Leon County, FWC exploring bear-resistant trashcans - Tallahas...

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tallahassee/doc/1239080399.html...

Leon County, FWC exploring bear-resistant trashcans

Tallahassee Democrat - Tallahassee, Fla.
Subjects: Bears; Counties
Author:
Dyke, Justin Christopher
Date:
Dec 17, 2012
Start Page: n/a
Section:
Local
Document Text
Leon County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working to reduce incidents of residents
coming into contact with bears, and bear-resistant trashcans may be a big part of the solution.
The number of bear-related calls received statewide by the FWC has steadily increased from 1,345 in 2002 to 5,557 in
2012, according to a FWC report presented to the Leon County Commission.
Thirty-two percent of calls from 1990 to 2011 were for bears in the garbage, and only 1 percent of calls were for a
threatened person, according to the report. The remaining calls were related to a threatened or attacked animal; sick,
injured or dead bears; property damage and miscellaneous or unknown reasons.
"People really need access to bear-resistant trash cans," said David Telesco, FWC Black Bear Management Project
coordinator.
Bear encounters are frightening for Leon residents, Jane Sauls, Leon County Commissioner, District 2, said.
"Most of this has been on the west side of town that backs up to the Apalachicola National Forest," she said. "Families
are afraid for their children playing outside in the yard."
The FWC report proposes allowing a community of about 200 people whose residents are experiencing conflicts with
bears to try bear-resistant trashcans. Other counties in North Florida already have the trashcans, and Leon County is in
the process of determining the best way to proceed with the proposal, Sauls said.
"FWC would cover the additional per month fee the waste service provider would charge customers to have
bear-resistant trashcans for 200 customers for the first six months of service," the report says.
A portion of proceeds from the "Conserve Wildlife" Florida license plates, which feature an image of a bear as part of
the design, is allocated to the bear management program each year, said Diane Hirth, FWC communication coordinator.
Residents of Franklin, Wakulla, Okaloosa and Volusia counties already have distribution of bear-resistant trashcans, the
report says.
The difference between a standard trashcan and the type recommended by the FWC is a latching mechanism built into
the lid that can only be opened with a finger. Telesco said the preferred design latches the can automatically when the
lid is closed, as opposed to a pin that has to be set in place.
The FWC's "Guide to the Florida Black Bear" says the panhandle contains one of the state's largest populations of the
animal, which typically can weigh from 125 to 400 pounds.
A wildlife camera on Sauls' property has captured images of black bears as recently as Nov. 12, she said, though she
has since taken down the cameras at the house on Luther Hall Road.
Sauls said educating residents about bear-proofing their garbage cans can help keep the bears out of residential areas.
"We have to train people to be better with securing their garbage," she said. "Bear-proof lids will certainly be a help."
Sauls said plans to address the reported problems with black bears are in motion. "We're going to be working with FWC
and our garbage collectors to make this happen," she said.
Former Leon County Commissioner Carol Kio-Green is all too familiar with the black bears that reside in North Florida.
She most frequently sees the animals around dusk.

1 of 2

1/13/15, 7:51 PM

Leon County, FWC exploring bear-resistant trashcans - Tallahas...

http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/tallahassee/doc/1239080399.html...

Although she doesn't place garbage outside of her house on Sullivan Road, near Cascade Lake on the edge of
Apalachicola National Forest, she believes bears enter her yard from a nearby pathway through the forest. "It's much
easier to collect acorns in a yard than it is in the forest," Kio-Green said.
According to FWC's Bear Management Plan, "Bears are opportunistic foragers" that take advantage of available fruits,
nuts, insects and foods such as garbage and pet, bird and livestock feed.
About two weeks ago, Kio-Green's dog was attacked by two or three bears as the dog was attempting to scare the
animals off, she said. Her dog made it back onto the porch of her house after the incident, but required stitches.
Kio-Green would like to see measures put in place that would discourage the bears from getting so close to the edge of
the neighborhood. She suggested putting up water scarecrows, which are devices designed to deter wildlife with a blast
of water, along the edge of the forest. What she would not like to see is an ordinance mandating bear-proof garbage
cans.
If you encounter a bear
According to the FWC's bear guide, "If you encounter a bear at close range in your backyard or in the outdoors, remain
standing, don't stare into the bear's eyes, back up slowly and speak to the bear in a calm voice. Don't run away,
approach the bear or play dead. Find a safe place and make sure the bear has an escape route, then yell or bang pots
and pans together to scare the bear away." The complete guide and more information about Florida bears can be found
at www.myfwc.com/bear.
Bears in trash
* Bear reports in Leon County increased 10-fold between 2009 and 2012.
* The percentage of total reports for Leon County listing 'In Garbage' as the reason for the call has increased from none
in 2003 to a high of 61 percent in 2010.
* Communities that have secured their waste systems have experienced a dramatic drop in human-bear conflicts. On
Hurlburt Air Field in Okaloosa County, for example, staff switched regular trashcans and dumpsters to bear-resistant
models and started an educational effort and training with security personnel. Human-bear conflicts declined by 70
percent over a two-year period.
* Store trashcans in a secure area, such as a sturdy shed or garage, and put it curbside only on the morning of garbage
pickup (not the night before), or when the resident is ready to transport their garbage to the landfill.
ID_Code: CD-312170020
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.

Abstract (Document Summary)

Leon County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are working to reduce incidents of residents
coming into contact with bears, and bear-resistant trashcans may be a big part of the solution. According to FWC's Bear
Management Plan, "Bears are opportunistic foragers" that take advantage of available fruits, nuts, insects and foods
such as garbage and pet, bird and livestock feed.
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.

2 of 2

1/13/15, 7:51 PM

14 fair housing facts | Think Homes & Land

8/7/16, 11:45 AM

14 fair housing facts

With the end of April comes the end of Fair Housing Month, but its good business to be
up to speed year-round on the history and rules that have been in effect for more than 40
years. After all, that little Equal Housing Opportunity logo is found on many of the printed
real estate advertisements in the United States.
1. Enacted as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Act serves to prohibit
discrimination in transactions related to the sales, rental and financing of homes.
Significant amendments made in 1988 expanded the act to include protections against
discrimination based on disabilities and familial status.
2. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development often referred to as HUD
is responsible for the initial enforcement of the FHA. Consumers have one year to file a
complaint after a violation of the act has allegedly occurred.
3. The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity is responsible for investigating claims
filed with HUD. In situations where the office issues a Charge of Discrimination, a hearing
before an administrative law judge is scheduled. Either party in the proceeding can call for
litigation in federal court.
4. In a precursor to the FHA, President John F. Kennedy issued an executive order
banning discriminatory practices in federally funded housing on Nov. 20, 1962. According
to History.com, the policy was never enforced. The order left it up to the individual
https://thinkhomesandland.com/2014/04/30/14-fair-housing-facts/

Page 1 of 3

14 fair housing facts | Think Homes & Land

8/7/16, 11:45 AM

housing and funding agencies to police themselves, leaving much room for noncompliance from state to state.
5. In 1963, California statesman William Byron Rumford spearheaded passage of the
Rumford Fair Housing Act, ensuring protections against discrimination for black residents
and other minorities. Though it was repealed in a 1964 referendum set in motion by the
California Real Estate Association, the act was ultimately upheld by the states Supreme
Court in 1966.
6. According to the Chicago Tribune, Martin Luther King Jr. led a series of marches in the
summer of 1966 with the goal of pushing the Windy City toward making solid
commitments to open housing. The marches ultimately prompted the Chicago Real
Estate Board to drop its opposition to open-housing laws.
7. HUD policy states: The provisions of the Fair Housing Act make it unlawful to
discriminate in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, and in the provision of brokerage
and appraisal services, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or
national origin.
8. HUDs policy also states: All advertising of residential real estate for sale, rent, or
financing should contain an equal housing opportunity logotype, statement, or slogan as a
means of educating the homeseeking public that the property is available to all persons
regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.
9. Guidance regarding advertisements states: The use of secularized terms or symbols
relating to religious holidays such as Santa Claus, Easter Bunny or St. Valentines Day
images, or phrases such as Merry Christmas, Happy Easter, or the like does not
constitute a violation of the Act.
10. Additional guidance states: Advertisements describing the properties (two bedroom,
cozy, family room), services and facilities (no bicycles allowed) or neighborhoods (quiet
streets) are not facially discriminatory and do not violate the Act.
11. HUD marked the first anniversary of the FHA in April 1969 with a gala at New Yorks
Plaza Hotel. April subsequently went on to become Fair Housing Month in many states.
12. Training sessions on the FHA are available through the Fair Housing Accessibility
FIRST initiative. The organization hosts an online calendar with training events that cover
https://thinkhomesandland.com/2014/04/30/14-fair-housing-facts/

Page 2 of 3

14 fair housing facts | Think Homes & Land

8/7/16, 11:45 AM

topics like FHA policy, and requirements for design and construction.
13. The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors contains an article
dedicated to the principles of fair housing as they relate to Realtors, described as a firm
statement of support for equal opportunity in housing.
14. Fair housing information and resources are available from many of the agencies listed
above. Additionally, the National Fair Housing Alliances resources page contains links to
legal resources, reports and research, and fair housing videos for the deaf and hard of
hearing.

Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC, is the most trusted, integrated multimedia real estate brand
in North America. A leading resource for local real estate information,
HomesAndLand.com welcomes millions of unique visitors every month. Headquartered in
Tallahassee, Florida, with magazines across the United States and Canada, Homes & Land
has been serving real estate professionals, homebuyers and home sellers since 1973. In
addition to Homes & Land Magazine, the company publishes Home Guide, Rental Guide,
and Estates & Homes magazines.

https://thinkhomesandland.com/2014/04/30/14-fair-housing-facts/

Page 3 of 3

Exploring HOA pros and cons in real estate marketing | HalHub

4/10/16, 10:49 AM

Exploring HOA pros and cons in real estate marketing

Is it worth it?
Paying fees month in and month out may lead some residents to question their decision to
move into a community managed by a homeowners association, or HOA. It may even push
them into the market with the hopes of finding a more unfettered living situation.
On that ever-present flip side, though, theres the value those fees go toward creating.
First-time buyers may not be cognizant of how all those payments can be considered
more of a long-term investment as opposed to an additional monthly fee.
An HOA is tasked with taking the fees, also known as assessments, and putting them to
good use maintaining landscaping and common areas, coordinating garbage and
recycling programs, and, in some parts of the country, even preparing a neighborhoods
network of sidewalks and pipes for winter weather. That continuous upkeep can translate
to higher property values for homeowners.
So, is it worth it? A savvy real estate agent can help buyers make an informed decision
based in part on the quality of the HOA managing the development.

Brief clients on the basics

Knowing some HOA basics can add an extra dimension to an agents real estate marketing
capabilities. For buyers eyeing a move into a managed community, a knowledgeable agent
can be positioned as a guide and adviser.
In turn, knowing the HOA itself, possibly through relationships with board members and a
general knowledge of their goals and points of pride, creates a unique opportunity for an
agent to network and reach potential new buyers and sellers. For instance:

Pro? Con? Point of view

Most of the stipulations imposed by a homeowners association can be viewed as either
pro or con, depending on the client. Being equipped to explain the benefits and
detriments can help establish an agents specialized expertise. In all likelihood, more
clients will have questions about HOAs as the organizations become more prevalent.

http://halhub.com/2013/06/25/exploring-hoa-pros-and-cons-in-real-estate-marketing/

Page 1 of 4

Exploring HOA pros and cons in real estate marketing | HalHub

4/10/16, 10:49 AM

HOA-USA, a resource for volunteers serving their neighborhood and community

associations, places the number of households represented by homeowners associations
at more than 40 million. The Community Associations Institute, another organization
supporting such groups, points to data showing the number of HOAs nationwide steadily
increasing since 1970.
What other information related to a neighborhoods inner workings should be considered
for inclusion among Community Profiles? Knowing a bit more about specific homeowners
association rules can prepare real estate agents with answers to questions that may pop
up during showings, open houses or phone calls with new leads.

Covenants, conditions and restrictions

In general, it appears residents are satisfied with the rules governing communities and
neighborhoods with HOAs. CAI found that 70 percent of residents feel homeowners
association rules protect and enhance their property values. Researching a local markets
HOA covenants, conditions and restrictions, or CC&Rs, can help prepare agents for more
detailed questions. A copy of CC&Rs can be obtained directly from the homeowners
association (sometimes for a fee) or from the HOAs website.

Insurance coverage
Insurance can be a key factor to understand. In some states, for example, in a community
that shares a pool or playground, the homeowners association should have insurance to
protect against injuries resulting in lawsuits. If your HOA insurance lacks this coverage,
you and other homeowners might be responsible, according to Lawyers.com. In addition,
since nearly two out of every three buyers finance their purchase, lenders also want to
know if there is adequate insurance coverage for any common areas. A minimum of $1
million in liability coverage is a common lender requirement.

Reserve funds
Though the rules regarding reserve funds and reserve studies vary, HOA-USA.com
recommends that homebuyers find out whether an HOA has ample funding in store for
future capital projects in order to avoid the emergence of new fees. Lenders also
encourage homebuyers to look into HOA reserve funds before buying. On its website,
Bank of America notes that depleted reserve funds could lead to special assessments to

http://halhub.com/2013/06/25/exploring-hoa-pros-and-cons-in-real-estate-marketing/

Page 2 of 4

Exploring HOA pros and cons in real estate marketing | HalHub

4/10/16, 10:49 AM

cover the cost of an emergency.

Litigation
Some homeowners associations can be overly litigious, frequently filing lawsuits against
contractors, suppliers or other third parties. The absence of pending or recent lawsuits
reflects well on an HOAs management. Lending guidelines often dont allow for approval
of a homebuyers loan application if there is an existing or imminent lawsuit. Litigation also
has the potential to result in special assessments for residents.

Lender approval
When lenders are asked to approve loan applications and theres an HOA involved, the
lender can require documentation that essentially protects its collateral the home.
There are different rules in each state about who obtains HOA documents and
disclosures. Factors like the percentage of primary residents compared to renters,
litigation, reserve requirements, minimum insurance coverage and delinquent HOA
accounts are just a few of the details the HOA can be asked to verify. Many developments
already have lender approval, which streamlines financing requests and increases
marketability. To search for approved condominium projects, visit the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Developments website, which also provides a list of their approved
lenders.

Meeting frequency
Writing for National Association of Realtors website HouseLogic.com, journalist and
author Blanche Evans says,
Some HOA boards meet as little as twice a year.
If a buyer anticipates a few concerns right off the bat, they should be given an
understanding of the time frame for having those concerns addressed.

Government involvement
According to CAI, 86 percent of residents oppose more government regulation of
community associations. Currently, government involvement varies from state to state, so
if a homebuyer is relocating, they may find it helpful to be brought up to speed.
http://halhub.com/2013/06/25/exploring-hoa-pros-and-cons-in-real-estate-marketing/

Page 3 of 4

Exploring HOA pros and cons in real estate marketing | HalHub

4/10/16, 10:49 AM

Sustainability
HOAs that draft covenants with fair and practical guidelines for composting, vegetable
gardens or solar panels may help draw in consumers seeking more sustainable living
environments, writes attorney and city planning professor Seth G. Weissman in an article
for Urban Land Magazine.[7] This type of community may be ideal for buyers seeking a
green lifestyle.
Combined, the above factors could form a checklist for agents to include in a Homes &
Land Market Report, which can be easily shared over the Internet with clients.
Additionally, when supplementing your Market Report with a Showcase of Homes,
consider including some relevant HOA basics.
In situations where a developer is in the process of transitioning management to a
communitys new HOA, those details would be helpful for a buyer purchasing one of the
newly constructed homes, or in a Market Report on New Construction.
Going the extra mile with the HOA information you offer clients demonstrates specialized
expertise and foresight, which can make your real estate marketing more multifaceted. As
you become increasingly familiar with a particular association, you will gradually build a
reputation as an expert for that community, bringing in more buyers and more listings.

http://halhub.com/2013/06/25/exploring-hoa-pros-and-cons-in-real-estate-marketing/

Page 4 of 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: [Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Homes & Land launches solution to Craigslist shutdown of HTML tags
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ([Date]) Homes & Land has taken the hassle out of online real
estate classifieds with a new Craigslist Posting Wizard.
As many in the industry are already aware, Craigslist recently made changes to its for
sale and housing categories, disallowing several of the HTML tags many real estate
agents and offices relied on to generate customized postings.
While real estate companies nationwide were affected by Craigslists move,
Homes & Land advertisers now have an updated tool that makes posting to the online
classifieds site simple and speedy.
The new Posting Wizard from Homes & Land works within the guidelines set by
Craigslist, offering advertisers the perfect resource for optimizing postings and for
getting those postings online in the most convenient way possible.
Through a guided, step-by-step process, the Homes & Land Craigslist Posting Wizard
provides the best method for ensuring that listings have the chance to be seen by
Craigslists audience of nearly 50 million unique monthly visitors.
The Craigslist Posting Wizard is a built-in feature for Homes & Land advertisers, part of
a control panel that boasts resources like social media syndication, sophisticated listing
and marketing flyer templates, customizable websites, digital proofing for magazine
advertisements, lead reports, and many other helpful tools.
No one in the industry does local, integrated real estate marketing better than
Homes & Land. Contact your area publisher to start planning the perfect marketing
strategy to help you achieve your goals.
-###Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC, is the most trusted multimedia real estate brand in
North America. A leading resource of real estate information, HomesAndLand.com
welcomes 1.3 million unique visitors every month. Headquartered in Tallahassee,
Florida, with magazines across the United States and Canada, Homes & Land has been
serving real estate professionals, homebuyers and home sellers since 1973. In addition to
Homes & Land Magazine, the company publishes Home Guide, Rental Guide, and
Estates & Homes magazines.

PRESS RELEASE
Contact: [Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
Estates & Homes creating distinction for high-end real estate
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. ([Date]) Some homes just stand out. Theyre a destination in
and of themselves, so the buyers and sellers of these homes demand and deserve the most
targeted, effective marketing strategy available.
As part of a plan that enhances the marketing efforts of luxury real estate agents working
on behalf of these buyers and sellers, HomesAndLand.com and Homes & Land, LLC, is
promoting Estates & Homes. Besides being its own destination within magazines across
North America, Estates & Homes is an integrated program with online syndication to The
Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and duPont REGISTRY.
Estates & Homes branded pages, with elegant design elements and specific listing
qualifications, create a unique showcase of high-end properties. For Estates & Homes
listings, exclusive online spotlight positions powered by The Wall Street Journal target
Asia and Europe. EZ Tour videos and sophisticated online listing displays featured on
HomesAndLand.com also help ensure each listing gets the high-profile presentation it
deserves.
For qualified high-end listings, the Estates & Homes program is custom-tailored to be the
ideal solution for buyers and sellers in the luxury segment. More than a quarter of the
Homes & Land audience boasts an annual household income above $100,000 per year.
Similarly, prospects viewing these listing through syndication from The Wall Street
Journal have an annual household net worth in excess of $1 million.
Just like high-end properties that are prized for their stature and amenities, Estates &
Homes is an attractive offering. The program has already helped elevate the profile of
participating real estate agents, as well as contributed to an improved experience for the
Homes & Land audience by adding hundreds of distinct pages to local magazines across
North America. To learn more about how Estates & Homes provides the quintessential
multimedia marketing strategy for luxury agents, contact the local Homes & Land
managing publisher.
-###Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC, is the most trusted multimedia real estate brand in North
America. A leading resource of real estate information, HomesAndLand.com welcomes
1.3 million unique visitors every month. Headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida, with
magazines across the United States and Canada, Homes & Land has been serving real
estate professionals, homebuyers and home sellers since 1973.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Natalie Oehlerking
(605) 574-4159
homesandlandnatalie@gmail.com
Homes & Land adds MLS data in the Black Hills Region for enhanced consumer
experience
SPEARFISH, S.D. (March 26, 2014) At Homes & Land, commitment to the consumer
experience has always been paramount. Through our integrated marketing, we serve
buyers and sellers throughout the local community with media that caters to all stages of
the home search process.
In order to drive more visibility and engagement for our Homes & Land of The Black
Hills and Homes & Land of Central/Eastern Wyoming partners, were taking the strategic
step of adding an MLS feed to HomesAndLand.com. Consumers will be treated to a more
robust experience while, at the same time, advertisers listings will be featured above all
others.
The addition of the MLS feed will create a new, top-level category for Featured listings,
populated exclusively by advertisers.
As a dedicated partner in the multimedia real estate space, more than anything, Homes &
Land strives to help advertisers and consumers successfully achieve their home buying
and selling goals. For real estate professionals, MLS data can be a factor in success as it
helps provide a stronger digital footprint with search engines, leading to added exposure
online.
The unmatched distribution offered by Homes & Land, integrated with online visibility,
is part of our continued commitment to being the premier local real estate resource. Our
advertisers stand out in the crowd. Through featured placement in search results, the real
estate professionals advertising with HomesAndLand.com are the first to be discovered
by an engaged audience of active buyers and sellers.
To learn more about Featured placement on HomeAndLand.com, contact Natalie
Oehlerking at homesandlandnatalie@gmail.com or (605) 574-4159.
-###Homes & Land Affiliates, LLC, is the most trusted, integrated multimedia real estate
brand in North America. A leading local resource for real estate information,
HomesAndLand.com welcomes millions of unique visitors every month. Headquartered
in Tallahassee, Florida, with magazines across the United States and Canada, Homes &
Land has been serving real estate professionals, homebuyers and home sellers since 1973.
In addition to Homes & Land Magazine, the company publishes Home Guide, Rental
Guide, and Estates & Homes magazines.

Page 1 of 2

Social Media Rundown for Homes & Land

Social Media 101
MAINSTREAM PLATFORMS
Facebook: The largest social networking site in the world a must for any business. Do: Post
photos whenever possible. Dont hesitate to post something every day, or share posts from fellow
Homes & Land publishers.
Twitter: A microblogging site used for tweeting updates and information to followers. Do:
Write quick, timely tweets and use hashtags[1] to gain a wider audience. Dont go over the
160-character limit.
Google+: A social networking website that carries a significant weight with Googles search
engine. Do: Engage with Google+ by clicking +1 on posts you find interesting. Dont be shy
about adding contacts to your Circles to keep up with their activity on Google+.
LinkedIn: A business networking site that can be leveraged to connect with fellow professionals.
Do: Endorse the skills and expertise of contacts in your network. Dont neglect to complete your
profile in detail, including certifications, honors and awards.
Pinterest: Acting as a digital bulletin board, Pinterest is made for pinning photos. Do: Create
different boards for your best interior photos. Dont forget to pin your digital magazine cover
every time a new issue is published.
ASCENDANT PLATFORMS
Instagram: A mobile app-based photo- and video-sharing service that provides a variety of filters
to enhance smartphone photos. Integrates with most other social media platforms and includes
support for hashtags. Try this if you enjoy taking photos with your phone.
Snapchat: Another mobile app-based platform centered around photos and video. Snapchat
allows users to send pictures and videos that disappear within a specified amount of time (a few
seconds). Try this if you send a lot of text messages and smartphone photos.

Do I need to be on all of the above?

No, you do not need an account on all of the above. But Facebook is a must and Twitter can be
a powerful way to connect with your community. For different reasons, LinkedIn is another site
that should not be ignored.
Why Facebook? Ninety-five percent of Millennials expect brands to have a Facebook presence.
Also, 87 percent of Gen Xers (30- to 44-year-olds) and even 70 percent of those ages 45 to 60
think brands should, at the very least, have a Facebook page.[2] The real estate industry is no
exception.
Why Twitter? Its worth it to invest the time and resources to develop your presence on Twitter.
When you do, youll see more growth and loyalty from customers, as well as more sharing,
engagement and leads.[3] Like Facebook, real estate has a significant presence here.
[1] A hashtag is a type of label or metadata tag used on social network and microblogging services which makes it easier for users to find messages with a
specific theme or content. Users create and use hashtags by placing the hash character (or number sign) # in front of a word or unspaced phrase, either in
the main text of a message or at the end. Searching for that hashtag will then present each message that has been tagged with it. (Wikipedia) [2] Social Media
Examiner [3] Social Media Examiner

Page 2 of 2

Social Media Rundown for Homes & Land

Why LinkedIn? When you join LinkedIn, you get access to people, jobs, news, updates and
insights that help you be great at what you do. Professionals are signing up to join LinkedIn at
a rate of more than two new members per second.[4] Use the site to outline your business and
professional success, and learn more about the real estate professionals in your area.

What should I post and share?

Try posting any of the following items on a regular basis anywhere from three times a week to
a few times a day, depending on your time constraints and the amount of useful or interesting
information you have to share at any given time.
Articles from RealTips

Local photography

Your Digital Magazine

New products or services

An advertisers listing or website

Deadline reminders

Events, like open houses or board

meetings

The websites of local businesses

HomesAndLand.com links, like the

Advertise page, the Benefits page,
or the Magazine Directory page

Real estate industry articles and news

Buying, selling and homeownership
articles and news

Social media is often personal, which can be a good thing. Your friends and followers will be
there to cheer your successes. Theyll often have similar interests and will appreciate the updates
and information you share dont hesitate to have some fun!
However ... Avoid some of social media pitfalls. A blog post on ThinkHomesAndLand.com has
some sound advice:
Want to start an argument with a new acquaintance? Talk about politics. Want to run off
a potential customer youve never met? Post to social media about politics. Inman News
contributor Jimmy Burgess has a whole list of topics to avoid online for the good of your
business, and politics floats to the top, especially in election years. Jimmys other no-nos
include angry or denigrating posts about any person or business the negativity rebounds
onto the writer and party posts that show too much fun.

How do I get started?

Try YouTube! Search how to set up a __________ account on YouTube.com and choose a video
there will be plenty of options. Or, search getting started on SocialMediaExaminer.com for
lots of additional resources.
Need a more personal walk-through? Email Justin at justin@homesandland.com to arrange
a phone call or video chat. Ask him about Hootsuite. Also, check out Homes & Lands social
media sites and those of other Publishers in the network youll find a trove of inspiration and
posts that can be easily shared.
[4] LinkedIn

Luxury real estate

Leap past the hurdles

of high-end listings

ver needed enough space to

park 100 cars? Thats roughly the
amount of space available inside
a 12,000-square-foot luxury home. Now
lets throw in crystal chandeliers, a few
fireplaces, custom cabinetry, a gym, a
game room and a lot the size of two
football fields. Type up a listing, slap on
a price tag and get that house on the
market. Piece of cake, right?

Bigger=Better
Luxury listing photos
should not be the size
of postage stamps

Think Global

Not quite.
The Herculean task of finding qualified
buyers for high-end properties is as
difficult as it is rewarding. The blood,
sweat and tears (and dollars) that go
into each transaction could easily give
way to feelings of despair. But arrive
at a closing or settlement and see the
achievement boost your stature in the
luxury real estate market.
Its time to make the odds work in your
favor, which means its time to set aside
the conventional approach and elevate
your listings profile.

Fly a banner for the manor: Since

bigger is better, avoid pictures the size
of postage stamps. Large, high-quality
listing display photos appearing
both online and in glossy magazines
present a more eye-catching first look at
your luxury property.

Mind your mail: Once your listing is

polished to perfection in print, be sure to

HL7249

Of all international
buyers in 2012:
20% were from
Western Europe
39% were from Asia

take advantage of direct mail to get the

magazine in the hands of the right audience.
Who is the right audience, you ask?

High-end home seekers: The

right audience is affluent and qualified;
and not every media source is equal
when it comes to building trust and
reaching this demographic. The market
research experts at Nielsen, for example,
determined magazines are top dog in
the trust-building department.[1]

Inroads in the old country:

Remember to reach out to our
neighbors across the pond. According
to the Coldwell Banker Previews
International Luxury Market Report, 20
percent of all international buyers in

2012 came from Western Europe.

Say "ni hao" to Asia: Hello, China!

Coldwell Banker Previews reports that
39 percent of all international buyers in
2012 came from Asia. Your listing plans
should include a gateway to these upand-coming global players.
Looking for the total package? Find out
how your local Homes & Land publisher
can tailor the right combination of
advertising to fit your specific goals. Be
sure to ask about the Estates & Homes
section for high-end properties, and our
international partnership with The Wall
Street Journal.
[1] Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising Survey, April 2012

Gandhi, King defied unjust law to force change - The Cumberla...

http://www.times-news.com/gandhi-king-defied-unjust-law-to-f...

Gandhi, King defied unjust law to force change

To the Editor: | Posted: Friday, April 4, 2008 11:48 am
Credit is due to my alma mater, Frostburg State University, and the numerous sponsors who
helped bring Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mohandas K. Gandhi - although often better known as
Mahatma (meaning "Great Soul") Gandhi, to the school in time for the anniversary of Martin
Luther King's assassination, which occurred on this date in 1968.
The event found me particularly grateful because learning about Gandhi changed my life since
actually having begun to understand the importance of his lessons myself. It afforded me the
opportunity to hear first-hand what those same lessons meant to his grandson at the "Lessons
Learned from my Grandfather" presentation.
The 1982 Richard Attenborough film "Gandhi," starring Ben Kingsley, seems like an often
unmarked milestone in the life of many a middle- or high-schooler. I must admit that I slept
through the movie myself at the time it was presented to me in sixth-grade history class, and of
course, I awoke with bed-head to credits and unanticipated attention.
It wasn't until a college literature class that I really recognized how important Gandhi's message is.
Unlike King, Gandhi hadn't been a hero ingrained early in life for me. But as I continue to learn,
King and Gandhi - whose lives were dedicated to fellow man and woman spanning different
colors, faiths and continents - are not different, and millions are better off because of that.
The Pealer Recital Hall in FSU's Performing Arts Center filled up Monday evening and books
sold out as Arun Gandhi, who spent 18 months living with his Grandfather not long before he was
assassinated January 30, 1948, took the stage.
Arun Gandhi founded the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence, located at the University of
Rochester in New York, and spoke clearly and rationally on the subject the institute stands for. He
put passive resistance, or civil disobedience, directly into terms one finds studying his
Grandfather's life - terms that lead to the most logical and unified end to a conflict situation,
peacefully. Although, the logic is found down the high road less taken.
Like electricity applied beneficially, the energy summoned in anger can be channeled to a

1 of 3

4/4/15, 12:10 PM

Gandhi, King defied unjust law to force change - The Cumberla...

http://www.times-news.com/gandhi-king-defied-unjust-law-to-f...

nonviolent solution. The metaphor is difficult to dispute. Generally, there is no anger management
class in one's life until the problem itself gets out of hand.
Learning to control anger, as Arun Gandhi did through dedication and his grandfather's influence,
is very obviously no easy task, particularly during time periods when that control is proven,
painfully, to be effective. Restraint, tied self-consciously to what is right, yet in defiance of what
one knows as a human being to be inherently wrong, peacefully makes a point. It's as if a lady,
believing in the difference between right and wrong, simply refused to move to the back of a bus.
Following the arrest of Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Ala., on December 1, 1955, Martin Luther
King joined the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Twenty-five years earlier, in protest of a British law, Gandhi marched 240 miles to the ocean to
make salt himself, defying an unjust law imposed by imperialist Britain, peacefully. Also, in
support of Indian independence, Gandhi learned to spin his own cloth and taught others to do so as
well, effectively boycotting the British empire by refusing to invest in goods manufactured in
England.
Neither Gandhi nor his grandson met King in person. But in 1959, King visited Gandhi's small
home in Bombay.
Arun Gandhi's story on this occasion is unforgettable - for me at least. The small residence Gandhi
maintained while living in Bombay was then, and is now, a geographical icon in India.
King's notoriety gained him access to Gandhi's personal room, which contained only a bed and
desk, and was almost completely off-limits, Arun Gandhi said. When it was time for the caretaker
of the historic site to close down, King emotionally refused to head back to his room in the Taj
Mahal, arguing that if this room was good enough for Gandhi, it was good enough for him.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in Gandhi's ideas. Gandhi was of the Hindu faith
since birth, yet in perpetuating the concept of nonviolence till his death, we can be forever
encouraged to turn the other cheek. At one point, Gandhi was asked if he was Hindu, prompting
him to answer, "Yes I am. I am also a Muslim, a Christian, a Buddhist and a Jew."
On the subject of this influential figure, King said, "Gandhi was inevitable. If humanity is to
progress, Gandhi is inescapable. He lived, thought and acted, inspired by the vision of humanity

2 of 3

4/4/15, 12:10 PM

Gandhi, King defied unjust law to force change - The Cumberla...

http://www.times-news.com/gandhi-king-defied-unjust-law-to-f...

evolving toward a world of peace and harmony. We may ignore Gandhi at our own risk."
As cultural tensions and protests continue to escalate worldwide ahead of the Beijing Olympics,
images of protesters arrive from a distance so great the phrase, "Out of sight, out of mind" actually
comes to mind. Although, the world watches as a Nobel Laureate leader is being called a "wolf in
monk's robes" by a communist government.
The Dalai Lama is a pack-hunting dog? I should've known.
For me, the question of what a true "uniter" would do under such circumstances comes to mind
like the weight of a headache.
One man's teachings and actions can only be fully appreciated for so long on the international
stage. But, as individuals living in a time of what is often very distant turmoil, the most important
question may be: "What would I do?"
Justin Christopher Dyke is a copy editor for the Cumberland Times-News.

3 of 3

4/4/15, 12:10 PM