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Real estate broker, civil engineer and general contractor.
Business

How to Capitalize on the Loyaty of Past Customers

Lisa J. Lehr

by Lisa J. Lehr

If you’ve been in business for any length of time, you know that getting new customers is a lot more work—and a lot less profitable—than selling more to your existing customers. Needless to say, people who’ve bought from you in the past already have a relationship with you, so they don’t need to be sold; they only need to be reminded to come back for more.

People have short memories and fickle habits. If your competitor has offered your past customers some sweet deal, “your” customers may well stray from you to cash in the coupon (or whatever it is), receive good service, and switch loyalties, never to be seen again. The good news about that is…you can do the same thing, and get them back. And not only that: you can keep them coming back.

First step: get in touch with those past customers. If you already have their e-mail addresses, great; if not, you’ll need to use postal mail. An inexpensive, simple way to do this is with a postcard, which will need to do the following:

  • Tell your readers what to do: visit your store (for example, bring in the postcard for a special offer) or your website (to opt in to your list).
  • Follow the usual rules of good sales writing. Words sell!
  • Be attractive: following the rules of good design, yet not devoting so much space to graphics that you run out of space for words.
  • Entice your readers with what they’ll get when they take the next step. (Coming into your store gets them a discount or a freebie; opting in to your list gives them a heads-up on all specials, sales, and new offerings.)
  • Use both sides of the postcard. An often-overlooked strategy: put a map to your place of business. You’d be surprised—even customers who know where you’re located are more likely to visit if you show them how to get there!
  • Be prepared with the second step, i.e., whatever you’re going to give them when they visit your website or your store.

Now, once you’ve reestablished your relationship with your past customers, keep them! This is where your e-mail list is so important. You’ll stay top-of-mind, and when they need something, they’ll come to you—not your competitor. An essential part of the process is a website. The e-mails they get from you will be completely automated and anti-spam-compliant.

If you don’t have one yet, we seriously need to talk!

Lisa J. Lehr is a writer and copywriter living in Grass Valley. She can help you promote your business with a full range of online and offline marketing pieces. A member of Empire Toastmasters, she’s available to speak to your business or professional group. Visit her website www.justrightcopy.com for more information, opt in for a message series, and receive a free Marketing Guide.

—
Lisa J. Lehr
I write words that make you money–just ask me how.
www.justrightcopy.com
Visit my website and sign up for my fr~ee marketing tips.
New! No~cost Marketing Guide now available at my website

Entertainment

Mary Youngblood & Sisters of the Earth Coming to Grass Valley

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5GVbTOt6R3E

Mary Youngblood and Sisters are coming to the Center for the Arts in Grass Valley, January 28 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $20 for members and $22 for non-members. For tickets go to Tickets

Native American Mary Youngblood, half Seminole and half Aleut, is the first woman to professionally record the Native American Flute, and the first woman to win not just one, but two Grammy Awards for “Best Native American Music Album”. In addition to Mary’s two Grammy Awards and three nominations, she was the first woman to win ‘Flutist of the Year’ in both 1999 and 2000. She also won ‘Best Female Artist’ in 2000 at the Native American Music Awards (NAMMYS).

Location is “A” on Google Maps:


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For all your real estate needs Call
John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
(530) 263-1091

DRE# 00669941

Real Estate

Sacramento Man is Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Ponzi Scheme

Charles Ponzi the man from whom the name "Ponzi Scheme" comes from.
Charles Ponzi, the man from whom the term “Ponzi Scheme” came from.

SACRAMENTO – In a case prosecuted by the state Department of Justice, William Arthur Sassman II, who looted the life savings of dozens of investors to bankroll his own lavish lifestyle and finance his own investments, was sentenced today to 18 years in prison.

Sassman convinced people who had painstakingly saved for their retirement that he could make a lot of money for them. Instead he used their money for his fine clothing, his expensive cars, his several homes and his own illegal investments.

Sassman, 42, of Sacramento, appeared in Sacramento County Superior Court today where he had previously entered a guilty plea on 13 felony counts of grand theft.

Judge Lloyd G. Connelly sentenced Sassman to prison and ordered him to pay more than $4.45 million in restitution to 48 victims. No funds have been found, however, and it is unlikely victims will receive repayment.

An investigation by agents of the Department of Justice revealed that Sassman, a licensed insurance agent, operated a Ponzi scheme starting about 10 years ago in which he repaid current investors with money from new investors.

Using a book he wrote, “Secrets of a Worry Free Retirement,” Sassman convinced investors, many of whom were senior citizens, to shift their life savings to “high return” investments. These investments included foreclosed properties and real estate on Mare Island (Vallejo) and in other states, commercial property in El Dorado Hills near Sacramento, the production of a laptop computer stand called the “Notefloat,” which never sold, and annuity, stock and foreign currency investments.

Read the rest of the article Office of Attorney General

Real Estate

Real Estate: Finally a Good Investment


The housing market still looks pretty bleak:  There were a record 1 million foreclosures last year, home prices are still falling in many regions, and the number of “underwater” properties is at a record high.

And things don’t look much better in other areas of real estate. The number of construction jobs continues to decline, even as other parts of the economy have added jobs. And mortgage rates have moved higher as long-term Treasury yields have backed up during the past few months.

Basically, the real estate market remains a mess.

Real estate encompasses a wide range of markets – homes, apartments, hospitals, office buildings, strip malls, dormitories and other properties. But for our purposes, let’s focus on residential real estate, or homes. Here are four reasons to think residential real estate might represent a bargain – with one big caveat.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

• Everyone hates homes – When the housing market is in the doldrums, people tend to avoid thinking about the value of their home.  Sellers complain they’re not getting offers and buyers bemoan the strict lending requirements.  However, prospective buyers should be contrarian and take advantage of a down housing market.

• Smart people are buying real estate – A prominent hedge-fund manager said in a speech last fall:  “If you don’t own a home, buy one.  If you own a home, buy another one, and if you own two homes, buy a third and lend your relatives the money to buy a home.”  He believes that interest rates and home prices will rise this year, so real estate bargains won’t last much longer.

• Real estate performs well during inflation – Convention says Treasury Inflation Protected Securities, commodities, and real estate do well in an inflationary environment.  Real estate performed well during the period in the 1970s, when persistent inflation and high unemployment occurred.

• Demand may be coming back – Job creation and getting people employed are the two major factors in the housing rebound.  There’s much debate about when the job market will recovery.  Optimists say the recovery will happen this year, while pessimists say it won’t happen for several years.

Read the full story

For all your real estate needs Call

John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
(530) 263-1091

DRE# 00669941

Real Estate

Living Room of Home Cantilevers 45′ Into Space

This home, built in West Stockbridge, Mass seems to be built with expense as an after thought. Why would anyone want to cantilever a living room, other than to say I can? The elevation of the living room can be constructed much cheaper in many different ways. However, if you have a dream and have money, here’s what you get according to the Wall Street Journal

“The home is a slim, 17-by-90-foot rectangular volume of glass and steel, the house slopes down a hill in the Berkshires before dramatically cantilevering for 45 feet. The great room floats 14 feet above the ground and has walls of glass on three sides with sweeping views of the surrounding, hilly countryside. The home’s poured concrete floor vibrates when the couple’s 65-pound Standard poodle, Oberon, bounds with enthusiasm after a ball. (Mr. Schwartz blames Oberon’s particular bounding style.)

Living room cantilevered out 45'
Living room cantilevered out 45'

“I thought it was going to be a ranch house,” said the 59-year-old Ms. Fiekowsky, a violinist who plays with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, admitting she, too, was nervous when her husband told her he wanted to have half the house float in the air. Mr. Schwartz, whose firm Schwartz/Silver Architects has completed projects for clients including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Princeton University, noted that the house’s cantilevered space is counterbalanced by a massive concrete basement hidden in the hillside. He said it’s “over designed” for stability and can hold 60 people safely, plus several thousand pounds on the home’s rooftop terrace.”

For all your real estate and construction needs, Call
John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
(530) 263-1091

DRE# 00669941

Real Estate

Home Buying Paralysis? Tips for Getting the Best Deal Faster


The inventory of homes for sale has increased in recent months, causing some buyers to hesitate before making an offer on a home for fear a better home at a more favorable price will become available.

  • Although real estate agents are showing more homes to clients, people still are buying homes, especially first-time buyers.  According to the latest figures from the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR), first-time buyers now account for 50 percent of all home sales.
  • Some agents claim that today’s buyers are having a problem staying committed to the home search.  During the height of the market, home buyers were more apt to make housing hunting a priority and to move on a good deal.  Real estate experts advise today’s home buyers do the same to be successful in their home search.
  • Making a list of “musts” and “wants” for home features will help home buyers narrow down the search.  Identifying key features, such as the number of bedrooms or bathrooms, will help buyers avoid being overwhelmed by the number of homes available.
  • Buyers are best advised to work with a REALTOR® who is familiar with the area.  Media reports that home prices will decline further may be true for some areas, but not necessarily in all areas.  All real estate is local, so finding out what’s happening in a specific neighborhood is most helpful.

Read the full story

For all your real estate needs Call
John J. O’Dell
Real Estate Broker
(530) 263-1091

DRE#00996641

Real Estate

A Little Known Strategy for Cutting Mortgage Payments

Merlin The Dog Photo by Cheeriotown
Merlin The Dog Photo by Cheeriotown

Homeowners looking to lower their monthly mortgage payments and reduce their interest rate may be able to do so without refinancing.  A little-known strategy called recasting or re-amortization is available through some mortgage lenders and servicers, and eliminates the hefty fees and daunting credit requirements of refinancing.

  • Re-amortization requires borrowers pay off a lump sum of the principal amount on the mortgage and asking to have the monthly payments reset according to the original interest rate and loan terms.  The lump sum reduces the principal, so the new monthly payments decrease slightly and interest paid over the life of the loan is reduced.
  • Lenders typically charge an administrative fee of $150 or more to re-amortize a mortgage; however, borrowers are not required to pay closing costs or submit to another credit check.
  • Re-amortizing works well for homeowners unable to qualify for refinancing, especially those who are self employed or have low poor credit.
  • Homeowners consider re-amortizing their mortgage should be aware that some lenders require a minimum amount to be paid toward the principal in the lump sum.  JPMorgan Chase, for example, charges a $150 fee and requires a minimum $5,000 payment toward the principal.
  • Another challenge is finding a lender, or loan servicer, that offers re-amortizing.  JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America exclude loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration and Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and loans that were sold off and securitized may also need investor approval.

    • Read the full story

    For all your real estate needs Call
    John J. O’Dell
    Real Estate Broker
    (530) 263-1091
    E-mail jodell@nevadacounty.com

    DRE #00664491

    nevada county fair

    Nevada County Fairgrounds Receives Top Honors at the Western Fairs Association’s Annual Achievement Awards


    Fairgrounds recognized in industry for work in community partnerships, Fair competitions

    The Nevada County Fairgrounds received 28 awards through the 48th Annual Western Fairs Association’s (WFA) Achievement Awards Program. The Nevada County Fairgrounds took home first-place honors for its community partnership with the Nevada County Library’s summer reading program, its Lego Experience exhibit, its “Decorative Chair” exhibit competition, its “tree” exhibit displays at the Fair entrances, and several of the Fair and Draft Horse Classic promotional pieces.

    For this year’s WFA Achievement Awards Program, offered to recognize excellence and to share fair ideas and programs, the Nevada County Fairgrounds competed against more than 50 Fairs with similar attendance numbers within the Western United States and Canada.  At the WFA Achievement Awards Ceremony, held later next week, the Nevada County Fairgrounds will collect a total of 10 first place awards, 10 second place, and four third place awards. The Fairgrounds will also receive four Honorable Mention awards.

    The Western Fairs Association is a non-profit trade association serving the Fair industry throughout the Western United States and Canada.

    With a theme of “Gold! Rush to the Fair,” the 2011 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

    By Wendy Oaks

    Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds

    (530) 273-6217

    wsoaks@gmail.com

    Nevada County Fair                          August 10 – 14, 2011

    Draft Horse Classic                            September 22 – 25, 2011

    Halloween at the Fairgrounds      October 29, 2011

    Country Christmas Faire                  November 25 – 27, 2011

    nevada county fair

    Enter Nevada County 2011 Fair Artwork Design Contest

    Art work by Janene Powell

    WIN $250 IN ARTWORK DESIGN CONTEST
    Submit the winning artwork for the 2011 Nevada County Fair and you could win

    There’s still time to enter the Nevada County Fairgrounds artwork design contest. If you’re a talented or aspiring artist, and you’d like $250, this is the contest to enter! All you need to do is create the best artwork to illustrate the 2011 Nevada County Fair slogan, “Gold! Rush to the Fair.”

    The contest is open to Nevada County residents only and takes place until January 14. If you submit the winning artwork, you will win $250 and a 2011 Nevada County Fair package. Additionally, the winning artwork will be used on various Fair promotional pieces, print ads, buttons, t-shirts, banners, posters, and flyers.

    Interested artists may use any medium and can submit up to three entries, which must be on 8-1/2 by 11-inch paper. Entries can be delivered to the Fairgrounds Office at 11228 McCourtney Road or mailed to the Fair Office at PO Box 2687, Grass Valley, CA  95945. A complete set of rules can be found on the Fair’s website at www.NevadaCountyFair.com, or by calling the Fair Office at (530) 273-6217.

    The 2011 Nevada County Fair is August 10 – 14.

    By Wendy Oaks

    Publicist, Nevada County Fairgrounds

    (530) 273-6217

    wsoaks@gmail.com

    Website: www.NevadaCountyFair.com

    Blog: www.NevadaCountyFair.blogspot.com

    Facebook: Nevada County Fairgrounds

    2011 Nevada County Fair                August 10 – 14

    2011 Draft Horse Classic                  September 22 – 25

    2011 Country Christmas Faire       November 25 – 27