OnPoint with Letitia Stevenson

In Real Time... Give It a Go!

Want real-time content from across the web?  Give Google's latest feature Realtime a Go!  Google first rolled out its real-time search feature in December 2009 as an "Updates" option on the sidebar in the main Google search. As of August 26, 2010, Realtime now has its own page plus some new enhancements: Geographic Search, Conversation View, and Google Alerts.

This week, I started trying out Google's real-time search tool for the first time. Google Realtime search brings the most current information to its users within seconds, an improvement from traditional search indexing methods. In a matter of seconds, I had access to relevant news, blog posts, comments and updates - across real-time sites like Twitter, FriendFeed, and Facebook. Great for up-to-the-second information on hot topics!

Additional Resources:

1. Official Google Blog Post
2. Try Google Realtime Search
3. Realtime Search Video (YouTube)
4. More About Google Realtime Search
5. Google Alerts

Do You Really Need a Cell Phone? Of course you do! But, it is always nice to have alternatives, especially for FREE! ATTENTION: Gmail Account Users!

No Longer a Rumor... It's Official... Google is now giving Gmail Account Users FREE phone calls via the internet! Whether you are on a desktop or a laptop, Google allows Gmail account users to call residential or mobile phones from their email browser. Gmail account users can call phones in the US and Canada for FREE. According to Google, other countries will be charged very low rates. Post launch, Google had over 1 million phone calls within 24 Hours.

How to Use Call Phones from Gmail... Simple as 1-2-3!

1. Click on "Call Phone" under the Chat panel on the left.
2. Click on "Install voice and video chat" when prompted to install plug-in.
3. Restart Brower, log back into Gmail and begin using making calls!

How Cool... Check It Out!

By the Way, Do you think Google Voice is a strong competitor for Skype? Share your thoughts.

Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe (September 3 - 18, 2010): Enjoy performing artists from Philly and around the world!  The Somers Team shares their picks!

Fringe is Back for Fall

Letitia Stevenson - Putting Your Best Interest Ahead of the Transaction!

"...  If you want a Realtor that believes in putting your best interest ahead of the transaction, you should definitely consider Letitia Stevenson, I am sure you will be glad you did, just as I was"     

~ T. Robinson (Delaware)

Today, I received the below testimonial from a client I recently assisted with buying a home. This really touched me because getting the sale to a successful completion in such a difficult situation was truly challenging. I credit the success of this sale in part due to the fact that I educated my client about the home buying process, as well as his options - empowering him to make informed decisions throughout the transaction. As a result, he was quite prepared when dealing with the tough negotiations, and ultimately he got both the deal and the home that he wanted. It's truly rewarding.  

"When I began to become curious with purchasing a home, I knew I was ill-equipped to make such a major purchase without the assistance of a highly qualified and skilled Realtor.  I received recommendations from a few friends and family members, however when I asked for some in-depth background about the recommendations, I felt they were given as a favor to the person and not necessarily the best choice for my transaction.  I began researching the internet for information on home buying and came across a well written blog by Letitia Stevenson.  I set up an initial consultation with Letitia and became a client the same day. 

During the process of touring homes and the home searching process, Letitia was very thorough and concerned.  She put me ahead of the transaction and I was assured she had my best interest at hand.  Letitia believes in the total process of matching the homebuyer with the home of their choice.  She reminds me of a well qualified attorney that is fighting for a good outcome for her client. Letitia made the process from home shopping to home ownership a smooth transition.  If you want a Realtor that believes in putting your best interest ahead of the transaction, you should definitely consider Letitia Stevenson, I am sure you will be glad you did, just as I was."    ~ T. Robinson (Delaware)

Tim, Thank you so very much for your wonderful testimonial. Once again, Congratulations on Your New Home! May all the good things of life move right with you to your new home... bringing you joy, happiness, good times, and fond memories, too.  Your RE Agent for Life, Letitia

Building rapport with customers and clients is an essential business skill. Building rapport means building relationships -- especially one of mutual understanding or trust. People like to do business with people they like and trust!

For many, building rapport is easier said than done?! Paula Hathaway offers some valuable points!

FREE iPhone App: Scan Docs on the go with GENIUS SCAN!

ATTENTION iPhone User!

Why pay for an iPhone Document Scanning App When You Can Get this Nifty One for FREE?

Genius Scan is a pretty cool app for scanning documents from your iPhone. This application was developed by Grizzly Software and initially released on June 22, 2010.

Genius Scan allows professionals (like Real Estate Agents) to scan documents on the fly and save them on their iPhone. Scanned documents may be saved to your Camera Roll, saved as new or existing documents and sent via email. Best of all, right now Genius Scan is Free! Great for scanning business cards, receipts, hand written notes, recipes and more. Great for emailing scanned documents to your clients, your colleagues... where ever you are!  

To Download Software or to Get More Information:

• View Genius Scan Screencast (YouTube Video)
• Visit Grizzly Software (Website/Blog)
• Download Genius Scan (the AppStore)
• Request Support or Submit Comments (via Email)

Check It Out! Compare GENIUS SCAN to other document scanning iPhone apps on the market - of course, this may cost you $$$. Remember to bookmark this post and stop back here at a later time to let me and others know what you think! Post your comments below about your thoughts and/or your experience with GENIUS SCAN!

Thanks and Enjoy!

Lending: Prudential Fox & Roach Trident Mortgage Recognized by DSHA

ATTENTION: Delaware First Time Home Buyers

Trident Mortgage Company (a member of Prudential Fox & Roach and Trident family of companies) was recently recognized by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) as 2009 Top Performing Lender (out of 22 lenders participating in the bond program) for assisting 100+ first time homebuyers with DSHA's affordable homeownership programs.

Trident Mortgage Company's Delaware team consist of five (5) professional Mortgage Consultants. I would like to give special mention to Gail Frederick, a Trident Mortgage Consultant in the Greenville Office. Gail has effectively assisted my clients with DSHA's first time home buyer program. 

Gail Frederick is a long-time mortgage professional with more than 20 years in the business. She has secured financing for her wide range of clients by satisfying their needs through hard work, quick response to any and all questions, and attention to detail. 

For the latest information on DSHA's affordable homebuyers programs, please contact DSHA at 302.577.5001, or visit DSHA's website. Or, contact a participating mortgage lender/mortgage consultant, like Gail Frederick fromTrident Mortgage. If you would like of a list of DSHA's approved lenders or have any real estate questions, please contact me. Whether buying, selling, or just curious to learn more, I'm here to assist you.  Please contact me with your real estate questions.

First Time Home Buyer Seminar - Delaware (September 25, 2010)

Attend a FREE First Time Home Buyer Seminar! And, Get Your Questions Answered!

Register TODAY for the First Time Home Buyer Seminar!

DATE: Saturday, September 25, 2010

LOCATION: New Castle County, DE

(Click below "Seminar Sign Up" for Location Details)

TIME: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

The First Time Home Buyer Seminar will cover:

The Basics: The Home Buying Process

Mortgages: How They Really Work

Financing: FHA Loans, VA Loans, and Other Financing Options

Credit: Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score

Each attendee will receive:

Free Home Buying Guide

Additional Tips and Resources

Local Market Reports

How to Choose Winners in Random Drawings? Use an Online Random Number Generator! 

Check out RANDOM.ORG - Offers FREE & PAID Random Number Services!

Great for Various Types of Games, Prize Draws, Raffles and Giveaways!

Get a FREE Widget - True Random Number Generator WIDGET! It uses a lower and an upper limit and allows you to generate one winner. For more options... Read On!

If you're looking for an alternative to a traditional drawing method, i.e., a change from picking the names of winners out of a hat, try an online random number generator. I like to use Random.org's Random Integer Generator which allows me to generate one or more winners from the total number of entries. It's quick and easy! And, it's FREE! 

Five Easy Steps to Choosing Winners in Random Drawings:

1. Go to Random Integer Generator and Enter the Total Number of WINNERS
2. Enter Your Limits (a lower limit of 1 and an upper limit of total number of entries)
3. Enter the Number of Columns You Would Like to Display
4. Select Your Desired Replacement Option
5. Click "Get Numbers" and Get Quick Results! 

Another Generator: RandomResult.com - Generates FREE drawings with a proof of the draw. I have not tried out this tool yet. I found this site while searching on the internet and decided to add it here for those of you who would like to check it out.

Delaware Licensees: Check Your Mail. . . CE Audit is Underway!  (August 2010)

Today, I received an Audit Notice (dated 8/5/2010) from DREC.

Check your mail! Perhaps you too have been chosen for an audit.

The Delaware Real Estate Commission (DREC) continuing education audit process is underway. On Friday August 6^th, DREC sent out statewide audit notices to 600 randomly selected licensees requesting proof of having met the Continuing Education Requirements for the recent 2010 renewal.

If you have been chosen for the audit, you will be required to:

1. Complete and sign the Continuing Education Log listing approved courses taken during the last renewal period (May 1, 2008 thru April 30, 2010).
2. Submit proof, i.e., furnish all necessary certificates of completion (copies, not originals) as evidence attendance.

DREC must receive all documentation within 20 days of date of audit notice letter.

This post is being provided for information purposes only. If you have any questions regarding the audit, please contact the Commission office at 302-744-4500 or by email at customerservice.dpr@state.de.us.