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Text Messaging is a Must Have in Today’s Dynamic Environment

Scott Lauri — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 18:54:16 +0000

Text Messaging is a Must Have in Today’s Dynamic Environment
Texting applications - and demographics - continue to show dramatic growth

North Brunswick, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) October 20, 2008 - As stewards of the real estate industry, it is our goal and obligation to identify new trends that impact our business and respond with the appropriate tools to better service our customers. After analyzing the facts about text messaging, ERA Absolute Realty has responded with TXT ERA a high-tech solution to keep consumers better informed.

It seems like only yesterday that text messaging was solely the shorthand communication medium of choice for perpetually chatting teenagers in classrooms and shopping malls, and an impenetrable secret code to bewildered adults. That stereotype is disappearing faster than you can type TTYL - texting shorthand for “talk to you later.”

Dramatic Growth
Our consumers are text messaging more than ever. In the U.S. alone, 12 million text messages were sent in June 2000, the first year that text messaging became generally available here. By June 2007, the number of text messages sent had jumped 2,000 fold, to 24 billion. Just eight months later, communications giant Verizon reported handling a record 20 billion text messages in a single month.

What’s Behind the Buzz?
What’s the explanation for the increase in texting? One reason is the nature of the technology. Because text messages are brief and take up little communications bandwidth, they often get through quicker and more reliably than voice calls, earning their reputation for “instant” communication in an increasingly fast-paced, transaction-oriented world.

Another reason is the explosive increase in wireless access. There are over 250 million wireless subscribers in the U.S., an increase of more than 350 percent over the last decade. In addition, people in every age demographic are discovering the advantages of sending text messages in an expanding universe of applications for short, inexpensive, virtually instantaneous communication.

Expanding Demographics
A large demographic portion of the real estate industry is becoming attracted to this form of communication. Although the shorthand language of instant messaging and texting - like LOL for “laugh out loud” and IDK for “I don’t know” - somewhat delayed its adoption by older generations, they’re beginning to make up for lost time. Text messaging by people age 45 - 54 grew 130 percent during the period between 2006 and 2007.

A breakdown of texting by age group shows that about 58 percent of people age 18 - 24 currently text, about 46 percent of people age 25 - 34, and over 28 percent of people age 35 - 54. Overall, text messaging volumes are projected to increase six fold between 2007 and 2009.

Reaching Out to Customers with Text Messaging
Perhaps the biggest drivers of growth in texting among people of all ages are the ways in which business and entertainment organizations have adopted text messaging technology to bring new levels of convenience and interactivity to consumers. Bill payment notifications, updates from customer support services and reminders for patients to take critical medications are just a few.

The business applications of texting can be fun and entertaining, too. Just ask anyone who’s texted their vote for their favorite American Idol contestant or helped chose the performer featured on the Today Show last July 4th.

TXT ERA Brings the Convenience of Texting to Real Estate
As a real estate professional, I make it a point to keep up-to-date on technology tools and trends that can benefit my clients. Fortunately, ERA Real Estate stays on top of things in this increasingly technology driven world by offering services like the TXT ERA program and ERA.com Mobile, a version of ERA.com designed specifically to be accessible from your web-capable device to give you access to listings no matter where you go.

TXT ERA uses text messaging technology to deliver valuable property information directly to your cell phone or other text-capable device. Imagine driving down the street, noticing a home for sale and quickly receiving property information without ever leaving your car. Simply send a text message to TXTERA (898372) with the Express Listing number you see on the ERA yard sign. In an instant you’ll receive a return message with the essential property information.

But you don’t have to wait until you see a home you like to begin using TXT ERA. Visit the MyERA.com section of ERA.com, enter your cell phone number and property search criteria and begin receiving customized alerts. ERA.com automatically notifies you, via text message, of any new listings that match your saved search criteria.

TXT ERA combines with ERA.com Mobile to make ERA Real Estate the first choice for mobile technology within our industry. They are just two reasons why I choose to be affiliated with the ERA Real Estate brand. ERA Real Estate has always been a leader in putting technology to work to help me help you meet your real estate goals in a way that fits your lifestyle.

For more information about TXT ERA and ERA.com Mobile, please visit ERA.com, or contact me directly at Office@AbsoluteERA.com.

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has teamed with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its fight against neuromuscular diseases, raising more than $30 million. The ERA network includes more than 35,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 2,850 offices throughout the United States and 49 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. ERA Franchise Systems LLC information is available at: ERA.com.

ERA Absolute Realty offers tips to help parents involve children in home buying process

Scott Lauri — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:43:27 +0000

Don’t Forget the Kids When You Move!
ERA Absolute Realty offers tips to help parents involve children in home buying process

North Brunswick, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) October 9, 2008 — Moving can be a traumatic experience for some children. Leaving the friends and the home they’ve known and moving to a new home in a new neighborhood can be a stressful time for both children and parents. Including your children in the home buying process can help alleviate the stressful feelings they may experience during a move.

Working with a real estate agent who understands the needs of families can make a big difference in how you and your children experience buying a home. “Many of us here are parents and know just how stressful the moving process can be on the entire family,” said Scott Lauri of ERA Absolute Realty. “It is our job as real estate professionals to address the needs of every one of our customers, regardless of age. ERA Real Estate has many unique tools to help the entire family navigate the home buying process together.”

ERA Absolute Realty offers the following tips for making the home buying process a smooth one for the whole family:

1. Inform your children early about the move - giving them information at the beginning will make the process less stressful. Tell your children when you plan to put the house on the market, when and why you want to move, where you would like to go, etc. The process can be a long and arduous one, so update them regularly and keep them involved. Let them know when your house will be shown; bring them along for a walk-through of the houses you are seriously considering; tell them about the closing process when you are confident the home will become yours; and have them join you for the inspection or any other milestone activities, if appropriate.

2. Take your children on a tour of the neighborhoods you are considering - getting their input can make them feel involved in the process. Include schools, local parks and other recreational areas as part of the tour so they can get a sense of where they might participate in extracurricular activities. Listen to, and address, their input and concerns.

3. Engage even young children in the process - providing age appropriate activities that are related to buying a home will help them become comfortable with the process. To do just that, ERA Real Estate, has introduced ERA Kids, a Web based interactive application on ERA.com that engages even the youngest members of the family. The program features downloadable coloring and sticker books and online interactive programs. One portion of the program uses images of homes on the market to create line drawings that can be used in the unique “Paint Your House” tool. Children are able to “paint” the potential homes that their parents are considering, using their computer.

4. Educate your children about the home buying process - understanding the process can make it seem less overwhelming. Introduce them to your real estate agent and show them the real estate agent’s office. Explain how the process works between the buyers and sellers. Tailor the information to the child’s age: older children can benefit from the opportunity to learn about mortgages, interest rates, inspections, etc.

5. Have fun - A move is a great time to let your child’s personality shine through! When you are considering a home, you and your children can use the ERA Floor Plan tool on ERA.com to develop the perfect room layouts for your family. Once moved in, allow them to help decorate their new room and play area or give them a chance to participate in choosing new furniture and in making other interior design decisions.

The Lauri family founded ERA Absolute Realty in 1998 and had 6 sales executives serving only Middlesex County. In 2001 the company brought on some additional executive staff with the additions of partners Scott Lauri and Arthur Lauri III. Now ERA Absolute Realty has over 30 sales executives and serves Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties. learn more about ERA Absolute Realty and the award-recognized programs and services they provide, call 732-220-6611 or visit www.HomesOFNJ.com.

ERA Absolute Realty Raises $2500 For MDA

Scott Lauri — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 11:55:37 +0000

North Brunswick NJ June 29 2008 — Always willing to support a worthy cause, members of ERA Absolute Realty recently raised $2,500 during a yard sale to benefit MDA.Held on June 29th at ERA Absolute Realty parking lot in North Brunswick, the fundraiser featured donated items from ERA Absolute Realty agents and their clients. We also received donations of both items and cash from over 30 local companies. There is still time to make a donation you just need to click here to help“This fundraiser was one of our most successful initiatives yet, thanks to the incredible and enthusiastic support we received from the community,” said Dolores Christmas, ERA Absolute Realty, MDA Committeeperson. “It is local efforts like this that really help to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.”

About ERA Absolute Realty
The Lauri family founded ERA Absolute Realty in 1998 and had 6 sales executives serving only Middlesex County. In 2001 the company brought on some additional executive staff with the additions of partners Scott Lauri and Arthur Lauri III. Now ERA Absolute Realty has over 30 sales executives and serves Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties. learn more about ERA Absolute Realty and the award-recognized programs and services they provide, call 732-220-6611 or visit www.HomesOFNJ.com

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its fight against neuromuscular diseases, raising more than $30 million. The ERA network includes more than 38,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 3,000 offices throughout the

United States and 47 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT LLC. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. ERA Franchise Systems LLC information is available at ERA.com.

Don’t Forget the Kids when you move!

Scott Lauri — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:54:05 +0000

ERA Kids Helps Parents Involve Children as Part of the Home Buying Process

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. (June 23, 2008) – ERA Absoltue Realty has introduced ERA^®Kids, a Web-based interactive application geared towards engaging the entire family in the home buying process. With more than 73 million households with children under the age of 18[i], the importance of involving kids in the process is critical. ERA Real Estate has developed this on-line tool in yet another step to remain the industry’s technology leader and to continue its mission to be “Always there for you for home buyers and sellers”

“We have long understood the impact that the home buying process has on children and look forward to bringing them into the home search activities,” said Scott Lauri, Broker/Owner, ERA Absolute Realty”ERA Kids, includes a variety of activities and imagery that makes children feel a part of the process.”

With ERA Kids, the children in prospective home-buying families are encouraged to participate in activities related to home buying events that enable them to find their own comfort level with an often puzzling process. With downloadable features from ERA Kids, children are provided activities ranging from simple coloring and sticker books to online interactive programs. One on-line program lets kids trace real estate images, and the unique “Paint Your House” program enables children to paint and change the color of the homes that their parents are considering.

As an industry leader, ERA Real Estate is underscoring the critical role of children in the home buying process. Whether at office meetings, open houses or home tours, more families are involving their children in the process. With the emotional impact of leaving the familiarity of surroundings, friends and schools, ERA Kids stresses the positives of new horizons, better surroundings, new friends and the advantages of new schools. ERA Kids is available at www.HomesOFNJ.com, simply by clicking on the ERA Kids icon.

[i] U.S. Census Bureau, Household Relationship and Family Status of Children/1 Under 18 Years, by Age, Sex, Race, Hispanic Origin/2: 2006

About ERA Franchise Systems LLC
ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a global leader in the residential real estate industry with more than 30 years experience in developing consumer-oriented products and services. Since 1977, ERA Real Estate has teamed up with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in its fight against neuromuscular diseases, raising more than $30 million. The ERA network includes more than 38,000 brokers and sales associates and approximately 3,000 offices throughout the United States and 49 other countries and territories. Each office is independently owned and operated except offices owned and operated by NRT LLC. ERA Franchise Systems LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. ERA Franchise Systems LLC information is available at ERA.com.

ERA/MDA Partners in Caring

Scott Lauri — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 14:18:37 +0000

Summer yard sale for Jerry’s Kids.

Saturday June 28th from 10am-4pm to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy (MDA), Lupus Foundation and Salvation Army. The location is the ERA Absolute Realty parking lot at 1600 Jersey Avenue, North Brunswick, NJ 08902

We also are looking for donated items to sell so please call us about droping off items at above location before June 27th.

Test Drive a Career in Real Estate

Scott Lauri — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:49:52 +0000

North Brunswick, NJ: May 12, 2008; At ERA Absolute Realty we are looking for the best and we want to make you the best. Using the latest in technology and resources we help our agents reach their greatest potential. Begin your journey into a career with ERA Absolute Realty by taking our free on-line interactive assessment.

ERA Absolute Realty Agents attend Short Sales Seminar

Scott Lauri — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:13:38 +0000

A high percentage of homes listed for sale are mortgaged for far more than their fair market value. Few realtors and a select few mortgage lenders know how to facilitate short sales. Today the agents of ERA Absolute Realty in North Brunswick, NJ today attended a short Sale Seminar at their offices in North Brunswick. The speaker at the seminar was Josh Elkes from Direct Title and Ed Robinson from CTX Mortgage sponsored the event. Attendees learned how short sales work, how to market and sell a short sell, how to negotiate a short sale with mortgage holders, how to close a short sale.

Allowing your home to go in to foreclosure is like getting in to a severe credit crash while a short sale is a credit fender-bender.

We’d like to put our expertise on your side and at your service. Your calls and e-mails are always welcome.

Local Agent Attends ERA International Business Conference

Scott Lauri — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:38:25 +0000

ERA Absolute Realty representative gains invaluable information and promotes team building at ERA Real Estate’s annual meetingNorth Brunswick, NJ, March 11, 2008 — Real estate Agent , Ya Mei Tong with ERA Absolute Realty in North Brunswick recently attended the 2008 ERA® International Business Conference held February 25 - 28 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The theme of the conference was “Together as a Team” in effort to celebrate accomplishments, network, share ideas, learn about the latest tools and technology to grow the business, and enjoy the company of fellow peers. “Together as a Team” attendees cheered on ERA teammates, encouraged one another to reach new goals, and supported each other in building a stronger future.

“The conference is the perfect time to find out about new business strategies and take advantage of my peer’s expertise. It’s a great learning experience and very motivating,” said Ya Mei Tong, Agent with ERA Absolute Realty in North Brunswick. “The company does a phenomenal job of making the conference both an educational and fun event.”

The keynote speaker for the event was Barbara Walters, news correspondent, journalist and co-owner, co-executive producer and co-host of “The View.” She addressed the conference at the general session held on February 27. The conference hosted various prestigious guest speakers, including the Olympian speed-skier, Vince Poscente, who addressed attendees on the need to embrace life’s rapid-fire pace instead of fearing it.

A general session was held right before the Opening Night Party where attendees celebrated the company’s accomplishments with their annual awards ceremony. During the event, they introduced the 2008 Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) National Goodwill Ambassador, Abbey Umali, and heard from recording sensation and MDA National Youth Chairman, Billy Gilman.

“We had the opportunity to reflect on the success of our 30th Anniversary with MDA and our $2 million donation total to commemorate this event. Together as a Team we will keep the momentum going,” said P.J. Martin Smith, senior vice president of marketing, ERA Franchise Systems LLC and MDA Vice President.

The conference included over 50 educational sessions designed to help attendees grow professionally and personally. Topics ranged from effective money management to conducting successful meetings to tips on negotiation.

For more information on ERA Absolute Realty, please contact Ya Mei Tong at 732-220-6611 x42.

ERA Absolute Realty Recognized for Its Commitment to Excellence

Scott Lauri — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:34:41 +0000

North Brunswick, NJ, March 11, 2008 — Local real estate leader ERA Absolute Realty in North Brunswick has earned the national “Commitment to Excellence” award from ERA Franchise Systems LLC. The award was announced in March at the 2008 ERA® International Business Conference in Orlando, FL.

The “Commitment to Excellence” award recognizes ERA Real Estate affiliates that possess a commitment to meeting the needs of their customers, community, and the ERA brand. To receive this honor, ERA companies must meet a variety of criteria, including consistent participation in and support of ERA Mortgage, ERA Select Services® programs, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association - the franchise’s national charity - to demonstrate excellence, ethics and values. Additionally, companies are required to submit a written business plan and demonstrate profitability in an annual financial report.

“Being recognized for our commitment to excellence is an honor and speaks very well of our entire team,” said Scott Lauri, Broker/Owner. “Each member of our company embodies an unparalleled spirit of dedication to the ERA brand and its customers, and this award is a reflection of that commitment.”

About ERA Absolute Realty
The Lauri family founded ERA Absolute Realty in 1998 and had 6 sales executives serving only Middlesex County. In 2001 the company brought on some additional executive staff with the additions of partners Scott Lauri and Arthur Lauri III. Now ERA Absolute Realty has over 30 sales executives and serves Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties. learn more about ERA Absolute Realty and the award-recognized programs and services they provide, call 732-220-6611 or visit www.HomesOFNJ.com.

ERA Absolute Realty Celebrates 10 Anniversary with Global Real Estate Network

Scott Lauri — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:37:41 +0000

North Brunswick, NJ - 02/27/2008 — Local leading real estate company ERA Absolute Realty recently celebrated a milestone 10 anniversary with global real estate network ERA Franchise Systems LLC. The company was honored at a special anniversary reception at the 2008 ERA® International Business Conference, held February 25-27th 2008 in Orlando,FL.

“In 1998, we affiliated with ERA Real Estate, becoming part of a worldwide network of real estate companies that share a service-oriented philosophy,” said Scott Lauri, Broker/Owner. “Today we celebrate our successes and take pride in delivering the best possible service, with cutting-edge real estate products that meet the specific needs of buyers and sellers in North Brunswick.”

The Lauri family founded ERA Absolute Realty in 1998 and had 6 sales executives serving only Middlesex County. In 2001 the company brought on some additional executive staff with the additions of partners Scott Lauri and Arthur Lauri III. Now ERA Absolute Realty has over 30 sales executives and serves Middlesex, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Somerset Counties. To visit with one of the sales executives at ERA Absolute Realty visit online at www.HomesOFNJ.com or call at 732-220-6611.

About ERA Absolute Realty
To learn more about ERA Absolute Realty and the award-recognized programs and services they provide, call 732-220-6611. We’d like to put our expertise on your side and at your service. Your calls and e-mails are always welcome.