IDX packages. (Click on the images to see a larger version)

Check it out…

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A Whole New Look…

Main Search Page

You will notice quite a few changes have taken place on the IDX’s main search page. All of these features and functions are included in all of our IDX packages:

* All the search fields from our existing IDX, plus much more!

* All search parameters have been consolidated on one page, eliminating the need to scroll down and jump from page to page.

* Search by subdivision AND Condo Project!

* Need a visual? The clickable map feature allows you to choose your island of interest and then drill down further by zone etc. to narrow your search.

* Sort search results by price, high to low, etc.

* New & expanded search options: Map Search (For FULL & Mid IDX Suites only), Basic & Advanced Search, Search by Address, Search by Multiple MLS Numbers.

* Ability to log-in and save your search settings and results. You can even save your Advanced or Map searches! (For FULL & Mid IDX Suites only)

______________________________________________

Search And You Shall Find…

Clickable Map

* Using the state-wide map, choose your island of choice to view that island’s zones/districts and major towns.

* Once an island is chosen, search fields will automatically adjust to match the island.

Map Search (For FULL & Mid IDX Suites only)

* Switch between maps of islands and areas within an island quickly and easily, without ever leaving the page.

* Refine and easily sort your results.

* View all results as pins on our interactive map, or in list-form below the map.

* Click on map pins to view property details and photos.

* Zoom in and out and move the map around as necessary.

* Save map searches and results easily.

Address Search

* Search using a specific address, property type – you can even specify the island you want to search on and the subdivision the property is located in!

MLS Search

* Got multiple MLS numbers you want to search for all at once? With the new enhanced IDX this isn’t a problem!

At A Glance

Stay tuned for more of what the new and enhanced IDX packages have to offer. For a quick reference guide, please see the table below which shows what you can expect from the new EZ, Mid and Full IDX packages.

Questions?

Introducing…The New and Enhanced IDX – Coming soon from HIS

marketing — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:43:30 +0000

After a great deal of hard work, we are pleased to announce that we will soon be releasing our new and improved IDX product! A great deal has been achieved on the back-end to accomplish a few simple but very important goals on the front-end for the benefit of you, our members, as well as your customers. In short, here is what you can expect:

Our IDX product has been moved to the “Portal Technology,” allowing for much-needed features like map searches, saved searches and hotlists.

We have differentiated features into three differently priced product/service levels making IDX accessible to all.

Stay tuned for a detailed breakdown of all the features and functions of the enhanced IDX. For a quick reference guide, please click on the thumbnail below to see what you can expect from the new EZ, Mid and Full IDX packages.

Grow Your Business With A Blog

marketing — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:48:56 +0000

Real estate blogs are the most exciting innovation in real estate in some time – connecting consumers to valuable information through an exciting and easy-to-use new medium. Real estate and blogs were made for each other. Real estate is local, personal, and emotional, just like blogs.

~Realty Blogging, Richard Nacht and Paul Chaney

Not Your Ordinary Blog – Be Part Of The Elite…

Are you ready to take your online marketing to a whole new level? Alohaliving.com is offering the unique opportunity for a limited number of bloggers to establish themselves as experts in real estate territories throughout Hawaii, as well as in certain market niches such as insurance, home improvement, or even food and entertainment.

Your blog will be prominently displayed across our website AlohaLiving.com, one of the most comprehensive, Hawaii focused, real estate websites out there. Blogs are syndicated to our partner sites, as well as thoroughly and frequently indexed by Google and other blog-specific search engines like Technorati.

The Nitty-Gritty Details…

Why blog? Blogs tend to do VERY well in search engine rankings due to their frequently updated content. So, write often, create a following, and watch as the traffic and leads from your blog develop organically.

The Aloha Living Blog Network is built on an enterprise version of WordPress, an immensely popular, open-source blogging and content management system. A talented global community of programmers are constantly improving and refining the software. In addition, we will be developing and implementing our own custom solutions to provide you with more versatility and features down the road – one of the distinct advantages of the open-source movement.

Still, blogging is about the content, not the technology. While this blog focuses largely on the WordPress software, remember – As an Aloha Living Blog Network blogger, you are not really paying for code or servers or the like. What we offer is a service that helps you create timely, topical, interesting content that keeps people coming back, and a constantly growing network that boosts your visibility and reinforces your position as an expert in your area.

We’re Here For You…

There is a lot of information on blogging out there, as real estate and other industry professionals discover its value as a business tool. But we know that you don’t always have the time to keep up with it all, and sometimes need some help to get started. No problem. We provide personal, individual support to our bloggers, and meanwhile regularly compile and feature tips, tricks, and ideas for blogs and other marketing tools on our Bulletin Blog, Facebook pages, and Twitter profiles.

Something To Look Forward To…

The Aloha Living Blog Network is only a small part of the larger AlohaLiving.com portal. And, as it grows, your blog content will be incorporated in a multitude of different ways, creating more and more opportunities for your business to flourish and thrive.

October Online Training Schedule

marketing — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:11:00 +0000

*NEW! Orientation classes for New Agent Members have now been added to our class schedule starting this month. Sign up now to build a solid foundation of REsearch knowledge and skills!

Learn our trainers tricks & tips for farming
Brush up on your basics
Discover ways to attract new customers

Below are the online classes scheduled for the remainder of September and the entire month of October. To sign up immediately, simply click on the links below. Space is limited so please RSVP soon! If you are going to participate/watch as a group, only one person needs to sign up.

Remember, after you have participated, please make sure to fill out the survey or e-mail me your feedback so we can continue to improve upon our training efforts! Mahalo.
September 28 – 30

Customizing & Downloads: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/421697466

Orientation: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 - 1:00 PM 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/596356875

October 1 – 4

New Member Orientation: Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/565034074

October 5-11

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/579724090

Basics to Searching & Formats: Tuesday, October 6, 2009 – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/546265803

Orientation: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/280863050

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Wednesday, October 7, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/653085507

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/428224307

Maps: Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/943224299

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Friday, October 9, 2009 – 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/319484970

Customizing & Downloads: Friday, October 9, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/872285962
October 12 – 18

Orientation: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/543734074

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/892583386

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/459191291

Basics to Searching & Formats: Friday, October 16, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/523837946

October 19 – 25

Update, CMA, Farming & Labels: Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/776859770

Maps: Thursday, October 22, 2009 – 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/822515890

Orientation: Friday, October 23, 2009 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/633135035

Enter & Manage Your Listings and How to Utilize Forms: Friday, October 23, 2009 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM HST Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/361647482

October 26 – 31

Basics to Searching & Formats: Wednesday, October 28, 2009 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/888292963

Customizing & Downloads: Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/949769403

Prospecting, Contacts & Calendar: Thursday, October 29, 2009 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM HST
Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/624503106

LIVE, In-Office Class on Oahu!
REsearch TMK: Friday, September 18, 2009 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Registration Web Link: https://websec.hawaiiinformation.com/REsearch/HIS/default.asp*

*To sign up for TMK session, please log in to REsearch, select the “REtools” menu, and select “REsearch Training”.

Instructions on how to register for the above webinars:

To register, please click onto the applicable link located below the class. The link will then take you to the registration site.
Please complete all the required fields marked by a red asterisks (First Name, Last Name, Email Address, Phone, Organization AKA Office Name).
Click “Register Now” to complete the registration process. Once registered a confirmation email will be sent to your email address to confirm your registration along with a unique web ID number and instructions on how to login to the session on that day.
If you need login assistance, please feel free to contact our Customer/Technical Support team at (800) 628-3121, press # and then 457.

System Requirements

PC-based attendees – Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista
Macintosh®-based attendees – Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Questions? Comments? I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to e-mail me at erin@alohaliving.com or call directly at (808) 748-8759 or toll free 1-800-628-3121 ext. 159.

Great Resource: HAR Outreach Program

marketing — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:41:17 +0000

Lin Suggests: If you have not signed up for the HAR outreach program, you should! The national speaker gave a very enlightening 3-hour talk on the use of social media .. blogging, Facebook, Twitter, etc. in a no-nonsense manner.

Interested? Go HERE to see the schedule of Education Seminars and Events hosted by HAR, as well as a place to register for them! If you go to a great one, please be sure to share what you’ve gained from it!

Craigslist Scam Alert

marketing — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 02:29:54 +0000

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ!

Please be advised that there continues to be a threat to the real estate industry from scammers using Craigslist and other classified advertising websites. Crooks are scraping information from real listings and are posting them as fake rental properties, posing as an owner or management company. Once someone responds, they attempt to get the person to send deposits and advance rent payments, usually to overseas addresses, promising delivery of keys after receiving the funds.

These scams are found nationwide, but they have been reported in Hawaii on several occasions, so please be cautious and aware. If possible, you may want to periodically check Craigslist using the addresses of your listings or key phrases from your property details to ensure that they aren’t being misrepresented.

Here are a few helpful links to recent articles concerning this scam:

Also, after sending out the above information, I received a response from one of our members with some first-hand advice about dealing with this very real problem:

“I have been continuously copied on my listings by scammers in Nigeria (I know this from talking to the people responding to the scammers!)

The best way to avoid having scammers copy your listing on Craigslist is to NOT put in address in the Craigslist ad! This prevents the scammers from directing people to the property for drive bys…and therefore, prevents them from pulling off the scam.”