Thursday, August 28, 2008 - Shhh...This is from the Competition

Keeping in mind that I'm with CENTURY 21, I saw this on the Coldwell Banker site and just had to take the quiz....no surprise, I'm an URBANIST! What are you?

From the Coldwell Banker site: Are you an Urbanist? A Contemporarian? Perhaps a Ranchero? Take the HOUSETROLOGY quiz to find out your house sign.

(C) Susan Pruden.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - OT: Very Funny Take on Fonts

If I try really really hard, I might be able to tie this in to real estate. After all, we use (and mis-use) fonts all the time in our marketing.

If you're in the mood for some humor, watch this video - it made me laugh out loud, which is always a good thing!

(C) Susan Pruden.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008 - Signs of the Times - LA Times, That Is

Ask just about any real estate agent and she'll tell you that advertising in a newspaper is a waste of money. Most buyers use the internet these days to look for houses. Last year I gave newspaper marketing a good test -- did a lot of it for open houses and to drive people to my website. Nada. So I've given it up this year. It just isn't a smart way to spend advertising dollars. So the following news wasn't a total surprise...

Newspapers have really been hurting and there is no starker evidence than this -- the 107-year-old Real Estate Section of the Los Angelos Times has folded, along with the sharpest staff and production cuts in the newspaper's history. Chatter on the internet has it that this is the start of a trend that will hit other large newspapers as well.

I know from the blog of a local photographer that the Baltimore Sun just laid off at least 100 people; 60 from the newsroom -- he was one of those let go.

In a somewhat related story, there was a news article in the NY Times about a new wave of foreclosures that are looming - those with good credit are struggling with mortgage payments as unemployment rises.

Well, here's hoping that there's NOT more to come!

(C) Susan Pruden.

Friday, March 21, 2008 - Southwestern Jewelry (or Realtors Need Good Jewelry)

Okay, this is admittedly a totally personal posting.

Those of you who know me know that I love silver and turquoise jewelry. I frequently buy from a gallery who comes into town a couple of times a year from Durango, Colorado, called Rain Dance Gallery. If it sounds familiar to some of you, it used to be a store in Montgomery Mall some years ago.

Anyway, Rain Dance Gallery is coming to town from March 27th to March 30th and they have wonderful jewelry, pottery, rugs, fetish carvings and more. I've uploaded their flyer, so check it out and give them a visit. You won't be sorry.

Tell Lori and Bob that Susan and Joseph Pruden sent you.

(C) Susan Pruden.

Thursday, February 21, 2008 - Plug for Verizon Wireless store near Ikea

If you’re a Verizon Wireless customer, you may be like me and just hate going to the Lanham store. Long waits and less than helpful customer service have driven me to locations that are just plain inconvenient to get to.

Well, they’ve just opened a new store in College Park by the Ikea and it’s the best. Their whole store is aimed at customer service. They’re quick, knowledgeable and friendly.  The manager says they are trying to change the culture of Verizon Wireless. More power to 'em!

Give ‘em a try.

(C) Susan Pruden.