Since 1996 Del Webb has been conducting surveys on the aging trends of America. These surveys have noted interesting shifts in retirement attitudes and actions of both retirees and pre-retirees.

Highlights of this year’s survey include:

Current 50 year-olds do not see themselves as seniors – yet. Respondents in all groups, however, suggested that their current age is, “no big deal” or “just a number.”
40 percent of both younger and older Boomers have taken up a new hobby or activity in the last few years, photography, yoga, gardening were predominantly mentioned.
30 percent of Boomers surveyed have pursued additional educational opportunities.
71% participate in volunteer activities.
Boomers turning 50 this year plan to retire a median of four years later than 50 year-olds in 1996, at age 67.
76 percent were married or part of a civil union 14 years ago, while only 59 percent are today.
76 percent exercise regularly
72 percent plan to continue working while 40% were actually working.
80 is the new old. Boomers feel “old age” officially begins a 80, average of 15 years younger than they actually are.

To view full press release visit: http://dwboomersurvey.com/nr-lead.asp

It drives me crazy when media does nothing but dish out doom, despair and drama. So, when I come across any tidbit of good news or data that shows a positive shift in the economy I am all over it! I cannot wait to spread the word—twitter, blog, linkedin, ActiveRain, texts, etc.. In the past couple of weeks I have been hearing from a number of sources that there are definite signs of an improving housing market. This morning I came across a survey completed last month that reports 66% of respondents think the market is Good to Excellent for buying a new home. If you would like more positive news, enjoy this article from Builder Magazine, ‘Housing market shows signs of life”. So all you optimists out there, please feel free to pass along a little bit of sunshine!  http://tinyurl.com/28at685

Great article from Frank Carmel of Carmel & Carmel, P.C. Attorneys and Counselors at Law

http://carmel.us/resources/show/id/9

We are in it now! We have just launched a brand new web site for a client that puts destination community web sites in a whole new league! And, if the first 48 hours gives us any indication for how the public will respond— we have hit a home run!

It is readily apparent with the advent of the social media craze that consumers want businesses talking “with” them, not “at” them. And, we agree! They also want all their information in one place as well as a to be offered a variety of that information. Again, we agree!

Now look at some of the most popular news and sport sites. They offer very active home pages, exciting graphics, a vast array of “interest” pieces, social media connections, and act as hubs for gaining further information should you ever need it.

Taking all this into account and seeing a need to bring that “feel” to real estate, we took a chance and… let us know how you think we did! Check out the brand new: www.CompassPointeNC.com

If Twitter were to write a letter to ‘Dear Abby’, this is what I envision it saying. Feeling misunderstood, unloved, and under appreciated, Twitter cries out for help.

A recent study reported 87% of all Americans are aware of Twitter, but only 7% of the population actually use it...Twitter is now as well known as Facebook, but it is used only a small fraction as much. How can this be? Yes, I have a personal Facebook page and we have a Facebook page for Maximum. But my heart belongs to Twitter. What better way to stay in the loop than continual snip-its of news and social fodder than Twitter? If you choose who you follow carefully, you avoid the mindless noise that is such a time drain on your day. Not interested in Tiger’s 121 mistresses? Fine, move on to the next late breaking nugget that does pique your interest. Need more details than the140 characters? Simply follow the link directly to the source. Come on America, show Twitter some love!

www.Facebook.com/MaximumRocks
www.Twitter.com/MaximumRocks

...March 2010 data from the comScore Video Metrix service showing that more than 180 million U.S. Internet users watched online video during the month. YouTube delivered video to more than 135 million viewers during the month, reaching 3 out of every 4 online video viewers at an average of 96 videos per viewer.

• 84.8 percent of the total U.S. Internet audience viewed online video.
• 135.3 million viewers watched 12.9 billion videos on YouTube.com (95.6 videos per viewer).
• The average Hulu viewer watched 26.7 videos, totaling 2.6 hours of video per viewer.
• The duration of the average online video was 4.3 minutes.

Full article: http://tinyurl.com/26qoqjp

www.facebook.com/MaximumRocks
www.twitter.com/MaximumRocks

Events, once considered “launch” gimmicks in real estate sales, are now seen as true game changers. Our developers have embraced, and quite successfully, the idea that weekend events do much more than build urgency among buyers; they also celebrate a community’s lifestyle and give happy property owners a reason to share the “good news”.

Some recent events we have had the privilege of planning and implementing include: 1) A Swing Into Spring hole-in-one golf challenge, 2) a get out doors expo, 3) a chowder festival and, coming up in the next 2 weeks, a jazz and blues festival where we expect close to 1,000 people.

Events, if done properly with the right frame of mind, do all the following: involve the local area residents, highlight the lifestyle and grounds of the community, spread the word about the community, build urgency among invited tours/guests, allow for public relations opportunities, and create good will among staff, sales, management, residents and the surrounding area.

Check out a couple of our recent and upcoming events:
http://www.getoutdoorsexpo.com
http://www.jazzbluesandwine.com

Builder Magazine just came out with this article on the 20 Healthiest Housing Markets. Are you on the list?

The 20 Healthiest Housing Markets for 2010

Which housing markets are the best bets to recover first? We present our annual list of the 20 healthiest housing markets in the country.

Housing economists have long held that the housing rebound, when it comes, will be uneven. The markets that benefit first will be the ones with the strongest core dynamics; places where house prices never got out of hand, cities where a diverse and progressive employment base drives job creation, towns that continue to draw population despite the economic recession.

Read article here: http://www.builderonline.com/local-markets/the-20-healthiest-housing-markets-for-2010.aspx?page=1

When I got back from lunch yesterday there was a big box waiting for me in my office. It’s always so exciting when someone sends you a package unexpectedly. I did not recognize the sender, which made the surprise even more intriguing. After shaking it and not hearing a ticking sound, I ripped into it. It was our NAHB award plaques. For those that may not know, our recent promotion ‘Nations Next Top Model Home’, won 3 national awards. When I stop and think I guess I shouldn’t be surprise to receive a physical award. We have won in the nationals before, but the awards were never this impressive. This years award is absolutely beautiful…all big and shiny!  I don’t say this just because our name is on them. While this does make them all the more attractive, they are exquisite none the less. What was even more impressive was to look around the room to see the pride and bright smiles on the faces of our wonderful team. Kudos rock!

Ok. I admit it. I am a techno-geek. I realize that doesn’t really sound like a problem. I just love, love, love electronic gadgets.

I finally talked my husband into getting me the Nook e-reader for Christmas. I am proud to report it is all that (my husband says I love it more than him!). Recently, the rumored Apple Tablet has surfaced again. This has given me pause. Could there be something better on the horizon? I don’t even know everything the Tablet is supposed to do but I am totally intrigued! I have numerous ipods, the latest iphone, and now an e-reader, and yet this mysterious Tablet is calling to me .....  this is when I realized I do have a problem. Actually, it really hit home (literally) when my oldest son saw me looking into the Tablet. He told me he wanted the Tablet for his birthday. My husband quickly pointed out that we don’t know what it actually does. My son’s response: “I don’t care, it’s cool and it will be better than mom’s Nook.” Boy, did I get the hairy eyeball from my husband! I have created a junior techno-geek.

Amy
twitter.com/ATharrington

There may be a bit of a silver lining in this economic downturn. WHAT???!!! you may be asking yourself. Think about it! Developers have renewed or revived their commitments to clearly define the true value proposition for their communities and have taken another (closer) look at their pricing structure. These are very good things for consumers.

Also, marketing companies like us are being pushed to develop new and exciting ways to market properties. Ways that combine what worked from traditional marketing methods and combining them with new mediums and technology. We are pushing to be more creative and get outside the box.

And, when it comes to sales there is a return to relationship selling and client focused sales.

Combine these three things and it is a win-win for today’s real estate buyers!

I recently started using Skype video. I am about to reveal my age…I can’t help thinking about the Jetsons Cartoon where they use a large screen video phone. I remember one episode where a disheveled Jane Jetson donned a mask prior to receiving a video phone call. To the caller she looks like the typical, perfectly quaffed Jane Jetson. Ingenious! I think I could really use one of these masks - although I don’t think I have ever been perfectly quaffed! Even So, I have noticed that I smooth my hair or straighten my shirt before activating my video. So, until I can create the ‘perfect me’ mask, I will not be activating my video before my second cup of coffee. For Jetson fans here is a link to the intro http://tinyurl.com/ow9bw8

Amy
twitter.com/coastalgirl142