Is buying now cheaper than renting?PLUS...Tornado survival!
Our Home & Wealth email launches a new format covering two topics, one focused on home, the other on wealth. This month on the home front, we thought it timely to share some advice on surviving tornadoes. The rash of twisters hitting our country this year reminded us that although some regions see more tornadoes than others, no state (including Alaska and Hawaii!) is historically tornado-free.
TORNADO PREPARATION
Plan your response. If a tornado hits, decide where you'd seek shelter in your home (more on this below) or in a solid nearby shelter you can get to quickly -- especially important if you're in a mobile home. Have a "go kit" ready, including first-aid kit, flashlight and batteries, identification, matches, copies of important financial documents, an extra set of clothes and other items you know you'll need if a disaster hits. Ask a friend or relative in another town to be an emergency contact if family members are in different locations when the storm hits.
Be forewarned. Find out how your community receives NOAA tornado watches and warnings and make sure you have access to them. They could come over local TV and radio channels -- or get an NOAA weather radio whose annoyingly loud warning tones will alert you any time of the day or night.
Get the facts: Know what part of your county you live in and the names of surrounding counties and the key geographic features in your region. Warnings are issued using this information.
Indoor protection: Avoid windows and protect yourself from flying debris. Go to the basement if there is one, or into a center hallway, closet or windowless room that's as far from the outside walls as possible. Get under some sturdy furniture and hang on.
Indoor myth: Open the windows to equalize inside and outside air pressure. Fact: It's the debris and the wind from tornadoes that cause damage, not differences in air pressure -- and that flying debris will "open" your windows anyway!
Outdoor protection: Lie flat on the ground in the lowest spot you can get to and protect your head with your arms.
Outdoor myth: If you can, take shelter under a highway overpass. Fact: The wind and debris will still reach you beneath an overpass. Again, emergency response specialists say lying down in a ditch or culvert is safer.
After it passes: Do not go into damaged buildings, but do watch for downed power lines and leaking gas mains. Stay tuned to weather reports, since one storm system may spawn several tornadoes.
RENT VS. BUY
Does it make more sense to buy a home rather than rent one? Here are the latest facts:
According to a national real estate website's data, it is now less expensive to own a home than to rent one in 72% of U.S. cities.
This percentage will likely increase because analysts feel rental costs are about to explode. The demand for rentals has increased with the economic downturn, while the supply of rentals has quickly dropped. In this scenario, the only place for prices to go is UP!
Even though home prices could still soften in some markets, the cost of owning a home may increase. This is because mortgages may soon get more expensive. Researchers with the Mortgage Bankers Association expect mortgage rates to rise the last three months of this year and continue to increase gradually through 2012.
For most folks, it makes utmost sense to buy a home at a discounted price and secure a 30-year mortgage at an historically low fixed interest rate. This lets you set your housing expense for the next thirty years--while rents keep heading skyward.
If you have any questions about your home financing or refinancing situation, please feel free to call or email. We're always glad to help.... Have a great day!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Inside Lending Newsletter - For the week of 6-13-2011
>> Market Update
QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."--William Shakespeare
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... There are those who think the housing market is in bad shape, with the start of a second dip in home prices. Then there are those who see something better -- a bumpy bottoming of home prices, which will soon head back up. Those of us in the second camp were given more ammunition last week by real estate data company Altos Research. Their evidence shows prices bottomed out in March and achieved seasonal rises in April and May. Their VP of market analytics said in a recent webcast: "We're pretty confident that means there is going to be a rebound.... There's still plenty of movement upside and we're going to probably move...back into positive ground."
The researchers also reported that median list prices for single-family homes were up from March to May in all but two of the 20 cities they track. They further pointed out that, except for the last boom, the housing market historically has never seen constant price appreciation. There has always been some price volatility, so the latest dipping "...is really just the start of the next housing cycle." Other industry data revealed that in real estate listings in 16 of the 20 largest U.S. metro areas, the average number of days on the market dropped from 150 in December to 140, while median listing prices went from $224,900 to $246,000. This is not yet a housing recovery, but it's also not a double dip.
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK...Don't play favorites. Yes, lavish your attention on those wonderful new customers you need to grow, but make sure you still treat existing clients like VIPs. One way to do this is with special offers and loyalty rewards for long-term and returning customers.
>> Review of Last Week
UNDER TWELVE THOUSAND...That's not just a price range for used cars, it's also where the Dow landed last week. Not surprising, as we've now had six down weeks in the stock market, matching the six weeks there's been a negative mood on Wall Street. That mood of course has come from signs of a slowdown in the economic recovery, even though there have also been signs of economic progress. Speaking in Atlanta on Tuesday, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted that our economic growth has been slower than expected this year. He also said the inflation triggered by higher energy prices was a passing thing and that the economy should get its mojo back in the second half of the year. But even then, Bernanke feels economic conditions will still justify keeping the federal funds rate at exceptionally low levels for the now familiar "extended period."
More disappointing news came with new weekly jobless claims up by 1,000 and still above the 400,000 threshold. Better news was the fact that continuing claims dipped again, to 3.68 million. Best news of all, the trade deficit shrank $3.1 billion in April to $43.7 billion. And the March trade deficit was revised to be $1.4 billion less than originally reported. These smaller trade deficits will raise the reading for GDP growth.
For the week, the Dow ended down 1.6%, at 11,952; the S&P 500 was down 2.2%, at 1,271; and the Nasdaq was down 3.3%, at 2,644.
The stock slide helped Treasury bonds rally, although the bulls were by no means dominant. The FNMA 4.0% bond we watch ended the week down .78, closing at $100.24. Nevertheless, national average rates for fixed-rate conforming mortgages dropped for the eighth week in a row, to their lowest levels since November. Freddie Mac's survey also had 1-year adjustable-rate mortgages at their lowest level in the report's history.
DID YOU KNOW?...Bathroom remodels have the highest average return on investment, around 102%. Kitchen remodels record the second highest average return, around 90%.
>> This Week’s Forecast
STORE SALES, PRICE MOVES, HOME BUILDING...Last week's lull in economic news will now be followed by a barrage of data from all directions. One report that matters is May Retail Sales, expected to dip slightly overall, but gain slightly when you take out slowing auto sales. The prices we consumers pay will be reflected in the inflation reports. The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) is forecast to come in flat, while the Core CPI, taking out food and gas, should be up 0.2%, not going in the right direction.
Thursday reveals the status of homebuilding. May Housing Starts are expected up a bit, although not back to their pre-downturn levels. May Building Permits, indicating starts a short time out, should also come in at a similar rate, though down slightly from April.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Economic Calendar for the Week of June 13 – June 17
>> Federal Reserve Watch
Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months...As Fed Chairman Bernanke said yet again last week, he expects that the slow pace of the recovery will warrant keeping the Funds Rate at its super low 0%-0.25% level for an extended period. Note: In the lower chart, a 1% probability of change is a 99% certainty the rate will stay the same.
Current Fed Funds Rate: 0%-0.25%
Probability of change from current policy:
---------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK... "There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so."--William Shakespeare
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... There are those who think the housing market is in bad shape, with the start of a second dip in home prices. Then there are those who see something better -- a bumpy bottoming of home prices, which will soon head back up. Those of us in the second camp were given more ammunition last week by real estate data company Altos Research. Their evidence shows prices bottomed out in March and achieved seasonal rises in April and May. Their VP of market analytics said in a recent webcast: "We're pretty confident that means there is going to be a rebound.... There's still plenty of movement upside and we're going to probably move...back into positive ground."
The researchers also reported that median list prices for single-family homes were up from March to May in all but two of the 20 cities they track. They further pointed out that, except for the last boom, the housing market historically has never seen constant price appreciation. There has always been some price volatility, so the latest dipping "...is really just the start of the next housing cycle." Other industry data revealed that in real estate listings in 16 of the 20 largest U.S. metro areas, the average number of days on the market dropped from 150 in December to 140, while median listing prices went from $224,900 to $246,000. This is not yet a housing recovery, but it's also not a double dip.
BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK...Don't play favorites. Yes, lavish your attention on those wonderful new customers you need to grow, but make sure you still treat existing clients like VIPs. One way to do this is with special offers and loyalty rewards for long-term and returning customers.
>> Review of Last Week
UNDER TWELVE THOUSAND...That's not just a price range for used cars, it's also where the Dow landed last week. Not surprising, as we've now had six down weeks in the stock market, matching the six weeks there's been a negative mood on Wall Street. That mood of course has come from signs of a slowdown in the economic recovery, even though there have also been signs of economic progress. Speaking in Atlanta on Tuesday, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke admitted that our economic growth has been slower than expected this year. He also said the inflation triggered by higher energy prices was a passing thing and that the economy should get its mojo back in the second half of the year. But even then, Bernanke feels economic conditions will still justify keeping the federal funds rate at exceptionally low levels for the now familiar "extended period."
More disappointing news came with new weekly jobless claims up by 1,000 and still above the 400,000 threshold. Better news was the fact that continuing claims dipped again, to 3.68 million. Best news of all, the trade deficit shrank $3.1 billion in April to $43.7 billion. And the March trade deficit was revised to be $1.4 billion less than originally reported. These smaller trade deficits will raise the reading for GDP growth.
For the week, the Dow ended down 1.6%, at 11,952; the S&P 500 was down 2.2%, at 1,271; and the Nasdaq was down 3.3%, at 2,644.
The stock slide helped Treasury bonds rally, although the bulls were by no means dominant. The FNMA 4.0% bond we watch ended the week down .78, closing at $100.24. Nevertheless, national average rates for fixed-rate conforming mortgages dropped for the eighth week in a row, to their lowest levels since November. Freddie Mac's survey also had 1-year adjustable-rate mortgages at their lowest level in the report's history.
DID YOU KNOW?...Bathroom remodels have the highest average return on investment, around 102%. Kitchen remodels record the second highest average return, around 90%.
>> This Week’s Forecast
STORE SALES, PRICE MOVES, HOME BUILDING...Last week's lull in economic news will now be followed by a barrage of data from all directions. One report that matters is May Retail Sales, expected to dip slightly overall, but gain slightly when you take out slowing auto sales. The prices we consumers pay will be reflected in the inflation reports. The May Consumer Price Index (CPI) is forecast to come in flat, while the Core CPI, taking out food and gas, should be up 0.2%, not going in the right direction.
Thursday reveals the status of homebuilding. May Housing Starts are expected up a bit, although not back to their pre-downturn levels. May Building Permits, indicating starts a short time out, should also come in at a similar rate, though down slightly from April.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Economic Calendar for the Week of June 13 – June 17
>> Federal Reserve Watch
Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes in coming months...As Fed Chairman Bernanke said yet again last week, he expects that the slow pace of the recovery will warrant keeping the Funds Rate at its super low 0%-0.25% level for an extended period. Note: In the lower chart, a 1% probability of change is a 99% certainty the rate will stay the same.
Current Fed Funds Rate: 0%-0.25%
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Power Tools Newsletter - 5-25-2011
A Dozen Latest Ways to Grow Your Blog!
Everyone who starts a blog knows the name of the game is bringing in more subscribers -- and keeping them! Here are the latest tips on how to grow that list of regular readers.
Tip 1: Follow your bliss. That was the late mythology professor Joseph Campbell's advice to his Sarah Lawrence College students on how to be happy. It's also good direction for doing a dynamite blog. In other words, write what you love to cover. Sharing your passion attracts readers -- and makes it easier for you to write new content when you might not feel like it. Readers are attracted to content that's created with genuine enthusiasm.
Tip 2: What you give is what you get. In the blogosphere, it pays to give as much as you can. Sure, keep up your own blog with relevant and valuable content for the community members you want. But experts advise spending more time adding value to five to ten other communities, where your potential subscribers may be checking into content and connecting with each other.
Tip 3: Be an originator more than a curator. It's fine to use your blog to organize and share information of interest to your readers. But don't stop there. Always add your original insight or find another take on the information, coming from a different point of view.
Tip 4: Think of your blog as a smart conversation. Focus on making your content as terrific as it can be. Look at things from a different perspective -- your own! -- and look for ways to induce interesting responses from the people you want to reach.
Tip 5: Add value. Don't just list the Top 10 this or the Worst 10 that. Make intelligent comparisons where you can. Concentrate on how something will benefit your audience. Tell people how to use different resources, how to access new information. Explain how you came to make the choices you did. Don't be another generic blogger!
Tip 6: Any questions? Ask your readers if there's something they'd like to know about your area of expertise. Then respond on your blog. Follow up by asking for feedback. Also, write about things you're interested in learning about that can't be readily found on the Internet. The original research you do will move your blog up in searches for that topic.
Tip 7: Answer their needs. Think about what your readers need to know. What kind of help are they looking for? Then give it to them. And always respond to all questions from readers -- these are people who gave you their time.
Tip 8: Don't be shy about sharing your opinion. Often this is what people are actually looking for.
Tip 9: Always show respect. As a blogger, you're often putting forth one side of an issue and then opening up the conversation to other points of view. When people begin commenting to one another, the blog gets a life of its own. Since it's your blog, you can jump in to keep the comments coming. Be gracious about different opinions - people want to know you've considered what they have to say, whether you agree with them or not. Your subscriptions will grow because people want to be part of something where their opinion is respected.
Tip 10: Focus on perennial problems. Some bloggers have had great success constructing an editorial schedule around ten or twelve in-depth posts on problems that crop up year after year. You'll draw in readers, get them sharing your content, move up in the search rankings and start building a list of loyal subscribers.
Tip 11: Ask for the subscription. Give prominence to the subscriber box. Make sure it's above the scroll. Many experts advise against pop-ups, which users often find annoying. Emphasize email -- it's more popular than RSS. Always ask again for subscriptions at the end of a posting. If someone's made it that far, they're a good prospect to sign up for more.
Tip 12: Make an offer. A free eBook is a great way to get new opt-in subscribers. Consider what your blog is about and put together some of your best "how to" advice. Interview experts on a topic and share their views. It's not hard to email subscribers a link where they can download a PDF of your free piece.
Every time you publish, make sure you're giving readers one more good reason to subscribe. That's the best way there is to get new readers and keep the ones you have.... Enjoy a great month!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
Everyone who starts a blog knows the name of the game is bringing in more subscribers -- and keeping them! Here are the latest tips on how to grow that list of regular readers.
Tip 1: Follow your bliss. That was the late mythology professor Joseph Campbell's advice to his Sarah Lawrence College students on how to be happy. It's also good direction for doing a dynamite blog. In other words, write what you love to cover. Sharing your passion attracts readers -- and makes it easier for you to write new content when you might not feel like it. Readers are attracted to content that's created with genuine enthusiasm.
Tip 2: What you give is what you get. In the blogosphere, it pays to give as much as you can. Sure, keep up your own blog with relevant and valuable content for the community members you want. But experts advise spending more time adding value to five to ten other communities, where your potential subscribers may be checking into content and connecting with each other.
Tip 3: Be an originator more than a curator. It's fine to use your blog to organize and share information of interest to your readers. But don't stop there. Always add your original insight or find another take on the information, coming from a different point of view.
Tip 4: Think of your blog as a smart conversation. Focus on making your content as terrific as it can be. Look at things from a different perspective -- your own! -- and look for ways to induce interesting responses from the people you want to reach.
Tip 5: Add value. Don't just list the Top 10 this or the Worst 10 that. Make intelligent comparisons where you can. Concentrate on how something will benefit your audience. Tell people how to use different resources, how to access new information. Explain how you came to make the choices you did. Don't be another generic blogger!
Tip 6: Any questions? Ask your readers if there's something they'd like to know about your area of expertise. Then respond on your blog. Follow up by asking for feedback. Also, write about things you're interested in learning about that can't be readily found on the Internet. The original research you do will move your blog up in searches for that topic.
Tip 7: Answer their needs. Think about what your readers need to know. What kind of help are they looking for? Then give it to them. And always respond to all questions from readers -- these are people who gave you their time.
Tip 8: Don't be shy about sharing your opinion. Often this is what people are actually looking for.
Tip 9: Always show respect. As a blogger, you're often putting forth one side of an issue and then opening up the conversation to other points of view. When people begin commenting to one another, the blog gets a life of its own. Since it's your blog, you can jump in to keep the comments coming. Be gracious about different opinions - people want to know you've considered what they have to say, whether you agree with them or not. Your subscriptions will grow because people want to be part of something where their opinion is respected.
Tip 10: Focus on perennial problems. Some bloggers have had great success constructing an editorial schedule around ten or twelve in-depth posts on problems that crop up year after year. You'll draw in readers, get them sharing your content, move up in the search rankings and start building a list of loyal subscribers.
Tip 11: Ask for the subscription. Give prominence to the subscriber box. Make sure it's above the scroll. Many experts advise against pop-ups, which users often find annoying. Emphasize email -- it's more popular than RSS. Always ask again for subscriptions at the end of a posting. If someone's made it that far, they're a good prospect to sign up for more.
Tip 12: Make an offer. A free eBook is a great way to get new opt-in subscribers. Consider what your blog is about and put together some of your best "how to" advice. Interview experts on a topic and share their views. It's not hard to email subscribers a link where they can download a PDF of your free piece.
Every time you publish, make sure you're giving readers one more good reason to subscribe. That's the best way there is to get new readers and keep the ones you have.... Enjoy a great month!
------------------
© 2011 PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company. Trade/service marks are the property of PlainsCapital Corporation, PlainsCapital Bank, or their respective affiliates and/or subsidiaries. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company (NMLS no: 13649) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of a state-chartered bank and is an exempt lender in the following states: AK, AR, CO, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IA, KS, KY, LA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WV, WI, WY. Licensed by: AL State Banking Dept.- consumer credit lic no. MC21004; AZ Dept. of Financial Institutions- mortgage banker lic no. BK 0907334; Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act- lender lic no. 4130996; CT Dept. of Banking- lender lic no. ML-13649; D.C. Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking- dual authority lic no. MLO13649; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation- lender lic no. MB.6760635; IN Dept. of Financial Institutions- sub lien lender lic no. 11169; ME Dept. of Professional & Financial Regulation- supervised lender lic no. SLM8285; MD Dept. of Labor, Licensing & Regulation- lender lic no. 11058; Massachusetts Division of Banking– lender & broker license nos. MC5404, MC5406, MC5414, MC5450, MC5405; MI Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth- broker/lender lic nos. FR 0010163 and SR 0012527; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department- lender lic no. 14553-MB; NJ Dept. of Banking and Insurance-lender lic no. 0803658; NM Regulation and Licensing Dept. Financial Institutions Division- lender license no. 01890; ND Dept. of Financial Institutions- money broker lic no. MB101786; RI Division of Banking- lender lic no. 20102678LL and broker lic no. 20102677LB; TX OCCC Reg. Loan License- lic no. 7293; VT Dept. of Banking, Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration- lender lic no. 6127 and broker lic no. 0964MB; WA Dept. of Financial Institutions-consumer lender lic no. 520-CL-49075. PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company is an Equal Housing Opportunity Lender.
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