Ulster County Real Estate Blog

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I need help with my wordpress blog

I recently installed a wordpress blog on my website and have been having trouble getting it indexed by google for the term Hudson Valley Real Estate blog.  I can't get it indexed at all.

For those of you who use word press, you more than likely know about the permalink option in the administration.  By default, every blog entry has a url that looks like this:

nutshellrealty.com/blog/?p=3

I changed the permalink option so the URL looks like this:

nutshellrealty.com/blog/welcome-to-prudential-nutshell-realtys-blog.html

My question is, is this the best option? With the permalink option you can change the URL to look and act like any type of page on the net i.e. .asp, .cfm, .php and of course.  What type of page is best indexed by search engines.

Lou Lynch
Associate Broker / Technology Director

1 comment • Lou Lynch • March 27 2008 09:01AM

Developing hunting property real estate biz

The more I watch the outdoor channel the more I see these specialized real estate companies that do nothing but sell hunting property.  Every year right around hunting season we see an influx of "hunting camp" related inquiries.  Most of these leads are not serviced correctly because there are no CE courses or special accreditations in our area that would give us the expertise needed to help us sell these type of properties.  My area if upstate New York is loaded with all types of wild life and we get a good amount of migration from more urban areas of our state.

Apart of becoming affiliated with a pre-established franchise, is there a way I can get up to speed on the growing trend and capitalize on this niche market?

6 comments • Lou Lynch • March 24 2008 06:11PM

Optimizing your title tag

Another edition of basic SEO for those real estate professionals just starting out.

What is a title tag?

Most of you know what title tags are, if you don't read on, if you do read on and tell me if I have left anything out.  A Title tag is the group of words that appear at the very top of your web browser (in I.E. and Fire Fox the title bar default color is blue), the main purpose of a tile is to communicate to users and to search engine spiders what the page is generally about.

Title Location on the Browser

Here is how it looks if you were to "View Source""


<html>
  <head>
    <title>ActiveRain Real Estate Network</title>
<meta name="description" content="ActiveRain real estate network allows real estate agents, mortgage professionals and brokers create a customized profile." />
<meta name="keywords" content="Washington, WA,  ActiveRain, Real Estate, agents, Network, Real Estate Agent, Mortgage, realtor, social network" />

</head>

OK, I know what it is, now how do I optimize the thing?

Title tags are important, in fact they are the most important meta data on your page, SO ALWAYS INCLUDE A TITLE.  Many think it is the keywords but that simply is not the case.  As some search engines spider your page not only do they use the title information to learn about your content, they use it as a measuring device to calculate relevance and sometimes use it to display the "synopsis" that is usually included with your link in the search engine results.  With this being said, contribute a good amount of thought before writing your title.  One thing to keep in mind however is that you user comes first.  I frequently use the phrase "write for humans not spiders".

Writing your keywords into the title.

Like I mentioned before, the title tag is often used as a measuring stick by which the rest of the content is gauged so do your best to include keyword in your title but do it in a way where it reads clearly and makes sense.  Keep it concise, informative and relevant to the content.  Using your company name in the title is not necessary unless the page is written about the company.  Last but not least don't repeat your titles across multiple pages.

Try to use some form of your title early on in your content area and wrap it with an <h1></h1> tag.  This will tie the user content in nicely with the meta data and will help with keyword density as well.  There is a lot more to title tags, meta data and relevant content but keep this in mind and you should see some improvement in search engine position.

 

21 comments • Lou Lynch • March 24 2008 05:35PM

Ulster County Real Estate Listings - 3-21-08

108 O'Reilly Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20080942 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
108 O'Reilly Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20080942
Price type: negotiable    Price: $215,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
This tastefully restored home is within walking distance of Kingston and Benedictine Hospitals. Recent upgrades include a totally renovated kitchen with new ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

197 Chestnut Hill Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20073481 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
197 Chestnut Hill Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20073481
Price type: negotiable    Price: $1,300,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Immaculately renovated circa 1800 eyebrow colonial surrounded by mature perennial gardens on 67 private acres in historic desirable Stone Ridge. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

10 Via Pioli Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080940 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
10 Via Pioli Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080940
Price type: negotiable    Price: $210,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
This charming cottage features an open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen, dining area, living room and brick fireplace nestled into one large room on the ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076330 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076330
Price type: negotiable    Price: $1,500,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Absolutely beautiful meadow and wooded land with views. Borders Rail Trail. Additional land available. See ML#20073100,20073101,20073102.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

155 Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20075519 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
155 Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20075519
Price type: negotiable    Price: $799,000.00    School district: rondoutvly    Bathrooms: 1   
The Northern Spy Cafe is ready for new owners. Take advantage of a well established and loved local restaurant located in the heart of historic High Falls ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot 3, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076333 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot 3, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076333
Price type: negotiable    Price: $189,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

240-244 Grand Terrace, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080946 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
240-244 Grand Terrace, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080946
Price type: negotiable    Price: $284,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
Imagine living in your attractive artist's home with plenty of privacy and a separate 600 square foot artist's studio. Add to this a 900 square foot living ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762
Price type: negotiable    Price: $185,000.00    School district: dzne/lnpe    Bathrooms  
12.81 acres o peace and tranquility. Corner of property is adjacent to "Lower Esopus river Watch" organization which protect riparian lands and wetlands. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

30 Hoyer Street, Hurley : MLS Number 20080949 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
30 Hoyer Street, Hurley : MLS Number 20080949
Price type: negotiable    Price: $299,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
This is a great opportunity for a quaint stone house renovation. Located minutes from the NYS Thruway and Woodstock this home has been cleaned and made ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

385 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20080945 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
385 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20080945
Price type: negotiable    Price: $225,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
Really nice stick built ranch in terrific Stone Ridge location. Vaulted ceiling, open floor plan and nice pine floors make this home special. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20080951 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20080951
Price type: negotiable    Price: $690,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot. 1, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076332 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot. 1, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076332
Price type: negotiable    Price: $179,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

32 Carlo Drive, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080935 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
32 Carlo Drive, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080935
Price type: negotiable    Price: $174,900.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Freshly painted home in convenient location. New parquet flooring, updated electrical wiring, new kitchen appliances, cathedral ceiling in living room with ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #2-6 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072881 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
Lot #2-6 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072881
Price type: negotiable    Price: $815,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

59 Lake Road, Lake Katrine : MLS Number 20080939 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
59 Lake Road, Lake Katrine : MLS Number 20080939
Price type: negotiable    Price: $185,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
1940€TMs home literally 2-3 minutes from Hudson Valley Mall. Property is suitable for commercial or residential use. 3 BR, 1 1/2 Baths, hardwood floors, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262
Price type: negotiable    Price: $649,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Beautiful post and beam home on desirable Boice Mill Road. Enjoy romantic evenings by the fireplace gazing at soaring beams, cook with friends in the lovely ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

515 Mill Hook Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080903 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
515 Mill Hook Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080903
Price type: negotiable    Price: $120,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Secluded wooded lot with stone walls. Located minutes from Accord, High Falls and Stone Ridge. Driveway area cleared and there is a potential pond site near ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

1023 Decker Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20075467 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
1023 Decker Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20075467
Price type: negotiable    Price: $229,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
Nicely kept 1600+ sq. ft. cape on a quiet dead-end street, within walking distance of Chambers Elementary School, . Hardwood throughout, three bedrooms and ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

24 Leonardo Drive, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081019 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
24 Leonardo Drive, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081019
Price type: negotiable    Price: $495,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Privacy, convenience to town services and 5.6 acres of lovely meadowland can be yours. Enjoy the sight of deer grazing in the yard and sunsets behind the ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

700 Mettacahonts Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080948 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article

700 Mettacahonts Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080948
Price type: negotiable    Price: $365,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
1800s Farmhouse with traditional country charm on 7 + acres. New windows, siding and furnace for fuel efficiency. New family room with cathedral ceiling ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

 

250 Smith Ave, Kingston : MLS Number 20080938 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
250 Smith Ave, Kingston : MLS Number 20080938
Price type: negotiable    Price: $179,450.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
This great home is now ready for a new family. With recent updates including new baseboard heating, refinished hardwood floors upstairs and down, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

188 Cedar Dr., Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080950 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
188 Cedar Dr., Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080950
Price type: negotiable    Price: $379,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Nestled and hidden atop a wooded knoll, this home provides total privacy. This total renovation includes new heating, plumbing, electric, and well. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

11 Skytop Drive, Kingston : MLS Number 20074389 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
11 Skytop Drive, Kingston : MLS Number 20074389
Price type: negotiable    Price: $225,000.00    School district: edson    Bathrooms  
LOCATION!!! RARE FIND. Great opportunity to develop and create a minor upscale subdivision in an extremely desired area. Builders, this parcel has been ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331
Price type: negotiable    Price: $174,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved Shallow Absorption System. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3-4 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072890 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
Lot #3-4 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072890
Price type: negotiable    Price: $849,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

154 Fair St., Kingston : MLS Number 20076445 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
154 Fair St., Kingston : MLS Number 20076445
Price type: negotiable    Price: $224,500.00    School district: kingstoncs    Bathrooms  
Great investment opportunity with this totally renovated two-family which is within walking distance to uptown Kingston. The total 2700 plus of living space ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

671 Buck Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080952 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
671 Buck Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080952
Price type: negotiable    Price: $399,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Privately set on one of Marbletowns most desirable roads this move-in condition home is perfect for the weekender or full time resident. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

57 Cambridge Court, Highland : MLS Number 20080947 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
57 Cambridge Court, Highland : MLS Number 20080947
Price type: negotiable    Price: $298,900.00    School district: highland    Bathrooms: 2   
Immaculately maintained, 4 years young, 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhome conveniently located for the commuter and priced for the 1st time home buyer or ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 2:06:44 PMGo to full article
TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082
Price type: negotiable    Price: $165,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Lovely wooded parcel near desirable Stone Ridge and High Falls. Great location for small subdivision or single home site. Call LR for more details.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 13 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

28 Messmer, Tillson : MLS Number 20076095 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Sunday, March 09, 2008, 1:37:12 PMGo to full article
28 Messmer, Tillson : MLS Number 20076095
Price type: negotiable    Price: $249,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
Everything's brand new! This charming 1870 colonial has been gut renovated so that it sparkles. You'll love the large gourmet kitchen open to dining room, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 9 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Peak Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20071568 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 20, 2008, 12:37:01 PMGo to full article
TBD Peak Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20071568
Price type: negotiable    Price: $115,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Location, location, location! Great buildable corner lot on level, nicely wooded land. Note: Central Hudson easement.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 20 by Prudential Nutshell Realty
2 comments • Lou Lynch • March 21 2008 07:23PM

First Day of the Prudential Sales Convention - New Orleans

The convention opened up with the awards ceremony and an address from the Laurie Keenan - President Prudential Real Estate Affiliates then Mark Burnett. She took the stage dancing. Laurie is a forward thinker focused on technology and aligning Prudential affiliates with top technology companies around the world. She made it very clear to thousands of real estate agents that agents may be able to survive today without technology as a primary focus, but in the next few years it will not be possible. "Success in the current market [and market of tomorrow] requires new thinking, new strategies and new tools." She encouraged real estate agents that were doing business the old way to "re-invent themselves or start thinking of a new line of business." She went on about some new relationships Prudential is making with some technology companies as the one with Yahoo is coming to an end (end of year). She also talked about the importance of listing syndication and utilizing our relationships to achieve maximum success. Listing syndication? Why didn't I think of that? :)

Mark Burnett (Survivor creator) was absolutely fantastic. Before hearing him talk, I thought to myself, what can this guy say to a bunch of real estate agents? Boy did he have something to say! His speaking style was very plain with an almost Americanized English accent. He spoke as though you were having a conversation in a bar and got right to the point with every sentence. He told a story of overcoming adversity and how he started Survivor. He went on to tell a story about pitching the Apprentice idea to Donald Trump. Each story focused on his ability to sell himself and his ideas. He also talked very passionately about team building and surrounding yourself with only high energy people and to cut dead weight (non-energized people) loose at EVERY SINGLE OPPORTUNITY when it comes to business. People who are not high energy can only suck the energy out of you. How to Jump Start

Your Company's Online Marketing. This seminar was given by the the Trulia guy. He was a young guy, very smart and very articulate. His message was also on the new way of doing real estate (right in line with Laurie Keenan). He talked a lot about generation Y and how they make up the majority of home buyers now. His company is very in touch with this new group of home buyers and know exactly how to market to them (hence the success of Trulia). He is convinced that real estate has shifted to a place where you can no longer reach your customers through old real estate methods i.e. cold calling, door knocking, newspaper ads, etc. According to him (and I agree) the new way of meeting your customers (Generation Y) is social networking. Using tools like ActiveRain, Trulia Voices and other social networking tools is the way to connect. Hmmmm where have I hear that before? Am I on top of shit or what? Toot, toot. That session ended early so I tried to sneak over to the Online Buyers Advantage (Platform) because I knew my friend Andrew Boyd was speaking.

Platform (OBA)- Andrew spoke about the success of the platform and how agents are now averaging 4 to 5 deals a month as a result of using it effectively. To use it effectively, he thought it was important to staff it with the right type of agents and to not force it on anyone that is only partially committed. The primary focus of the seminar was to show agents the five things to do with a buyer that comes in on the platform and was very similar to the talk he gave at our office. Seminar with Bob Woodruff - The ABC news correspondent, I caught a few minutes of this and skipped out. Soul2Soul Party in the French Quarter. This is thrown by the Merrill Corp. (the people who do our biz card). Local band free drinks yada, yada, yada.

5 comments • Lou Lynch • March 21 2008 07:08PM

My Cab Ride through the 9th Ward

I have lots of stuff to post about my trip to New Orleans to attend the Prudential Sales Convention.  Over the next few days, I will post about some of the content of the convention.  For now, I wanted to quickly blog about my cab ride through the 9th Ward.

As much as I tried to resist being the stupid tourist, I couldn't help but to go see the 9th ward.  After 2 1/2 years you would think more would be accomplished.   After the Sunday afternoon exhibitor welcome event, I hopped a cab coming out of the conference center. 

My original intention was to go back to the apt, shower and get ready for the night's activities.  As the cab got closer to the French Corner, I began to really take a liking to the cab driver and his New Orleans, Creole accent.  He spoke passionately about the area and how much he loved it here.  The conversation drifted naturally into his disappointment with the government in regards to the rebuilding effort in the 9th ward.  With that said, I asked him to take me out there, so we went.  

We drove through the 9th ward and to my surprise, there was very little in the way of progress.  A few homes here and there were being rebuilt but the majority of them were still boarded up.  I couldn't help but to wonder where these people were.  The cab driver told me that there are still a good number of people living in the trailers after 2/12 years.  That totally blew me away.  Now, it is not like I am just learning this for the first time but this time, standing in the middle of the area that was flooded, I felt like I really understood.  I took a bunch of pictures and a little bit of video.

 

4 comments • Lou Lynch • March 20 2008 12:06PM

Keyword Stuffing - Bad, Bad, Bad

I started writing a comment back to a few people that had commented on my blog 6 (now 8) things that are sure to get you banned from Google.  Keyword stuffing was one of the things that a lot of bloggers were interested in.  As I wrote, I found my comment getting quite lengthy so I decided to break of into a separate blog.

One way to be sure that you are not "keyword stuffing" is to write fresh, unique and compelling content.  Again the idea is to keep your user (a human) in the front of your mind while writing.  If your topic is truly relevant to the keyword term, you will have no problem including it in the content in a way that is not considered stuffing.

Here is a little chart that will help you with keyword saturation.  When the chart indicates less then 1 (.05, .07, etc.)  It refers to partial matching.  What that means is that if my term is "Ulster County Real Estate" and I use the term "Ulster Real Estate" (not using the "county" word), that is considered a partial match.

Google recommends that you use the keyword term 1 time in the title, 1 time in the meta description, use some form of the term in the heading, 5 times in link text, 10 times in the Hyper-link URL and 10 times in the body text.

Google Averages

AreasFrequencyWordsWeightAverage Prominence
Head
TITLE tag1.06.772.0%62%
META Description tag0.710.832%65.2%
Body
Headings0.57.932.1%64.9%
Link Text4.7166.914.2%55.8%
Hyper-link URL9.2N/AN/AN/A
Body Text9.76187.8%56.2%

Here is more about it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyword_stuffing

http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=66358

11 comments • Lou Lynch • March 20 2008 10:01AM

Prudential Sales Convention 08

I am sitting in a trendy coffee shop on the southern part of the French Quarter and about to attend the opening seminar for Prudential's anual sales convention in New Orleans.  The line up is pretty good.  I registered yesterday and got all of the propaganda, from the looks of it, it should be good.

 Today we will hear Mark Burnett (creator of survivor) speak.  The afternoon session is Bob Woodruff, the ABC news anchor that covered Katrina.  The break out session is a seminar on How to Jump Start Your Company's Online Marketing. This is given by the guy who owns Trulia.  It should be interesting.

 I will post more tonight after the activities.

0 comments • Lou Lynch • March 17 2008 08:13AM

Ullster County Real Estate Lisitngs

Ullster County Real Estate Lisitngs

108 O'Reilly Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20080942 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
108 O'Reilly Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20080942
Price type: negotiable    Price: $215,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
This tastefully restored home is within walking distance of Kingston and Benedictine Hospitals. Recent upgrades include a totally renovated kitchen with new ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

197 Chestnut Hill Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20073481 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
197 Chestnut Hill Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20073481
Price type: negotiable    Price: $1,300,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Immaculately renovated circa 1800 eyebrow colonial surrounded by mature perennial gardens on 67 private acres in historic desirable Stone Ridge. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

10 Via Pioli Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080940 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
10 Via Pioli Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080940
Price type: negotiable    Price: $210,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
This charming cottage features an open floor plan with a gourmet kitchen, dining area, living room and brick fireplace nestled into one large room on the ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076330 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076330
Price type: negotiable    Price: $1,500,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Absolutely beautiful meadow and wooded land with views. Borders Rail Trail. Additional land available. See ML#20073100,20073101,20073102.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

155 Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20075519 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
155 Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20075519
Price type: negotiable    Price: $799,000.00    School district: rondoutvly    Bathrooms: 1   
The Northern Spy Cafe is ready for new owners. Take advantage of a well established and loved local restaurant located in the heart of historic High Falls ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot 3, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076333 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot 3, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076333
Price type: negotiable    Price: $189,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

240-244 Grand Terrace, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080946 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
240-244 Grand Terrace, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080946
Price type: negotiable    Price: $284,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
Imagine living in your attractive artist's home with plenty of privacy and a separate 600 square foot artist's studio. Add to this a 900 square foot living ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762
Price type: negotiable    Price: $185,000.00    School district: dzne/lnpe    Bathrooms  
12.81 acres o peace and tranquility. Corner of property is adjacent to "Lower Esopus river Watch" organization which protect riparian lands and wetlands. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

30 Hoyer Street, Hurley : MLS Number 20080949 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
30 Hoyer Street, Hurley : MLS Number 20080949
Price type: negotiable    Price: $325,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
This is a great opportunity for a quaint stone house renovation. Located minutes from the NYS Thruway and Woodstock this home has been cleaned and made ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

385 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20080945 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
385 Scarawan Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20080945
Price type: negotiable    Price: $225,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 1   
Really nice stick built ranch in terrific Stone Ridge location. Vaulted ceiling, open floor plan and nice pine floors make this home special. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20080951 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20080951
Price type: negotiable    Price: $690,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot. 1, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076332 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road Lot. 1, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076332
Price type: negotiable    Price: $179,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved raised system. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

32 Carlo Drive, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080935 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
32 Carlo Drive, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080935
Price type: negotiable    Price: $174,900.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Freshly painted home in convenient location. New parquet flooring, updated electrical wiring, new kitchen appliances, cathedral ceiling in living room with ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #2-6 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072881 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
Lot #2-6 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072881
Price type: negotiable    Price: $815,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

59 Lake Road, Lake Katrine : MLS Number 20080939 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
59 Lake Road, Lake Katrine : MLS Number 20080939
Price type: negotiable    Price: $185,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
1940€TMs home literally 2-3 minutes from Hudson Valley Mall. Property is suitable for commercial or residential use. 3 BR, 1 1/2 Baths, hardwood floors, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

58 Mohonk Road, High Falls : MLS Number 20073284 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
58 Mohonk Road, High Falls : MLS Number 20073284
Price type: negotiable    Price: $448,900.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
The best of both worlds €" village and country living. On an oversized village lot, this 3200 square foot village farmhouse has lovely original mouldings ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262
Price type: negotiable    Price: $649,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Beautiful post and beam home on desirable Boice Mill Road. Enjoy romantic evenings by the fireplace gazing at soaring beams, cook with friends in the lovely ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

515 Mill Hook Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080903 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
515 Mill Hook Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080903
Price type: negotiable    Price: $120,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Secluded wooded lot with stone walls. Located minutes from Accord, High Falls and Stone Ridge. Driveway area cleared and there is a potential pond site near ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

1023 Decker Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20075467 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
1023 Decker Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20075467
Price type: negotiable    Price: $229,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
Nicely kept 1600+ sq. ft. cape on a quiet dead-end street, within walking distance of Chambers Elementary School, . Hardwood throughout, three bedrooms and ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

24 Leonardo Drive, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081019 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
24 Leonardo Drive, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20081019
Price type: negotiable    Price: $495,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Privacy, convenience to town services and 5.6 acres of lovely meadowland can be yours. Enjoy the sight of deer grazing in the yard and sunsets behind the ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell

250 Smith Ave, Kingston : MLS Number 20080938 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
250 Smith Ave, Kingston : MLS Number 20080938
Price type: negotiable    Price: $179,450.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 1   
This great home is now ready for a new family. With recent updates including new baseboard heating, refinished hardwood floors upstairs and down, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

188 Cedar Dr., Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080950 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
188 Cedar Dr., Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080950
Price type: negotiable    Price: $379,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 2   
Nestled and hidden atop a wooded knoll, this home provides total privacy. This total renovation includes new heating, plumbing, electric, and well. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

11 Skytop Drive, Kingston : MLS Number 20074389 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
11 Skytop Drive, Kingston : MLS Number 20074389
Price type: negotiable    Price: $225,000.00    School district: edson    Bathrooms  
LOCATION!!! RARE FIND. Great opportunity to develop and create a minor upscale subdivision in an extremely desired area. Builders, this parcel has been ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331
Price type: negotiable    Price: $174,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
BOH approved Shallow Absorption System. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3-4 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072890 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
Lot #3-4 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20072890
Price type: negotiable    Price: $849,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end rd. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

154 Fair St., Kingston : MLS Number 20076445 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
154 Fair St., Kingston : MLS Number 20076445
Price type: negotiable    Price: $224,500.00    School district: kingstoncs    Bathrooms  
Great investment opportunity with this totally renovated two-family which is within walking distance to uptown Kingston. The total 2700 plus of living space ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

671 Buck Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080952 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
671 Buck Road, Accord : MLS Number 20080952
Price type: negotiable    Price: $399,000.00    School district: rondout    Bathrooms: 3   
Privately set on one of Marbletowns most desirable roads this move-in condition home is perfect for the weekender or full time resident. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082
Price type: negotiable    Price: $165,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Lovely wooded parcel near desirable Stone Ridge and High Falls. Great location for small subdivision or single home site. Call LR for more details.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

28 Messmer, Tillson : MLS Number 20076095 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Sunday, March 09, 2008, 1:37:12 PMGo to full article
28 Messmer, Tillson : MLS Number 20076095
Price type: negotiable    Price: $249,000.00    School district: kingston    Bathrooms: 2   
Everything's brand new! This charming 1870 colonial has been gut renovated so that it sparkles. You'll love the large gourmet kitchen open to dining room, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 9 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

7-9 Old Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20065995 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Thursday, March 06, 2008, 2:32:51 PMGo to full article
7-9 Old Route 213, High Falls : MLS Number 20065995
Price type: negotiable    Price: $389,000.00    School district: rondoutvly    Bathrooms: 1   
Live in this beautifully restored Victorian and put your business or studio in the 2544 sq. ft. barn, most of which is now rented as an artist's studio. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 6 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Woodland Rd., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20075082
Price type: negotiable    Price: $165,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Lovely wooded parcel near desirable Stone Ridge and High Falls. Great location for small subdivision or single home site. Call LR for more details.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

57 Cambridge Court, Highland : MLS Number 20080947 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
57 Cambridge Court, Highland : MLS Number 20080947
Price type: negotiable    Price: $298,900.00    School district: highland    Bathrooms: 2   
Immaculately maintained, 4 years young, 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath townhome conveniently located for the commuter and priced for the 1st time home buyer or ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

TBD Peak Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20071568 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
TBD Peak Road, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20071568
Price type: negotiable    Price: $115,000.00    School district: marbletown    Bathrooms  
Location, location, location! Great buildable corner lot on level, nicely wooded land. Note: Central Hudson easement.
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell Realty

Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20076245 - Prudential Nutshell Realty

Yesterday, March 12, 2008, 2:02:14 PMGo to full article
Lot #3 Lower 27 Knolls Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20076245
Price type: negotiable    Price: $189,900.00    School district: rosendale    Bathrooms  
Wakan is the Lakota word for sacred. Let design/build team Rick Alfandre and Nicholas McCormick create your sacred living space on this private dead end ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - posted on Mar 12 by Prudential Nutshell
0 comments • Lou Lynch • March 13 2008 09:20AM

Ulster County Horse Property

Ulster county horse property and equestrian estates 

A buyer's guide for horse properties, farms and equestrian estates in Ulster County.

To search for Ulster County Horse Property or Equestrian estates, click here

The idea of watching horses gracefully frolicking outside your back door is for many a dream come true. But, while the image of grazing horses and white fences is easy to imagine, finding an Ulster County horse property, farm or equestrian estate that meets your needs can be quite the undertaking. Buying a farm is much different than buying a residential home and should only be handled by real estate agents that specialize in that type of real estate.

Buyers in the Ulster County real estate market look to purchase farms for two main reasons. The first reason is that they are is that they are somehow involved in the farming or the raising of animals, the other reason is purely for the "living on the farm" experience. To locate a horse property or equestrian estate that fits your needs, we suggest you and your real estate agent must refine your search by considering the following amenities many Ulster County horse properties and equestrian estates offer before you begin your dream journey.

An important thing to consider is the Barn. You must ask yourself if you want to build your own barn or would you prefer to purchase a property with a barn that already exists? Many equine real estate will have an existing barn or some type of shelter for the horses.

If the horse property you select has a barn, keep the following things in mind:

  1. Sound Construction - While old barns are definitely charming, safety must be your initial consideration. Barns that are not structurally sound should be remodeled or replaced. Affordable prefabricated barns are an economical solution.
  2. Location, location, location - Evaluate the barn's proximity to the road and the access to an from it. Try to also evaluate whether or not is prone to flooding.
  3. Ventilation - Proper ventilation of the interior of the barn is critical to your horse's health as well as any other livestock using the barn.
  4. Size and number of stalls - A good barn will have an appropriate number and size of stalls for your horses or livestock. The floor of the stalls should be either dirt or matted with good drainage.
  5. Access to the stalls - A good size center aisle with non-slip flooring will provide easy access for you and your animals.
  6. Additional rooms for supplies - A feed room and a tack room are great features to have in a barn.
If the property you selected isn't a working farm and you have to build it, keep these things in mind:

The Stalls:

When considering stalls for your horse farm, try to think like a horse (easy for horse lovers to do). Is there a way you can escape, injure yourself, injure your neighbor or otherwise wreak havoc in the barn? Then look long and hard at the size, construction and use of the existing or planned stalls:

  • Stall Construction: As a rule of thumb, all stall flooring should be a non-slip surface and preferably matted. Heavily constructed walls made of hard wood or cement that have no gaps between the stall and the floor are generally the best.
  • Size of the Stall: If you are a true horse enthusiast, comfort of your horse is probably important to you. A 10 x 10 stall is big enough for ponies and small horses well, while larger horses will require much larger stalls no smaller than 12 x 12. Additionally, stall doors should be wide enough and high enough so that the horse can easily maneuver in and out of the stall.
  • Use of the Stall: Make sure your stalls meet the needs of their intended use. For obvious reasons, breeding facilities, brood mare and stallion stalls should be considerably larger than conventional stalls used for regular use.

Road Access

As I mentioned before, access is very important. The ability for delivery trucks to access your horse farm easily is important for the smooth operation of the equestrian facility. If the barn is further away from the main road, be sure to have a well-maintained, road to the barn and storage areas so that large trucks can safely enter, and turn around if needed.

Horse Fencing

When evaluating the current fencing or planning the construction of a new one, once again, try to think like a horse. The main objective of a horse fence is to safely secure your horse. If there is a way for the horse to injure itself, it is more than likely that they will find a way to do it, so safety must be concern number 1. That said, the appearance of your fence will add appeal, beauty and value to your horse property. Some fencing options could include:

  • Wood Fencing: One of the better options if you can afford it. Maintenance on wood fences is generally expensive.
  • Vinyl Fencing: Wood is good, vinyl is final. Vinyl offer an economic solution to fencing and has the look of a traditional wood fence.
  • Electric Fencing: Is not as cruel as you think, electric fences used alone or with an existing wood or vinyl fence, can discourage a horse's natural propensity to explore and hurt themselves by providing both a physical and psychological barrier.
  • Forget Barbed Wire: Avoid barbed wire fences at all cost as they often lead to injury of both the animals and the people .

Pastures and Turn Outs

A good horse farm should have ample room to turn out your horses. Consider the number of horses and intended use of the turnouts when selecting a horse property (the same way in selecting stall size).

Equestrian Arenas

If your primary purpose for the facility is arena riding, your equestrian estate should have a large arena or room to accommodate the construction of one. Be careful in estimating the expense as footing is a considerable investment. If you arena is in a colder climate it is also important not to under estimate the need for a covered or indoor arena.

Watering Requirements

No big secret here, horse farms need good access to fresh water both in the barn and in the pasture. Making sure the well depth and plumbing meets your needs as well as the needs of the horses.

Lighting

Just like water, electricity is something else that will affect the usability of your Ulster County horse farm. Most barns need electricity for day-to-day use as well as emergencies. Depending on your events/riding schedules, arena lighting may also be necessary, especially if you intend to use your Ulster County horse property as a boarding facility.

Feed and Equipment Storage

Lots of hay, grain and equipment storage on your horse farm is both makes horse care easy and cost effective. It will better preserve your feed by guarding it from the elements.

Lastly, you think about the home on your horse property. Horse enthusiasts many times think of their horses before themselves, but the home should not be overlooked as it has a lot to do with your comfort and property value. Be sure that it meets your families needs and is evaluated both as a part of the farm and independently as its resale value can appeal to markets other than horse enthusiasts.

To search for Ulster County Horse Property or Equestrian estates, click here

7 comments • Lou Lynch • March 11 2008 05:58PM

New Paltz New York Real Estate

Main Street New PaltzNew Paltz New York Real Estate

New Paltz New York Real Estate

New Paltz is located in Ulster County in the state of New York. Whether you are here for the weekend or relocating for a lifetime, the New Paltz New York area is the premier destination for those looking for a leisurely change of pace. If you are the energetic type, New Paltz can accommodate that too with climbing, hiking and scenic tours of Mohonk Preserve or Minnewaska State Park. Accommodations are abundant with many cozy Bed and Breakfasts, Inns and Hotels. The village is alive with restaurants and shops. New Paltz (Town and Village) is located in the beautiful Wallkill River Valley. The now famous Wallkill River flows north to the Rondout Creek which flows directly into the Hudson River linking up at Kingston New York.

Culture and Urban Flavor

The New Paltz community is alive with urban flavor and culture. The character has been kept intact and is still quite expressive in the many apple orchards, vineyards, gardens and corn fields of New Paltz. The biggest contribution to the New Paltz character is the presence of the College at New Paltz, a college of the State University of New York with approximately 7700 students who find New Paltz by way of local cities and over fifty countries all over the world. Located ninety miles north of Manhattan and sixty miles south of Albany at Exit 18 of the New York Thruway.

Mohonk Mountain HouseHiking and Climbing in New Paltz

Five miles to the west, you can find the Shawangunk Mountain escarpment. The high cliffs of the "Gunks" attract thousands of mountain climbers and hikers each year. Hiking and climbing through the trails and rock formations of the Shawangunk Mountains west of New Paltz is an attraction to many. Running through New Paltz is the very popular Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. The trail provides an excellent path for biking, jogging walking and cross-country skiing in winter. The Ulster County Fair grounds are also located in New Paltz and host not only the annual county fair but several smaller craft fairs as well.

Mohonk Mountain House, New Paltz NY

At the very end of the Shawangunk range is the historic Mohonk Mountain House, Now a historical landmark, the Mohonk Mountain House is a hotel that features breathtaking views, a system of challenging walking trails including the Labyrinth (nick named the Lemon Squeeze) that makes its' way through majestic rock formations. The main part of the hotel is set on a glacier made natural lake ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. The property around the mountain house is adorned with gorgeous flower gardens, gazebos and historical buildings.

Minnewaska State ParkNew Paltz Stone House

Also found on the Shawangunk Mountain range is the Minnewaska State Park Preserve. It also has a mountain lake created by the same glacier for swimming boating and fishing. Inside the park, there are tables for picnics, and walking trails that meander through the high cliffs that overlook the lake. Like Mohonk, Minnewaska has a state operate preserve that has several great environmental programs.

New Paltz New York History

New Paltz was founded in 1678 by French Huguenots who had taken refuge in Mannheim, Germany, for a few years before coming to America. The origin of the name, New Paltz, was derived through a process starting with the river that flows through it now referred to as the Wallkill, according to the record of the first meeting of the New Paltz Reformed Church in 1683. The river once name Pals or Palse River was used to describe the land around it in a deed found in 1689. In 1703, the Palse river bed underwent its' first formal subdivision creating giving it the name ye New Paltz later referred to simply as New Paltz.

Wallkill River



New Paltz Homes

 

1 comment • Lou Lynch • March 10 2008 05:10PM

Prudential Sales Convention 08

So I just finished booking my flight for the conference next week.  The agenda looks pretty good.  Speakers are Mark Burnett (Survivor), Dana Carvey and the guy from the apprentice.  The last one I went to was in San Antonio.  Are any of you planning to go?  If so, what kind of courses are you thinking about taking?

http://preaconvention.com/default.aspx

I would love to meet up with a few of you down there if you have the time, post back!

5 comments • Lou Lynch • March 06 2008 02:06PM

10 Basic SEO tips for authors just starting out

Basic SEO Tips to Get You Going

The response from my last post was pretty good, so I am doing a follow up with some real basic SEO tips. Keeping these 10 things in mind while you are creating new pages will help tremendously in your quest for SEO supremacy. If you have questions about any of these please post back. If you are unfamiliar with some of the terminology, use this site to look them up. Sorry I could link each essential SEO term individually but I don't have the time. If any of you know a quick way to make certain terms in my blog linkable to a definition, please advise.

One thing to keep in mind: These are tips to keep in mind while writing natural, compelling content not quick fixes to be used for spamming. Authors using this concept will get better ranking than authors that look to exploit loop-holes. If you are getting away with it, STOP (Google will eventually get you).

Here Are The Goods

  1. Make sure the main keywords that are in your meta tags are included in you title tag. Doing this will help search engine spiders determine the subject matter of the page. Just be careful that the title tag is a clear well written sentence and not just a list of the keywords.

    Installment 1 of 10, Using keywords in your webpages blogs and articles


  2. As you are creating your page, be sure that the keywords that appear in the content of your page are linked to other relevant pages on your site.


  3. Be sure to include the text in your title tag in the body of your page. Again, a clearly written (concise) sentence that includes your keywords. Using the h1 tag will help you here too in two ways. The search engine spider will like to see that you are not hiding the meta data from your user, the h1 tag is usually a very large, prominent formatting of the text. Secondly, it helps with usability. When the web surfer sees your page come up in the search engine as a result of some keyword he or she typed in, the surfer is reassured they are in the right place as the large title on the page will directly relate to the keyword entered into the search engine.


  4. Do not duplicate ANY of your titles on other pages. Make sure each page has a unique title. Having several pages with the same title may cause a search engine to flag it for duplicate content, a big no no.


  5. As I stated in my other post 6 things that are sure to get you banned from Google, DO NOT STUFF THE META TAGS WITH MEANINGLESS KEYWORDS. If you are going to use this tag at all, make sure you are using keywords that are included in your writing. My experience is that this tag is pretty much ignored anyway. I myself take the time to enter keywords because it can't hurt (if done right). Stuff the meta tag and you are sure to pay the price.


  6. Do not mess with link farms (also in my previous post), Google especially cracks down on this. If you are unclear what a link farm is, check out the SEO Glossary I posted above.


  7. Be very careful with doorway pages. If you are unclear about them, don't do them. I don't even like using the words Doorway Pages, because Doorway Pages refer to a page that was built for a search engine spider and nothing else. Google and other search engines are refining their ranking criteria so that content appeals more to humans than algorithms, so when writing, keep the human in mind not the spiders. I try build pages that are easily read by humans that contain content that is relevant.


  8. Since the title encapsulates the true content of your page, try repeating the title once in the content as a link to an outside source (open a new window of course). Make sure the source is reputable and helpful to the user. Double the effectiveness by getting that source to link back.


  9. Use images on your pages. If you have the ability to name the images, name them using words that related to the content and the image i.e. hudson-valley-real-estate.jpg. Then use the alt tag within the image to thoroughly describe the image. This helps search engines, text browsers and seeing impaired users.


  10. Lastly, submit to the search engines yourself if at all. It is like that if you link properly, the search engines will find you. If you want to submit to a search engine, do not use a service or software. Submit once and leave it alone. Resubmitting is almost never good.


The submission page for Google can be found here: http://www.google.com/addurl.html
28 comments • Lou Lynch • March 04 2008 10:00AM

6 (now 8) things that are sure to get you banned from Google.

It can happen.  You spend hours upon days, days upon month doing everything you can to make sure your website has every opportunity to be ranked by Google only to wake up and find that you have been dropped -30, -60 or even worse BANNED!  Here are six things to keep in mind when optimizing your site.

1. Duplicate Content
This is a biggy.  Google hates duplicate content.  Be sure everything you write is unique.  If you have a page that is getting dropped or banned consistently, copy and paste a sentence from it into a Google search box and see if it comes up anywhere else.  If so, REWRITE IT.  If you feel that someone grabbed your content report them: www.google.com/dmca.html

2. Doorways, Cloaking and Redirects
Don't do it!  These are keyword stuffed pages that are designed to attract search engine spiders but are otherwise meaningless to web surfers.  If you are getting away with it, STOP!  It is only a matter of time before Google comes knocking.

3. Hidden Texts and Hidden Links
This is a practice by where the web designer will again stuff pages with meaningless content to attract spiders but use colors that make them seem invisible by matching it to the background color.  Bad Golf, do it an pay the piper.

4. Keyword Spamming
Keyword spamming is stuffing the meta tags with keywords that don't relate to the content.  At this point meta tags are becoming less valued every day but it is a bad idea to try this as all the keywords in the meta tags should also show up in your page content.

5. Good Link Bad Link
It use to be the more link backs you have the better.  Not the case anymore.  Google looks for quality link backs (or reciprocal link) from quality sites that have link popularity not gained from link farms.

6. Bad Template Websites
There are some website companies that sell template sites that are not SEO freindly.  Some of these sites are highly dynamic using replicated content or use frames.  Before using a template company ask about SEO and look to see how some of the other templates rank.

(thank you to Gareth Dirlam for 7 and 8)

7. Automated Queries
Automated queries are queries made using some sort of submission software.  In some cases this is allowed but not without express authorization from Google.  So unless you have permission, don't do it.

8. Keyword Stuffing on the Content Area of Your Page. see my post on keyword stuffing
Loading Anchors with keywords (its not just the meta tag that gets stuffed) will get your page penalized.

I have been getting a lot of response to Keyword Stuffing, so I wrote a seperate blog on it, hope it helps.

 http://activerain.com/blogsview/431535/Keyword-Stuffing-Bad-Bad

 

60 comments • Lou Lynch • March 03 2008 08:10PM

Ulster County Real Estate Listings

274 Swartekill Road, Esopus : MLS Number 20080762
Price: $185,000.00 School district: dzne/lnpe Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
12.81 acres o peace and tranquility. Corner of property is adjacent to "Lower Esopus river Watch" organization which protect riparian lands and wetlands. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

58 Mohonk Rd, High Falls : MLS Number 20073497
Price: $448,900.00 School district: rondoutvly Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
www.hamletfarmhouse.com The best of both worlds €" village and country living. On an oversized village lot, this 3200 square foot village farmhouse has ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

15 BLUE MOUNTAIN MANOR, Saugerties : MLS Number 20080835
Price: $189,000.00 School district: saugerties Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
A TRAVELING NURSE HAS LEFT FOR LONDON TO FOLLOW TRUE LOVE. THIS WELL KEPT HOME IS LOCATED ON A DEAD END STREET IN A QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

12 Morning Star Dr., New Paltz : MLS Number 20075057
Price: $599,000.00 School district: newpaltz Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
THIS CLASSIC COUNTRY COLONIAL IS RIGHT OUTSIDE NEW PALTZ ON THE WAY UP TO MOHONK, IN THE DESIRABLE HICKORY RIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD. LARGE EAT IN KITCHEN WITH ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

32 Ridge Rd., Phoenicia : MLS Number 20073213
Price: $570,000.00 School district: onteora Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
RETREAT TO THIS LOVELY STREAMSIDE HOME NESTLED IN THE HEART OF THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS. SET AT THE END OF A PRIV ATE ROAD, THIS IS GREEN BUILDING AT ITS BEST ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

175 Boice Mill Road, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20080262
Price: $649,000.00 School district: rondout Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
Beautiful post and beam home on desirable Boice Mill Road. Enjoy romantic evenings by the fireplace gazing at soaring beams, cook with friends in the lovely ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

1023 Decker Street, Kingston : MLS Number 20075467
Price: $229,000.00 School district: kingston Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
Nicely kept 1600+ sq. ft. cape on a quiet dead-end street, within walking distance of Chambers Elementary School, . Hardwood throughout, three bedrooms and ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

24 Leonardo Dr., Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20073121
Price: $510,000.00 School district: rondout Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
Privacy, convenience to town services and 5.6 acres of lovely meadowland can be yours. Enjoy the sight of deer grazing in the yard and sunsets behind the ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

TBD Rest Plaus Road, Lot 2, Stone Ridge : MLS Number 20076331
Price: $174,000.00 School district: marbletown Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
BOH approved Shallow Absorption System. These exquisite, ready-to-go building lots, are in the 5 to 5.5 acre range and are absolutely beautiful. ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

28 Messmer, Tillson : MLS Number 20076095
Price: $249,000.00 School district: kingston Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
Everything's brand new! This charming 1870 colonial has been gut renovated so that it sparkles. You'll love the large gourmet kitchen open to dining room, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

154 Fair St., Kingston : MLS Number 20076445
Price: $224,500.00 School district: kingstoncs Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
Great investment opportunity with this totally renovated two-family which is within walking distance to uptown Kingston. The total 2700 plus of living space ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

152 SCHROON HILL ROAD, Kerhonkson : MLS Number 20075951
Price: $87,777.00 School district: kerhonkson Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
QUIET, PRIVATE AND READY TO BUILD. BOH APPROVAL RECENTLY EXPIRED FOR SHALLOW ABSORBTION SEPTIC FOR 3BR HOME. BONUS CABIN/SHED TO GET OUT OF THE RAIN OR ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

1069 Route 44/55, Clintondale : MLS Number 20074747
Price: $116,000.00 School district: highland Bathrooms: 0 Listing status: active
QUAINT VILLAGE HOME IN CLINTONDALE.THIS 2 BEDROOM, RAIL ROAD STYLE,1.5 BATH HOME IS IN MOVE IN CONDITION. NEW CARPET AND LINOLEUM DOWNSTAIRS, ...
http://www.nutshellrealty.com - from Prudential Nutshell Realty on Feb 29

0 comments • Lou Lynch • March 03 2008 07:04PM

Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits

 Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits

Seeing Jennifer Fivelsdal's post on the Hudson Valley Smoke House prompted me to write a blog dedicated to a Hudson Valley business I have come to know.  Usually in a pinch for a closing gift I run in there and grab a nice bottle of wine or two.

Stone Ridge Wine and Spirits located in (you guessed it) Stone Ridge New York is a great little wine shop.  The owner Tim Sweeney is one of the most well schooled wine enthusiests I know.  With tastings, wine dinners and other wine related events, he is very well connected to his customer base.  If you are in the area stop by and say hi to Tim (Tell him Lou Lynch sent you . .  he might give you a discount).  Great idea for a closing gift.

His website is pretty cool too.  He has it loaded with food and drink recipies.  The food recipies have wine recommendations that go with each dish.  There is also a podcast and a bunch of other stuff you wouldn't expect from a wine store.

Website: StoneRidgeWineandSpirits.com

1 comment • Lou Lynch • March 03 2008 05:37PM