Reactions to story from MSN

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  Cycling News

  http://thecorgroup.org/?p=104
  53 days ago in theCORgroup · Authority: 1

  Realtors peddle real estate to bike-happy clients. “With gas prices high, bicycles flying out of stores and a buyers’ market for houses, a handful of real estate agents around the country are touting the two-wheeled appeal of their listings. Some even show houses exclusively by bike, wheeling through the neighborhood with potential buyers to show off bike lanes and bike-focused businesses and repair shops.” Schmoozing from the bike saddle. “For a growing number of fitness-minded business people, bike tours have become the ‘new golf.’ Where deals were once cut on the country club fairway, more and more are getting done from the saddle of a high-end road bike with a carbon fiber frame.” A couple of us from theCORgroup attended this ride. In addition to being one of the best organized rides we’ve encountered, the organizers raised some serious money for their charities, and provided networking opportunities for engineers, architects, and planners from across southeastern Wisconsin. Many riders also used the ride as a platform to discuss broader issues of active, healthy lifestyles and environmental responsibility. Bike commuter benefits is now USA law. Looks like bicycle commuters can start receiving some of the fringe benefits provided to drivers and those taking public transit. The Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act was included in the $700 billion bailout/rescue plan; it provides up to $20 a month to cover expenses associated with bicycle commuting.
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  Niche Marketing in Real Estate

  http://blog.quantumdigital.com/steve/niche-marketing-in-real...
  88 days ago in Direct Mail, On-demand Printing, eMarketing - QuantumDigital · Authority: 2

  For some real estate agents, the challenging marketplace today is an all-out bad situation. Foreclosures are flooding the market, people are restricting their spending and gas prices are soaring. But for other agents, the current state of the economy is presenting new lucrative opportunities that weren’t nurtured when the market was at its peek. A new trend popping up in real estate is niche marketing. One example can be found in Portland, Oregon, where agents and brokerages are catering to the growing number of people switching from cars to bicycles. Instead of chauffeuring clients around in gas-guzzling SUVs, agents happily guide clients on bike tours of neighborhoods-showing them cycle-friendly routes, shops, and places of interest that appeal to the cycling culture. So, what can other agents and businesses learn from this emerging trend? Catering to, or at least being sensitive to, specialized groups and niches within a mainstream group is a great way to foster growth during good times and bad. It can be a differentiator for your business and may set you apart from your competitors. When getting started, understand your niche inside and out. Get into the culture of a niche, understanding their likes, dislikes, and beliefs. Learning everything you can about that niche will help you and your business better relate to prospects in that group. It can also help you discover a unique offering for that niche or a smart way to connect with them. Until next week, Steve
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  Some Realtors Peddling Real Estate

  http://www.va-mountain-land.com/2008/09/05/some-realtors-ped...
  88 days ago in Virginia Mountain Land for news about buying and selling VA mountain acreage and VA mountain lots. · Authority: 1

  With gas prices high, bicycles flying out of stores and a buyers’ market for houses, a handful of real estate agents around the country are touting the two-wheeled appeal of their listings. Some even show houses exclusively by bike, wheeling through the neighborhood with potential buyers to show off bike lanes and bike-focused businesses and repair shops. Bike agents say pedaling with clients is providing that boost. Behind a niche market that represents only a sliver of natinal sales is a bigger trend — a fundamental shift in the way people think about buying homes. Real estate agents and industry surveys indicate that home buyers are placing more importance on cutting their gas bills and commute times and that homes near urban centers, and subway, train and bus stops are selling faster than those in the distant suburbs. click here for article
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  Realtors Peddle Their Way To Success

  http://www.tn-mountain-land.com/2008/09/05/realtors-peddle-t...
  88 days ago in Tennessee Mountain Land for news about buying and selling TN mountain acreage and TN mountain lots. · Authority: 1

  With gas prices high, bicycles flying out of stores and a buyers’ market for houses, a handful of real estate agents around the country are touting the two-wheeled appeal of their listings. Some even show houses exclusively by bike, wheeling through the neighborhood with potential buyers to show off bike lanes and bike-focused businesses and repair shops. Bike agents say pedaling with clients is providing that boost. Behind a niche market that represents only a sliver of natinal sales is a bigger trend — a fundamental shift in the way people think about buying homes. Real estate agents and industry surveys indicate that home buyers are placing more importance on cutting their gas bills and commute times and that homes near urban centers, and subway, train and bus stops are selling faster than those in the distant suburbs. click here for article

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