Dot Loop

October 5, 2011 by  
Filed under Sponsors

one simple solution

Enhanced security, more efficiency and less overhead

The real estate industry has, for the most part, kept pace with the quickening rate of business, but there are still considerable gaps between the technology available and the processes implemented. By far the biggest hurdles have been the negotiation and transaction processes. DotLoop has created one solution to streamline transactions and negotiations by using the Internet to allow agents and clients to collaborate in real time.
DotLoop allows the agent and client the ability to interact on their own terms, dissolving distance and sending fax machines into obsolescence. DotLoop offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges of security, efficiency and overhead costs in today’s real estate industry, creating a 21st century solution for 21st century challenges.

Virtual Tidewater

October 5, 2011 by  
Filed under Sponsors

In real estate, a picture is worth thousands of dollars.  Hopefully, your pictures are adding thousands to the value of your property, not subtracting them!  Don’t allow first impressions to fall flat!  Leave it to the expert, seasoned professional, Rosalind Boyle of Virtual Tidewater!  Your clients will thank you…

Virtual Tidewater is a virtual tour and design company based in Hampton Roads.  It was started in 2008 by REALTOR, Rosalind Boyle to provide quality listing photos for Hampton Roads area agents at a reasonable price.  Virtual Tidewater serves the entire Hampton Roads area from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg and Gloucester. In addition to property photos and virtual tours, Virtual Tidewater also provides design services from property flyers to business card design as well as website design. Real estate is a fast paced business and Virtual Tidewater always does it’s best to meet their clients scheduling needs and provide quick turn around.

Nate Brown – Monarch Mortgage

October 5, 2011 by  
Filed under Sponsors

When you see Nate, be sure to thank him for his generous sponsorship toward our pre- and post- event happy hours!  Nate’s customer service is second to none…contact him and find out for yourself!

“Nate Brown is a fun, young, enthusiastic and energetic loan officer with Monarch Mortgage. When he’s not busy on the job making his clients and referral partners raving fans of his services, you can catch him with a cold beer, enjoying good company, somewhere close to the beach.”

The Residences at the Westin Town Center

October 5, 2011 by  
Filed under Sponsors, What to See/Do/Eat/Drink

Without the Residences at the Westin Town Center, we would not have a venue for REBCVA.  As anyone knows who has organized a Bar Camp, the venue is the most important (and the toughest) part of the un-conference.  Dianne Gordon, the site agent, has graciously invited us into her luxurious building and we are honored to be her guests!

 

Opreie – REBCVA 2011 Sponsor

October 2, 2011 by  
Filed under Sponsors

Before I tell you what Opreie is all about, I should share what impressed me most about their site.  When I was checking out what Opreie had to offer, a box popped up in the bottom right corner of my screen.  It was a chat box, but not a “typical” chat box.  The intro read something to the effect, “Hi!  I’m a real person, honestly.  Let me know if I can help you”.  Through that one small effort, I met the guys that run Opreie and found out not only what a great product they have, but also how awesome their customer service is!

Opreie offers web based contact and transaction management for real estate professionals.  Their site is free to try!  Check them out today and be sure to say “Hi!” to Steve when the chat box pops up!

 

 

 

 

What IS RE Bar Camp?

October 2, 2011 by  
Filed under About

Wondering what REBC is all about?  Let Mike Mueller (aka Mr. AreWeConnected.com) explain it in his own words!

And here is a video from REBC East Bay:

Pre-Event Happy Hour Announcement!

October 2, 2011 by  
Filed under What to See/Do/Eat/Drink

When:  Wednesday, October 5th, 5pm-8pm

Where:  Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, Virginia Beach

Who:  All REBCVA attendees!

Why:  Meet your fellow attendees, pick up your badges, hang out…why not?

Drink specials, free appetizers – come on down to Croc’s!

 


View Larger Map

 

Thank you to Rick Sterling for setting this up!

 

Charity: Laptops for Wounded Warriors

September 29, 2011 by  
Filed under Charity

A couple months ago, I was swapping emails with Dawn Miller and noticed the bottom of her email signature, “Ask Me About Laptops for Our Wounded Warriors”.  Of course, I HAD to ask her!  Next came a story filled with her obvious passion for this amazing organization.  I couldn’t help but be even more intrigued.

After conferring with the other REBCVA volunteers, we have chosen Laptops for Wounded Warriors as our event charity.  Does this mean we are going to hit you up multiple times throughout the event to donate money?  No!  We may ask nicely (once); however, more importantly, our goal is to give LFWW recognition and exposure.  So, please, share their website with your friends on Facebook, tell your colleagues about LFWW, you know what to do!

Gathering of Eagles/Laptops for Wounded Warriors – I’ll let Dawn tell you about them:

 ”The Goe/Laptop for wounded warriors is a non-profit organization that delivers laptop computers to our Wounded Warriors that are in rehabilitations @ the following medical centers:  Portsmouth, Camp Lejeune, Fort Bragg & Bethesda….  and we use to deliver to Walter Reed until they closed their doors.  
We have an acct w/Best Buy… where we get our systems from and if we need accessories such as Dragon Speak for the amputees, we get that equipment as well.  The system would be ready for pick up @ the closest Best Buy to our volunteers per range to that Medical center; Pick up and deliver;  After making arrangements w/the medical center, we meet w/the wounded warriors, shake their hands, give them BIG {{{HUGS}}}}}, kisses on the cheeks and express that there are many folks out there that appreciate all they have sacrificed for our freedoms.  We provide them w/a new laptop computer while they go through rehab to keep in touch with their love ones and their team!!! 
 I get so choked up when I am there & meeting w/the wounded warriors.  The moms & dads swell up w/love and pride….. when they see ordinary folks coming together to provide a gift to their son or daughter.  Again, all of our volunteers do not get paid a dime nor do they ask for fuel cost, etc.   In fact, we usually bring extra goodies for them.  Example:  Me;  I always cook up a HUGE dish of some sorts and take it in to the guys!  Rigatoni’s, meatballs & garlic bread is what I took in last time.  Or my famous Rum cake has been a request by the Staff members….. Shoot, I have even mailed my cakes out to the other volunteers to deliver.  The word of my famous Rum Cake has spread like a wild fire!  So, a computer system and some good ol’ fashioned home cooking!
Now, I am the only civilian that volunteers, the rest are vets w/the BIGGEST hearts!  LOVE each and everyone of them!  They share their stories w/these young folks from Vietnam to the Gulf war.  They Started this mission of giving back in 2007 and as of today, our Gatheirng of Eagles orgainzation had donated over 250 systems!!!!   I also volunteer to keep the books, order the systems/communicate w/our Rep @ Best Buy and mail out all the thank you packages to our donators. <breath> and I am the liasion w/the Portmouth Medical Center.
There it is…. not short but hopefully clear!  I tried to keep it short but my passion runs very high when it comes to our Service men/women!  Not to mention, my freedom in one hell of a Country!  Here check out our facebook acct… and our web site.  It has been a few months since we last delivered a system.  Everyone is waiting to see how the next round of wounded warriors come about w/Walter Reed closing it doors.  All the other medical centers are being revitilized/upgraded…. AND we just received $11k from the N.C. Womens Auxillary w/a request that the funding go towards systems for the N.C. medical centers.  The Virginia acct only has $1500; enough for 4-5 more systems.  We get our systems on sale and no tax w/Best Buy.  Geoff our Best Buy rep takes care of us when we do need systems!”
 http://www.facebook.com/groups/136476003059154/
http://www.gatheringofeagles.org/

Where to Eat Lunch at REBCVA

September 29, 2011 by  
Filed under What to See/Do/Eat/Drink

We are so fortunate to have REBCVA hosted at the Westin Residences at Town Center!  There are awesome places to spend your lunch break!  Try to plan ahead and get a lunch date or a group together and keep the REBC conversation going (just don’t talk with your mouth full!).

Here are a few places within walking distance of REBCVA:

 

 

  • California Pizza Kitchen
  • Bravo! Cucina Italiano
  • The Cheesecake Factory
  • The Daily Grind
  • The Lucky Star
  • Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
  • Guadalajara
  • Jimmy Johns Gourmet Sandwiches
  • Saffron Indian Bistro
  • Keagan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant
  • P.F. Changs China Bistro
  • Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
  • Red Star Tavern
  • Simply Fresh Cafe and Market
  • Sonoma Wine Bar and Bistro
  • Zushi Japanese Bistro

10 Tips for REBCVA Attendees

September 29, 2011 by  
Filed under Uncategorized

1.  Arrive early.  We have a full schedule and need everyone at the Westin no later than 10am!

2.  Bring a camera (or make sure you know how to use the one on your phone).  The views from the top of the Westin are sure to impress and you may also want to share the event with your friends.

3.  It’s not necessary to bring a laptop.  Your laptop can’t listen and share – only you can.  That’s why we invited YOU to attend and not your laptop.

4.  Dress in comfortable attire.  Wear flip flops if you want.  Just don’t wear your company-issued name tag.

5.  Change your voice mail to say, “I am attending a conference and will return your call as soon as it’s over”.  Your clients will understand.

6.  Bring business cards to share.

7.  There are lots of great lunch spots at Town Center.  Be sure to check them out and think about where you want to have lunch:  http://www.vabeachtowncenter.com/dine/

8.  Thank our sponsors.  Without them, we wouldn’t have this event.

9.  Make a list of 5 things you want to learn about and bring the list to the event.

10.  Try to stay for the entire Bar Camp.  You will be happy you did!

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